The Buddhist Blog

The Power of Living in the Present Moment.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:57:00 +0000

PHOTO CREDIT: Kyodo for the Japan Times

The Dalai Lama comforts a child in Japan following the tsunami of 2011. Here we see the Dalai Lama less as a revered leader, and more like a benevolent grand-father. Time stands still as the cool water of the Dalai Lama's compassion soothes the terrifying flames of this child's fear and depression. When we are present for one another with no other motive than compassion and love, there truly isn't anything we can't survive together.

Times of extreme stress often have a way of stripping through the layers of the ego to expose a seemingly lost ability to co-operate as a society. During times of crisis and disaster, the self melts away to expose the innate goodness in all sentient beings. It is our dedication and practice as Buddhists and other spiritual believers to bring this co-operation to all moments.

It is in that unison, I believe, where we can prevent disasters before they unfold with their tragic results. And while a certain level of tragedy is the reality of life, we should do everything in our power to lessen the impact. In being present and aware of changes gives us additional information to head of problems and lessen consequences. That's the power of living in the present moment.

---I bow to the Buddha within all beings---

The Tao of Joy Every Day by Derek Lin.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:49:00 +0000

The beauty of Taoism is that the wisdom is simple yet profound and that is the strength of Derek Lin's book, The Tao of Joy Every Day: 365 Days of Tao Living. Its easy reference style makes it a great gift for those who are often too busy for deep, extended, contemplative meditation.

The book offers up easily digestible wisdom for when you need a quick bit of inspiration. It is a great way to start the day, and it's small size makes it ideal for a nightstand book. It's short but powerful entries are great for settling the mind before bedtime, or on nights when you can't sleep.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the ancient, Taoist wisdom is translated for a modern audience and tailored for today's society. Therefore, it's quite easy to see how the Taoist wisdom can be applied in our every day actions and situations. It's a great "stocking-stuffer" gift for this, and any other holiday season. It's a great addition to any Eastern wisdom book collection.

~I bow to the Buddha within all things~

Bodhi Day Message of 2011: The Gift of the Dharma.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:18:00 +0000

PHOTO CREDIT: Buddha sitting under the Bodhi tree gazing upon the morning star. Image provided by the American Public Broadcasting Service, which was used in their documentary titled, "The Buddha."

Today marks the day that Buddha found his way out of the maze of suffering. Otherwise known as his "enlightenment." Countless Buddhists, worldwide, mark this day each year with personal reflection, meditation, and gratitude. For me, while the actual moment of enlightenment is to be honored, the essence of my celebration on Bodhi Day is that Buddha determined to share his discoveries in the first place!! Upon breaking free of the prison of the mind, he questioned sharing this information.

He wasn't sure if he could be an effective teacher. Remember, he was just emerging from the life of a hermit aesthetic who had given up on society and organized spirituality. Throughout his laborious practice, he had studied under many spiritual teachers, only to realize that true liberation comes from within. No amount of teaching can replace personal insight and awareness achieved through meditative reflection. Given this reality, he wondered if sharing the particulars of his discovery would even make sense or gain interest in a society that was so immensely ingrained in the pursuit of worldly desires.

Why would they listen to some barely clothed hermit who just wandered out of the forest talking about achieving spiritual freedom from just sitting still? Why wouldn't they ignore someone who would not only tell them that the way they'd been living for eons would never make them truly happy, but that even worse, it was causing them deep suffering!! Would he simply be wasting his and their time? But, luckily for us, the profound and unrelenting compassion that comes with the liberation of enlightenment compelled Buddha to share his discoveries. His compassion for those trapped in the suffering of materialism won out.

One of his realizations during his final night of searching was that he was interconnected to all beings. He couldn't have achieved his liberation had it not been for the aid given to him by others who came before him. Thus, given his understanding, it would be like the brain not sharing life-saving information with the rest of the body for him to not offer his wisdom to those would seek him out. It was up to the individual to decide what to do with the information once learned.

I believe that Buddha would be the first one to say that celebrating him on this day is kind but that the center of our focus on this day should be the Dharma itself. Perhaps he would politely remind us of its timelessness and that it is not something be created, but discovered. I think he would not want to be worshiped, because the Dharma belongs to no one and everyone at the same time. It is like oxygen or thermal heat -- universal and timeless. It is not something to own, or sell, or claim as solely yours. That would be like saying you own a patent on the sun. So, the Dharma itself is what I celebrate on Bodhi Day. For Buddha's part, I feel gratitude that he chose to sacrifice the rest of his life to share the discoveries he realized that night, under the Bodhi tree (the scientific name of a Bodhi tree is a banyan fig tree).

Thus, instead of a having a Christmas tree during this month of December, we get into the American, holiday season by decorating a traditional "Christmas" pine tree with Buddhist themed ornaments. Including, a star at the top of the tree that I made from local pine twigs, which signifies the morning star that Buddha saw during the last minutes of the night before his first day as a Buddha. And, at the base of the tree, we place a Buddha statue to signify Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree. I hope you had a peaceful and renewing Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)!!

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings~

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Visits Burma.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:15:00 +0000

Every minute of every day, while we sit in the relative comfort of our homes, Buddhist monks in Burma are being tortured in prisons. And when they aren't being beaten, they are huddled in dirty, dark and disease ridden cells. All this they endure because they wouldn't sit by and watch the people of Burma be treated like garbage by the dictatorial regime. Their courage was driven, in part, by the deep compassion developed from practicing the Dharma. They are the conscience of the world standing up and saying, "enough!!"

The monks have gotten the most attention in the international news, but a lesser known campaign of ethnic cleansing is occurring in remote, ethnic areas. The remoteness of some of these regions is a curse for some ethnic minorities because less people know they are even there, let alone being killed, tortured and raped. If revered monks in Burma aren't treated well, then no one is safe. But, thanks to concerned citizens around the world, attention continues to grow about the plight of Burma (Myanmar).

The U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, is currently visiting Burma, so it is vital that we keep up the pressure to be the voice of the voiceless in a country with a proud, Buddhist tradition. Please, take a few minutes and send an email to Secretary Clinton's blog about your support for Burma, it's people and their revered monks (click on this sentence to be redirect to her page). You might not feel that one person's email can make a difference but I have been involved in the Burma issue for several years now and I've seen a change.

