Spiritual Story by Sandy Elstone
The Boy was unusual. He had always thought this, but he was only just beginning to figure out the hows and whys of it. He had always been sensitive. Even now, as he stared out to sea across the great sweep of the Bay, he felt that he had the answers to things that most boys didn’t even have questions for.
For example, this rock he was currently perched on - several million years old probably, a piece of solid granite. The rock had moved little, if at all, in the last several hundred thousand years. Maybe, the sea had nudged it slightly in a storm. Maybe, it had been worn away a bit. After all, some of the pebbles on this beach were undoubtedly its children - bits of it that had gone off to explore for themselves.
And yet, the boy sensed the life in this rock. Yes, it definitely felt alive to him - vibrant, teeming with swirling thoughts and observations and memories from millennia gone by. But, the rock itself continued sitting there, placidly, still, but somehow silently observing - all seeing and all knowing.
The boy began to feel that this rock knew pretty much everything there was to know about the moods of the sea. It had seen stormy nights, frozen seas, warm seas, waves crashing in, waves lapping out, full moons, new moons, and clear nights when bright stars shone down like you wouldn’t believe.
The boy sensed that through its stillness, the rock knew everything about this beach and the sea that today lapped in gently around the boy’s feet. But, much more than that - the rock really did know everything. It seemed to have all the secrets of the universe within it. A universe within a rock?
And the boy, by sitting on the rock, felt that he too could receive the answers to all the things that he wanted to know. Was the universe also within him? Yes, if the rock could obtain the answers, so could he. All he had to do was sit still, be silent and focus on himself, just like the rock. And so he knew that sooner or later he would indeed receive all the answers. Patience then was what was required..…and time.
So, the boy came back to the beach over many years as he grew older. He visited the rock as often as he could. He had no expectations about anything, he just enjoyed being alone with the rock. He continued to sit and listen to the sea and feel the rock beneath him and watch the waves lap at his feet.
Then, one day as he sat on the rock and stared out to sea, he began to relax, but at the same time, he felt heavier and heavier. He closed his eyes.
But, hang on, did he now feel heavy or light? There was a part of him that felt heavy - yes definitely, so, so heavy….his breathing slowed, the presence of the cool air itself surrounding him seemed to be his means of breathing.
He breathed out, he breathed in - shallower and shallower until his breath virtually stopped. He felt the weight of his body on the rock….or was it in the rock? Yes, he felt he was merging with the rock - going inside the rock, but at the same time another part of him continued to feel lighter and lighter. His arms tingled and then it seemed that his hands were floating upwards. Then this feeling spread…he was both entering deeper into the rock and floating upwards, both above himself and below himself at the same time.
“How could this be?”, he thought for a fleeting moment.
His eyes opened slightly and he caught a glimpse of the glowing white sea; not the grey, green sea he had seen earlier. But, the moment passed even before it was complete, and he relaxed again. His eyelids gently closed and his eyes themselves began to focus on a flickering white light that began to appear in front of him…it seemed to shine within him, like moonlight. But how could he see this light? His eyes were closed! But the light became brighter and brighter. It swirled and pulsated and moved around in front of him, now bright white, now a deep bright violet, now pure gold.
He felt like he was looking into another world - a world within himself? Yes, that was it, he was inside his own inner world. Exploring the universe within himself.
Then….Bang! Flash! Lightening bolt! Wallop! A voice!
“Hello boy!”
The boy jumped up, startled. Simultaneously, he was catapulted up out of the rock and back into his body and from above the part of him that was floating also entered his body again. He straightened and looked around him - no one there!
“Oh well, I’m imagining things”, he thought.
But, then again…
“It’s me!”
“It’s who? What is going on? Voices in my head?” He said out loud.
Who or what was he talking to? Was it the rock talking to him? No - impossible. But then he saw a seagull next to him, simply looking up at him serenely.
Then, the voice again, “It’s me! Sorry to startle you.”
“It’s who?”
“Me…the seagull! I am Natalie Seagull.”, came the reply.
He jumped high in the air and landed on the beach and turned around.
“Natalie Seagull? Seagulls don’t speak!”
“How do you know that? Ever spoken to a seagull before?”
“No!”, said the boy - incredulously.
“Then how do you know that seagulls don’t speak?”, said Natalie Seagull.
“Well, I don’t…um, uh…are you really talking to me?”, said the boy.
“What do you think?”
“Well, after what’s just happened, I wouldn’t be surprised if I am talking to a seagull!
“Is there something you want to tell me?” said the boy.
“Yes. I have a message for you.”
“So, what is it?”, said the boy.
“Well, you’ve always known that you are here for a reason. So, what you do now is you rest and you wait”
“For how long do I ....um, uh rest and.....uh...wait?”, he replied.
