YaHooka Forums - Blogs http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/ The Guide to Marijuana on the Internet If we unite as one voice, we will be heard! en Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:42:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.yahooka.com/forum/images/ca_evo2_green/misc/rss.jpg YaHooka Forums - Blogs http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/ The Law And You... http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sativa-diva/347-law-you.html Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:13:53 GMT Refusing A Search-
If you're pulled over and asked to be searched, and the cop is threatening to call a K-9 unit if you don't give him whatever you have in the car. What happens if the cop does call the K-9 unit?

Let's say you've been stopped. The cop gives you a ticket and then tries to get you to consent to a search. The cop can lie and threaten you, but do not give in. Ask the officer, "You have given me a ticket, am I free to go now?" He'll probably say yes or nothing at all. If he says nothing, respond by saying, " I'm leaving now unless you object." Then get in your car and drive away.
*The cop needs reasonable suspicion to hold you and bring in a K-9 unit. Unless the cop sees it or you have admitted it (dumbass):eek:, there is no reasonable suspicion and he can not hold you once his business with you is done(ticketing you is completed).
Don't leave if they say you're not free to go. Ask why or if there is a problem.Never consent to a search(even if you have nothing to hide) Sometimes the officer will violate your rights and search you anyway, but even if this happens and you are arrested, the search should be thrown out in court, as long as you Refuse to waive your rights. If the case is thrown out , your charges will be dismissed. ]]> Sativa Diva http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sativa-diva/347-law-you.html The 7 principles of Unitarian Universalism http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/345-7-principles-unitarian-universalism.html Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:27:32 GMT How To Understand the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism
By Malcolm Tatum

When first encountering Unitarian Universalism, people often ask the question "What do Unitarian Universalists believe?" The answer that Unitarian Universalists (or UUs as many prefer) are not united under a specific creed or statement of faith often seems mystifying. Why, people ask, if you do not have some sort of doctrine or creed, do you even exist? What is the point of gathering together if you are not uniting to affirm a uniform set of beliefs?

The answer is really a simple one. Unitarian Universalists are a people united in covenant rather than by common doctrine. While UUs may espouse a wide range of theological and ideological understandings, the faith does provide a foundation of how we are to interact with one another and the wider community.

Once the understanding is clear that UUs operate based on common action and approach rather than common doctrine, it is easy to see how the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism impact the way UUs express their mutual covenant. Here are some examples related to each principle.

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person is foundational to UU thought. This simple statement lays the foundation for UUs to dig as deeply as necessary to find something of value in every human being, regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, or financial status. While acknowledging that humankind is capable of evil, UUism often becomes a turning point for people who have made mistakes and been given up as unredeemable by friends and family.

2. As a second principle, UUs promote justice, equity, and compassion for all persons. Building on the idea expressed in the first principle, the affirmation of worth is now taken into the arena of action. Unitarians and Universalists in the 19th century were found in the forefront of every human rights issue of the day. It is not surprising that the unified movement today continues that tradition by actively seeking reforms in health care, supporting equal rights for persons of any sexual orientation, participating in programs to aid the homeless and encouraging its members to be active politically in local and national politics.

3. The third principle promotes mutual acceptance and encouragement in spiritual growth. Few faith traditions go to the lengths of UUs to ensure their children are exposed to the belief systems of all the world religions. But it does not stop there. Adults are encouraged to study independently, as well as gather in small groups to learn more about the teachings, scriptures, and practices of various religions. UUs strive to create an environment where all persons may seek enlightenment at their own pace and on their own path.

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning is the fourth principle and directly ties back to the third. Many UUs accept the fact that as we gain more knowledge we may have to redefine some of our personal beliefs, perhaps even abandon some long cherished ones. While learning is always encouraged, UUs do place an emphasis on doing so responsibly, and with a great deal of careful thought. Not all that can be learned is necessarily true in our day, and to alter one's basic understandings without responsible and thorough research could lead to the abandonment of something that would otherwise be quite positive in one's life.

5. UUs are individualists and, at the same time, united in what is often referred to as the Beloved Community. The fifth principle captures the spirit very clearly; UUs hold to the right of conscience while affirming the democratic process as essential to the function of the local church community as well as the wider community. In essence, UUs reserve the right to think and believe as the individual chooses. At the same time, UUs will come together to learn, to study, to worship and to give back to the community in which they live, and do so without any threat to their individuality.

6. There is an ultimate dream for UUs and it is articulated in the sixth principle: a world community where peace, liberty, and justice are the order of the day for all people. UUs do not see this as being a religious hierarchy, nor a world government with some central ruler. Instead, this dream acts as a goal for all to reach for, by practicing those traits which make it possible for us as individuals and as congregations to refine these three lofty ideals. And perhaps by example, join hands with others who seek a similar path for our planet.