At first, most people had no idea where Burma or Myanmar was on the globe, and the U.S. government showed little interest in the affairs in the Southeast Asian country. Today, after years of awareness and relentless calls for action, one of America's highest ranking leaders is in Burma to spread the message of concerned citizens to the military dictatorship, loud and clear. So, please, let your conscience be heard!! Click on this sentence to reach the secretary's email form and thank her for her action. Let her know that you are following the issue and urge her to keep up the pressure!! We would all hope our fellow humans would do the same for us if we were in a time of need, so let us stand up for our brothers and sisters in Burma

~I bow to the Buddha within all things~

Generation X Inheriting American Buddhism.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:01:00 +0000

PHOTO CREDIT: Buddha Statue in Thailand by chok photo

From, "The Buddhist Channel": Buddhism in America is at a crossroads. The best-known Buddhist leaders, mostly white converts who emerged from the counterculture and protest movements of the Vietnam era, are nearing retirement or dying. Charlotte Joko Beck, a pioneer of Zen practice in America, passed away in June.
The next generation of teachers is pushing in new directions, shaped by the do-it-yourself ethos of the Internet age and a desire to make Buddhism more accessible. Unsettled elders worry that the changes could go too far and lose touch with tradition.

James: I understand the concern of the elders, but I had to chuckle a bit at the irony of their concerns, considering one of the core teachings of Buddhism is that change is inevitable, even drastic change. Younger Buddhists might have tattoos and spend more time meeting up with other Buddhists online, but the core teachings remain fairly unchanged. It's not like the "Hippie Generation" that many elders of Buddhism in America today emerged from wasn't considered radical and perhaps even dangerous by some of their Asian teachers. Yet, the "Hippie Buddhists" didn't cause the downfall of Buddhism in America. So, if Buddhism in America could survive the "hippie generation's" experiments with the Dharma and sex, drugs and rock n' roll, then it can surely survive the Internet Age.

Monkhood is a timeless calling. So long as suffering endures, there will always be those who seek to relieve it by deepening their Dharma practice through monasticism, regardless of their generation's predilections. Karma has a pull that is stronger than the internet, and when a person is called to take up monasticism, no amount of change will stop them. When I look upon the monastics of my tradition, Zen as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh, I am inspired to see so many faces from my generation. And, with Buddhism growing in America, there are likely to be plenty of teachers to come. It's an exciting time, so rather than fear change, let us embrace it and learn to adapt that change for another generation of Buddhists on this marvelous planet.

-JRU

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings in the Universe~

iLivelihood: Steve Jobs and Right Livelihood.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:08:00 +0000

PHOTO CREDIT: "Green Apple" by Suat Eman.

It is true that the inventor of the iPhone, Steve Jobs, was a genius and a true visionary. His inventions revolutionized modern society, which rightfully gives him a place among legends such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. It is also true that he dabbled in Zen Buddhism but I feel it goes too far when Lama Surya Das describes Steve Jobs as exemplifying the Buddhist teaching of "Right Livelihood."

Right Livelihood is one of numerous teachings by Buddha on how to live a life with less suffering for yourself, and others. One of those is "Right Livelihood" which (in brief) advises working in a job that does not promote the suffering of others. Unfortunately, Steve Jobs oversaw a multinational corporation that employed factories that did not treat their employees very well. In 2006, Apple was criticized for the working conditions in a factory that made iPods and Nanos.

The workers in that factory (Foxconn) were made to work 15 hour days until 11:30 at night and could not live with their families but instead had to live in on-site dormitories. In return for such harsh labor they were only paid US$50 a month. It might be a decent wage in China, but if Jobs was a Buddhist who truly cared about Right Livelihood, he would have ensured better conditions, and wages. Especially when you consider how much those finished products cost and how much money they brought in for Apple and Steve Jobs. According to the article, workers are "lucky if they make two percent of the profit from an iPod."

In response to the revelation of such working conditions, you'd think a Buddhist example of "Right Livelihood" would immediately put a stop to them. Sadly, no. As late as this year, Apple was still using the Foxconn factories to build iPads, and the conditions haven't changed. The working conditions are so terrible that 14 workers at Foxconn factories committed suicide in a 16 month period!! It became such a problem that Foxconn had to install giant nets around the tall factory building to prevent workers from leaping to their death. Supposedly workers could only work 36 hours of overtime but one record showed a worker having to work 98 stressful hours of overtime. It was also routine for less productive workers to be humiliated in front of their colleagues and all employees were banned from talking.

Of course, such working conditions don't tarnish everything that Steve Jobs accomplished, but in light of them, let's not claim Steve Jobs was more than he turned out to be. He was a flawed being like all of us, and we do not need to make him a near-deified being to appreciate his genius.

~I bow to the Buddha within you all~

The Dalai Lama: Buddhism's Teddy Bear.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:04:00 +0000

When my world-weary eyes fall upon the aura of the Dalai Lama, it has the same effect as a light dose of the anti-anxiety medication I take. It is so powerfully calming and soothing to meditate upon his image that I can't imagine the energy that must warm the space when in his presence. Yet, truly he seems to regard everyone with the same reverence as we regard him.

It's always a dicey endeavor to speak of someone as "enlightened" because it's simply a word, whereas the pure state of enlightenment appears to be indescribable. However, his face smiles with such genuine happiness and radiant compassion that it's hard not to see him as more than a "simple monk" as he so humbly refers to himself.

I have a picture of his glowing face above my beside table and every morning when I look at that picture, I instantly smile. I find it hard not to beam a grin when gazing upon him. He's has all the innocent delight of a child, combined with the intelligence of a professor emeritus and the warmth of your favorite grand-father!!

But, I must admit, being someone who likes to hug people, I always look at a picture of him and just want to hug him like a child would embrace a stuffed animal. He looks like someone who would give good hugs!! I bet he'd be o.k. with a respectful embrace, and probably he'd laugh the whole time with that infectious chuckle he's known the world over for having. I'd laugh back, being a good-humored person myself. What a happy thought -- two spokes of the same wheel embracing, smiling at each other and simply taking joy that we are apart of the great wheel of consciousness, together, as it twirls through the mists of time.