“For as long as it takes”.
“As long as it takes? How will I know what to do….when the time comes?”
“It is more a case of what you will ‘be’, what you will ‘become’. Then you will know what to do. In any case, it will be made known to you ….look out for the signs. Not only seagulls speak”.
“But what is my role in …..uh…..whatever it is?”
“You will be required to re-assure the people. Are you a leader? Can you do that?”
“Yes, I think I can. I can, but I’m a bit scared now”.
“Don’t be afraid - focus on love and the truth. These will set you free and guide you to be the best you can be, to do the best you can do and to bring out the best in others. You are a creator, as is everyone. You don’t understand the power of your own thoughts to create your reality. So, think positively and bring about the reality you want. No one is stuck in a hopeless situation created by distant forces. If you want change in your world, change your thoughts, change those external forces for the better, for those seemingly external forces, those immovable objects and events that are apparently out of control are the physical manifestation of your thoughts. They are your thoughts crystallised from the mind of God. For the entire universe is the mind of God and you are an essential part of that mind! Create a better reality! Even if only a few boys and girls like you begin to understand this, the world will be a much better place.”
“But how long will it take? It seems like an awfully difficult task to take on – to change an entire planet for the better.”
“The time is now approaching fast. More and more boys and girls like you are waking up and finding their higher purpose.”
“Thank-you! It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in this”.
“You are never alone my child - you know that. You are not alone. Never. Now, go and begin the first day of your new life as a teacher, as a messenger. Prepare yourself. Remember that you are a master. You will find the truth everywhere you look for it. By your presence alone, you will guide others towards the truth and they will find it because of you. You are welcome to talk to me any time you like, for I am here to offer advice and to guide you when you desire guidance. But, it is up to you whether you accept this mission or not – you have free will.”
Somehow, the boy understood all of this. He had been half expecting it….for a long time.
And with that, Natalie Seagull launched herself into the air, flapping her powerful wings as she rose up above the beach and then, catching a thermal, gracefully glided out to sea. She looked back at the boy, nodded her head slightly, extended her wings, swooped low over the white topped waves, then headed up into the sky, soaring ever higher and higher.
The boy followed her with his eyes as she became smaller – until she became just a luminescence speck of bright white light, making its inexorable progress out to sea and up into the sky.
The boy was transfixed. A warm expansive glow appeared to swell up in his chest. He had never felt such joy, such love, such peace before.
Natalie Seagull turned her head and looked back after a little while. He sensed her smiling back at him. Her face was quite the kindest he had ever seen. And at that moment, she became a brilliant, perfect white, radiant star. Rays of light burst outwards from her body in all directions as she soared upwards. On and on, higher and higher, whiter and whiter her body became, until, in an explosion of pure energy, she literally disappeared from view.
The boy looked up to the sky and raised his arms up in a gesture of thanks, as he looked towards the spot where the seagull had disappeared into eternity.
And then he lowered his gaze and looked out to sea. Everything was different. He saw everything differently.
He saw how the waves were talking to him. He saw how the wind that blew his hair was also telling him things. He saw the sun as a pure bright teacher, a perfect reflection of the perfect bright light within him - the very light of his spirit. He saw the ever-changing clouds as a metaphor for the ever-evolving nature of the human soul. Even the pebbles at his feet were infusing him with wisdom. Everywhere he sensed knowledge and wisdom, understanding, acceptance and truth. Everywhere he looked he saw it, but he knew that the greatest source of all these things was within himself. Within his own soul would he find his greatest strength, to become his true self. For he was the universe and the universe was within him. He knew he would now be free to do anything he wanted. He had a job to do. He was a messenger.
He walked across to the rock where had been sitting when he had met Natalie Seagull. He put his hand across his heart, closed his eyes and said a few words quietly, thanking her for the experience he had just had, for strengthening his own soul. He opened his eyes again, stretched out his arm and waved his hand gently over the rock and blessed that too.
The Boy thought of Natalie Seagull and smiled, turned around and looked out to sea one last time. He then left the rock and the beach and walked carefully, purposefully, like the master he would now become, into his new life.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Daily Wisdom - Reply to Sairen-bo
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, April 13, 2012:
Although I, Nichiren, am not a man of wisdom, the devil king of the sixth heaven has attempted to take possession of my body. But I have for some time been taking such great care that he now no longer comes near me. Therefore, because the power of the heavenly devil is ineffectual against me, he instead possesses the ruler and his high officials, or foolish priests such as Ryokan, and causes them to hate me.
