Meditation in Kutztown

Our next Meditation Sangha gathering is this coming Tuesday, May 31st at 7pm. (Alternating Tuesdays)

Open to all levels of experience. All ages. Bring a cushion or rolled up blanket to sit on. Chairs are provided for those who are unable to sit on floor.

This is a nondenominational, nonsectarian, inter-spiritual, intra-spiritual Meditation. We have been meeting for over 2 years now. We have a short discussion period followed by meditation.

Sanctuary Center Within; An Esoteric Journey to Self, Community of Spiritual Seekers Learning to Love Self Truly, Madly and Deeply. One Step at a Time Peeling Away the Layers to Deep Awakening.

$5 suggested donation

email MENDSoulArts @ gmail.com

Dharma Resources

Dharma Resources
* No sectarian preference.


www.BrightDawn.org

Brightdawnsangha.ning.com

BlogTalkRadio.com/BrightDawnSangha

Rissho Kosei Kai   www.rk-world.org

www.BuddhaNet.net

www.BDKAmerica.org

Eliminate Suffering

“Would you like to save the world from the degradation and destruction it seems destined for? 

Then step away from shallow mass movements and quietly go to work on your own self-awareness. 

If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. 

If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself.

Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.”

-Lao Tzu

Healing begins with Self. It is not always an easy process. To look in the mirror and love what one sees. To love unconditionally the person looking back at me. It is a daily process. 

Sometimes it is a moment by moment process. But when I am able to look into the mirror and say, "Hello, how are you? You are doing a wonderful job." It is a step in the right direction.

The more I am willing to look into the mirror and into my own eyes I am able to just be. When I am able to accept what I see looking back at me...accept the person with all of her foibles as well as her triumphs I am able to move on to greater growth.

There is no stagnation of spirit when you take time to look in the mirror at your reflection.

You must be willing to truly look as if looking at yourself with new eyes or other eyes.

There is no judgment. But there can be direction. You can see where you are heading and you can discern within yourself -- Is this who I want to be? Is this truly how I wish to express myself? Is this what I am to do?

You can attempt to honestly answer that question while expressing acceptance for just where you are.

There is no trying to change.

Once self-reflection truly begins then the journey of transformation begins.

Transformation. Awakening.

Self-reflection. Compassion for self and others. Compassion...the willingness to accept and love.

Discernment...the ability to know what you do and do not want. What is beneficial and what is not beneficial.

There is no judgment in compassion there is no judgment in discernment. It just is.

O Nembutsu -- Namo Amida Bu

Enjoy the melody while sing through the song.

O! Nembutsu!

(Sung to the melody of “Amazing Grace”)

[Traditional, Lyrics ©2003 by José M. Tirado]

O! Nembutsu!

The Name that calls

Wells up inside of me.

I call that Name

It calls me too,

Namo-Amida-Bu!

Unhindered Light...

Infinite Life...

Amida surrounds me.

This little self, 

This little me,

No greater Love than this.

How warm your Light

Bright´ning my heart,

How warm your Vow 

Of Life!

Your promise filled,

Yes, verily,

And taken just for me!

O Primal Vow

The First Promise,

Whose power takes me home!

To that Pure Land

From which I can

Be wakened and released.

Bright Light of Life

Of Purity,

Light shining on us all:

The young or old,

The rich or poor,

All taken, as we are....

O! Nembutsu!

The Name that calls

Wells up inside of me.

I call that Name

It calls me too,

Namo-Amida-Bu!

Please respect copyright. O! Nembutsu!

(Sung to the melody of “Amazing Grace”)

[Traditional, Lyrics ©2003 by José M. Tirado]

If you desire to contact author please use contact form to the right. Enjoy.

DHARMA TALK, NOV. 2013

Start Something New Moon

We are sliding into the Rosh Chodesh, Head of the Month or New Moon.

In many cultures the moon is considered the domain of Woman of Female. She is dark and passive and reflects the glory around her.

