Hidden Treasure

Getting out is a welcomed break from work on Jade Mountains. At the moment I’m adding categories to all of my postings, as well as poking around the OBC web sites for teaching material link to. I found hidden treasure!

Found on the Lions Gate Buddhist Priory website an extract from a letter Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett sent in 1979 in answer to one from a lay trainee.

I cannot explain how to keep the mind bright except to say that it is an internal looking up, a raising of one’s aspirations in the midst of it all. Faith is essential here.

And here’s another treasure in the form of a Journal article published on the OBC web site.
The River is the Ocean; The how is as important as the why.

It is when we are spiritually on hands and knees that we learn the deepest meaning of bowing, of true gratitude and of asking for help. When the call of the Eternal is heard clearly, we must not stifle the uprising within in our heart, and “quickly, quietly and obediently say ‘yes’.”

Good Food, and then Exercise by the Sea

With a break in the clouds I ventured forth for a walk after my very very vegi lunch. As luck would have it the sun came out and Culver Cliff turned a glowing chalky white. I can see the cliff way off in the distance from the front door of where I’m staying. I’ve grown fond of the view.

Lunch, I’m really packing in the vegi.

Culver Cliff at the extreme Eastern end of the Island, from Shanklin beach.

Looking southwest over a breakwater, taken from Shanklin beach.

Your Suggestions Please

Here is the text for the About section of Jade Mountains. As you can see I’m linking to a selection of postings. I’d appreciate your suggestions on what would be good to include.

Who? I’m a female disciple and Dharma Heir of the late Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett having been ordained by her at Shasta Abbey California in 1981 and named a Master in 2000. Since 1996 I’ve served as the international O.B.C. Lay Ministry Adviser. I started to write a blog in 2003 however it was only in April 2005, when I embarked on a Pilgrimage to East Asia, that I started writing regularly. Initially I just wanted to share the sights and sounds of my journey with fellow monastics and lay friends. And I guess that’s what I’m still doing…

Here’s a selection of postings to give you an overview of what I write about.

Why? Good question! In the end I think I continue to pump in text because this is a way I can pass on the teachings of Buddhism, given my set of monastic circumstances and responsibilities. There is a pull towards Compassion, that’s why.

What’s Offered? Apart from the blog, which tends to take center stage at present, there are links to basic teachings and scriptures we use within the O.B.C., some book recommendations, articles addressing themes in practice, Dharma Talks. This is work in progress, I’m limited by the amount of time I can devote to developing the site.

In Brief What you will find here is a medley of expression and to derive benefit from it, like a musical composition, there is a needs to listen with attention, within oneself. Somewhat poetic, yet true.

Just so you know, the views/ideas/teachings expressed here on this site do not necessarily represent those of the Order as a whole.

Have a Taste or Two

While out and about deciding on sites to link to for Jade Mountains I stumbled across a post about Telford Buddhist Priory which gives a taste of the place and people. The whole blog is worth a look see:

Buddhism in Britain: A journal of a year spent communicating with and visiting Buddhist groups, organisations and individuals around the UK, on behalf of the Network of Buddhist Organisations (UK). Please note that all entries are personal reflections and do not necessarily represent the policy of the NBO.

And there is a posting about a visit to Dragon Bell Temple in Exeter too.

Walking, Sifting and Sorting

Freshwater Bay in the morning.

Yesterday was a long day. Freshwater Bay at 9.30 am on a cold morning was not inviting at all especially as I was about to follow the coast, on foot, for twelve miles. Like my friends I’ve been reporting on recently I enjoyed a lively back and forth in my mind about continuing on with the plan. I continued on, for better or for worse.

The trail ahead towards Chale, 12 miles away!

Looking back towards Freshwater Bay with the white cliffs marking Tennyson Down beyond

Everywhere there is evidence of erosion. The land is falling into the sea and we humans are in retreat.

Sifting and sorting in the background while I’m here on the Isle of Wight for rest and renewal are questions and contemplations on a number of matters. At first they seemed to be unrelated, aspirations to do this, inner nudges to do that, the ordering and timing of a number of projects. I can’t say I’ve sat down purposefully and thought about all of this. However today after a very slow start, which was preceded by inner dialogue and confusion, matters have fallen into a workable, almost sensible, pattern. The journey continues.