Monthly Archives: May 2009

Daily Life, Information, Overcome Difficulties

A Remarkable Monastic

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Many of you will have heard of Tenzin Palmo. Here is an interview with her, published recently in the Guardian On-Line.

A couple of us were due to go and visit Tenzin Palmo a weeks or so ago but were not able to make it unfortunately. Too bad especially as she knew my Master before they both went to the East to become monks. And while I’m thinking about this wonderful nun I just want to pause say Congratulations on being named Jetsunma (Venerable Master). This is no small matter, not a mere title.

Tenzin Palmo has been given the title of Jetsunma, which means Venerable Master, by His Holiness the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa, Head of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. His Holiness bestowed this honour on Tenzin Palmo at Druk Amitabha Mountain in Kathmandu on his birthday, the 16th February 2008, in recognition of her spiritual achievements as a nun and her efforts in promoting the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism.

During the ceremony, His Holiness explained that Je means ‘accomplishment of a Yogini’ and Tsun means ‘accomplishment of the path of a Bhikshuni’. He went on to say ‘Men were always given the privilege to do all practices, but it was not given to women. This is very sad. But now it is different. It would be unkind if I would not give the title of Jetsunma to Venerable Tenzin Palmo for the benefit of all females in the world and the Palden Drukpa lineage.’

More…

Thanks to Iain in Japan for pointing me to the interview.

Information

Throssel’s (Redesigned) Website

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We have had our website redesigned and thought you might like to know this. I’m particularly pleased to point out the Serene Reflection Meditation leaflet for download. This leaflet is handy for use by meditation groups. Or for anybody who would like an explanation of what Serene Reflection Meditation is.

And please do use the contact form to let the web editor know what you think. Here’s how: beside Category (on the contact form) there is a drop-down box where you will find, Feedback on Website. Please feedback if you are moved to do so.

Teachings

Where the Lions Roam, And The Dragons Dwells

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The highest mountains are the abode of the lions;
In the deepest waters the dragons dwell.

Quote on the Lions Gate Buddhist Priory website where there is a new booklet available for download.

I once mentioned to my Master that I’d spent some time sitting on top of a Tor on Dartmoor in the South West of England while over visiting my parents. She said quietly, You like high places don’t you Mugo. I smiled in recognition, although I couldn’t explain in words what the smile was about.

In the heights there is depth and in the depths there are dragons. In one of our scriptures, Dogen in Rules for Meditation writes: O sincere trainees, do not doubt the true dragon, do not spend so much time in rubbing only a part of the elephant;…

This can be seen as a call to not dwell overly long anywhere, heights or depths. And especially not dwell in comfortable places!

Earlier in the afore mentioned scripture there is this, If you become thus utterly free you will be as the water wherein the dragon dwells or as the mountain whereon the tiger roams.

This is for John, in gratitude.

Uncategorised

Proceeding Playfully

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Visited Holker Hall. Went to see the Rhododendrons in bloom. Did all I could to see…and this is what happened.

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Pink with black bamboo

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Sunken Garden

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White Rhododendron, resting on a branch beside a bench

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Fern heads by fountain

Photography has become playful, perhaps my eyes have become playful. Maybe what’s there is responding, playfully!

Watch John Daido Loori Roshi talking about photography, meditation practice and Minor White his photography teacher.

Many thanks to the Reverend for the link.

Information

Flu Near You?

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When I want to know something about a current medical issue I tend to click over to here. Bless you Ian for your down to earth and practical advice and as always, your humour in the midst of that which is most serious. Hay! And take care of yourself over there Texas!

Thanks once again to Ian of Impacted Nurse for this posting in particular.

Lets take care and remember the obvious health precautions.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

You can always add

7. Don’t travel to countries in the midst of a novel flu outbreak. (of course, the official CDC advice is go, but practice 1-6).