One of my favorite dark and cozy times of the month. Sitting in the lush lusciousness of dark darkness. Meditating, cultivating...resting before the start.

The new moon time is a wonderful time to symbolically and spiritually start fresh and anew in your life.

The new moon is a wonderful time to start new projects or resolve yourself to setting goals. It is also a wonderful to dedicate or re-dedicate yourself to your path.

We are multifaceted beings. Some say we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Whatever the case may be it does not really matter how you view it what is most important is that you have something to which you are passionately dedicated to. Having a passion, a vision or a goal is what keeps you living. Keeps you alive. Keeps you growing and expanding.

Find at least one task, orientation or goal you can dedicate yourself to and  initiate yourself into that path.

Here are a few ideas to help you along the way:

Compassionate living: dedicate yourself to bringing more compassion into your life for your sake and for others.

Meditation: dedicate yourself to setting aside at least 10 minutes a day to meditate.

Deep Breathing: dedicate yourself to taking time three times a day to stop and do deep diaphragmatic breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose to your stomach. Hold for 3 counts. Exhale slowly through your mouth.

Creativity: dedicate yourself to setting aside at least 20 to 30 minutes each to any creative endeavor whether it be drawing, writing or creating a new edible recipe.

Silence: dedicate yourself to sitting in silence....no phone, computer, radio, tv, or talking for at lest 15 minutes each day. A time where you are conscious of the fact that you are sitting in silence. The only sound is your beating heart and your breath.

Smile: dedicate yourself to smile to at least 3 people each day and add to that number yourself in the mirror. 

These are simple but profound goals that can help you to reach your center within. Pick one or come up with your own and try it out at least until the next full moon. See where you are then, see how you feel. And if you feel positive about what you started continue to the next New Moon. 

Happy New Moon!

NEW MOON DARKNESS Libra Moon

there is profound darkness all around us.

and she beckons us to welcome her embrace.

only in that darkness will you have the space to
realize and actualize your potential.

step into the darkness and allow it to birth your potential.

Happy New Moon!!!

tonight is the NEW MOON....ROSH CHODESH...allow the Universe to birth you anew...fresh...walk into the DARKNESS...the Dark Mother awaits you....infinite possibilities. Potential on the tip of a pen. Allow the energies of deep dark newness give rise to a new you.

what do you want? what do you need? is it in alignment with the ALL THAT IS?

where is your trust in LIFE? where is your COMPASSION? 

where is your desire to serve? GIVE THANKS. 

It is a new month. The first step in to the pool of welcoming love and grace, the first step on the rest of your journey.

How will you embrace the darkness?

AWAKE. AWAKE. AWAKE. the time is NOW!

Enjoy!

Everyday is a good day

Everyday is a good day!! So go build your castles anyway!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=483649748386483&set=a.241387745946019.60574.240973749320752&type=1&theater

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel

“The evolution of my life keeps me from saying I am this or that. My priest robe wraps around and embraces all the ways in which this life expresses itself. If it is the robe that you see, I bow to that. If it is the robe that you don’t see, I bow to that. Aché.”

- Zenju Earthlyn Manuel (click to visit her website)


 

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Cultivate Today

"Today I will help someone to establish the temple of devotion within his own soul so that God may dwell there forever as kindness and understanding. 

Every day I will endeavor to establish a new temple of Self‑ realization in the soil of new friendship." 

--Paramhansa Yogananda

 "Cultivate the consciousness that the Divine Spirit is your own Father and is the owner of the whole universe, along with all of its abundance. 

You, as His beloved child, have the absolute right to possess anything, even as He does. 

Never beg or pray for anything, but hold the thought that you have everything already, and that all you have to do is to seize it with the infinite, natural confidence of a child of God. 

Don’t be a beggar! Realize that you are the child of the Emperor of the Universe." 

--Paramhansa Yogananda

August Blue Moon 2013

Greetings Fellow Journeyers!