Reply to Sairen-bo
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on April 13, 1272
Friday, April 13, 2012:
Although I, Nichiren, am not a man of wisdom, the devil king of the sixth heaven has attempted to take possession of my body. But I have for some time been taking such great care that he now no longer comes near me. Therefore, because the power of the heavenly devil is ineffectual against me, he instead possesses the ruler and his high officials, or foolish priests such as Ryokan, and causes them to hate me.
Reply to Sairen-bo
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on April 13, 1272
Daily Wisdom - Strong Faith
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, April 12, 2012:
I have found that even those who appear to believe just as the sutra teaches may not actually have strong faith at all, as you are already well aware. . . The fact that her prayers have gone unanswered is like a strong bow with a weak bowstring, or a fine sword in the hands of a coward. It is in no sense the fault of the Lotus Sutra.
The Royal Palace
Written to Shijo Kingo on April 12, 1275
Thursday, April 12, 2012:
I have found that even those who appear to believe just as the sutra teaches may not actually have strong faith at all, as you are already well aware. . . The fact that her prayers have gone unanswered is like a strong bow with a weak bowstring, or a fine sword in the hands of a coward. It is in no sense the fault of the Lotus Sutra.
The Royal Palace
Written to Shijo Kingo on April 12, 1275
Monday, January 30, 2012
Daily Wisdom - The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, April 11, 2012:
The Flower Garland and the other various sutras are like stars in this dark night, while the Lotus Sutra is like the moon. For those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra, but whose faith is not deep, it is as though a half moon were lighting the darkness. But for those who have profound faith, it is as though a full moon were illuminating the night.
The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Wednesday, April 11, 2012:
The Flower Garland and the other various sutras are like stars in this dark night, while the Lotus Sutra is like the moon. For those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra, but whose faith is not deep, it is as though a half moon were lighting the darkness. But for those who have profound faith, it is as though a full moon were illuminating the night.
The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Daily Wisdom - On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, April 10, 2012:
In describing the first, second, and third of the five stages of practice, the Buddha restricts those at these stages from practicing precepts and meditation, and places all emphasis upon the single factor of wisdom. And because our wisdom is inadequate, he teaches us to substitute faith for wisdom, making this single word "faith" the foundation.
On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice
Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277
Tuesday, April 10, 2012:
In describing the first, second, and third of the five stages of practice, the Buddha restricts those at these stages from practicing precepts and meditation, and places all emphasis upon the single factor of wisdom. And because our wisdom is inadequate, he teaches us to substitute faith for wisdom, making this single word "faith" the foundation.
On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice
Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277
The Boy Who Became An Eagle
Spiritual Story by Marki Parker
There was once a traveling circus: a line of colorful wagons drawn by stocky horses. There were trapeze artists and bareback riders, but the star of the show was the Eagle Boy. He had been stolen from his village when he was three years old and had been an eagle ever since. He was given a pair of wings made of wax and feathers, held together by a leather harness that looped around his body and attached with brass buckles. He had been taught to make a great show of his wings and leap from a tower over an abyss of fire to a platform on the other side.
Since it was impossible for a boy to leap that far, the audience was always on the edge of their seats. But at the last second a trained eagle always rescued him, grabbing the harness with his talons and circling dramatically as the crowd cheered, eventually delivering the boy to the platform unharmed. This went on for ten years as both the boy and the eagle grew older. But while the boy was growing taller and stronger with each passing year, the eagle was growing weaker with age.
One night the boy was asleep in his wagon. He dreamed, or was it a dream, that the eagle came to speak to him about important matters. He explained why his wagon had no bars like those of the other animals, which was something the boy had always wondered about. “The other animals hate men and would go back to their old ways if they could,” the eagle began. “The elephant and zebra would wander and graze. The lion and tiger would hunt. The bear would sleep. The monkey would steal. But I admire the ways of men. It is my destiny to be among them and teach them to fly.”
“I have loved the part I’ve played in our drama, and would go on doing it forever if I could. But every day I grow weaker and one day soon I won’t be able to bring you across the abyss of fire. Then I’ll let go of your harness and as I do, I’ll give you my power of flight. You will be transformed into an eagle, just as I was when I was a boy of 13. You will be able to save yourself and fly for many seasons. When you become old and weak, you must pass the gift on to someone else.”
“But what will become of you?” the boy asked, distressed, because he loved the eagle.
“I will dive to my death in the flames. In time you will do the same.”
“No, no!” the boy cried. “As soon as I am able to fly I will carry you with me to the other side. Even if you can’t fly you can still travel with us in your wagon, offer me advice and observe the people.”
“Who wants to be a walking eagle?” he asked. “After the glories of seeing the panorama of the earth, flying up to observe and coming back to report to the Ringmaster what’s around the bend. I have been respected here. I don’t think I could adjust to being carted around like a clown.”
