lotusinthemud

lotuses bloom, untouched by the water, with roots deep in the mud

 

ICHINEN - a reflection by Dharmavidya

Dharmavidya writes:

There are those who say that to enter the Pure Land one must make a whole life of saying nembutsu and recite many millions of times. There are others who say that one utterance is enough. There are those who say that the salvific power of nembutsu is complete in itself and the mind state of the person who utters it is of no account and there are others who say that it is the state of mind that matters and the form of the nembutsu is incidental. Are these views capable of reconciliation and does it matter?

 

Honen wrote a famous verse to the effect that the light of the moon enters every hamlet in the land, but only those who look up and gaze upon it then carry it in their heart. There is beauty all around, but only some see it. Conversely, everybody is carrying heavy karma, but some are able to make light of it while others experience endless misery. Thus, we can see that the inner dimension and the outer dimension are not the same.

 

A person who has deep and true faith does naturally, yet incidentally, experience benefit here and now in this very life, even in the midst of samsara. The person who is full of doubt, but yet recites the nembutsu gives evidence of some spark of faith hidden in the midst of inner darkness. Yet true faith actually emerges only from that very darkness. The person who seems to have no ounce of spirituality, must, nonetheless, live a life and encounter reality. The Dharma works upon one even when one is in complete wilful ignorance.

You're Not a Fearmonger. You Have Sentinel Intelligence.

You’ve probably heard about Helen of Troy. She’s blamed for starting the Trojan War. Not many people remember Cassandra.

She predicted it.

In Aeschylus’s tragedy Agamemnon, you get Cassandra’s full story. In some ways, the Trojan War is really about a bunch of dudes who don’t listen to a woman, and it leads straight to the collapse of their civilization.

In later retellings, they ignore her twice.

Surprised?

Cassandra doesn’t exactly ask for the gift of prophecy. The Greek god Apollo falls in love with her. He puts her under a spell in one of his temples. Then he tells his pet snakes to go lick her ears. When she wakes up, she can hear the future. Apollo tries to seduce Cassandra, but she’s just not that into him. He has a meltdown. Zeus tells him no backsies on divine gifts, so he finds a loophole.

He curses her.

Now when Cassandra hears the future, nobody believes her. If you want to drive someone insane, that’s a good start.

 

:: link to continue reading

Paul Francis on Therapeutic Shamanism - a podcast

A fascinating and instructive interview with Therapeutic Shamanism's Paul Francis, with whom I have studied many wonderful courses.

https://shrinkrapradio.com/902-uk-shaman-paul-francis-shares-his-story/

the misuse of language...

“Socrates said, “The misuse of language induces evil in the soul.” He wasn’t talking about grammar. To misuse language is to use it the way politicians and advertisers do, for profit, without taking responsibility for what the words mean. Language used as a means to get power or make money goes wrong: it lies. Language used as an end in itself, to sing a poem or tell a story, goes right, goes towards the truth. A writer is a person who cares what words mean, what they say, how they say it. Writers know words are their way towards truth and freedom, and so they use them with care, with thought, with fear, with delight. By using words well they strengthen their souls. Story-tellers and poets spend their lives learning that skill and art of using words well. And their words make the souls of their readers stronger, brighter, deeper.”

 

~ Ursula K. Le Guin

 

Interesting that this quotation popped up for me following this morning's discussion with Global Sangha, about the challenges of language, poetry, verbal and non-verbal communication, following our Sunday Pureland Buddhist Puja.

The Wounded Healer

One has to be wounded in order to become a healer. This is the local image of a universal mythological motif, which is described in Eliade's book about the initiation of medicine men and shamans. Nobody becomes either one or the other without first having been wounded, either cut open by the initiator and having certain magical stones inserted into his body, or a spear thrown at his neck, or some such thing. Generally, the experiences are ecstatic – stars or ghost-like demons – hit them or cut them open, but always they have to be pierced or cut apart before they become healers, for that is how they acquire the capacity for healing others.

 

~ Marie-Louise von Franz, The Problem of the Puer Aeternus

"Braiding Sweetgrass"

"Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a profound exploration of indigenous wisdom, ecology, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves together personal narratives, scientific insights, and indigenous teachings to offer a vision of reciprocity and reverence for the natural world.

 

Here are some key lessons from the book

 

1. The Importance of Indigenous Wisdom: Kimmerer highlights the value of indigenous knowledge systems, which are deeply rooted in respect for the land and all its inhabitants. She emphasizes the need to learn from indigenous peoples and incorporate their perspectives into our understanding of ecology and sustainability.

 

2. Reciprocity with the Natural World: Central to Kimmerer's teachings is the concept of reciprocity—the idea that humans should give back to the earth as much as they take. She encourages readers to cultivate a reciprocal relationship with the natural world, honoring and respecting the gifts it provides.

 

3. The Language of Plants: Kimmerer explores the rich language of plants and the ways in which they communicate with each other and with humans. She encourages readers to listen to the wisdom of plants and learn from their teachings.

 

4. Cultivating Gratitude: Gratitude is a recurring theme in the book, with Kimmerer emphasizing the importance of gratitude as a practice for connecting with the earth and fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

 

5. Honoring Ancestral Knowledge: Kimmerer pays homage to the wisdom of her ancestors and encourages readers to reconnect with their own ancestral knowledge. She suggests that by honoring the wisdom of those who came before us, we can gain insights into living more harmoniously with the earth.

 

6. The Ethics of Gathering: Gathering food and materials from the land is an important part of many indigenous cultures, but Kimmerer stresses the importance of doing so ethically and sustainably. She advocates for practices that respect the land and ensure its health and vitality for future generations.

