A New Journey Begins

It has been quite some time since my last post.  While life has been filled with adventure and lush experiences, my bent has been to wallow in laziness.  I have been prone to long naps by the ocean and a search, heretofore fruitless, for a greater meaning of life.

Now, as I complete my preparations for an uncharacteristically long sojourn I feel the need to once again share my thoughts.  So, follow,  if you dare, as I wander through Italy in search of a greater sense of self.

Wonderful Music

I had the privilege to experience the beauty emitted from the violin of Chee-Yun in two quite unique performances within the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival this summer.  Should you see that she is coming to perform near you, be present.  You will not regret the time spent for such an enthralling experience.

The schedule for the festival is at www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org

Interesting Allegory

While reclining on Contemplation Point I reflected on comments made to me regarding one's library.  The comment was that one's library is only so large and has a finite capacity.  When one's library is full and a new book is introduced then an old book must be taken from the shelves.  If one is happy with their library must they stop acquiring new books?  If a new book is acquired which old book should be discarded?  Is this an allegory for life?

A Mid-Life Path Correction

Living with the Precepts

My life was packed with stress and tension.  Anger would often raise its ugly head.  I needed to erase those things from my life if I were going to be happy and healthy.  I had an idea of how I might change the way I lived but my idea lacked any structure.  It was the body of an idea with no bones.  When I discovered the Precepts I knew that I had found the bones.  For me, those clearly stated, simply written guidelines have given me a basis upon which to judge the actions I take every day of my life.  The guidance those principles has given me makes my life so much richer and relieves so many of life’s pressures.  Since I have begun this path my life has become so much more peaceful.  I hope that I have become more kind and compassionate.  I know that I am much more calm and at peace with all things that surround me.  I am not certain whether I found the Precepts or they found me.  I am certain that my life’s path and the events along the way gently led me in this direction.  I am very happy to be on this path.

Also, I believe that the Precepts are just the beginning of a long and increasingly rewarding journey.  The many bits of knowledge that have come to me from multitudinous sources not only amplify the Precepts but serve as a beacon lighting the way along the path to a much more enjoyable life.  Certainly, each of the Precepts can be and often is interpreted in different ways.  Finding the interpretation that resonates with you is the cornerstone to living a harmonious life.  However, having the foundation built upon the Precepts has led me along the path toward a wonderful life.

A Life Redirected

Living with the Precepts

My life was packed with stress and tension.  Anger would often raise its ugly head.  I needed to erase those things from my life if I were going to be happy and healthy.  I had an idea of how I might change the way I lived but my idea lacked any structure.  It was the body of an idea with no bones.  When I discovered the Precepts I knew that I had found the bones.  For me, those clearly stated, simply written guidelines have given me a basis upon which to judge the actions I take every day of my life.  The guidance those principles has given me makes my life so much richer and relieves so many of life’s pressures.  Since I have begun this path my life has become so much more peaceful.  I hope that I have become more kind and compassionate.  I know that I am much more calm and at peace with all things that surround me.  I am not certain whether I found the Precepts or they found me.  I am certain that my life’s path and the events along the way gently led me in this direction.  I am very happy to be on this path.

Also, I believe that the Precepts are just the beginning of a long and increasingly rewarding journey.  The many bits of knowledge that have come to me from multitudinous sources not only amplify the Precepts but serve as a beacon lighting the way along the path to a much more enjoyable life.  Certainly, each of the Precepts can be and often is interpreted in different ways.  Finding the interpretation that resonates with you is the cornerstone to living a harmonious life.  However, having the foundation built upon the Precepts has led me along the path toward a wonderful life.

A Serenity Unmatched

My Richest Deer Park Experience

The entire monastery, monks and nuns and all other residents, was invited to attend a presentation by one of the nuns.  The presentation was in the large meditation hall and would be in Vietnamese.  I arrived, received a set of headphones for the English translation, and found a seat.  The presentation began shortly after I arrived.  The nun was very petite, seated on a raised platform overlooking the audience.  She took her seat on the cushion in the center of the platform.  She smiled and bowed her head ever so slightly.  She checked the microphone for volume and giggled, a nervous little giggle like a child might make.  The audience settled and she began her talk.  I placed my headset over my ears and began to listen to the halting English translation.  I did not like this method, so I removed the headset and listened to the Vietnamese speaker.  To me the words did not matter that much for I had heard this topic discussed before.  The speaker, however, was lovely in her melodic presentation.  Her voice flowed and her hands waved gracefully to emphasize her thoughts.  It was a lovely performance to experience.