7. UUs do not see the world as a collection of unrelated elements. The seventh principle affirms the covenant of Unitarian Universalists to respect the interdependent nature of all of creation, acknowledging that we human beings are only one part of that great thing we call the universe. This understanding can be humbling, in that it places the earth, the environment and wildlife all on an even par with humankind. At the same time, it sounds a call to action to be mindful of how we use the world's resources, and how we take care of the many forms of life that reside on this planet.

Within the context of this covenant, Unitarian Universalists will find many different ways to apply these principles in their homes, their local churches, and their communities. The great thing is that there are so many ways to do all these things. With that in mind, the next time you run into a Unitarian Universalist, don't ask "what do you believe?" Instead, ask "how do you choose to live out your UU covenant?" ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/345-7-principles-unitarian-universalism.html The Dharma as presented in a story by Tolstoy http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/344-dharma-presented-story-tolstoy.html Sat, 31 Jul 2010 06:51:11 GMT I've always liked this story by Tolstoy and I wanted to share it with you all as well.
Quote:
Three Questions - by Leo Tolstoy

One day it occurred to a certain emperor that if he only knew the answers to three questions, he would never stray in any matter.

*What is the best time to do each thing?
*Who are the most important people to work with?
*What is the most important thing to do at all times?

The emperor issued a decree throughout his kingdom announcing that whoever could answer the questions would receive a great reward. Many who read the decree made their way to the palace at once, each person with a different answer.

In reply to the first question, one person advised that the emperor make up a thorough time schedule, consecrating every hour, day, month, and year for certain tasks and then follow the schedule to the letter. Only then could he hope to do every task at the right time.

Another person replied that it was impossible to plan in advance and that the emperor should put all vain amusements aside and remain attentive to everything in order to know what to do at what time.

Someone else insisted that, by himself, the emperor could never hope to have all the foresight and competence necessary to decide when to do each and every task and what he really needed was to set up a Council of the Wise and then to act according to their advice.

Someone else said that certain matters required immediate decision and could not wait for consultation, but if he wanted to know in advance what was going to happen he should consult magicians and soothsayers.

The responses to the second question also lacked accord.

One person said that the emperor needed to place all his trust in administrators, another urged reliance on priests and monks, while others recommended physicians. Still others put their faith in warriors.

The third question drew a similar variety of answers. Some said science was the most important pursuit. Others insisted on religion. Yet others claimed the most important thing was military skill.

......

The emperor was not pleased with any of the answers, and no reward was given.

After several nights of reflection, the emperor resolved to visit a hermit who lived up on the mountain and was said to be an enlightened man. The emperor wished to find the hermit to ask him the three questions, though he knew the hermit never left the mountains and was known to receive only the poor, refusing to have anything to do with persons of wealth or power. So the emperor disguised himself as a simple peasant and ordered his attendants to wait for him at the foot of the mountain while he climbed the slope alone to seek the hermit.

Reaching the holy man's dwelling place, the emperor found the hermit digging a garden in front of his hut. When the hermit saw the stranger, he nodded his head in greeting and continued to dig. The labor was obviously hard on him. He was an old man, and each time he thrust his spade into the ground to turn the earth, he heaved heavily.

The emperor approached him and said, "I have come here to ask your help with three questions: When is the best time to do each thing? Who are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times?"

The hermit listened attentively but only patted the emperor on the shoulder and continued digging. The emperor said, "You must be tired. Here, let me give you a hand with that." The hermit thanked him, handed the emperor the spade, and then sat down on the ground to rest.

After he had dug two rows, the emperor stopped and turned to the hermit and repeated his three questions. The hermit still did not answer, but instead stood up and pointed to the spade and said, "Why don't you rest now? I can take over again." But the emperor continued to dig. One hour passed, then two. Finally the sun began to set behind the mountain. The emperor put down the spade and said to the hermit, "I came here to ask if you could answer my three questions. But if you can't give me any answer, please let me know so that I can get on may way home."

The hermit lifted his head and asked the emperor, "Do you hear someone running over there?" The emperor turned his head. They both saw a man with a long white beard emerge from the woods. He ran wildly, pressing his hands against a bloody wound in his stomach. The man ran toward the emperor before falling unconscious to the ground, where he lay groaning. Opening the man's clothing, the emperor and hermit saw that the man had received a deep gash. The emperor cleaned the wound thoroughly and then used his own shirt to bandage it, but the blood completely soaked it within minutes. He rinsed the shirt out and bandaged the wound a second time and continued to do so until the flow of blood had stopped.

At last the wounded man regained consciousness and asked for a drink of water. The emperor ran down to the stream and brought back a jug of fresh water. Meanwhile, the sun had disappeared and the night air had begun to turn cold. The hermit gave the emperor a hand in carrying the man into the hut where they laid him down on the hermit's bed. The man closed his eyes and lay quietly. The emperor was worn out from the long day of climbing the mountain and digging the garden. Leaning against the doorway, he fell asleep. When he rose, the sun had already risen over the mountain. For a moment he forgot where he was and what he had come here for. He looked over to the bed and saw the wounded man also looking around him in confusion. When he saw the emperor, he stared at him intently and then said in a faint whisper, "Please forgive me."