That's partly why I think the Dalai Lama laughs, the humor of it all!! That, and I think he's extremely content with life and is thrilled by even the smallest of insects or humblest of human beings. I've heard that when you meet him, you feel as though he is as happy to meet you as any of the other millions of people he meets, and I think that speaks to his absolute love of people. He has mastered the practice of being present. I think, in his life, the moment in which he finds himself breathing, is truly, the only moment. And, you get the idea that it is also, always, the best moment of his life and that allows for his genuine energy to wrap you in its warmth.

I wasn't going to post anything today but then when going through some saved pictures, I came across this one of the Dalai Lama and felt inspired to share my admiration for such a great energy. The world is truly a better place with him apart of it. I bow to him with deep respect, admiration and honor. His presence and wisdom is a gift that will enlighten generations of people. May he always know of the love this world has for him.

And may you all know how much I appreciate your willingness to read my blog. I am far from perfect but that's why we're all here in this life, and may I say, I am grateful to have my life blessed with being in touch with such great people as you all. I truly am humbled by your kindness and you always make me think. I have the best readers in the blogosphere. Stay healthy. Smile and know that you are appreciated--and loved. Be well.

~may all beings know peace~

John Lennon: Bodhisattva.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:40:00 +0000

~I bow to the Buddha within you~

Nuclear Weapons Don't Make The World Safer.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:06:00 +0000

The above is a nuclear weapon 600 times stronger than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima. It is mercifully the last of the most powerful nuclear weapons in the United States of America. There is a profound saying in America about the greedy desires of building a massive military in the delusional belief warfare creates peace; nobody truly "wins" in a war. The original quote speaks of Air Force bombers but I altered it a bit to address the issue of nuclear weapons. To paraphrase, "It will be a great day when people get all the money they need for healthcare and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy a nuclear weapons."

There is another quote that I like about the insanity of unchecked military aggression; "Arms are for hugging, not killing."

~I bow to the Buddha within all beings~

REPOST: Buddhist Economics

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:09:00 +0000

---This is a repost from 2009. I decided to repost it given the continued, poor economy---

We currently find ourselves in a global economic crisis. There aren't many in the world who can say that they haven't been affected in some way by these difficult times. Yet in between hyperventilating fits I am realizing that I knew this was coming. It's a cyclical thing.

Buddha certainly saw this coming all those thousands of years ago. I find myself depressed now and then that the world is in such terrible times but then I remember that this is samsara, and thus the world has always been in such terrible times. The reality hasn't changed but my concept of what is reality has changed.

My mind wants so badly for things to never change and yet that is impossible, nor is it desired in the long run. Imagine a world where nothing ever changed--would such a world even be possible? I say no. But that doesn't mean that we have to surrender to the suffering. The world is just as amazing, beautiful, beneficial and worthwhile too. We might have to look a little harder because pain is often the loudest, crying, baby in the mind but the good is there as well, to be sure.

I already knew that the economic goods times wouldn't last. The "Laissez les bon temps roulez" (let the good times roll) bubble has burst as Buddha would have warned us all. I think he would have warned us to save (even if it's only a little) money for these inevitable crashes. Yet saving means putting a muzzle on our desires because the mind would say, "Put it on a credit card; then you won't have to worry about not having the money and you can have that [insert material item that I'll tire with in two months].

Not so fast. Buddha would, I think, stress mindfulness as in all areas of life. If we are mindful of our money, mindful of the good and not so good about it as well as being mindful of the fleeting nature of it, then perhaps we will be more committed to living within our means. I think Buddha would advise us that credit cards are the Earthly, material versions of karma--sooner or later they must be paid off for there is a consequence to every action.

Buddha might say that despite our best efforts, and no matter how fiscally responsible we might be, sooner or later a devastating blow will hit us. Life is anything but predictable. "Such is the nature of this existence," he would gently remind my exasperated mind. I imagine him softly, slowly advising me of this and imagining that its calming effect like pouring cold water over raging, hot coals.

Buddha teaches us that we are all interconnected, which in economic terms means that we take care of the needs of our brothers and sisters more. That means perhaps living a more modest lifestyle so that others might have basic human needs such as hospital care, food and shelter. This isn't a popular one in our CEO-driven, "capitalism on steroids" society but if we were to look out more for the needs of others than we wouldn't need so much ourselves.

Yes, maybe what I'm speaking of is an utopia but still we can try our best to share and travel through this life together so that the greater good is accomplished. In the west we look at a person's accomplishments in their job and income but that is a false assessment of what is valuable because that is all going away no matter which bank you put it all in. And because it is based upon greed, we need to focus more on the Gross Domestic Happiness more than GDP such as in Bhutan.

We would also do our society a lot of good to put more emphasis and value upon people and time together with those people than making buckets of money. And upon nature, which is (if we are totally in the moment) one of the most wonderful things to experience; and you don't need much money to enjoy it. Maybe we should spend more time listening to the birds and the sound of the wind caressing the vocal cords of the trees, making them whisper mantras than getting the new iPod model accessory.

Another thing he'd probably tell me is that I don't have to have all the things that I think I need for living life well. I'd be reminded of the simple monk who despite owning basically only his robe and his bowl is happier than probably most people with all the bells and whistles of modern, material life. It seems so liberating to cast off all your possessions and walk a simple path of being present. When I am present, I realize that in reality, all that I need is the Dharma because it is the I Ching for all of life's questions and dilemas. Well, that and a nice plate of stir-fried vegetables and a bowl of sticky rice now and then (wink).

One final note, which comes right back to that impermanence of all things mentioned in the beginning of this post. We need to realize, I think, that we are in an economic transition period right now, all over the world. The old paradigm is dying out but we need not be crushed by the change because while the change is bringing turmoil it is also bring new industries such as the green economy.

