Volitional Impulses

A key concept in Buddhism is Dependent Arising, also known as "Dependent Origination."  Buddha is said to have called it a natural law, emphasizing seeing the nature of things as-they-are over speculation of what might have happened in the past or what might happen in the future. In other words, rather than worry about what is God, and "First Cause" (how arising and ceasing began, or even if it had a beginning), we simply accept--  and see things-- as they are now.

Things are the way they are because they are conditioned by other things. We are conditioned by other people and phenomena. Other people and phenomena are conditioned by you, we are told.  The Buddha explained, the principle of conditionality, this way:

When this is, that is.
This arising, that arises.
When this is not, that is not.
This ceasing, that ceases.

In an elaboration of the principle, the chain of causation begins with the idea we are conditioned by "volitional impulses" (defined as the act of willing, choosing, or resolving. Previously, I thought this was volatile impulses, and would say "that too.") Anyway, HHDL is teaching on this principle this weekend, and sums it up as simply seeing things as they are, aka Seeing Clearly. The Dalai Lama tells us a key factor in the teaching is realizing

Nothing Is Permanent   

His Holiness says, "Once we appreciate that fundamental disparity between appearance and reality, we gain a certain insight into the way our emotions work, and how we react to events and objects. Underlying the strong emotional responses we have to situations, we see that there is an assumption that some kind of independently existing reality exists out there. In this way, we develop an insight into the various functions of the mind and the different levels of consciousness within us. We also grow to understand that although certain types of mental or emotional states seem so real, and although objects appear to be so vivid, in reality they are mere illusions. They do not really exist in the way we think they do."

Put another way, "you" are a phenomenon of the Causal Nexis in the way a wave is a phenomenon of ocean. A wave is not a piece of the ocean, like a brick is a piece of a wall. A wave is ocean. Although a wave is a distinct phenomenon it cannot be separated from ocean in the way a brick can be taken out of a wall. When conditions cause a wave, nothing is added to ocean. When the activity of wave ceases, nothing is taken away from ocean.

The teaching of Dependent Origination connects to many other teachings, including that of karma.  Understanding of Dependent Origination is essential to understanding Buddhism, HHDL tells us.

A real Spectacle!

This is the spectacular Sunday solar eclipse I saw here in Albuquerque! The sky wasn't that dark around it, but this is the color and appearance I achieved using my homemade eclipse viewers. HOMEMADE, you say?  Sigh, yes...
Trying to get into Balloon park (the only place left in ABQ that supposedly had eclipse glasses) we discovered, due to huge crowds, the City had let people get in line as early as 2:30.  When we tried to get in, around 5ish, the line exceeded any line I've been in, including Comdex 2000, Disney World and past Balloon Fiestas (no joke.) Plus traffic coming out of the park was much worse than going in (at 5 pm mind you.)  I actually drove right in to the museum lot and then realized why. The LINE!! The mass of humanity, the throng. A volunteer explained only about 1/4 of those people would actually get glasses, because they had already given out 1500 of the 2000 set aside. With that we left.

I was not to be denied seeing my 2012 Ocular Omen, especially being in the perfect path of annularity. Having already called hardware stores looking for welder's goggles Saturday, I knew none could be found. All goggles were gone. I pulled into Auto Zone. The clerk said he had been dealing with this all day. He suggested some high rated UV "limo black" windshield tint. I grabbed it out of his hand, paid and we were off. We improvised triple lining our shades with the stuff. These, over the top of my already UV protected Transitions eye glass lenses resulted in black out... UNTIL I glanced at the sun. WOW, I could actually see the round shape of the sun, not just a glare of light. I knew we had it. Off to the nearest park with an unobstructed view. Not a cloud in the sky. It was well worth the effort.
I'm not blind yet and I saw it, just like above. I had no way to photograph it myself. Poor people around us peeking through pin holes got the treat of a life time when we handed off our makeshift viewers. We did not stare. We just glanced and I advised all others to do the same. I will be ordering a pair of professional solar screens sometime before the 2017 total eclipse-- assuming we survive the end of the Mayan calendar this year ;)

Vesak Time!!

If this tiny turtle hatching isn't the ideal image for Spring, new beginnings and the ancient Indian tradition of Vesak (pronounced vuh'sawk for Westerners, or Vesākha, Sanskrit vaiśākha) then what is? (What Is, I'm cracking up with puns ;) But seriously (I'm Sirius... see I can't stop) this weekend is a sacred holiday for Sikhs, "hindis" and many Buddhists who have tied all the key events of Awakening (Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passage to the Bardo) to this one Full Moon in May. Tibetans won't celebrate Saga Dawa until June 4, but Vesak celebration goes back to ancient Vedic times. So, many Dharma students (myself included) celebrate both holidays. Vesak is especially important, IMHO, since it is the time when the ethereal realm is most accessible (parting of the Veil, or Shambhala becomes manifest.) Sunday night is the actual Vesaka (event), but the preceding days are a time of purification so we can "raise our vibration" to SEE and participate in this amazing event. I will leave some "bread crumbs" below for those really interested in following the Thread ;) Namaste!