Today I posted a brief program on our BlogTalkRadio channel for our community Sanctuary Center Within. You may find that program and listen on the module on the right side.

In today's program I discussed the Full Moon that we are entering this month of August which is actually considered to be a Blue Moon. A Blue Moon is a rare occasion only happening when two full moons happen in one month.

We must remember that a month is not truly calculated by the current modern calculations. A true lunar month is within the 28 day lunar cycle one new moon to next.  Somehow, I am not an astronomer/astrologer, we have two full moons within this cycle for the Leo/Aquarius month.

The first Full Moon was on July 22nd and then the second Full Moon is today August 20th.

Please make use of the Full Moon energies that surround you. Coming into the fullness of you. Complete energy into what ever project or endeavor you have going on.

Emotional balance as the lunar energies return to normal.

If you are having difficulty feeling those balanced emotions there are techniques that can help to bring more emotional balance to your life.

Meditation is one such method. And of course Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing is another.

I also mentioned fasting from technology such as computers, cellphones, News media and even but especially social media. A six hour, 12 hour or 24 hour fast would be beneficial.

Getting out into nature is another way.

One item I so apologetically forgot to mention is the Kuan Yin Oracle pulled today.

#82 The Water Lily and The Fire

The scorching heat of a forest fire.

Through a happy chance, the lily survives the blaze.
It is not only spared from the flames,
but new leaves and tendrils sprout on each stem.

 FULL MOON: Yang in Action

Everything grows, matures and ripens, vigorous and effective. Unfold and complete your plans and watch them bear fruit. .....

What is this telling us?

We have reached this Blue Moon with a maturity and fullness in our plans. It is time to let go and watch our endeavors take form. Such as a parent lets go of her child and sees that child step into adulthood.  In my own life this applies as my eldest steps into his first year of college. My youngest steps into his first year of preschool and so on.

Where have you reached maturity in your life?  What trial or situation have you survived and grown?

Acknowledge that situation and give thanks for being delivered to the other side.

What project have you completed or are nearing completion?  When it is time you must step back and release.

You are renewed.

Keep Going!!

Brightest Blessings.

Smile

http://www.hdwallpapersplus.com/smile-pictures.html

Breathe. Breathe Deep and Smile. Maybe you do not feel like it but seriously a smile...a simple smile does so much to transform the direction of the moment. 

Give it a try. Just let go.

Beginning to Cultivate

"Ignorance and obscurity have accumulated in us, turning our minds into thousand year old toilets. The greed, hatred and ignorance in them are foul. Beginning to cultivate is like opening this toilet and exposing it to the sun and wind. At the start, it is foul, but eventually the smell will naturally disperse. Do not wish for the toilet to be clean at the very beginning."  Chan Master Sheng Yen

Want to be happy?

Let us examine some widespread beliefs, which many of us have accepted, that are first line barriers to emotional freedom.

Evaluate your stand on these.

Have you bought the idea that happiness and bliss are the ultimate goals of everyday life? If you have, you will continue seeking superficial pleasures, all short-lived and incomplete. 

I believe the soul's goal is to evolve to the highest level, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically-this requires the full development of one's mystical nature. 

Happiness and bliss should not be the goal.
These will come anyway as a result of successful evolution.

Valerie Hunt, Infinite Mind

Medicine Buddha Mantra

Amida Butsu & Bodhisattva

Below is from a couple of months ago as we were going through the book MAHAYANA BUDDHISM by Beatrice Suzuki wife of D.T. Suzuki.

This paper was written very informally (as all of mine usually are) and straight from deep heart felt sentiments.

The topic is AMIDA BUDDHA & BODHISATTVA

We all have the Bodhi seed within us. Each one of us is Buddha. Therefore I see Amida
Buddha as Me. I have within me the Eternal Light and Infinite Life. There is nothing outside
of myself to trust in. We are all ONE. 

I am a member of the Buddha family and because I AM  it is my duty to conquer sin (that
which keeps me separated from knowing who I am) and fear (as a mother I have all sorts of fears I am dealing with in learning to let go of my children and allow them to experience their being) and work for the good of others.   