 

7. Restoring Ecological Balance: Kimmerer discusses the urgent need for humans to play a role in restoring ecological balance and healing the damage caused by human activities. She offers insights into how we can work with nature rather than against it to create a more sustainable future.

 

8. The Power of Storytelling: Throughout the book, Kimmerer uses storytelling as a powerful tool for conveying knowledge and wisdom. She demonstrates the importance of storytelling in indigenous cultures and encourages readers to embrace storytelling as a way of connecting with the land and with each other.

 

9. Finding Beauty in the Natural World: "Braiding Sweetgrass" is filled with descriptions of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Kimmerer invites readers to slow down, observe the world around them, and find beauty and meaning in the smallest of details.

 

10. Living in Kinship with All Beings: Ultimately, Kimmerer's teachings revolve around the idea of living in kinship with all beings. She encourages readers to cultivate a sense of reverence, responsibility, and reciprocity in their relationships with the earth and all its inhabitants.

 

"Braiding Sweetgrass" is a lyrical and deeply moving book that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the natural world and embrace a more holistic and interconnected way of living. It offers profound lessons in ecology, spirituality, and indigenous wisdom that are essential for navigating the challenges of the modern world.

 

Book: https://amzn.to/4dpAhv1

You can get the audiobook for FREE by using the same link above when you register on the Audible platform.

Why did God create atheists?

 

A rabbi was asked by one of his students “Why did God create atheists?” After a long pause, the rabbi finally responded with a soft but sincere voice. “God created atheists” he said, “to teach us the most important lesson of them all – the lesson of true compassion. You see, when an atheist performs an act of charity, visits someone who is sick, helps someone in need, and cares for the world, he is not doing so because of some religious teaching. He does not believe that God commanded him to perform this act. In fact, he does not believe in God at all, so his actions are based on his sense of morality. Look at the kindness he bestows on others simply because he feels it to be right. When someone reaches out to you for help. You should never say ‘I’ll pray that God will help you.’ Instead, for that moment, you should become an atheist – imagine there is no God who could help, and say ‘I will help you’.”

 

~ Martin Buber, “Tales of the Hasidim”

The isle of Eigg

One of the aptly named Small Isles, at just three miles wide by five miles, Eigg is an ideal island escape for those who want to really get to know an island. Just south of Skye, it has some of the more famous isle’s drama in its unusually shaped An Sgùrr hill, but far fewer people.

 

Eigg is one of the isles that is owned by islanders (rather than a rich landowner) and this community ownership can be felt in the authentic welcome you’ll receive and the openness in which islanders will share stories about their day-to-day lives on the isle and encourage visitors to explore Eigg at their own pace.

 

Read the guide to the Scottish Isles, here: https://bit.ly/49rGCTN

 

Photo: The impressive An Sgùrr on the Isle of Eigg. Credit: Richard Newton / Alamy

 

 

 

 

Newgrange

 

Newgrange, a neolithic tomb about 5,200 years old, was built in 3,200 BC. Located in county Meath in the Republic of Ireland. It"s older than the pyramids in Egypt by 600 years and older than Stonehenge by 1,000 years.

 

 

Buddhist Psychology Conference - October 2024 in Spain

4th ITZI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

COLLOQUIUM ON BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY

 

A unique meeting to develop skills and knowledge and to contribute to the on-going development of applied Buddhist psychology.

Theme: Buddhist Psychology has been developing over the past 2500 years. We are aiming to bring together fifty people with an interest in Buddhist Psychology, its nature, development & application. You may attend and participate or present your work & ideas. If you would like to attend and make a presentation we would like to hear from you now as this will assist us in planning the event. It will be a residential conference held in northern Spain in an excellent venue, secluded in the mountains, that we have used before and know well. This is a good place for a colloquium. Previous conferences in this series in Spain, Belgium and Netherlands have been very enjoyable gatherings and have included a wide variety of presentations on aspects of Buddhist psychology and its applications in various forms of therapy, personal development, spiritual practice, organisation and social life. The event will be limited to fifty places, so early booking is advisable.

 

Colloquium: We wish that the majority of people attending will make a presentation of their work, ideas or experience. Presentations may be fifteen, forty-five or ninety minutes. There will also be plenary discussion periods. Presentations may be in the form of papers, led discussion, or experiential workshops. Bring and contribute your approach and experience. This is a time for sharing, creativity, exploration and mutual learning.

 

:: link for more details

 

Booking Information

Early Booking: The cost for early booking is 320€ fully residential. You can pay in other currencies (£300 or $350). To book, please reserve your place at

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globalsangha/1067240#
and follow the instructions for payment.

Happy Spring Equinox!

Happy Spring Equinox!

 

In Winter and Imbolc, the focus is on letting things go. Having done that, Spring brings a breath of new air. The Spring Equinox is symbolizing a fresh start and is a great opportunity to think about where we want to be in the future and what we need to do to get there.

 

Spring Equinox is the time to:

• Connect to Spring

• Embrace change - where do we get stuck?

• Set some goals

 

Read more about Spring Equinox and the shamanic approach to goal setting:

https://www.therapeutic-shamanism.co.uk/news/spring-equinox/

 

 

 

All reactions:

44

 

 

 

Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver

“If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate.

Give in to it.

There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be.

We are not wise, and not very often kind.

And much can never be redeemed.

Still, life has some possibility left.

Perhaps this is its way of fighting back,

that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.

It could be anything, be very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.

Anyway, that’s often the case.

Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.

Joy is not made to be a crumb.”

 

Mary Oliver “Don’t Hesitate” from Swan: Poems and Prose Poems