When the presentation was finished the audience was to divide into groups to discuss the topic.  This idea interested me little, so, upon the conclusion of the nun’s remarks I quietly departed the meditation hall and scooted up the hill to the dining hall.  I arrived alone to the dining hall, poured myself a cup of tea, and took a seat in the far corner.  I began to sip my tea and enjoy my solitude when a small group of Vietnamese monks and nuns began to arrive.  Soon a few more arrived and they began to sing lovely little Vietnamese songs.  After a time a group of nearly two dozen had formed a circle and the singing continued.  A song would end and there would be a moment of silence followed by giggling and laughter, which lead to another song.  The group was so happy.

After a time an older monk and nun arrived.  The singing stopped.  Evidently, I had inadvertently found myself in the spot of a Vietnamese discussion group from the presentation.  I sat quietly.  I would just watch and listen and sip my tea.  Soon the discussion began.  A member of the circle would be acknowledged and would share their thoughts with the group.  When a speaker would stop their remarks often there would be a rejoinder from across the circle followed by giggles and laughter.  The monks would laugh openly while the nuns would often cover their mouths and giggle.  The group was so happy and appeared to be so supportive of each other.

Occasionally there would be remarks that were not so happy, almost somber.  It was easy to spot these times for the nuns would look down and their smiles would disappear.  During one of these times, although I didn’t understand a word that was said, I became very sad.  I’m not certain for the reason for my sadness but I lowered my head to hide my feelings.  After a time of struggling with my sadness I felt a presence.  I raised my head to see a young monk standing next to me.  He had a warm smile.  His eyes were knowing.  He placed his hand on my shoulder.  He stayed with me for a moment, then turned and returned to the circle.  As he walked back to the group I looked at them.  Many were smiling at me.  None of their heads were averted.  I took a deep breath, wiped a tear from my cheek and allowed myself to be calm.  The monk retook his seat and their dialogue began again.  Soon afterwards the peel of laughter rang out and my thoughts went back to the joy of the group.  I returned to reveling in their joy.  However, the sharing was coming to an end.  People from the other groups were entering the dining hall for lunch.  The circle quickly dissolved into the crowd.  For me, I was so happy to have been just a fringe member of this delightful joyous sharing experience.  I sat for another moment and watched the dining hall begin to fill.  It was a loud and relatively unsettling time.  Soon I rose to take my lunch.

Plum Village: remembering, part 3

We practice walking meditation in Hawaii and I quite enjoy it. However, in Plum Village they've expanded my concept of this very pleasurable exercise. The walk is really more of a very casual stroll. It begins with a song or two while the group is gathered under a large oak tree. The songs are sung first in English, then in French. When the singing is finished the group walks off in silence, down a gravel driveway and then onto a forest lane. The crunch of the gravel gives way to the rustling of the monk's robes and the wind in the trees. The crows caw overhead and the finches chirp amongst the trees. Initally we walk through a forest of scrub oak. Where there are breaks in the trees we look out over vineyards and orchards dotted with farm houses and barns. Eventually we pass into a meadow that glows golden in the sun. Walking on we are on the edge of a small growth of long-needle pines which yield a very sweet smell. All the time we are walking very slowly and deliberately, looking, listening, smelling. The sun passes in and out of the enormous white clouds floating above. Many times, when we are in the sun, the group stops, silent, just basking. We gradually skirt the circumference of the village and arrive back at the giant oak. When we've all gathered again under the tree, we stand silent for a moment and then quietly disperse, each moving into one's own thoughts.

Walking meditation occurred often during my time in Plum Village and each time I felt so refreshed. It is really the same thing I do on the farm when I check the fruit trees, but with a slightly different mindset. I'm going to change that. Any time you'd like to practice walking meditation, come walk with me among the fruit trees.