When I work for the good of others I am less likely to dwell on the perception of my own so
called suffering. Keep my eye on the prize. The prize: Awakening. 

A few years ago I heard a friend say that he took the Boddhisattva vow to awaken and
dedicate his life to helping others awaken. He said that a Boddhisattva was one who would
forego breaking free from Samsara until every sentient being was awakened. 

I remember my immediate response to what he was saying was that of revulsion. I thought
to myself….there is NO way I want to stick around this place; I want to awaken and NOT
come back here never ever again. 

Well, to be honest there is a part of me that finds that appeal but on the other hand there is
a part of me that sees the benefit in helping others to awaken. We are all in this together
and that is a fact.  

When I was a young child my earliest memories of my thoughts are that I
felt that we were all connected. I knew that my family was my family but somehow I knew
that the so called strangers walking down the street were somehow connected to me as
well.  

So, defer to the Child Me and I think of the Bodhisattva vow as an ideal to put into
practice in my daily life. It is not just for the benefit of the world but also for my benefit as
well.  

We are all One. 

CAPPING PHRASE: Remember the Bodhisattva vows.
CODE PHRASE: We are in this together

Infinite

At the still point in the center of the circle one can see the Infinite in all things.

--Chuang Tsu

In Joy & Oneness of Peace.

Nirvana

NIRVANA
Mayahana Buddhism by Suzuki, B. L and D.T. Suzuki
July 29, 2012

Suzuki sensei writes: “NIRVANA is Samsara, and no more a transcendental entity to be sought after death or to be reached after crossing the stream of Samsara.”
“…the mind regains its original purity and grace and becomes altogether free from worries and other annoyances.”

Until we truly realize there is no birth, no death, no good, no bad…it all just is.


…it all JUST IS… Suchness?


Until we can truly be here now…be now without judgment or qualification we will not see that we are already here, Nirvana.


Nirvana is not outside of us. Nirvana is the center within.


Enlightenment or Nirvana is not a place we are going or a state we must attain, it is a state we must remember.


My goal, my job, my dharma is to awaken. I must awaken to the truth of who I truly am.


What comes to mind is the Hebrew term: Hineni which is HERE I AM.


CAPPING PHRASE: Around and round the merry-go-round.
CODE PHRASE: Here I am, awake!

What Does Shakyamuni Buddha Ask of Us

Shakyamuni Buddha does not ask people to never experience suffering, affliction or craving. 

He does ask us to open our eyes to the reality of Life, the world in which we live and all the ups and downs that we experience, realize the impermanence of it all and how it does not and should not define us or lead us emotionally. 

He asks that we open our eyes and rise above the seeming chaos, harness the energy to use it to truly live meaningful lives.


The cultivation of the path can lead us to perfect peace. 

Peace first with ourselves and then peace with others.
 
When we awaken to the truth, truly awaken to the truth of life we will no longer wallow in grief. 

And should we for a moment, wallow in grief, we will forgive ourselves and let it go.

When we awaken to the Truth of Life we will learn to accept and live Life as it truly is. We will then have arrived at perfect Peace.

We may still have disappointment. We may still have sadness. 

We will experience emotion and simple except it, learn from it and let it go. 

We are then no longer living from a foundation of reaction and thus no longer creating negative Karma.

That in my opinion is Enlightenment.

What Buddha Taught

The Buddha taught enlightenment. 

He did not teach that we will never be depressed. 

He taught us not to be defeated by it. 

He did not teach us how to avoid suffering. 

He taught us to meet affliction and lively nobly, so that suffering is not unnecessarily multiplied. 

There is suffering enough in the world. 

He did not put himself above us. 

He was a man who never claimed divinity. 

He showed a way to live with reality, with all its alternations and with all the emotions and internal changes that result from them, and to see that this is our path.

*David Brazier
The Feeling Buddha
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