"But what have you done that I should forgive you?" the emperor asked.

"You do not know me, your majesty, but I know you. I was your sworn enemy, and I had vowed to take vengeance on you, for during the last war you killed my brother and seized my property. When I learned that you were coming alone to the mountain to meet the hermit, I resolved to surprise you on your way back to kill you. But after waiting a long time there was still no sign of you, and so I left my ambush in order to seek you out. But instead of finding you, I came across your attendants, who recognized me, giving me this wound. Luckily, I escaped and ran here. If I hadn't met you I would surely be dead by now. I had intended to kill you, but instead you saved my life! I am ashamed and grateful beyond words. If I live, I vow to be your servant for the rest of my life, and I will bid my children and grandchildren to do the same. Please grant me your forgiveness."

The emperor was overjoyed to see that he was so easily reconciled with a former enemy. He not only forgave the man but promised to return all the man's property and to send his own physician and servants to wait on the man until he was completely healed. After ordering his attendants to take the man home, the emperor returned to see the hermit. Before returning to the palace the emperor wanted to repeat his three questions one last time. He found the hermit sowing seeds in the earth they had dug the day before.

The hermit stood up and looked at the emperor. "But your questions have already been answered."

"How's that?" the emperor asked, puzzled.

"Yesterday, if you had not taken pity on my age and given me a hand with digging these beds, you would have been attacked by that man on your way home. Then you would have deeply regretted not staying with me. Therefore the most important time was the time you were digging in the beds, the most important person was myself, and the most important pursuit was to help me. Later, when the wounded man ran up here, the most important time was the time you spent dressing his wound, for if you had not cared for him he would have died and you would have lost the chance to be reconciled with him. Likewise, he was the most important person, and the most important pursuit was taking care of his wound. Remember that there is only one important time and is Now. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future. The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at you side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life."
Three suggestions to practice being awake and mindful now.

1. Avoid believing there are only certain places for spiritual growth. retreat vs. home
2. Consider using the practicing of patience as the practice learning to avoid having expectations of what will happen. Patience its self is an act of wakefulness.
3. Expelling belief/ritual that there is only one practice or object that is the door way for awakening. Belief that Church is the only way to be with God
Quote:
A lay Buddhist is one who tries to fully embody his or her entire life of work ,family and relationships without spiritually prioritizing any activity. From this perspective all moments are equally precious, and whether we are practicing formal meditation on retreat or showing up for ordinary moments of our lay life, freedom is never diminished. The unequivocal resolve not to move away from where we are is essential. Once we abandon the belief that there is a more spiritually useful moment that the one we are in, we have embraced our life and infused it with the energy for awakening.

~Tricycle Summer 2010

Namaste ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/344-dharma-presented-story-tolstoy.html Only Breath by Rumi http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/342-only-breath-rumi.html Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:33:15 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZqAnIp5dMQ ---Quote--- Not Christian, or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu Buddhist, Sufi or Zen. Not any religion or cultural system. I am not from the East or the West, not out of the ocean or up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZqAnIp5dMQ
Quote:
Not Christian, or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu
Buddhist, Sufi or Zen. Not any religion

or cultural system. I am not from the East
or the West, not out of the ocean or up

from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not
composed of elements at all. I do not exist,

am not an entity in this world or the next,
did not descend from Adam and Eve or any

origin story. My place is placeless, a trace
of the traceless. Neither body or soul.

I belong to the beloved, have seen the two worlds
as one and that one call to and know,

first, last, outer, inner, only that
breath breathing human being.
]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/342-only-breath-rumi.html Possible False Flag Coming Soon... http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/boingo/340-possible-false-flag-coming-soon.html Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:07:59 GMT http://www.infowars.com/false-flag-imminent/ http://www.infowars.com/false-flag-imminent/ ]]> Boingo http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/boingo/340-possible-false-flag-coming-soon.html Will it catch up to me? http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/jollyrancha243/339-will-catch-up-me.html Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:30:44 GMT I am definatley. Big pothead, but that doesn't mean I'm high all day. I simply appreciate it at the end of my day. Certainly keeps me focused too, beleive it or not! At work I have set a pretty high bar...haha...I am a very successful business lady. I feel like I can read people very well and use it to my benefit. I beleive pot has opened my mind and helped me better understand how the mind works and how others may see things in different lights. I jus wonder if pot will always do this for me, and why the media portrays all potheads as slow or inresponsive people, when obviously not everyone reacts to this medicine in such a brain dead way.:confused: ]]> Jollyrancha243 http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/jollyrancha243/339-will-catch-up-me.html The Chickpea And Proverbs http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/338-chickpea-proverbs.html Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:37:52 GMT
Quote:
A chickpea leaps over the rim of a pot
where it's being boiled.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

The cook knocks him down with the ladle.

