intermittent thoughts

A blessing to all sentient beings

yeshes devi — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:48:26 GMT

Monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery, which is now located in southern India following exile from Tibet, have begun construction of a sand mandala in Moab, Utah. The Mandala being constructed will be one of Chenresig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and will radiate blessings to all beings in all realms when it is completed and consecrated. The presence of Chenresig will be ritually invited to inhabit the completed sand painting. Then, no sooner than it has been completed, it will be swept up and the colored sands will be given to the river, as an offering to the Nagas, the serpentine water spirits. Meticulously created, taking three days of work to be constructed, it will then be dissolved in moments, a reminder of the impermanence of all phenomena, of all of us as well as of every thing. The blessings of the puja will then dissipate outwards to beings filling all of space. The monks here are beginning to trace the seed syllables that adorn the central lotus of the Mandala. The four petals in the four directions bear the syllables om ah hum shirih. They represent the body, speech, mind and the totality (which embraces and transcends those three) of the Buddha. In the very center then on a lotus, moon disk and sun disk, rests the syllable hrih, which is the seed syllable representing Chenresig himself, the Deity in the center of the Mandala. From the sound of hrih arises His body, Speech and Mind, and is the root of the six syllables of His mantra, om mani padme hum. The precious gem of enlightened mind residing within the lotus of the heart of each and every sentient being -- a presence dormant however in most of us unless we awaken that potential. The work of these monks is to help awaken that potential in all who may see the Mandala or come in contact with them. May their work be of benefit for all beings, in all realms. If one may so as much as pass by the building in which they are working, even if unaware of what is unfolding within, may the seed of enlightened mind none the less quicken in his or her heart. May all beings be free of suffering, have happiness and peace. Sarva Mangalam.

Blissful Fun

yeshes devi — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:30:54 GMT

I got to spend the evening, with a dance studio all to myself. Once I began, what ever notions of what I should do, of what I should focus on and practice, went out the studio window... something just comes into me when the music begins. I've longed to have a space like this, just set up my camera and record what happens. I'm often surprised. And often its the first clip that is the best -- "first thought, best thought" as Allen Ginsberg and Chogyam Trungpa once agreed. I guess before our ego or censor gets in the way of the creative flow. It was now a week ago, when I sat "on the hill," in my hanblecheya or "vision quest." I was shown there how all things move and flow with the currents of life, without fear save for us human types. We often fear -- and hold ourselves back. The sage and grasses danced in the wind all around me. The wind repeatedly opened my sacred circle, my safe space... opening me to the elements and spirits. We so often seek security instead of being just open to life and this moment. Once I had returned to camp, the next morning, I played music with some friends, and out of that experience we spawned the concept of another sort of camp... a "sacred art camp," about opening to Spirit and becoming co-creators with God/dess, with Earth and Sky, Winds and Rain. Its just an idea at the moment, but stay tuned. Sacred Art. This is what I want to offer myself to. This, my practice, in the broadest sense. My yoga, my sadhana. Ah, bliss indeed. If only I had use of a studio like this, all to myself, a couple of times a week... I might really get down to some work! But also the desert and moonlight beckon. Above all it makes me happy, to dance, and it brings me peace. May I offer it to the benefit of all beings!

Oh my... am I coming of age?

yeshes devi — Sat, 31 May 2008 01:15:24 GMT

An invitation came in the mail yesterday, when I checked my PO box after my return from this year's vision quest camp. It's pictured above. My provisional AARP membership card until if and/or when I plunk down the 12 bucks plus change to get the real one and my "membership kit.". Kind of premature isn't it? Well, I must admit that its just premature by about seven months, alas. Can't they wait at least until I'm officially of age? Geeze. Guess they want those membership dues to roll in, eh? Funny thing is, I no way feel like someone yet eligible for such an honor. Retired, who, me? Where's my pension then? Hmmpf.

A Day Of Remembrance

yeshes devi — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:26:38 GMT

To day is a Day Of Remembrance, November 20 -- one which, perhaps, too few are aware of. "The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved. "Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgendered — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgendered people. "We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating." http://www.gender.org/remember/day/what.html Also: http://www.rememberingourdead.org/index.html The photo above is one of Tyra Hunter, a young transgendered woman from Washington, DC who died in August of 1995, when following an automobile accident she received inadequate care from the paramedic on the scene. On discovering her male genitalia, the paramedic reportedly stood back from her exclaiming "this ain't no bitch!," and stood making jokes instead of treating her injuries. She died later in the ER as a result. As far as I know, the paramedic was never charged, though in most jurisdictions a medically certified person who begins treatment of someone and discontinues that treatment before more qualified personnel take over their care is legally guilty of criminal abandance. This is just one of the all too many cases of prejudice, such as this one, and cases of overt violence and murder. Many such cases remain unprosecuted and even uninvestigated and many more remain mis- or un-reported.. More... from a transgendered artist from Australia, who through an email on another forum reminded me of today's remembrance: http://lauraseabrook.comicgenesis.com/d/20071120.html http://stuffhappens.comicdish.com/?pageID=15 May all beings be free of suffering. May all be honored and respected for their beauty, uniqueness and gifts to all of Creation.

