I turn to Ryokan’s poetry over and over again. Nobody captures the magical essence of the spiritual life, indeed, of life like he does. At least I should say for me, that is. How wonderous his words, painting pictures – pictures that rest in the heart, illuminating form and emptiness, and their interplay. When all […]
Reflections on Ryokan’s Zen Poems – The Butterfly and the Flower Read Post »
In a world where all is borrowed,and time like elusive dust seems tojust slip through our fingers, all we really have are these precious momentswhere we can make fertile the soilin the garden of our hearts,that here love may make its homeand here the mortal seed may flourish. Only love can free us from the
Impermanence – Azam Ali – Where all is Borrowed Read Post »
At the age of fourty-one, Machig Labdron stayed in a retreat cave in Chipug which was blessed for practice. On the fourth day of the last month of spring, in the middle of the night, the majestic Lady Tara appeared, surrounded by numerous dakinis. She bestowed on Machig the four initiations of the five primordial
Tara and Machig Labdron Read Post »
It seems that for many people the word ‘Faith’ is problematic. Formany people, the reason why is become of the negative connotationsthat they have with that term. For some, that is based on badexperiences they had with previous religious affiliations, or contactwith those of other religions. For some, it is because they wish thisreligion of
Faith and Emptiness Read Post »
Sometimes you are faced with decisions which seem to have massive consequences, whichever choice you take. Sometimes that choice seems to lead to very mixed results, whichever choice you take. How can you see which choice to take? Life is so surprising in how it plays out. It’s so hard to ‘guess’ the future, to
It’s funny how mind works when it is filled with the fullness of vision of Vajrayana. Right out the window of my office where I work are some flags advertising a car showroom. The flags flutter madly in the winds, often against blue skies and racing clouds. How similarly shaped are these flags to a
Renault Prayer Flags Read Post »
Two nights ago I watched the final episode of Michael Palin’s new TV series – ‘Himalaya’, a series which followed his trek through that extraordinary region. Most of this last episode was set in Bhutan, and showed wonderful views of the environment there, the mountains, the valleys, and life in villages and monasteries. Calling me
Calling Me Back Home Read Post »
When you read some of the amazing Kagyu texts and books in print in English today, I can’t help but be awed and grateful for our good karma in having these clear and lucid teachings available in undiluted form at this time … and so easily available too … without having to climb mountains or
Direct from the Source Read Post »
After reading Meridith’s gracious comments on my blog, I ‘discovered’ hers …. Today, with my friend’s words in my heart, I felt very calm, and centered. My interactions seem to bloom from a spiritual center today – full of warm and radiant light. I opened my heart with each person I came into contact with.
I was just reflecting on how devotion really opens one’s heart up to the blessings of the Buddhas and Gurus. I added some materials to my teachers website last night, and the words of Shangpa Rinpoche’s reflections and prayers really touched my heart deeply. Though I wasn’t present at the celebration when he spoke the
Devotion Ripens the Heart Read Post »