"Don't try to jump out.
You think I'm torturing you.
I'm giving you flavour,
so you can mix with the spices and rice
and be lovely vitality of a human being.

Remember when you drank rain in the garden?
That was for all this."

Grace first. Sexual pleasure,
then a boiling new life begins,
and the Friend has something good to eat.

Eventually the chickpea
will say to the cook.

"Boil me some more.
Hit me with the skimming spoon.
I can't do this by myself.

I am like and elephant that dreams of gardens
back in Hindustan and doesn't pay attention
to his driver. You are my cook, my driver
my way into existence. I love your cooking."

The cook says,
"I was once like you,
fresh from the ground. Then I boiled in time,
and boiled in my body, two fierce boilings.

My animal soul grew powerful.
I controlled it with practices,
and I boiled some more and boiled
once beyond that,
and became your teacher

~Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks"
Living itself is the cooking of pea. And this passage which follows talks to me about how we can mindfully be present of the cooking and the cook.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways ackowledge God and your path shall be directed." -Proverbs 3: 5-6

This is my Grama's favourite scripture, so I wanted to honour her here. This passage at first struck me , a long time ago, as not also using my God experiencing intellect and discriminatory mind. I thought the Gyan yoga, the path to understanding the law of the universe, was a grand way to have union. However upon looking further I realized that my Grama is a Karma yogi, even though she is a Protestant and Methodist. This really got me to thinking and learning more about the two other yogas, raja and bhakti. Each one is a path or philosophy for having god-realization. Raja is experiential and knowledgeable, Bhakti brings a total love for god into all our relationships as we commune with god over and over.

Ultimately these four yogas all share overlapping threads and is nearly impossible , in my opinion, to have one with out the others. Karma yoga though says that our actions are God's actions. This made me think a lot and how, if the others make so much sense, then this too must seem as palatable, why isn't it. The second part is that if we act freely , attuned to God, we are acting out God's impulses, like a nerve ending. Thusly if we act this way, God will guide us safely to her.

In the last few months as I have deepened in mediation I have come to feel that Ultimate presence, the centre of my being, and have found it easy to walk in that mind-set throughout my day. Then one day I realized, this is Karma yoga! It isn't about being pushed around by a mysterious hand, mindlessly. It was listening to my truest self with a more pure intellect and reasoning,and that freely left me to live out the impulses of God, The Spirit of Life, The Lightless Light.

That is what this passage means to me now when I read it. Live as a true conscious being and you will be able to blissfully walk the road of life to its end.

"Even as the smallest hole in a bucket, can empty it of its liquid, so can hate for even one person act on the human soul" Leo Tolstoy


May all beings have peace
May all beings have safety
May all beings be healthy and at ease. ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/338-chickpea-proverbs.html Recent sleeping journey: http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/336-recent-sleeping-journey.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:07:24 GMT Usually I do recall my dreams although some are certainly more vivid that others. This writing is to capture recent memories.....

Recently as I come towards the morning, I feel myself walk up a hill, as I ascend from sleep. I'm in a forest that I 'know' but don't exact the spot which I came from. The trail is down the hill from the start/end point, which I don't recall descending as I fall to sleep.
What I see, as I wake, is a temperate rain forest full of Cedar, ferns and moss. And I've come to notice these are the same trees I see each morning, so I'm coming from the same area each night. The part I 'see' is generally the same distance walked every time, with few exceptions.

That is one thing recently happening I'd like to mention.

The dream that made me wish to post was this.

Sunday night as I slept well I came to find myself sitting on the edge of a hospital bed, talking to someone who I assume was my Wife, as I couldn't see who was beside me. I also couldn't see myself, which does sometimes happen that I dream in a third person view.
What lay before me was a body that was cut in half, stripped of it's organs and merely heaped there on this bed. I had this overwhelming feeling that this was me, although the 'person' laying there looked different than I.
I took the pieces and examined them, looking inside the skull and inside the rib cage. This wasn't scary, even though what I was handling was pretty much a mummified looking corpse.

I took a hand of the body and raised in to me forehead, as I bowed before this vessel that seemed to be mine. Again who was I talking to. I took a moment an thanked the corpse for carrying me so long, again giving me the feeling that it was me and I was somehow outside of it.

As I raised my head I noticed an infant laying beside the mass of body. I recognized this baby as myself, meaning that it looked like me, although at this point I wasn't sure if that was me. I said to the entity beside me, "That is what I looked like when I was born".

After that I had this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and thanks for everything in the dream that was happening.

Slowly I began to awake and ascend the familiar forest trail to my dreams of late.

When I woke up this feeling of thanks stayed with me all day.

I'm interested to hear if any, are thoughts of symbols of the dream.

Rebirth is obviously one that comes to mind, which I take could be a literal sight into a past life, but I also see it in a today sense, that I am going through new births all the time.

It felt really special to have this dream and it's been interesting to evaluate change in my life right now, which is still of the normal schema and vein of growth and discovery, but one thing I noticed was that I felt lighter since I've had this dream. When something like that sticks with you, it's hard to deny it's presence.

