Yearly Archives: 2020

Out and About, Teachings

Love our UK Footpaths

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I love our system of footpaths, spidering across the UK Ordnance Survey maps. I’ve followed many on foot and by pony; uphill, down dale, fells, mountains, marshes, coastal paths, long-distance paths, bridle paths. Walking can be moving meditation, mood-elevating, exciting (memorable moment on Great Gable back in 2016), frightening (also Great Gable 2016!) I could go on and on about entering the great outdoors and staying out for long hours, rain, shine, bitterly cold. Sometimes all at the same time! I’ll not go on though. A short video filmed in a church yard in Wasdale Head after that 2016 walk.

If you are a one who follows paths, don’t want our valuable historic paths to disappear then nip over to the Ramblers website and take a look at your area on the map. It’s easy.

Walkers are being urged to help identify 10,000 miles of historic footpaths that are missing from the map in England and Wales and could be lost forever.

All rights of way must be identified before a government deadline of 2026, after which it will no longer be possible to add old paths to the official record.

The walking group Ramblers is calling on walkers, historians and map enthusiasts to use its new mapping site to identify missing footpaths.

The online tool divides the official map into 150,000 1km squares so users can compare historic and current maps side by side, spot any differences and submit missing paths.

The Guardian, Walkers urged to help save historic footpaths before 2026 deadline

Teachings

Brenda’s ‘Voice’

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Brenda habitually wrote very long letters, always spoke at length in person as well as at length on the telephone. I knew her voice well. Here’s the briefest email she ever sent. Her humour shines through. As does our friendship.

20 May 2000 10:02
From Mugo to Brenda Birchenough
Yes, I looked one more time for that piece of paper and found it thank goodness. I will stay with Jill on Tuesday night though thanks for being willing to have me stay. Now have a safe journey up to Throssel. I do concern myself about you on the road, safety and all of that. Know you are valuable Sangha Treasure, look after yourself and please do not take risks. Steady as she goes. I am taking my own advice too. Sound like a fussing friend? Yes! In gassho, Mugo

20 May 2000 10:25
From Brenda to Mugo
In answer – How’s this for brevity…..
Great!
Good
I will
Thank you
What a lovely thought
I will
I won’t
Definitely
Good
Not Fussing, just caring
Thank you, good friend
Love and in gassho
Brenda

This posting is for all those who struggle, as Brenda struggled, with their early abusive upbringing. Many people have written saying how they have enjoyed hearing her voice on the audio posted yesterday.

Daily Life, Overcome Difficulties

The Golden Wave – Brenda Birchenough – Audio

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The late Brenda Birchenough speaks about a breakthrough in her training (in the 1990s) which gave her fresh eyes to look at herself and all beings. As she says, “I was brassed off, desperate to get out of the monastery”. Having been at Throssel for a five-week stay and with three days to go before leaving a breakthrough came which changed her perspective on herself and her relationship with others.

Sometimes one has to get so thoroughly fed up with oneself for an insight into the truth to happen. It was her intention to train and see into her habits which propelled her to see The Golden Wave. Being ‘brassed off’ helps, the intention to look at oneself honestly helps one not to slide off into despair.

The title of the talk is Let Flow the Golden Tide.

Brenda would frequently question the validity of what she understood to be true saying, “I experienced the compassion of the eternal so how come I’m still judging (she would use stronger language, to be honest)”? I can’t remember what I would say, probably something to the effect that thoughts are habit-forming when repeated over and over. She was blessed with a faith she didn’t recognize and I would point that out to her. Frequently.

Out and About

Nature – California Coast

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Well, it took a bit to sit through this short video considering the kind of weather we are having in Britain right now. Watching the waves crash against rocks or seafronts or rivers against bridges sets me a bit on edge given the kind of damage water can do when at it’s most ferocious. As it is today and into the night I suspect. Anyway enjoy the energy of the waves and know it’s in another country entirely.

Teachings

Mistaken Action and Dynamic Acceptance – Dharma Talk

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The other day, Wednesday, it was my turn to give a talk to the resident lay people at Throssel. Quite an informal setting and there were perhaps four people present. I recount my experience of trying to rescue a baby Harbour Seal on a beach in Southern Oregon. That was probably 2008.

Rev. Mugo tells an unwise animal rescue story to illustrate the teaching of the Three Pure Precepts. Cease from habitual action; do that which is good; be good for others and respond with dynamic acceptance. She also gives a wider definition of vocation and the importance of learning from one’s mistakes.

Mistaken Action and Dynamic Acceptance.  The talks lasts under 20 mins. Hope it is of interest and help in understanding the Three Pure Precepts.