Finding one's place

When one does not know what one can do, finding a solution to the problem is a great help and ease.

For many months I had wondered what exactly my rightful role and pathway were, and finally I have located a suitable route and destination to aim for. Having done so, I can concentrate on this aspect of my life, putting the rest aside unless naturally or karmicly cropping up. There is no need to attempt many routes uncertainly - I can now tread firmly my every step on the way I am headed.

I knew that what was right for the conventional majority was not right for me - so I looked higher, deeper, wider, and stronger… but still, I could not see my 'right' place. I knew two people who were in the right direction - and finally had a revealing dream concerning one of them, which has led me to know my correct multi-lived way.

I knew the direction, and that I was sincere in my efforts to move - but had no idea how to arrive.
I know now why trying my hardest did not work before - wrong path.
I know now why trying my deepest did not work before - wrong target.
I always knew why trying the regular way did not work - it didn’t feel right.

Roller-blades don’t run too well in jungle undergrowth, but they work splendidly upon a regular road. Cars are not natural even if they are fast - feet with wheels go so much better.

REVIEW: Freedom in Exile: the Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

I recently obtained and read a copy of the Dalai Lama's autobiography. I have picked up amass of information about his life story already, through reading many of his helpful books and also from much online knowledge of his Holiness's life and problems. However, until reading this book, there were many gaps and confusions. Many of my questions have now been answered - such as why the Dalai Lama had four strange marks upon his arm, many factual details of the Chinese invasion, and the connection between his family and self across the years.

I found the text very moving, and tears leaked on several occasions during my reading. I have followed the situation in Tibet due to my strong adherence to the Tibetan Buddhist traditions as one of my two main teaching focuses, but the full story in chronological order still moved me to tears. I simply cannot comprehend how the world can learn of the true happenings and not feel motivated to do something to assist:
- How hard hearted can these world governments truly be?
- What can the individual with a concern for the situation actually do?
- How can such awful occurrences continue to occur without the rest of the world stepping in and stopping them?

Admittedly, it has only been two or three years that the situation has touched me as a person - before this time, I really would not have looked twice or had any feeling upon such matters. My own change of heart from that of a fiery rage and slashing anger at injustice to that of dealing with matters more calmly and patiently has come about due to the Tibetan Buddhism I have studied. I have since learned the ability to feel and empathize with others upon the planet in desperate situations, rather than focus solely upon myself, my chosen partner, and my immediate family. However, I have yet to fully learn methods of assistance.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn the details of the Tibetan situation, or to locate a complete understanding of an oftentimes partially known picture. Whereas there is no given solution to offer a remedy to the reader that is surely to be touched, it can lead to a fuller understanding of the problem and this greater awareness may someday be of value.

REVIEW: Venerable Acariya Mun Bhuridatta Thera - Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno

REVIEW: Venerable Acariya Mun Bhuridatta Thera - Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno

The Acariya Mun biography is my all-time favorite book. I first read it during the first half of 2007 and instantly took a liking to it. It was very helpful to my practice at the time and I wrote a review of it for my personal blog shortly after having read it. This is the second of two books on Buddhism that made automatic/instant beneficial changes inside of me when I first read it.

As time passes, I still find it very helpful. It was the first book that I read dealing with Thai Dhutanga monks and because I have been able to learn and experience so much from reading it, this branch of Buddhism remains a major interest of mine, despite most of my studies following the Tibetan Vajrayana teachings.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Buddhism, yet finds themselves blocked by the idea of soulessness, or by modern Western Buddhism, or has problems with common Western meditation techniques. This book also makes good reading if you are interested in the spiritual-psychic aspects of Buddhism, the natural world rather than traditions and etiquette, or the inter communication between humans and animals/other beings. I still find it helpful as a counterbalance to my Tibetan Buddhist studies, in that Thai Dhutanga Buddhism is based a lot more upon nature and a simplistic lifestyle in a natural world. This appears to be a naturally inbuilt inclination from within me..

I once told my son that I was excited to have read such a book - my son having asked me about my current reading. He laughed at me when I told him that it was about a Thai monk who lived in the forests and mountains and communicated with tigers and monkeys, and that the book had explained some matters to me that I was stuck on, which had therefore freed me for furthering myself - as if such a thing could have nothing of relevance for a city dwelling female of 2007.

My home library

It can be very difficult to complete a book reading within a set schedule. Some weeks, I have lots of free time, and I may complete a book in 1-2 days. At other times, I am cramming in a chapter here or there just to get the book finished before the return-due date.