~Namaste~
SageTree ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/336-recent-sleeping-journey.html His Holiness the Dalai Lama at The Aspen Institute (FORA.tv) http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/334-his-holiness-dalai-lama-aspen-institute-fora-tv.html Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:12:49 GMT Loved this talk, had to post it. FORA.tv - His Holiness the Dalai Lama at The Aspen Institute (http://fora.tv/2008/07/26/His_Holiness_the_Dalai_Lama_at_The_Aspen_Institute) Loved this talk, had to post it.

FORA.tv - His Holiness the Dalai Lama at The Aspen Institute ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/334-his-holiness-dalai-lama-aspen-institute-fora-tv.html <![CDATA[Shantideva's Prayer]]> http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/333-shantidevas-prayer.html Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:59:16 GMT From: The Bodhicaryavatara Chapter X: The Post-Dedication (http://www.shantideva.net/guide_ch10.htm) May all sentient beings be graced with the Bodhisattva way of life by the virtue I have obtained while reflecting on the Bodhicaryavatara. Through my merit, may all those in all directions who are afflicted by bodily and mental sufferings, obtain oceans of joy and contentment. As long as the cycle of existence lasts, may their happiness never decline. May the world attain the constant... From: The Bodhicaryavatara Chapter X: The Post-Dedication

May all sentient beings be graced with the Bodhisattva way of life by the virtue I have obtained while reflecting on the Bodhicaryavatara.

Through my merit, may all those in all directions who are afflicted by bodily and mental sufferings, obtain oceans of joy and contentment.

As long as the cycle of existence lasts, may their happiness never decline. May the world attain the constant joy of the Bodhisattvas.

As many hells as there are in the world, may beings in them delight in the joys of contentment in Sukhavati.

May those afflicted with cold, find warmth. May those oppressed by heat be cooled by oceans of water springing from the great clouds of the Bodhisattvas.

May the forest of sword leaves become for them the splendor of a pleasure grove; and may the sword-like Salmali trees grow as wish-fulfilling trees.

May the regions of hell become vast ponds of delight, fragrant with lotuses, beautiful and pleasing with the cries of white geese, wild ducks, ruddy geese, and swans.

May the heap of burning coal become a mound of jewels. May the burning ground become a crystal marble floor; and may the mountains of “The Crushing Hell” become temples of worship filled with Sugatas.

May the rain of burning coal, lava, and daggers from now on become a rain of flowers; and may mutual battling with weapons now become a playful flower fight.

By the power of my virtue, may those whose flesh has completely fallen off, whose skeletons are of the color of a white jasmine flower, and who are immersed in the river Vaitarani whose water is like fire, attain celestial bodies and dwell with goddesses by the river Manakini.

May the horrifying agents of Yama, crows, and vultures suddenly watch here in fear. Those looking upward behold blazing Vajrapani in the sky wonder: “Whose is this brilliant light that dispels darkness all around and generates the joy of contentment?” May they depart together with him, freed of vice through the power of their joy.

A rain of Lotuses falls mixed with fragrant waters. It is seen to extinguish the unceasing fires of the hells. May the beings of the hells, suddenly refreshed with joy, wonder, “What is this?” and may they see Padmapani.

Friends, come quickly! Cast away fear! We are alive! A radiant vanquisher of fear, a certain prince in a monastic robe, has come to us. By his power every adversity is removed, streams of delight flow, the Spirit of Awakening is born, as is compassion, the mother of protection of all beings.

Behold him whose Lotus-Feet are worshipped with tiaras of hundreds of gods, whose eyes are moist with compassion, on whose head a stream of diverse flowers rains down, with his delightful summer palaces celebrated by thousands of goddesses singing hymns of praise. Upon seeing Manjughosa before them, may the beings of the hells immediately cheer.

Through my virtues, may the beings of the hells rejoice upon seeing the un-obscured clouds of Bodhisattvas, headed by Samantabhadra and bearing pleasant, cool, and fragrant rains and breezes.

May the intense pains and fears of the beings of the hells be pacified. May the inhabitants of all miserable states of existence be liberated from their woeful states.

May the animal’s risk of being eaten by each other disappear! May the Pretas be as happy as the people in Uttarakura!

May the Pretas always be satiated, bathed, and refreshed by streams of milk pouring from the hand of noble Avalokiteshvara.

May the blind always see forms, and may the deaf hear. May pregnant women give birth without pains, as did Mayadevi.

May they acquire everything that is beneficial and desired by the mind: clothing, food, drink, flower garlands, sandalwood-paste, and ornaments.

May the fearful become fearless and those struck with grief find joy. May the despondent become resolute and free of trepidation.

May the ill have good health. May they be freed from every bondage. May the weak become strong and have affectionate hearts for one another.

May all regions be advantageous to all those who travel on roads. May the purpose for which they set out be expediently accomplished.