I was asked to guest blog on Ted Hand's egg-sword-alchemy, er I mean "Philip K. Dick and Religion" blog. This image is one he uses on his site. I did a two part post. Part One begins on his blog. Part Two is an old piece I wrote in 2000 called my PKD Big Bang, now posted on my book blog. For the Buddhists, who might be scratching their heads, my novel focuses a lot on dead science fiction writer PKD. But, see how conveniently I keep "religion" to the forefront ;) Namaste!

Embracing the Moon (and Justin)

I haven't blogged about the fact that Justin Stone, the Originator of T'ai Chi Chih (who lived here in ABQ, NM for many years) died recently (3.28.2012) I wasn't close to him, like my teachers Rhonda and Carmen, but I had a lot of respect for his work and the fact he was astoundingly healthy and active into his 90s. That alone is a tremendous testament to the value of his short form of T'ai Chi.

One of his aides and publisher of his books and multi media (Kim at Good Karma Publishing) extended an offer for some of us to submit a piece for a memorial booklet. I'm not sure if mine will be included, but I sent in the following with the photo of my TCC journal:

I discovered T’ai Chi Chih the way I’m sure many others did, thanks to Carmen Brocklehurst’s teachings on KNME (our local PBS TV.) When I went to the TCC Center to study and practice, I met Justin, the originator of TCC, and knew we were blessed to have such an amazing resource right here in our midst. So for Justin’s 85th birthday, I wrote a piece called “Embracing the Moon.” It was part poem, part prose. Justin liked it enough to send me a postcard and comment on it. I have kept that card (shown here) along with another featuring Justin’s original art “Lover and Beloved” in my “yin/yang” T’ai Chi Chih journal since 2001.
The photo is one we called “Master and Students” that I shot in March 2008, at a TCC retreat in ABQ. At 91, Justin was still teaching and correcting our movements and when he told his stories, we all sat mesmerized.

Justin’s Heightened Awareness book (© Good Karma Publishing, 1988/1994) begins with a quote about the moon: “No matter how small the drop of water, it reflects the entire moon.” It was the first book I read of Justin’s and it inspired my piece. I would like to include a brief excerpt of my article here:

“The moon is simply the moon--an orb in the sky, but from our perspective its form is constantly changing. We watch the moon wax and wane, yin and yang, from fullness to a sliver of new moon; a graceful, cyclical, circular, ever-changing process. We embrace that motion in Tai Chi Chih!

Justin tells a story of a time while he was in the far East. Zen monks invited him to stay and sit zazen (in meditation) with them. Justin noticed the sun was setting and he had a long way to travel. He told the monks he felt he should leave while there was still daylight. An old monk, the Master, told him not to worry, to stay and sit. "After all," the master said, "the moon gives light too."

Moonlight is soft, reflective light. Like the moon, I am a reflection of All That Is. I am learning to embrace the moon. Today, after seeing you, Justin, at the Center for practice, I thought of this Haiku for your birthday:

Fall moonlight is soft,
reflective of All That Is.
We embrace the Moon.”

I have many delightful memories of Justin talking, sharing his “stories of the East”, and thankfully we have his books, tapes, CDs and DVDs to always gently remind us of our path and practice. Whenever I see the moon, Justin, I will think of you and that soft reflective light. Namaste Justin!

the Virus of Joy

I think I can link several disparate topics (of course I can, just a matter if it will make sense to anyone else ;) I've been on quite the mental roller coaster ride the past few days -- obsessing over iOn (WTF?) I have to mention it, if not analyze it a bit, for the other iOn addicts out there (or god forbid, future addicts.) Is iOn a grand hoax or truly the evolution of consciousness? I've been back and forth calling it nonsense one day, then listening again the next. I would LOVE to hear from anyone who has listened to a few of the 4200 hours of iOn radio, Info Farm excerpts, or even "multiple Bob" banter. Then there's the business (commercial biz) of RnA drops. Given my own interest/investment in healing over the past few months -- the Healing Project -- I'm very skeptical of this formula. At Healing Options we are focusing on ancient proven remedies so this potential "snake oil" is a red flag for sure. IF you've tried it or know about it, please chime in.

I've spent HOURS researching both of these topics (iOn and RnA drops) but for now I would rather hear from others. If there is interest, I'll start a dialogue. If not, then move along, or I should say resume your meditation. Far be it from me to try and distract anyone who is "head down" or firmly on the path. I'm over here like a "fart in a skillet", as my Dad used to say, wildly distracted rather than "head down" as I should be with my Vajrayana practice. Comment on that, too, if you'd like (gentle encouragement to get back on the pillow) or indulge in this crazy iOn world if you dare ;)

So, why the Virus of Joy? If we must spread thoughts or "infect" others, as we do through communication and sharing ideas, then let's at least spread happiness and joy, rather than negativity and cynicism. How-iOnic indeed, since I'm disparaging the motives of iOn and those spreading the Message. So, what's the fastest path to your joy? As iOn would say, "enjoy the ride."