As steps
lead forth
through still
water
past life
catches up.Looking back
at what
is now
mending comes
with
Eternal Bows.
One step, one step – one after the other and all together.
For those, who I do not know, I’ve caused pain to through weak word and stumbling action.
Your success
is not measured by
how popular you were
in high school or how
many people you put
down, but it is
measured by how
much $ you make as
an adult, whom you
help in times of need
what grades you got
and where you’re headed.
many times you’ve
avoided stepping on a
bug, going to wal-mart,
and thinking that
you matter.
And from Layman Pang (740–808)
My daily affairs are quite ordinary;
but I’m in total harmony with them.
I don’t hold on to anything, don’t reject anything;
nowhere an obstacle or conflict.
Who cares about wealth and honour?
Even the poorest thing shines.
My miraculous power and spiritual activity:
drawing water and carrying wood.
Bold and thoughtful people, with wisdoms to share, come in every age. And in every place – if one looks and listens.
‘Listhping’ Beside The North Saskatchewan River from Mugo on Vimeo.
Please note I have not developed a lisp, what you hear on the video is temporary and more to do with technology than a speech impediment.
…the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.
Viktor Frankl
As a youngster I kept a book of quotes. I called it my Book of Wisdom. This is one I found and remember even now: We would do well to remember we live in the presence of constant choice. But that we would remember… Ah?
This is for the family I stayed with last night. It is not my attempt to teach more a way of acknowledging there collective wisdom. May you all go well and safely.
Note: It’s worth following that link to Viktor Frankl. He lived an inspired life and helped many who were in extreme circumstances.
Yesterday morning I ventured out into the bright morning sun here in Edmonton. Everybody is saying how wonderful the weather is, for the time of year. It’s indeed wonderful. Crisp and clear and golden with fall colours. So many people to re-connect with. And as I go through these days meetings are like precious beads on a rosary. (Not getting too mushy I hope.)
The first conversation I had yesterday was with two woman who stopped me on the street just along the sidewalk from where I am staying – near to Whyte Avenue. They had reflective vests on and looked official. I’d seen them already from an upstairs window talking to a woman sitting on a bench in the park opposite. The woman got up and moved away briskly after they had talked to her. Do I sense trouble? I thought. But no. Their mission was benign.
Do you have a place to stay tonight? one of them asked brightly. We are doing a community survey one added by way of an explanation. Yes, indeed I do! I replied and went on my way. So very many people are homeless in this city, a number live rough in the woods in the river valley through the harsh winter.
A monk wrote me wishing me well with my version of being a homeless monk . I think that term when applied to monastics is less about having an actual roof over ones head and much more to do with where one chooses to shelters in ones mind. In other words the idea is not to crouch comfortably uncomfortable in a place or position which has one locked up and unable to move on. In that sense we all can aspire to be homeless.
And with that, I’ll move on into the day. Postings may well be sparse for the next few days while I’m in Edmonton.