Michelle Obama | Lessons in Buddhism

This morning, I came across a very nice article written my Ed and Deb Shapiro on Michelle Obama over at the Huffington Post. The straight-forward tone of the piece is a nice change, from the usually negativistic and combative press.

It's impressively easy for us to notice what is wrong. It's seems much more difficult to notice what's going right. To excerpt a quote from the article, I found it moving when that quoted Shakyamuni Buddha saying:

A person who gives freely is loved by all. It's hard to understand, but it is in giving that we gain strength. But there is a proper time and a proper way to give, and the person who understands this is strong and wise. By giving with a feeling of reverence for life, envy and anger are banished. A path to happiness is found. Like one who plants a sapling and in due course receives back shade, flowers, and fruit, so the results of giving bring joy. Through continuous acts of kindness the heart is strengthened by compassion and giving. -Buddha

That quote certainly leans in to what can and is going right within each of us. In each of us, there's always the opportunity for us to express our inherent capacity for kindness. We just have to seize upon it, in our daily lives.

Namaste'

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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DBZ Samu Weekends

I got an email a few weeks ago from Dai Bosatsu Zendo. They are having some "Samu," weekends. It's an opportunity to engage in "Work-Practice," as well as an opportunity to engage in other traditional Zen practices. I was thinking that you might find some enjoyment in it as well. DBZ is a very beautiful place.

I included the original email which explains all the details. Just click on the image to get the full image. I really do hope to see you at one of them.

Gassho,

Seiho, Curator
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In Memorium | Venerable Master Sheng Yen

I received word this morning from Bob Allison, that his teacher Master Sheng Yen has released his body. You can view the memorial page here at the Dharma Drum website.

I find the words which head the page, "The universe may one day perish, yet my vows are eternal," incredibly moving. May we all reflect This Dharma.

Head to Floor... Bowing Nine Times,

Jaye Morris, Curator
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Plum Mountain News

There is a new edition of "Plum Mountain News" available for download from the Choboji website. Among the many great articles there is a transcription (with the help of Seishun) of Genjo Marinello Osho's teisho on Joshu's koan "Mu."

The reason that I am drawing your attention to this, is a very pointed reminder for all of us. When will we cease being deluded? When will we stop living the scripts imposed on us in childhood that have nothing to do with who and what we really are? Will it happen for us in this life time? Are we expecting it to be the next? In point of fact, it's very easy to tell based on how we live our lives. Are we caught in the distractions or are we free from allowing them to consume and devour our consciousness and spirit? Genjo Osho's teisho could be a potential catalyst for helping you cut through. I know that they sure help me, especially when I'm wayward and need course correction.

Gassho,

Jaye Morris, Curator
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Congratulations!

Congratulations to our very dear friends, Carla and Sean on their newborn daughter who came into the world today. Very wonderful and special moment indeed!

Namaste',

Jaye Morris & Family, Curator
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Change Has Come To America

An amazing opportunity has arrived. What will we all make of it? As Bill Clinton once said, "And let us work, until our work is done."

Jaye Morris, Curator
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Sesshin Time

I'm heading out the door ask we speak to Choboji for Sesshin, out in Seattle. That means I won't be blogging again until October the 4 or 5th. Until then, I how things go well for you and I appreciate that you come visit the website.

Gassho,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

To Write Love on Her Arms

There is a really nice video piece that MSNBC did on Renee Yohe the Social Movement, "To Write Love on Her Arms," who focus is helping people struggling with issues such as "cutting," and "drug addiction," and the barriers that can get in the way of people getting treatment. It's work the look.

Namaste'

Jaye