Solstice and Christmas blessings

yeshes devi — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 20:34:03 GMT

I was wondering what to perhaps share on this day. The last couple of days I've been listening a lot to Deva Premal singing the Gayatri Mantra... at home, in the car, going to sleep at night... and perhaps the words of this very ancient prayer says best what I would want to share: om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi; dhiyo yonah prachodayat Through the coming, going and the balance of life The essential nature which illumines existence is the adorable one May all perceive through subtle intellect the brilliance of enlightenment In whatever words and customs each of us understands the rekindling of the spark of life, beauty, warmth and peace in the depths of dark winter's cold, may we recall it at this time and through our hopes, aspirations and prayers may it increase once again. May our winter's dreams come to fruition; the nightmares flee in the coming light of the new year; and there be peace, happiness and abundance for all beings. shanti, shalom, salaam, mitakuye oyasin, Karen

A remarkable tribute...

yeshes devi — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 04:39:26 GMT

I've just returned from a remarkable event, and feel called to share a little about it here. It says something, I think, about community; about, if you will, about tribes. My neighbor across the road here passed away Nov. 1st after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. Known by many as Big Linda, she is amongst the longest residents of this valley. She lived simply here, in her old run down trailer, yet in her life a legend in these parts in more ways than I realized. Her memorial bash -- and a bash it was! -- was just tonight, at the town firehouse. Filled with people who were her friends and colleagues of her years as a river guide. A diversity of people, some I have not seen for years even in this relatively small community. Filled with talk and laughter and food and music finished off with a full 10 minutes fireworks display over the river she loved, orchestrated by another neighbor here who is a professional fireworks designer. A party she would have loved; and one I think rivals tributes given royalty, even with the humble potluck feast. Better than those elaborate occassions, even, because there was such love in it all. And as I left this evening the banner hanging outside summed it all up perfectly when it read "Big Linda -- Your whole tribe loves you." Such appropriate words. Tribe. Community. Still a living reality... how wonderful. What a gift.

Dalai Lama

yeshes devi — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 23:55:33 GMT

What below follows is from a talk by HH Dalai Lama on Sept. 9, 2006 in Vancouver, BC. It seems relevant to a few other discussions, such as on my friend Gita's blog recently concerning 9/11 (http://people.tribe.net/44782934-9c22-45ae-ab2d-ee79e0905933/blog/80c2ce96-6fd3-42b0-8314-39845054afa6), expressing better of course than I can what I've wanted to say as well. Previously posted also on the Tantra Tribe. Enjoy.... "From birth to death human affection is the main thing for a happy life. Compassion, forgiveness, lovingkindness; some people think this is a religious thing. These things are not exclusive to religion. Basic human good qualities are separate from religion. Now today, our world, at the beginning of the 21st century. Look back to the 20th century, I think we will remember it as a very important human century. During that period I think humanity carried out a lot of different experiments: political, technological, economic. There were many advances. But the amount of human suffering through war makes it the century of violence. Including terrorism, the violence of Sept 11 doesn't just happen out of nowhere. There are centuries-old grievances involved in these actions, conflicts of ideology even. Now we have to make an effort to make this century a century of dialogue. Using force against disagreements is out of date. We must talk and respect others as a part of ourselves. Because of high energy use, rising living standards, the whole world is heavily interdependent. The concept of We and They is no longer. The whole world should be an OUR. The concept of war is eliminated when there is no enemy! With dialogue, just a few words is not sufficient. The way of life should be advanced. Consider others as a brother and sister. Respect them no matter how difficult it is. We can find some way to find a solution: compassion is an important attitude…. Every event is due to many factors. This is very complex because of the nature of interconnectedness; also the nature of the cycle of causes and conditions. Things are not easy. A calm mind is very essential to deal with complex issues and problems. Even positive events—we must have a calm mind to see them clearly. Destructive events we should not want, but it depends upon many factors. In order to overcome that we must overlook many causes and conditions. Too much emotion, even positive ones, is not helpful to analyze precisely complex situations. In order to develop a calm mind one key factor is a compassionate attitude. We cannot promote human values through policing: Only through reason. I think our educational system must pay more attention to warm-heartedness; in a secular way." What more can one say? ;)

mud and sky

yeshes devi — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 06:48:30 GMT

Being here, being human, is not always easy. Sometimes we are as though flying through the sky; but other times its like trudging through the mud. Spiritual beings we have taken on this challenge of being human beings, with all the beauties, joys, sadnesses and ugliness of physicality. Sometimes in the process we forget who we truly are, and think we are human beings trying to learn to be spiritual rather than what is in fact the case. "Self arisen mind is non-dual wisdom, Yet habits of seizing on duality cause entrapment in whatever occurs; Goddess of undivided heart, I invoke your protection." Ultimately, of course, if we attach to one side of the equation (relative happiness), eventually the other side of the equation (relative suffering) will find its way to us as well. We will always be over time be sea-sawing between the two. This is the essence of Samsara. How instead do we find the balance, the road of equanimity? How do we find the stillness within the spinning world? Perhaps it begins in the realization that the lotus rises out of the mud to open to the sky, and thus both mud and sky are necessary compliments. Taoism would call them Heaven and Earth, of course, but perhaps mud and sky are more tangible, visceral even. And it is our role as human beings is to bring them together in balance within ourselves and thus for all of life. We are afterall spirits manifest as beings made of clay -- of mud. And as Spirit infuses into mud, so do we raise mud to sky, to Spirit. But no one said it'd be an easy job. "The thought free state is like the sky, All are inseparable from it; So now, for the sake of beings, I invoke the protection of your complete realization."