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."

Paddy Parties?

Saint Patrick's Day is a Catholic "Holy Obligation Day"-- a Solemnity of the Roman Catholic Church is a principal holy day in the liturgical calendar. The Catholic Code of Canon Law states:

On holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass.

I may be of Irish ancestry, but I am not Catholic, so this day really has no particular significance to me, right?

Then how did this come to be such a goofy "Kiss Me I'm Irish" parade/party, shamrock-wearing, drinking-green-beer day? I guess the same way Easter has been co-opted by bunnies and egg hunts, or Christmas (which really is a mid-winter Pagan celebration) is more about decorating trees and gift-giving, than a religious observance.

I'm glad that most people don't know about our major Tibetan Buddhist holidays, like Losar, Saga Dawa Düchen (aka Wesak), Chokhor, or Lha Bab Düchen. Would they don some colorful Tibetan costumes and mock all the rituals? Acting foolish on Buddhist "holy" days could cause some karma, since in the Tibetan tradition all actions are amplified by TEN MILLION times on those days! GADZ ;)

So today I'll pass on the McD's shamrock shake, reflect a bit on poor Patrick, who was actually from Wales then captured and tortured by Irish raiders (suffering like our monks.) Perhaps the Catholic faithful might consider their canonical rites rather than jiggin' off to another green-faced Paddy parade.

the Playground is Gone

It all started when JJ came to town in her big rig -- a 2011 Forest River "SunSeeker." Actually, her staying in my driveway had nothing to do with the demise of the playground. It just happened while she was here. Drip... drip... I heard all night. Water? from where? OMG, my 20-yr-old waterbed had sprung a leak! I had already thought of replacing the old giant California King playground. Now, now...
before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. It had become a dog lounge, art center, library, internet cafe, TV zone and writing nook. All my papers, books, journals, notebooks, and e-gadgets were strung over half of it. Another quarter of the 6 x 7 foot surface was taken up with the 50 lb dog, leaving only a small section for me to sleep in. I won't even show you that mess. But here's the giant hole after 250 gallons of water, the baffled waterbed and container were removed. Then that big old water soaked platform was removed, leaving only my under storage. At one point the room was mostly empty with all parts of the old bed gone. Then the guys revitalized the headboard, reassembled the two sets of drawers, built a new smaller Queen size platform to accommodate my new state-of-the-art SleepHarmony hybrid latex/memory foam mattress and VOILA...
a new perfect place to sleep. Not a playground for fountain pens, crayons, laptops and dogs, but a serene sleep sanctuary. Ahhhh! Just what I need now. Good Night!! zzzzzzz!

Happy Losar?

Losar Tashi Delek -- we wish!
The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) will honor Losar by renewing efforts to work for peace and justice in Tibet. They send this Thank YOU note to those who support the cause and "for standing with people of Tibet at this time."

Losar The word Losar is derived from two words, “Lo” meaning “year” and “sar” meaning “new.” For centuries, Losar, Tibetan New Year has been a time of celebration, a time for families to come together and be thankful for their blessings, for religious faith to be honored in prayer and a time when neighbors and friends greet each other with “Losar Tashi Delek!” or (Best wishes for an auspicious New Year!”). But this year’s Losar is marked with sorrow, with repression in Tibet reaching new lows, so it will be observed as a time for quiet reflection and tribute to all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their freedom and even their lives in protest against Chinese policies in Tibet.

As the card says, and as I say to you, "We humbly wish for a Losar Tashi Delek, and best wishes for the Tibetan Water Dragon Year." May it please bring PEACE and resolution to Tibet which has surely suffered enough!! Namaste!