It is an exploding industry that will not only give people good paying jobs, but also let them live Right Livelihood; all while healing the planet for future generations. We need to embrace this opportunity with our collective energies. Perhaps we just need to shift our thinking to see a better, greener economy that has been with us since the first winds blew across our beautiful blue planet. It has been with us since the first rays of the sun kissed our Earth and when the water first churned to create energy. The new economy is literally right underneath our feet--in nature. We help nature and nature helps us.

PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Chan for Free Digital Photos

-Om gate gate paragata parasamgate bodhi svha!!-

Wanted: Urban Monks.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:52:00 +0000

"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else."-Buddha

I really like this striking image--the pagoda speaks of the timelessness of the Dharma while the buildings project the essential, utilitarian-nature of day-to-day modern life. Perhaps some might try and crop out the buildings from this picture believing they take away from the pagoda. But nothing in this world exists in a vacuum--everything exists in relation to everything else. If the world were full of nothing but serene, Buddhist, pagodas full of chanting monks, who would provide the upkeep of this world that must get done regardless of the Dharma? We need "urban monks," as well; lay people who bring the serenity of the pagodas to office buildings, prisons, schools, apartments and every nook of this world. We can touch places and lives that a lot the ordained monks can't ever reach.

I use to want to be a "traditional monk" because I believed it would provide a haven from a world that I perceived of as pure disaster. I didn't realize then how foolish and naive I was being. I was only seeing the disastrous suffering in the the world because I was filtering out the positive stuff. Through meditating upon the pitfalls of perceptions, I became aware that I was projecting the disaster that I was ignoring inside my mind, out onto the world. So, of course, all I was seeing was a chaotic world!! It is a delusional trick that we perform, so that we can blame the world for all our troubles, and not accept our responsibility.

It doesn't mean we're bad people for making these mistakes. You don't blame the baby for shitting in it's pants, do you? It's simply being a baby--and so are we. We are simply being a typical but loveable infant who is trying his/her best to grow. It's natural for a baby to make a mess of things--that's how they learn. How are you going to know that some things are less helpful in your life until you make a mistake?

So, it's o.k. to shit your pants from time to time--spiritually speaking, of course. Shit, itself, isn't bad either. To paraphrase my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, without shit, we wouldn't have roses!! Our mistakes, fertilize the seeds of our good intentions to grow roses of happiness and peace. The key is to not blame yourself for doing something that human's can't help but do--make mistakes. This world itself is imperfect and flawed, so how could we not make mistakes? You are trying, and trying is a pro-active action. A lot of people are too afraid to try, so go easy on yourself.

PHOTO CREDIT: "Hong Kong Pagoda, and buildings" by Stuart Miles for Free Digital Photos.

~may all beings know peace~

Life After Death: A Zen Response.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:10:00 +0000

A samurai once asked Zen Master Hakuin where he would go after he died. Hakuin answered 'How am I supposed to know?' 'How do you not know? You're a Zen master!' exclaimed the samurai. 'Yes, but not a dead one,' Hakuin answered.

James: What Master Hakuin understood was that so long as this samurai was obsessed with what happens after death, (if anything) he might as well already be dead. In clinging to worries about death, he is dead to the present moment. Therefore, the samurai is not able to experience and enjoy the vibrant life that is already unfolding around him!! Why concern yourself with an existence after this one if you're not even experiencing the current one?!! This is why Zen doesn't focus too intently on afterlife.

It advises people to live each moment as though it were their last, which leads us to live a life of greater awareness of our actions; and that causes less suffering for us and those around us. In this way, we will live a healthier spiritual life to where any concerns or fears about a possible afterlife will naturally fade away.

PHOTO: The altar where I meditate at home.

~may all beings know peace~

World's Largest Crocodile.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:32:00 +0000

A monster 21-foot (6.4-metre) saltwater crocodile, believed to be the biggest ever captured, has been trapped in the southern Philippines after a spate of fatal attacks, officials said Tuesday.

James: The giant croc weighs in over a ton!! Yet, what interested me most was that the people in the village chose not to kill the beast despite its violent past. They decided instead to build a nature park to include the crocodile to increase eco-tourism to the area and protect a species that has been over-hunted in the area. I applaud their efforts to make a tragic situation less tragic for all involved. There are unfortunately a lot of people in this world who would have killed that animal and displayed it like a grotesque trophy, so I bow in deep gratitude to those villagers in the Philippines. May their example lead to better and better treatment of animals in this world.

We are reminded by the Buddha that we are interconnected to all living beings, so animals are no different than our cousins. Thus, when ever possible they should be treated with the same compassion and care that one would show a human being. Sadly, however, some society's still allow the death penalty in certain criminal cases--including, unfortunately, my country of the United States. So, the plight of a misunderstood carnivore, such as the crocodile, is even less of a concern. Hopefully, however, we can continue to raise awareness that we can protect ourselves from dangerous animals without killing them all.

~Peace to all beings~

Thich Nhat Hanh's Humerous Yet Wise Ego Lesson.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:36:00 +0000

I admire his sense of humor when conveying this deep subject because it breaks down our ego's defenses. As the wise, Theravada monk, Ajahn Sumedho says, "We need humour to point to the absurdity of our self-obsession." Humor helps us view the world with less fear by boldly pointing out the silliness of the world itself!!

~peace to all beings~

The Therapeutic Role of Animals: Dogs Help Victims Testify in Court.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:39:00 +0000

James: Animals are perfect for therapy because their instincts and intuition are heightened to allow them to survive in the wilds of nature. Animals often instinctively know when turbulent weather (or even natural disasters) will strike, before humans do. This intuition enables them to detect subtleties in human behavior.

As I've said before, I often struggle with depression. Well, one day, I was visiting my parents, who care for my sister's dog while she's at work. I began talking about my depression with my parents and at one point, began to cry. Immediately, my sister's little dog, Maya, walked over to me and jumped up on my legs. Then she stretched her little body vertically across my stomach and rested there while trying to lick my face. She instinctively knew that I was hurting and rushed to my side. Her and I have shared a strong bond for a lot of years, and she's a joy and a gift to me.

I had a similar experience with my brother's dog during a bout of depression, and crying over Christmas. I retreated to the basement because all the commotion and stimuli from the party was overwhelming. Yet it depressed me knowing I was missing the family time. Well, not long after I went downstairs, my brother's little dog, Weston, appeared and sat right at my feet. He stayed there the whole time I was lying on the couch. It was like he was watching over me and trying to comfort my emotional turmoil.