During 2008, I located an online bookstore that sold new and secondhand books from many locations worldwide and accepted payment by Paypal for some of these. Many non-fiction books are worth reading numerous times. I like to have a book on hand, just in case the library is out of those that interest me. For these reasons, I have so far collected a half dozen or so books relating to Buddhism for my home library, with the latest having arrived just last week, yet already having been read.

As it stands, my home library currently contains the following volumes:

* Venerable Acariya Mun Bhuridatta Thera - Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
* The Tibetan Book of the Dead - WY Evans-Wentz version
* The Dhammapada - Nikunja Vihari Banerjee
* Freedom in Exile: the Autobiography of the Dalai Lama
* A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life - Shantideva
* The Tibetan Book of Yoga - Geshe Michael Roach
* Essence of Vajrayana - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

(I have not yet read the last of these, as one is supposed to reach a certain spiritual development before pursuing such teachings and I wish to ensure that I have reached an appropriate point prior to proceeding. However, I wished to obtain a copy whilst I could for future reading and as encouragement to continue my studies to be able to read it someday in case moments of laziness arose.)

Meditation Postures

Another reason I find it difficult to meditate in the regular seated lotus/semi lotus position is that it constantly interrupts my practice with the need to realign myself. Nearly every time I attempt to do a correctly positioned meditation, I spent all my time straightening my back, adjusting my shoulder tilting, bending forward or backward to compensate for slumping - I simply cannot concentrate when I have to maintain a specific position.

Lying in Yoga's Savasana pose on the practice room floor, or on my side on the bed, or even simply doing easy and repetitive chores, enables me not to have to think at all about my posture.

Once in Savasana - I can stay that way for ages without needing to shift a muscle.

On my bed - if I need to turn to prevent pins n needles or due to lack of comfort, I can do so automatically, without having to think about it - it just happens that my body moves itself - I don’t need to be concentrating on moving it/readjusting it without a set pose to hold.

Whilst doing chores such as sweeping, raking leaves, mowing a lawn, clothes laundry by hand, etc - it is a simple everyday procedure my mind needs not pay attention to - unless of course I am doing awareness meditation!

In fact, the only time that I naturally feel able to meditate in the regular 'thou shouldst' position is when I am in the midst on my regular Yoga sequence. At the time when I have gotten half way through and am doing my seated head, neck and eye warm ups, I often feel inclined toward meditation - it just feels a 'right' continuation from that point.

Satay Nachos

A second really simple and quick dish that also combines the cuisine of two countries is Satay nachos.

* spread a layer of corn chips over a tray or dish
* sprinkle chopped fresh chilies on top
* add a few blobs of peanut butter
* top with a thin layer of grated cheese

Toast for 5-10 minutes on a low heat, until the cheese has melted and bubbles, then serve with a side of salsa and sour cream.

CURRY LASAGNA

Take 250g frozen spinach to thaw and stir in a tablespoon of turmeric powder and a tablespoon of chopped fresh coriander.

Take 3 large tomatoes and slice them. Add two diced red chili, a tablespoon sesame seeds, and a teaspoon cumin seeds.

Boil some barley until it is soft. Add a teaspoon each of: crushed black peppercorns, grated garlic, grated ginger, and mango powder.

Add a third of the barley and spices to the bottom of your lasagna pan, cover with a layer of tomato mix and a layer of spinach mix then a lasagna sheet. Create another two layers. On the top lasagna sheet toss on some grated cheddar cheese.

This lasagna should be cooked for approximately twenty minutes in a medium heat oven and can be served with a side salad of your choice.

World peace

Over the Christmas break that I took from writing blogs, I did a lot of contemplating on the situation in the world. Where I live, in Australia, it is quite peaceful on the surface - most people can lead a safe and averagely-happy lifestyle. The worst happenings for the majority are generally traffic accidents, illnesses, death of loved ones, loss of job, etc. Whereas these may be devastating to those involved, it is a long way from the miseries that are being encountered in other countries.

I have seen with shock how the world was shown the situation in Tibet when the world looked towards China during last year's Olympic Games - but the world only looked - nothing has happened to help the Tibetans!

I have a friend who lives in Pakistan - he and his family are suffering because of the situation there, of terrorism, bombings, the threat of war with India…

When I read that China had incorporated large worldwide manufacturing businesses into its territory and was headed toward world domination of products - and then just weeks later that it was developing methods of controlling the emotions of people - I was disgusted.

The Middle East I do not follow very often, as I do not know anyone personally that lives there - but I am aware vaguely of the wars, fear and killings, and of how horrid it must be to live in such a place at this time.

There seems to be so much negativity on the planet right now...

In the name of world peace, I will start this new blogging year by posting a recipe that combines two cultures in one dish.

Indo-Italian - curry-lasagna - will be my next post.