Month: November 2015

Categories
Beautiful Places

Want to revisit…this guesthouse:)

& considering that I nearly died if it were not for the lovely helpers with me. This time, I really need to be in tip top shape – stronger and tougher than last time – iron will is not enough. The trek calls for training…physical and … MENTAL. Looking back, it truly was a phantom of a place. It was an oasis in the scorching desert heat… a wonder, a mirage, a destination. Have you ever experienced such a “guesthouse”?
Phantom_Ranch_Grand_Canyon_708_365_80_s_c1
Looking forward to welcoming much needed SOME NEW DELIGHT as my guide:)

The Guesthouse

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

– From Essential Rumi
by Coleman Barks

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Uncategorized

“Shin-Mon Method” Explored…

These crystals were set onto certain points on my earlobes … not for children as I fear these inadvertently falling into ear holes, lol… IMG_0621
IMG_0618Accupressure points study with Iijima-sensei from Japan. Thank you for hosting a delicious vegan luncheon Y-san! Unfortunately missed the session to bend spoons – sounds rather psychic but turns out he’s more of a comedian. Witty. From a yogi’s perspective, it’s more about body awareness as we pay more attention to the workings of our body and how that affects our mind … seems like there’s some placebo affect in play as well.

Whatever works, it’s good. Shall incorporate into my practice to see if there’s any difference … it’s like my motto in yoga these days: softer side explored to arrive at what’s gentle and easy and yet VERY EFFECTIVE.

I am curious.

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The Heart Sutra

When I was visiting Tokyo, I noticed that lessons copying with brush and sumi-ink, the Heart Sutra (the Hannya Shingyo) manuscript was a very popular past time for those fortunate to have the luxury of time. It’s part calligraphy which requires deep concentration and meditation practice and I was drawn to it. But truthfully, the text was GREEK, well, okay, Ancient Classic Japanese, to me – Impossible to decipher this formal classic language, transcribed probably by ardent monks from Sanskrit into Chinese and then to Japanese, centuries ago and adapted to the particular land and its people… At my mother’s place, there’s a regular class where students transcribe the Sutra into their own handwriting …a lovely offering.

The Modern Version I should translate …Our intention is the same everywhere: To reduce or eradicate the suffering… starts from Self and to those closest around you…we want to suffer less, be happy more – How? Answer lies in the Heart Sutra I’m told – from UTube, too bad it’s not in English as well. It’s an updated version in that it’s in “street” today’s language – very cool. There’s also a rap version in Japanese street talk… which should help many understand the teachings where before it was mere background chants that may have put one to sleep – breath of fresh air into updated language of the NOW creates the “energy”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZTymlB0Hzw
Also perfect for anyone studying Japanese:) Two in One – language acquisition through spirituality!