Yearly Archives: 2012

Teachings

Hidden Treasure

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Everything is well
in the garden.
Really!
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at the same time
dark tangles….
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Surface appearances
reveal
clarity
in the depths.

We talk about the finger pointing at the moon of our original Buddha Nature. We can talk about that which is, the great universe the eternal Buddha, our nature as Buddha etc. however the words are not the moon itself. They are just our best attempt to encapsulate that which defies words, ultimately. Trouble is there is a tendency, and how human of us, to think there are some fingers better than others at pointing to the moon. This could be true of course. However hunting for the right finger, pointing in a more accessible way to the eternal moon, could be a life time search.

While all along the fingers are everywhere. Pointing, not to some far distant truth, but to a truth which resides in the depths of our everyday encounter with existence as that plays out before and within us. Daily. That which is tangled, obscuring, painful, messy and dark in nature are fingers challenging us. Why not squint a little (literally and figuratively), and there as clear as day the treasure of our original Buddha Nature resides – within – in the depths.

I often use the word treasure in terms of the important thing because it has the connotation of something hidden, valuable and worth making the effort to find, and value. Why not go squinty eyed and see if the treasure isn’t to be found in unexpected places. For many of us our own house is the very last place to look. Even when told a million times the direction of our gaze be directed.

That’s it for today. Enjoy the flowers when you can.

Daily Life, Out and About

Sheep And Lambs – Who’s Who’s

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Ewes on a hill, with young lambs.

It is always such a joy to see the new lambs in the fields with their mothers doing their best to keep track of where theirs are. As you can see the ewes and lambs are numbered so at least the farmer knows who’s who’s! It has been know that mothers leave hospital with a baby which isn’t there’s! By mistake. There must be a ‘tagging’ system by now, hopefully.

While out walking this morning, a bit early than usual to catch the early light I recorded a video of the land and river with birds singing and lambs barrring.

Here in Britain it is Mothering Sunday and it is also the birth date of two friends.

This post is in gratitude for mothers everywhere.

Overcome Difficulties, Teachings

Fallen Into A Hole

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On the moors are to be found Shake Holes, also called Swallow Holes. This might however be a disused mine shaft and not one of these holes.

I was once told by a professional psychologist, and monk of our order, that most adults have some degree of depression. Thankfully, for the most part, I manage to keep myself out of trouble in this regard. Although I do have my moments. There are very many reasons to pass through depressed times including finding that ones way forward is being suppressed – either by oneself or by ones circumstances (ususally a combination of the two). For some people depression is life limiting in the extreme and my heart goes out to those in such circumstances.

There was a retreat recently where a bunch of people gathered to examine the subject of depression. Most had a very personal interest in the subject. One of the monks from Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey gave a talk Training With Depression (it’s in two parts.) You will need to scroll down the page to reach (talks) By other monks and our lay sangha.

My Internet connection is still playing up unfortunately….

Uncategorised

A Good Kind Temper

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Origami brooch made on Sunday

Have a heart that never hardens,
a temper that never tires,
a touch that never hurts.

Charles Dickens

Temper – calm disposition or state of mind, mood or humour: a good temper.

The photograph has nothing to do with the quote. I just wanted to show something to rest your eyes on.

Out and About

Together With – Sangha

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This last weekend has been full of collective activity and I’ve loved it. Saturday seven of us hiked together and on Sunday four of us hiked up to the Nine Standards Rigg. Something I’d wanted to do for a long time. Thankfully the weather held for most of the way just closing in as we reached the magnificent line of cairns.

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Companions rest and take in the viewThe_Nine_Standards_and_friends.jpg
before entering mist where stand the mysterious Nine Standards Rigg.
Then later….
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we made flowers like these…

…Kanzashi, Japanese Folded Fabric Flowers. Our instructor inspiring us with her enthusiasm. The bunch of flowers was a gift which I treasure.

Thanks to all who joined in this weekend. Both those who were physically there and those who were in contact via text from London and the North East. And our friend from Manchester who nearly joined us. Next time perhaps.