May those who journey by boat succeed, as they desire. May they safely reach the shore and rejoice with their relatives.

May those who find themselves on wrong paths in dreary forests come upon the company of fellow travelers; and without fatigue, may they journey without fear of bandits, tigers, and the like.

May deities protect the dull, the insane, the deranged, the helpless, the young, and the elderly, and those in danger from sickness, the wilderness, and so on.

May they be free from all lack of leisure; may they be endowed with faith, wisdom, and compassion; may they be possessed of stature and good conduct; and may they always remember their former lives.

May they be inexhaustible treasuries just like Sky Treasure. Free of conflict or irritation, may they have an independent way of life.

May beings who have little splendor be endowed with great magnificence. May unattractive wretched be endowed with great beauty.

May the women in the world become men. May the lowly obtain grandeur and yet be free of arrogance.

Through this merit of mine, may all beings without exception abstain from every vice and always engage in virtue.

Not lacking the Spirit of Awakening, devoted to the Bodhisattva way of life, embraced by the Buddhas, and free of the deeds of Maras,

May all beings have immeasurable life spans. May they always live happily, and may even the word death disappear.

May all quarters of the world be delightful with gardens of wish fulfilling trees, filled with the Buddhas and the Children of the Buddhas, and be enchanting with the sound of Dharma.

May the ground everywhere be free from stones and rocks, smooth like the palm of the hand, soft, and made of Lapis Lazuli.

May the great assemblages of Bodhisattvas sit on all sides. May they beautify the earth with their own resplendence.

May all beings unceasingly hear the sound of Dharma from the birds, from every tree, from the rays of light, and from the sky.

May they always encounter the Buddhas and the Children of the Buddhas. May they worship the Spiritual Mentor of the world with endless clouds of offerings.

May a god send rain in time, and may there be an abundance of crops. May the populace be prosperous, and may the king be righteous.

May medicines be effective, and may the mantras of those who recite them be successful. May Dakinis, Rakasas, and other ghouls be filled with compassion.

May no sentient being be unhappy, sinful, ill, neglected, or despised; and may no one be despondent.

May monasteries be well established, full of chanting and study. May there always be harmony among the Sangha, and may the purpose of the Sangha be accomplished.

May monks who wish to practice find solitude. May they meditate with their minds agile and free of all distractions.

May nuns receive provisions and be free of quarrels and troubles. May all renunciations be of untarnished ethical discipline.

May those who are of poor ethical discipline be disgusted and become constantly intent on the extinction of their vices. May they reach a fortunate state of existence, and may their vows remain unbroken there.

May they be learned and cultured, receive alms, and have provisions. May their mind streams be pure and their fame be proclaimed in every direction.

Without experiencing the suffering of the miserable states of existence and without arduous practice, may the world attain Buddhahood in a single divine body.

May all sentient beings worship all the Buddhas in many ways. May they be exceedingly joyful with the inconceivable bliss of the Buddhas.

May the Bodhisattvas’ wishes for the welfare of the world be fulfilled; and whatever the protectors intend for sentient beings, may that be accomplished.

May the Pratyekabuddhas and Sravakas be happy, always worshipped by the lofty gods, asuras, and humans.

Through the grace of Manjughosa, may I always achieve ordination and the recollection of the past lives until I reach the Joyous Ground.

May I live endowed with strength in whatever posture I am. In all my lives may I find plentiful places of solitude.

When I wish to see or ask something, may I see the Protector Manjunatha himself, without any impediment.

May my way of life be life be like that of Manjusri, who lives to accomplish the benefit of all sentient beings throughout the ten directions.

For as long as space endures and for as long as the world lasts, may I live dispelling the miseries of the world.

Whatever suffering there is for the world, may it all ripen upon me. May the world find happiness through all the virtues of the Bodhisattvas.

May teaching that is the sole medicine for the suffering of the world and the source of all prosperity and joy remain for a long time, accompanied by riches and honor!

I bow to Manjughosa, through whose grace my mind turns to virtue. I salute my spiritual friend through whose kindness it becomes stronger. ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/333-shantidevas-prayer.html Etiquette On Being Blunt: The Laws Of Conspicuous Consumption http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sativa-diva/332-etiquette-being-blunt-laws-conspicuous-consumption.html Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:15:12 GMT What you put into your own body is up to you. But please be aware of the legal ramifications for others.
There's a common legal principle concerning possession of a controlled substance: Actual and Constructive. Actual possession means that the drug is in fact on your person(you're smoking it now); Constructive possession means that you know the drug is in your presence(you'll smoke it later).
Most important for reasons of etiquette is how these concepts affect those around you. For example, you invite some friends over to your house. Someone takes out a blunt and starts smoking. If you know what's going on (whether you're smoking or not), your're liable and are subject to arrest. If that same friend lights up in the bathroom and blows smoke out the window, you're fine as long as you don't know about it.
This hairsplitting legal concept dictates situational etiqutte. If you know that your friend doesn't care if you light up a fatty, puff away. On the other hand, if you're around people who don't like drugs, you can 1) Refrain from toking around them or 2) Find different friends. It is always uncool to put friends in compromising positions concerning illegal activity.
But there's a third option. If your friends don't really care whether or not you're stoned out of your head, but don't want to see it, do it outside their presence, then rejoin the party. No harm, No Foul.:D ]]> Sativa Diva http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sativa-diva/332-etiquette-being-blunt-laws-conspicuous-consumption.html Inner life needs r.a.i.n. to thrive and bloom, just as the outside world. http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/330-inner-life-needs-r-i-n-thrive-bloom-just-outside-world.html Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:54:13 GMT These are excerpts from a book :"The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology" I found this book highly useful in linking modern findings with ancient Buddhist philosophy, complimentary to both ideas, in my opinion.
Quote:
Recognition