Therefore, I'm not at all surprised that these therapy dogs are helping calm victims of crime, so that they can be strong in court. Animals aren't simply here as "scenery" and food. They are our cousins, family, teachers and guides. Animals teach us in so many ways and I think that is partly because they are close to being reborn into the human realm. Or, perhaps they were a human in a past life and therefore are able to respond to human behavior. It could also be the connection we share on the animal level, since all of us who believe in past lives spent time in the animal realm. If we are open to what we experienced and learned in our animal lives then I think our understanding of animal rights will expand too. Maybe it's simply the bond we share of being interconnected as sentient beings. One things is sure, animals are smarter than some humans believe.

I'll finish with this closing thought; animals give us great opportunities to practice our compassion and abilities to care for those who are the most vulnerable. In the past, animals have been an easy target for human exploitation because of their natural innocence. I have found that a good indicator of a person's compassion is to see how they treat animals. If they are mean to animals, then it's likely they treat humans poorly, as well. In some ways, an animals vulnerability is a test for the many powers of humanity; as the saying goes, "With great ability comes great responsibility." We know that we are all interconnected (even science teaches this concept). So, as go the animals, so go humanity. We can't survive as humanity if we allow animals to be eradicated (or abused) through our excessive greed for land, money and power.

~peace to all beings~

The Tree Legend of Japan.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:49:00 +0000

(PHOTO CREDIT: Torii, Shinto arch, surrounded by ancient, Japanese, cedar trees on the Kumano Old Road in Wakayama, Japan).

(Translation: Alternate, Ukrainian translation: http://blog.1800flowers.com/international/thebuddhistblog-legend-ua/)

In the ancient, Shinto, belief system of Japan, a legend says, that the Japanese people descended down from the heavens by climbing down the tall, sacred, cypress trees of the island. As someone who is in awe, admiration, and respect for our noble trees, I find this creation story to be deeply, spiritual. The other aspect I admire, is how it echoes the Buddhist teaching that we are interdependent upon nature for our very lives. As a Zen Buddhist, I find much within Shinto that I admire and respect; not the least of which, being nature veneration.

May we all find freedom atop the great tree of Dharma. All branches, regardless if they are Theravada or Mahayana, contribute to the strength and vitality of the tree. Do our branches bend a little differently, of course!! But, when was the last time you saw two tree branches that were the exactly same?!! Diversity is the strength of any system--it takes all sizes, shapes and age of branch to sustain a strong tree. This is true, by the way, for humanity. If everyone was supposed to be the same, then everything would be one color; imagine how boring that would be?!!

~Peace to all beings~

Growing Like a Tree.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Voila!! Our new Chinese, kanji scrolls (click picture to enlarge). Here is the site where I bought them--they were hand painted by a trained calligrapher. The closest meaning of the left-hand character, in English, is "love" but to explain it further I have included the description from the website:

This character can also be defined as affection, to be fond of, to like, or to be keen on. It often refers to romantic love, and is found in phrases like, "I love you". This may be hard to imagine as a westerner, but the strokes at the top of this love character symbolize family & marriage. The symbol in the middle is a little easier to identify. It is the character for "heart" (it can also mean "mind" or "soul").

I guess you can say that no matter if you are from the East or the West, you must put your heart into your love. I suppose you could say that the full meaning of this love character is to love your family, spouse, and friends with all of your heart, since all three elements exist in this character.

James: The scroll on the right-hand side, is best translated into English as the following:

The simplest form of peace and harmony. This can also be translated as the peaceful ideas of gentle, mild, kind, and calm. With the more harmonious context, it can be translated as union, together with, on good terms with, or on friendly terms. Most people would just translate this character as peace and/or harmony. This is a very popular character in Asian cultures - you can even call it the "peace symbol" of Asia. In fact, this peace and harmony character was seen repeatedly during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing (a major theme of the games).

James: The picture in the middle, is a close up of a forest of bamboo that I often gaze upon in meditation and contemplation. On days when I can't get to the meditation cushion because of depression, or a busy schedule, I find a picture of nature to be an effective way to concentrate my energy and ground myself in the richness and stability of the present moment.

The present moment, is the only moment, and therefore, connecting with that moment keeps us growing and remembering that the depressing days won't always hang over us. But, it also means keeping us from getting too arrogant and comfortable in our successes by remembering that everything changes. In this way, we are better able to enjoy the pleasures when we have them because we realize they will soon fade.

A stand of trees or bamboo doesn't fight the wind; it survives the inevitable winds of change by swaying with its energy. If it tried to resist powerful gusts, it would break apart. It's deep roots help anchor the tree by steadily pushing deeper and deeper into the ground. In this way, the tree itself can bend and adapt without uprooting itself from overwhelming stress upon a weak root system.

We deepen our roots by staying anchored in the knowledge that the present moment is where growth occurs. If a mature tree's roots stopped growing deeper than the surface area it occupied as a sapling, then the smallest breeze would uproot it and knock it down. The same is true if we stubbornly stop growing, out of fear of failing, or just plain arrogantly thinking that we know it all already and can therefore stop adapting. This is when the roots of a tree rot from neglect; as well as from failing to dig deeper to create stronger roots that widen out into a broad network of stability.

I have been happily reminded of this with a recent slump in my Dharma practice; it's been awhile since I've formally meditated. However, I adapted (like the trees) by meditating other ways; such as focusing deeply upon nature, simple breathing exercises while sitting upon the couch and letting music break down my perceived walls of imprisonment. And, within the past few days, I have found I weathered the storm; the deep and diversified root system, I've been growing these past ten years of Buddhist practice has helped me bend with the strong head-winds but not break.

-I bow to the Buddha within you-

The Buddha in the Classroom: Zen Wisdom to Inspire Teachers.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:35:00 +0000

"The Buddha in the Classroom: Zen Wisdom to Inspire Teachers," by Donna Quesada is primarily a book that long-time teachers, new teachers and students studying for a teaching job will find helpful. I must say, however, that while there are some helpful Buddhist tips for anyone, they are fairly basic and can be found in greater depth in books that are primarily about Buddhism in general. But, for less ardent students of Buddhism, it might just be the right amount of Dharma mixed with career advice.

