lotusinthemud

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.

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”

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/

 

 

 

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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

10 practical lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmere

 

10 practical lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer:

 

1. Cultivate gratitude: Embrace a mindset of gratitude towards nature and the interconnected web of life, recognizing the gifts that the natural world provides.

 

2. Embrace reciprocity: Understand the importance of reciprocity in our relationship with the natural world, acknowledging the need to give back and care for the earth in return for what it provides us.

 

3. Cultivate a deeper connection with nature: Develop a conscious and respectful relationship with the natural world, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and mutual respect.

 

4. Honor indigenous wisdom: Embrace the wisdom of indigenous cultures and their deep understanding of the natural world, recognizing the value of traditional ecological knowledge.

 

5. Foster environmental stewardship: Take proactive steps to care for the environment and advocate for the protection of natural spaces, recognizing our responsibility as stewards of the earth.

 

6. Embrace the teachings of plants: Learn from the wisdom of plants and the natural world, recognizing the valuable lessons they have to offer about resilience, adaptation, and interconnectedness.

 

7. Cultivate a sense of belonging in nature: Foster a deep sense of belonging and connection to the natural world, recognizing that humans are an integral part of the larger ecosystem.

 

8. Practice sustainable living: Embrace sustainable practices and advocate for environmentally conscious living, recognizing the importance of living in harmony with nature.

 

9. Learn from indigenous storytelling: Embrace the power of storytelling as a means of transmitting wisdom, knowledge, and cultural values, recognizing the importance of preserving and sharing indigenous stories.

 

10. Advocate for environmental justice: Stand up for the rights of marginalized communities and the protection of natural resources, recognizing the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental sustainability.

Turning to One Another

"Turning to One Another"

 

There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.

Ask “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking.

Notice what you care about.

Assume that many others share your dreams.

Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.

Talk to people you know.

Talk to people you don’t know.

Talk to people you never talk to.

Be intrigued by the differences you hear.

Expect to be surprised.

Treasure curiosity more than certainty.

Invite in everybody who cares to work on what’s possible.

Acknowledge that everyone is an expert about something.

Know that creative solutions come from new connections.

Remember, you don’t fear people whose story you know.

Real listening always brings people closer together.

Trust that meaningful conversations can change your world.

Rely on human goodness. Stay together.

 

~ Margaret Wheatley, “Turning to One Another,” 2002