Recognition is the first step of mindfulness. When we are stuck in our life, we must begin with a willingness to see what is so. It is as if someone asks us gently, what is happening now? Do we reply brusquely, “Nothing”? Or do we pause and acknowledge the reality of our experience, here and now?

With recognition we step out of denial. Denial undermines our freedom. The diabetic who denies his body is not free. Neither is the driven, stressed-out executive who denies the cost of her lifestyle, or the self-critical would-be painter who denies his love of making art. The society that denies its poverty and injustice has lost a part of its freedom as well. If we deny our dissatisfaction, our anger, our pain, our ambition, we will suffer. If we deny our values, our beliefs, our longings, or our goodness, we will suffer.

With recognition our awareness becomes like the dignified host. We name and inwardly bow to our experience: “Ah, sorrow; and now excitement; hmm, yes, conflict; and yes, tension. Oh, now pain, yes, and now, ah, the judging mind.” Recognition moves us from delusion and ignorance toward freedom. “We can light a lamp in the darkness,” says the Buddha. We can see what is so.

Acceptance

The next step is acceptance. Acceptance allows us to relax and open to the facts before us. It is necessary because with recognition, there can come a subtle aversion, a resistance, a wish it weren’t so. Acceptance does not mean that we cannot work to improve things. But just now, this is what is so. In Zen they say, “If you understand, things are just as they are. And if you don’t understand, things are still just as they are.”

Acceptance is a willing movement of the heart, to include whatever is before it. In individual transformation we have to start with the reality of our own suffering. For social transformation we have to start with the reality of collective suffering, of injustice, racism, greed, and hate. We can only transform the world as we learn to transform ourselves. As Carl Jung comments, “Perhaps, I myself am the enemy who must be loved?”

With acceptance and respect, problems that seem intractable often become workable. A man began to give large doses of cod-liver oil to his Doberman because he had been told that the stuff was good for dogs. Each day he would hold the head of the protesting dog between his knees, force its jaws open, and pour the liquid down its throat. One day the dog broke loose and the fish oil spilled on the floor. Then, to the man’s great surprise, the dog returned to lick the puddle. That is when the man discovered that what the dog had been fighting was not the oil but his lack of respect in administering it. With acceptance and respect, surprising transformations can occur.

Investigation
The third is, investigation. Thich Nhat Hanh calls it "seeing deeply". In recognition and acceptance we recognize our dilemma and accept the truth of the whole situation. Now we must investigate more fully. Buddhism teaches that whenever we are stuck, it is because we have not looked deeply enough into the nature of the experience and to direct our investigation to four areas that are critical for understanding and freedom. The four foundations of mindfulness are: body, feelings, mind, and dharma, the underlying principles of experience.

Starting with investigation in the body, we mindfully locate where our difficulties are held. Sometimes we find heat, contraction, hardness, or vibration. Sometimes we notice throbbing, numbness, a certain shape or color. We can investigate whether we are meeting this area with resistance or with mindfulness. We notice what happens as we hold these sensations with mindfulness. Do they open? Are there other layers? Is there a center? Do they intensify, move, expand, change, repeat, dissolve, or transform?

In the second foundation of mindfulness, we can investigate what feelings are part of this difficulty. Is the primary feeling tone pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral? Are we meeting this feeling with mindfulness? And what are the secondary feelings associated with it? Often we discover a constellation of feelings. We investigate how each emotion feels, whether it is pleasant or painful, contracted or relaxed, tense or sad. We notice where we feel the emotion in our body and what happens to it as it is held in mindfulness.

Next the mind. What thoughts and images are associated with this difficulty? What stories, judgments, and beliefs are we holding? When we look more closely, we often discover that some of them are one-sided, fixed points of view, or out-moded, habitual perspectives. We see that they are only stories. They loosen their hold on us. We cling less to them.