This book is really geared toward the teaching community, and how they can use mindfulness techniques to keep teaching fresh for both teacher and student. The book advertises itself as helpful to anyone and while that it's true, you have to read through a lot of specific advice to teachers. Still, I can see how the tips the author gives would be helpful to anyone who feels stuck in a rut with their career.

I get a lot of books and this one wasn't horrible but it wasn't great, either. I'm probably give it a 6 out of 10 rating; one being worst on that scale and ten being best.

~Peace to all beings~

Getting a Buddhist Tattoo.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:39:00 +0000

I've written on this subject before but seeing how it's in the news again, I figured it was time to revisit the topic:

As our ancestors emerged from the ancient mists of the Neolithic age, they carried with them a deep reverence for spirituality. It was as beneficial to their survival as their closely guarded fire. Even to their rudimentary brains, they understood that the universe around them was special, and radiated with a spiritual energy. All of nature seemed to be pulsating with a vibrant glow that echoed a timeless message of divine power. In reverence of that energy, they began marking their bodies with tattoos. These also served as messages before the time of written texts and languages. Tales of their history and spiritual beliefs were laid out upon their bodies as a sort of semi-permanent record.

It is a tradition that is carried forth by modern humans who mark their bodies to honor ancestors and their spiritual beliefs. They often carry inspirational meanings for those who wear them. Some believe that tattoos are a sign of disrespect for a body that is considered a sacred temple. However, for those who believe in the power of tattoos, they see it a bit differently; those with tattoos often agree that the body is a sacred temple, and that they are honoring that temple by adorning it with sacred and personal symbols of spiritual inspiration.

The belief by some Buddhists that tattoos are disrespectful of our bodies is odd given that Buddha spoke of not attaching too much importance upon the body due to it's impermanent nature. Despite this, some Buddhists in Thailand are decrying Buddha tattoos done in their country as insensitive; which puzzles me a bit because Buddha didn't even want his image to be used at all!! So, if getting a Buddha tattoo is disrespectful than so is adorning Buddhist temples with gilded Buddha statues (as is common in Thai Buddhist temples). The bigger lesson here, in my view, is to not get so attached to an image that we become angry, distressed or otherwise thrown into suffering over an image that is nothing but a symbol.

So, if you want a Buddha tattoo, I say, go for it. Just don't expect that tattoo to bring you long term happiness, or forever stay beautiful. Just like all things of this world, it will one day fade and completely disappear with the death of your body. I personally feel it's also important not to get a tattoo with the intention to "impress" people. Then it becomes purely about the ego. In addition, seeing it as something that protects you from suffering is a misguided view within the Buddhist teachings; as there is no magic in this world to help us avoid doing the work to over-come suffering. There are no short-cuts in samsara. No symbol, chant, ritual or prayer will take the place diligently following stepping stones of the Dharma toward ultimate liberation from suffering. No one can do the work for us. No symbol has the power to help us avoid the process of personal refinement.

A tattoo is no different than any of the helpful symbols in life; they are fingers pointing at the moon. In other words, they are helpful but only as guide posts pointing the way. The guide posts can't transform your suffering into the pure freedom of Nirvana. But, still, tattoos aren't any less disrespectful than a bird pooping on a Buddha statue in the temple garden!! Or, the ornate carvings that add to the beauty of most Buddhist temples. I don't believe that we shouldn't have a little fun in this life, either. We shouldn't take ourselves so seriously all the time.

~Peace to all Beings~

Jared Lee Loughner's Mental State.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:56:00 +0000

Well, that was a short hiatus!! I'm glad I didn't force the inspiration though--force never works. It fights the natural flow of the stream of life. Now, on with the new post!!

(Artists rendering of accused killer, Jared Lee Loughner, in court. Photo Credit: Associated Press)

By Richard A. Serrano, Los Angeles Times

May 26, 2011

Reporting from Tucson—

A federal judge ruled Jared Lee Loughner mentally incompetent to stand trial in the Jan. 8 shooting spree that gravely wounded an Arizona congresswoman after two medical experts agreed he suffered from schizophrenia and for several years has been troubled by delusions and hallucinations.

They said on the news that they will "attempt" to make him fit for trial. If he's not fit for trial, then he clearly wasn't mentally fit when he committed the crime. However, if we dope him up enough, we can throw him in prison and exact our revenge on a mentally sick man??? How can he be thrown in prison, after treatment supposedly makes him "fit for trial" when he wasn't mentally fit at the time of the crime? I don't for one minute excuse his actions, and firmly believe he should be isolated from society, in a hospital, for the criminally insane, for the rest of his life. However, that said, how can he be convicted as a mentally fit man, after the crime was committed as an mentally unfit man? By that logic, a prisoner who committed a crime as a mentally fit person should be able to be acquitted, if he later develops a mental illness that renders him insane.

Being someone with a mental illness, you can't just "make it go away." Now, I'm not a danger to society, like Loughner, (nor am I defending him) but it seems our justice system, and much of America, (if not the world) is ignorant as to the fact that a mental illness isn't curable--at this present time. The last place we should put this individual is in prison, where he will only be agitated further, which could place the staff and other inmates in danger. I think it's safer for everyone to put him in a treatment facility where they have the medications, staff and experience with such cases. As distasteful as it may sound, he does deserve humane treatment. Just because he committed barbaric acts, doesn't give us the right to be barbaric in return. This isn't just a test of his sanity, but a test of how we will behave toward someone who has caused a lot of suffering. If we treat him with brutality in return for how he treated the Congresswoman, then we have just as much a lesson to learn about compassion as he does.

It scares me sometimes how vengeful people can be when they talk of torturing and tormenting prisoners for their crimes. I always look at people who speak that way in a different light. It makes me wonder what's going on in their heads!! It's scary how quickly their religious values and moral beliefs about laws and behavior go out the window when the target is a criminal. It's never ok to treat people in such a way--even if they are hardened criminals. Why? Because then we lose our humanity as a society--and within ourselves. If we behave that way toward criminals, then are we really that different from them?

