Stringing the Beads by Marguerite Manteau-Rao

Today we're doing something special. It's the "The Great Buddho-blogging Article Swap" I feel very fortunate to have been paired with Marguerite Manteau-Rao from "MindDeep." Without further adieu...

It is tempting, especially as a beginner on the path, to keep on looking for more guidance, more knowledge from outside sources. Reading the many Dharma books, attending talks, browsing through Buddhist websites, seeking answers from teachers . . . While all have their place, I have become convinced of the importance to take a leap of confidence, and to just start walking the path, without always seeking another hand to hold on to, or more knowledge to stand on. If I still had any doubts, last night’s dream put them to rest:

I am looking at a catalog of beaded bracelets made by an ex-prison inmate. I notice one in particular, made entirely with Buddha beads. I want it. I look at the price. It is quite expensive. Then I realize, I already got a beaded bracelet kit in the mail. I open the envelope, and find several Buddha beads, along with other round, semi-precious beads. I like the lapis ones best. No need to buy Buddha bracelet. I can make my own. I start sorting and arranging the beads, making sure to include all the Buddha ones. I am thinking I need to get some string, then, remember string must have come with kit. In my haste, I must have overlooked it. I find a piece of transparent string lying somewhere, and wonder if it will be long enough. Also, how can such a fine, almost invisible string do the job? I start stringing the beads.

Dream stayed with me all day. I kept thinking, no need to wait, I’ve got all I need already. I have understood enough about the Dharma teachings, to get started on the path. Just keeping my lofty vow of daylong mindfulness should keep me busy for a while! As my art teacher once said, don’t keep on thinking about your project. Instead, start doing the work, it will teach you. Awakening to the Buddha’s truth is no different. Reading, talking, writing, about the theory of practice, all have limited value, compared to the actual act of practicing. Got to keep on stringing . . .

The other part of the dream touches upon the value in not counting on the experts, in this case teachers, to do all the work. Sure they may have liberated themselves from the prison of mind already, but their prison is not ours, and the way out is different for everyone. I am the one who has to string the bracelet, not my teacher. Each new insight joining the previous one, until full Buddha nature becomes realized. I have found, if I sit long enough, it is often possible to get out of spiritual impasses on my own, without the help from my teacher. Each time, my awareness muscle gets strengthened. Of course, this does not mean, not asking for help when absolutely necessary.

Marguerite Manteau-Rao

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
digitalZENDO

Gratitude Speaks

Things as they are, it always seems easier to notice what's going wrong rather than what's going right. Add to that the projector of the mind, which can be a lot like putting gas on fire and our perspective can get really distorted, jaded or negative. That said, I want talk about a few things that I'm grateful for, especially since it's thanks giving.

1. My wife and kids. Despite the fact we sometimes go in different directions, we always end up together and on the same page. It's easy to love people when everything is going right. It's much harder when its not so right. I'm grateful that we look for the best in each other.

2. Genjo Marinello Osho and members of the Choboji Sangha. Over the past year, Genjo Osho has left a significant on my mind and heart. From what most would call a random encounter, something really special has flowered for me. Having a rudder for a boat is very important.

During Autumn Sesshin, there where moments when I felt as though I had fallen down on a difficult spiritual climb. Different Sangha members in their own heartfelt meaningful ways extended something of themselves and helped me to carry on, in a few of my tight moments. I bow deeply in the most sincere gratitude. The practice at Choboji is sharper than any razor that I have ever encountered. I feel a very strong Dharma connection.

3. Salisbury Buddhist Sangha, that I am now sitting with most Monday nights. Each member is kind, sincere and gentle. It takes *real* courage to sit, because you never know who you are going to meet on the cushion. Zazen with them was very helpful to preparing for the difficult climb Autumn Shessin. Seeing the members there is a very bright spot in my week that I really look forward to.

4. Sean, Carla and children who are very near and dear to my my family. Always present. Always funny. Always sincere. Good friends are very hard to find. The recent birth of their daughter has made for a very special Thanksgiving and addition for them.

5. My place of work and friends there. Each day, the activities the the staff engage in help to fulfill the first "Great Vow For All," However innumerable all beings are, I vow to help them all.

6. You, the people who come to visit. I appreciate and value the thoughts and feelings expressed within your comments and emails. I really hope that in some small way that I have managed to contribute something postive to your life. It's in that spirit and I continue with digitalZENDO as an important part of my Zen practice. I thank you for that, many times over.

This is certainly not an all inclusive list, but is a more a reflection of what I am noticing today. Maybe I just could have said, "I'm grateful to endless dimension universal life, for my very being," but that sounds a tad grandiose, coming from me.

Forever True Dharma Continue,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

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
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

Yes We Can - Make A Change

Given the tenor of our current politics, McCain's constant character assisination of Obama and now his (McCain's) VP pick, Debra got revved up, joined the Barack Obama campaign and even started a blog which you can read here.

I mention this here and it might not seem like something that a Zen Buddhist website should "stay away form," when in truth - social and political activism is something that we can and should embrace to encourage positive change. Zen isn't about leaving the world, it's about being fully engaged.

Deb's initial post about her father who is an Air Force veteran gives a clear example about what's wrong in the life of an everyday American and something we need to fix. Our country has become a dilapidated house. Let's get to work on it. Yes We Can, Yes We Can, Yes We Can. You just have to be able to have and act on Hope.

Namaste'

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

Visitor Note

The other day someone mentioned to me that they did a comment, but had to register as a google/gmail user. Maybe it's poor interface design or google's part, if you scroll down there are other options that do not require you to have a google account.

Thanks A Lot,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO