On The Music Box: Radio Free EarthRites!
Monday Apparently….
What effect do we have on those we never meet? How do we touch those that find themselves alone even in a crowd? What do we do to help the changing of the world?
I was touched today by reading about Cindy Sheehan throwing in the towel regarding the peace movement. Regardless of what people thought of her, and much of it was unkind, she did her bit to make the world a better place. Those that spoke badly of her, I wonder what they have given of themselves?
Pax,
Gwyllm
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What is up for today:
The Links
Koans: If You Love, Love Openly & My Heart Burns Like Fire
A Remembrance: Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett
Rilke…. 3 Poems
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The Links:
Missing “13-year-old” apparently diminutive 34-year-old woman
Obviously these Scientist guys haven’t been very observant: ‘Living plugs’ smooth ant journey
Missing German doctor reappears after 22 years
Oldest Indian celebrates his 138th
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Koans:
If You Love, Love Openly
Twenty monks and one nun, who was named Eshun, were practicing meditation with a certain Zen master.
Eshun was very pretty even though her head was shaved and her dress plain. Several monks secretly fell in love with her. One of them wrote her a love letter, insisting upon a private meeting.
Eshun did not reply. The following day the master gave a lecture to the group, and when it was over, Eshun arose. Addressing the one who had written to her, she said: “If you really love me so much, come and embrace me now.”
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My Heart Burns Like Fire
Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: “My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes.” He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life.
In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate.
Retire at a regular hour. Partake of food at regular intervals. Eat with moderation and never to the point of satisfaction.
Receive a guest with the same attitude you have when alone. When alone, maintain the same attitude you have in receiving guests.
Watch what you say, and whatever you say, practice it.
When an opportunity comes do not let it pass by, yet always think twice before acting.
Do not regret the past. Look to the future.
Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child.
Upon retiring, sleep as if you had entered your last sleep. Upon awakening, leave your bed behind you instantly as if you had cast away a pair of old shoes.
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A Remembrance: Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett
It has been 11 and 1/2 years since Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett left this world… but I still remember the time I was privileged to spend with her on her initial journey to Mt. Shasta.
She had a most engaging laugh, a quick wit and a boundless heart. Her Abbey is doing well I hear, and next time down, I will visit it, and leave flowers for her memory. She touched so many people, and gave so much of her self.
Sitting in Helen Ruths’ living room, talking to Jiyu was quite the mind opener for an 18 year old. She was adroit, and to the point in everything discussed.
So she touches people still, and in ways she probably never imagined. Taking her time with a young man interested in Zen, patiently explaining points, and being encouraging… touched my heart, and still does.
-Gwyllm
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Rilke…. 3 Poems
Remembrance
And you wait, keep waiting for that one thing
which would infinitely enrich your life:
the powerful, uniquely uncommon,
the awakening of dormant stones,
depths that would reveal you to yourself.
In the dusk you notice the book shelves
with their volumes in gold and in brown;
and you think of far lands you journeyed,
of pictures and of shimmering gowns
worn by women you conquered and lost.
And it comes to you all of a sudden:
That was it! And you arise, for you are
aware of a year in your distant past
with its fears and events and prayers.
—
What birds plunge through is not the intimate space
What birds plunge through is not the intimate space
in which you see all forms intensified.
(Out in the Open, you would be denied
your self, would disappear into that vastness.)
Space reaches from us and construes the world:
to know a tree, in its true element,
throw inner space around it, from that pure
abundance in you. Surround it with restraint.
It has no limits. Not till it is held
in your renouncing is it truly there.
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You, you only, exist.
You, you only, exist.
We pass away, till at last,
our passing is so immense
that you arise: beautiful moment,
in all you suddenness,
arising in love, or enchanted
in the contraction of work.
To you I belong, however time may
wear me away. From you to you
I go commanded. In between
the garland is hanging in chance; but if you
take it up and up and up: look:
all becomes a festival!