~Peace to all beings~

Low on Inspiration: A Hiatus.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:33:00 +0000

As many of you can see, I haven't written much lately. Well, it appears that I've been bitten by the "writer's block" bug. Be sure to subscribe by email to the blog for my return. In the meantime, check out the vast archives, located on the lower right hand column of the blog. I will try to return soon, replete with fresh ideas and insights; it might be later today, or a couple weeks from now!! But, rest assured, I won't go far, dear readers!! As always, I'll be reading my fellow bloggers' posts in the meantime. May the time apart be filled with smiles, love and happiness for you all.

~Peace to all beings~

Remembering Bob Marley, Who Died 30 Years Ago, Today.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Thirty years ago, Bob Marley died. It was a life cut far too short. He was so much more than a musician and icon of the popular musical style, reggae. He was a visionary, a healer and an inspiration to the down-trodden, listless American kids drowning in the chaos of modernity and especially to those of African heritage who have been oppressed. He was a rebel but one who eschewed violence in favor of radical love. I say radical, because it's easy to respond with violence to the problems Bob described in his songs. But, his answer was to trust in a higher power--love, which unites all beings. As the Dalai Lama says, no being wants to suffer.

Marley, woke up a sleepy, middle-class America to the injustices of the black man but his lyrics spoke to anyone facing a struggle against the corrupt powers of man poisoned by greed, hatred and delusion. In other words, the three poisons that Buddha warns us about. Come to think of it, I hear a lot of spirituality in his songs that Buddhist would agree with; along with his over-all energy of peace, love and simplicity. Unfortunately he wasn't with us that long but the sheer weight of what he has inspired in countless people spanning many generations shows that it doesn't take a lifetime to positively change lives forever. So, let us take inspiration from his example and be the change we want to see the world--today.

I will leave you with this quote, from then Jamaican Prime Minister, Edward Seaga about Bob Marley, said at his funeral:

"His voice was an omnipresent cry in our electronic world. Bob Marley was never 'seen.' He was an 'experience,' which left an indelible imprint with every encounter. Such a man cannot be erased from the mind." He certainly changed my life forever when I began my life-long love of his music at the age of 13. If you're a fan, let's take a moment to listen to his music and rededicate ourselves to his vision. May his legend live long and strong!! One people, One heart, One love. The video below is of musicians from around the world singing Bob's classic song, "One Love." For lyrics in English, click here. Enjoy!!

~Peace to all beings~

The Death of Osama bin Laden and the Middle-Path of Buddhism.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 04 May 2011 16:01:00 +0000

(World War II Holocaust memorial in San Francisco, California, USA.Photo by Victor Zhang).

James: I believe that we should avoid killing 99.9% of the time but sometimes it's unavoidable. However, I believe we must walk the middle-path between killing out of vengeance and killing to protect and save countless other lives. Osama bin Laden was a threat to innocent lives the world over and sometimes killing one person is the right action to protect millions. I think it comes down to what action causes the most suffering; letting a dangerous mass murdering terrorist to roam freely, killing at will, or killing that terrorist to protect the rest of the world?

In other words, avoiding the extremes of indulgence in everything from eating too much food to being cavalier about violence and death. Then there is the opposite extreme of avoidance of all pleasures in life. As well as, living in denial that we live in a violent world that sometimes requires a rigorous but measured defense against those who would enslave and murder thousands of innocent lives. Imagine if everyone in the world said during World War II that violence is never justified and Hitler was allowed to continue his brutal invasions of country after country. And, that, he would continue and expand his operations to murder millions of innocent Jews in gas chambers and by execution squads. In that instance, it seems crystal clear that to just sit in meditation and avoid an exploding world while hellish forces seek to enslave the globe, kill anyone not like them in mass numbers and cause untold amounts of suffering to men, women, children and old people is an extreme position to hold.

We can not sit in far-removed cloisters and monasteries and look down upon that kind of suffering with a detached view to avoid violence at all costs. How is it compassionate to allow the entire world to be plunged into a hellish realm of global warfare and extreme suffering out of an absolutist attitude against violence? Is that the approach we should take if we come along an adult raping a child or attempting to violently hurt them? Is it really compassionate to just look the other way and ignore that kind of suffering? That seems completely nihilistic to me. There is a famous poem about avoidance in the face of unrelenting violence and absolute suffering. It was written by Pastor Martin Niemöller who sought to describe the dangers of inactivity by German intellectuals during the rise and reign of terror by the Nazis:

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

James: I believe that being interconnected means being responsible for the suffering of others. This isn't simply about not hurting others but includes helping those in need when they are suffering at the hand of others. And, ending the suffering of those being murdered in their beds at night by terrorism or mass murdered in gas chambers by Nazis falls within that field of being responsible for their suffering. If we are called upon to help end suffering of others than we can't absolutely, categorically avoid violence.

We are to respect life but not cling to it at all costs. The same for death, thus, the importance of the middle-path. I believe it is one of the most important, helpful and practical teachings the Buddha taught to assist us in living in a complicated world. Still, as I said, violence should only be used when all other means of solving violence are extinguished. And, it should never be done with hatred in your heart. It should only be used to protect the greater populations of innocent beings. And, I believe that one's intention behind the violence is vital. If it is out of protection of innocents then I believe that it causes less heavy karma than doing so out of glee or hatred. Also, when violence is necessary, it should be done with as much compassion as possible. That may sound strange but let me explain; when having to kill, one shouldn't maim or torture in the process.

It's not something to rejoice in, or celebrate though I must admit I felt a twinge of joy when I heard Osama was dead. I'm not perfect and I have since tried to temper my emotions in regards to his death. It's a horrible thing to have to kill another being but this world isn't as clear cut as "good or evil." The teaching of the middle path shows that life requires a more nuanced approach to events that often requires actions we may dislike.