The fourth foundation is called dharma. Dharma is an important and multifaceted word that can mean the teachings and the path of Buddhism. It can mean the truth, and in this case it can also mean the elements and patterns that make up experience. In mindfulness of the dharma we look into the principles and laws that are operating. We can notice if an experience is actually as solid as it appears. Is it unchanging or is it impermanent, moving, shifting, recreating itself? We notice if the difficulty expands or contracts the space in our mind, if it is in our control or if it has its own life. We notice if it is self-constructed. We investigate whether we are clinging to it, resisting it, or simply letting it be. We see whether our relationship to it is a source of suffering or happiness.

Nonidentification

In not-identification we stop taking the experience as me or mine. We see how our identification creates dependence, anxiety, and inauthenticity. In practicing non-identification, we inquire of every state, experience, and story, is this who we really are? We see the tentativeness of this identity. Instead of identification with this difficulty, we let go and rest in awareness itself.

One Buddhist practitioner, David, identified himself as a failure. His life had many disappointments and after a few years of Buddhist practice, he was disappointed by his meditation too. He became calmer but that was all. He was still plagued by unrelenting critical thoughts and self-judgments,from a harsh and painful past. Even the practice of compassion for himself brought little relief.

Then, during a ten-day mindfulness retreat, he was inspired by the teachings on non-identification. He was touched by the stories of those who faced their demons and freed themselves. He remembered the account of the Buddha, who on the night of his enlightenment faced his own demons in the form of the armies and temptations of Mara. David decided to stay up all night and directly face his own demons. For many hours, he tried to be mindful of his breath and body. In between sittings, he took periods of walking meditation. At each sitting, he was washed over by familiar waves of sleepiness, body pains, and critical thoughts. Then he began to notice that each changing experience was met by one common element, awareness itself.

In the middle of the night, he had an “ah ha” moment. He realized that awareness was not affected by any of these experiences, that it was open and untouched, like space itself. All his struggles, the painful feelings and thoughts, came and went without the slightest disturbance to awareness itself. Awareness became his refuge.

David decided to test his realization. The meditation hall was empty so he rolled on the floor. Awareness just noticed. He stood up, shouted, laughed, made funny animals noises. Awareness just noticed. He ran around the room, he lay down quietly, he went outside to the edge of the forest, he picked up a stone and threw it, jumped up and down, laughed, came back and sat. Awareness just noticed it all. Finding this, he felt free. He watched the sun rise softly over the hills. Then he went back to sleep for a time. And when he reawakened, his day was full of joy. Even when his doubts came back, awareness just noticed. Like the rain, his awareness allowed all things equally.

It would be too rosy to end this story here. Later in the retreat David again fell into periods of doubt, self-judgment, and depression. But now, even in the middle of it, he could recognize that it was just doubt, just judgment, just depression. He could not take it fully as his identity anymore. Awareness noticed this too. And was silent, free.

Buddhism calls non-identification the abode of the awakening, the end of clinging, true peace, nirvana. Without identification, we can live with care, yet we are no longer bound by the fears and illusions of the small sense of self. We see the secret beauty behind all that we meet. Mindfulness and fearless presence bring true protection. When we meet the world with recognition, acceptance, investigation and non-identification, we discover that wherever we are, freedom is possible, just as the rain falls on and nurtures all things equally.
The full posting:
Jack Kornfield's discussion on RAIN. ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/330-inner-life-needs-r-i-n-thrive-bloom-just-outside-world.html <![CDATA[Metta Sutta: The Buddha's Words on Loving-Kindness]]> http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/329-metta-sutta-buddhas-words-loving-kindness.html Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:39:54 GMT This hangs from my kitchen cupboard and is read during Metta meditations, as well. This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, This hangs from my kitchen cupboard and is read during Metta meditations, as well.


This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied,
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful,
Not proud or demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
Wishing: In gladness and in safety,
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be;
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to-be-born —
May all beings be at ease!

Let none deceive another,
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings;
Radiating kindness over the entire world:
Spreading upwards to the skies,
And downwards to the depths;
Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down
Free from drowsiness,
One should sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding.
By not holding to fixed views,
The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision,
Being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world. ]]> SageTree http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/sagetree/329-metta-sutta-buddhas-words-loving-kindness.html Message Numero Quatro http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/lurker-w-can-m/328-message-numero-quatro.html Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:18:05 GMT Just a short note to BibleGuy for his interesting postings. They are worth reading, highly entertaining and enlightening. Just a short note to BibleGuy for his interesting postings. They are worth reading, highly entertaining and enlightening. ]]> Lurker(W.Can)(M http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/lurker-w-can-m/328-message-numero-quatro.html Message Numero Trio http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/lurker-w-can-m/327-message-numero-trio.html Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:29:25 GMT So far, so good. Thanks to those who have agreed to sessions for my gf & I, because it adds to the bonding between my gf & I, but also
all of us. For, it will take time between the finalization of the paperwork, and the taking of occupancy of the house. So, be prepared for visitors, and we will make sure that we will not abuse the hospitality of our hosts.

Bye, bye sobriety!:) ]]> Lurker(W.Can)(M http://www.yahooka.com/forum/blogs/lurker-w-can-m/327-message-numero-trio.html