Perhaps some might see this as odd considering I'm a vegetarian but animals do nothing to harm us or cause us suffering. Whereas, mass murderers, terrorists and armies bent on world domination threaten all of us. If we truly believe in interconnection then a threat to one person is a threat to us all. I know some purists will disagree with me but I do think rare violence is justified if it avoids the suffering of masses of innocent lives. Something else to consider, even the most Buddhist countries on Earth like Thailand and Korea have a military. Unfortunately, we can't pretend to live in a world that is rainbows and unicorns. There are violent people out to destroy millions of lives and to allow them to do so would be extremely nihilistic.

Still, violence should be avoided in 99.9% of circumstances. I don't support war just to go to war such as the Iraq war but there are times, I believe, that we must act in order to avoid the greatest amount of suffering (World War II). I know some of you might think this doesn't make me a very good Buddhist but I think it's being realistic. I feel it's walking the middle path of balance and reason to deal with a very complicated world that requires avoiding absolutism. I know this is a sensitive topic and I don't mind if you disagree with me. However, I would hope that my readers are mature enough to discuss this matter without resorting to insults. Please, be as respectful as you would want people to be toward you.

~Peace to all beings~

The Dalai Lama, Science, Buddhism and the Kalama Sutra.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 06:01:00 +0000

One of the reasons I am a Buddhist, is in how the DL answers the first question about science and Buddhism. He is asked, "What if science confirms something that contradicts your faith?"*Note: Sutta and Sutra refer to the same thing but are from two different ancient languages.

James: How many belief systems out there are willing to adapt when new scientific proof contradicts their teachings? Not many. The Dalai Lama's sane and realistic response echoes one of my favorite sutras, the Kalama Sutra. It also happens to be a large chunk of the foundation of my Buddhist belief. In short, it is a sutra that echoes the scientific method of testing and observation. It is the Buddha talking about doubt, but not in the pejorative way that some religions do. He was asked by villagers in an Indian town, how do we know which teachers to believe? He told them not to believe teachers simply because they are teachers, or traditions simply because they are long held ones, nor from sutras simply because they are said to be beneficial. At the same time, we shouldn't trust either our own preferences because they are almost always based on wrong perceptions of what is helpful and less helpful.

So, how does he advise us to know if we should practice Dharma? After hearing or reading about the Dharma, he advises that we put the teachings into practice for a time and contemplate on how they affect our lives. I feel this is best explained in the Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta:

Whenever you want to do a bodily action, you should reflect on it: 'This bodily action I want to do — would it lead to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both? Would it be an unskillful bodily action, with painful consequences, painful results?' If, on reflection, you know that it would lead to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both; it would be an unskillful bodily action with painful consequences, painful results, then any bodily action of that sort is absolutely unfit for you to do. But if on reflection you know that it would not cause affliction... it would be a skillful bodily action with pleasant consequences, pleasant results, then any bodily action of that sort is fit for you to do. -From the Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta: Instructions to Rahula at Mango Stone. Translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

This same sutta instructs us further on the matter and I encourage you to read its entirety; it's not that long, really, I promise). However, since we can't always rely upon our mind and practice to interpret actions as either skillful or unskillful, we should check the conclusions we reached from contemplation against the experiences of wise ones. How do you know if said, "wise ones" are indeed, wise and trustworthy? Well, try investigating the Cula-punnama Sutta for answers, which says:

And how is a person of no integrity endowed with qualities of no integrity? There is the case where a person of no integrity is lacking in conviction, lacking in conscience, lacking in concern [for the results of unskillful actions]; he is unlearned, lazy, of muddled mindfulness, & poor discernment. This is how a person of no integrity is endowed with qualities of no integrity. -From the Cula-punnama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Full-moon Night. Translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Keep in mind, however, that the Kalama Sutta isn't Buddha saying to go out and do whatever you want because the "Buddha said I didn't have to listen to anyone." That is not what he is saying. This sutta doesn't replace doctrines like the Four Noble Truths, the Three Jewels and the Eightfold Path, but it does give us a realistic blueprint for how to practice spirituality without being duped by charlatans and zealots.

***By the way, "wise ones" aren't automatically Buddhist teachers or spiritual teachers, at all. The Cula-punnama Sutta goes on further to speak of other qualities of a wise person you can trust. It is quite exhaustive with examples, so if you want further details, I encourage reading the entire sutta. It's another short one, so please don't be daunted by the fact that these are ancient suttas. They are extremely understandable and approachable thanks to the tireless efforts of the great Theravada monk Thanissaro Bikkhu. All the quotes I've used in this post come from his greatly appreciated translations. I am also grateful to the Shambhala SunSpace who posted this video on their excellent blog. Thanks for the idea!!

(bowing)

~Peace to all beings~

Shoes.

noreply@blogger.com (They call him James Ure) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:13:00 +0000

I managed to lock myself outside of my house early this morning while investigating some birds sitting in the pine tree out in front of our house. I was wearing my pajama shorts and a t-shirt with my hair all wild looking from just waking up. And, I was barefoot!! I ended up walking a mile and a half on a rough, dirt path to reach my wife's place of work to get the spare key and a ride home!!

As I was walking across the prickly path and sharp stones, I contemplated what it must be like for those who don't have shoes or socks to wear on a daily basis. I reflected upon my time living in Africa and remembered that many Africans walk barefoot everyday while carrying heavy loads of goods; usually in blazing heat. Yet, despite all that hardship, they never complained in my presence or indulged themselves in self-pity; and often they were in good spirits.

I was so impressed by those Africans that I donated my shoes to friends there upon my departure--as well as my clothes. I literally flew home with just the clothes on my body. Anyway, as I recalled my beloved Africans this morning, I was humbled yet inspired by their examples and it helped me push through the pain. Surely, I thought, I can walk a short distance barefoot if countless people around the world have no choice but to walk everywhere without shoes.

Shoes are a luxury I too often take for granted, and once I got into the building where my wife works, I was so happy to walk on soft carpet. It was the most luxurious feeling in the world!! Yet another thing I won't take for granted today. All that walking and thinking led me toward doing something pro-active about the shortage of shoes in this world. So, I researched ways to donate shoes and found a great organization that is non-denominational and non-profit, it's called "Donate Your Old Shoes." Please, consider holding a shoe donation box at your sangha, business or other place of worship. I am hoping to set up one of their boxes at my wife's office.

~Peace to all beings~