The eagle paused for a moment as the boy began to cry, but he knew he must disclose the rest of his instructions. “These mysterious ways are both a blessing and a curse. Soon after I am gone, they will bring you a young boy and they will teach him to make a great show of his wings. You will play my part rescuing him at every performance, and take on other duties involving your ability to be a messenger between the Ringmaster and Heaven. In time this day will come for you too, but don’t be sad. My visit here has been a wonderful experience and I will never forget it. I know you will feel the same.”
“No,” the boy replied. “I’ll just fly away. If I’m not here they won’t steal another boy and this way of life will come to an end.”
“Is that what you really want?” asked the eagle. “Would you deny someone else the excitement of a life like yours? This boy they will steal… if you are gone he will live his life in the fields, plowing in the spring, harvesting in the fall. He will never learn to fly. And what of you? You can seek the company of eagles who did not start their lives as boys, but you will find them dull. You are not a child born of an egg, but you are a boy destined to become an eagle.”
When the boy woke the next morning, he went to the eagle’s wagon. But he was just perched on his branch, silent, tilting his head and furling his wings like an ordinary bird. Where was the magical creature of his dream? The boy tried to put the whole experience out of his mind, but a few weeks later, everything came to pass, just as the eagle had predicted.
The boy who was now an eagle sat in the wagon without any bars, but felt like a prisoner. He spread his wings and circled above the wagons and the bonfire in the middle of the camp. He knew that soon they would choose a boy for him to rescue, learn to love, and that he must begin a new life of great responsibility. Suddenly, he felt unequal to the task and began climbing into the night sky. When he finally looked back, the campfire shone like a star from the dark landscape of the countryside. He rested on a stiff current of cold air and tried to decide what to do.
Would he go back to the circus and fulfill his destiny, or make a run for the flames of the Sun?
There was once a traveling circus: a line of colorful wagons drawn by stocky horses. There were trapeze artists and bareback riders, but the star of the show was the Eagle Boy. He had been stolen from his village when he was three years old and had been an eagle ever since. He was given a pair of wings made of wax and feathers, held together by a leather harness that looped around his body and attached with brass buckles. He had been taught to make a great show of his wings and leap from a tower over an abyss of fire to a platform on the other side.
Since it was impossible for a boy to leap that far, the audience was always on the edge of their seats. But at the last second a trained eagle always rescued him, grabbing the harness with his talons and circling dramatically as the crowd cheered, eventually delivering the boy to the platform unharmed. This went on for ten years as both the boy and the eagle grew older. But while the boy was growing taller and stronger with each passing year, the eagle was growing weaker with age.
One night the boy was asleep in his wagon. He dreamed, or was it a dream, that the eagle came to speak to him about important matters. He explained why his wagon had no bars like those of the other animals, which was something the boy had always wondered about. “The other animals hate men and would go back to their old ways if they could,” the eagle began. “The elephant and zebra would wander and graze. The lion and tiger would hunt. The bear would sleep. The monkey would steal. But I admire the ways of men. It is my destiny to be among them and teach them to fly.”
“I have loved the part I’ve played in our drama, and would go on doing it forever if I could. But every day I grow weaker and one day soon I won’t be able to bring you across the abyss of fire. Then I’ll let go of your harness and as I do, I’ll give you my power of flight. You will be transformed into an eagle, just as I was when I was a boy of 13. You will be able to save yourself and fly for many seasons. When you become old and weak, you must pass the gift on to someone else.”
“But what will become of you?” the boy asked, distressed, because he loved the eagle.
“I will dive to my death in the flames. In time you will do the same.”
“No, no!” the boy cried. “As soon as I am able to fly I will carry you with me to the other side. Even if you can’t fly you can still travel with us in your wagon, offer me advice and observe the people.”
“Who wants to be a walking eagle?” he asked. “After the glories of seeing the panorama of the earth, flying up to observe and coming back to report to the Ringmaster what’s around the bend. I have been respected here. I don’t think I could adjust to being carted around like a clown.”
The eagle paused for a moment as the boy began to cry, but he knew he must disclose the rest of his instructions. “These mysterious ways are both a blessing and a curse. Soon after I am gone, they will bring you a young boy and they will teach him to make a great show of his wings. You will play my part rescuing him at every performance, and take on other duties involving your ability to be a messenger between the Ringmaster and Heaven. In time this day will come for you too, but don’t be sad. My visit here has been a wonderful experience and I will never forget it. I know you will feel the same.”
“No,” the boy replied. “I’ll just fly away. If I’m not here they won’t steal another boy and this way of life will come to an end.”
“Is that what you really want?” asked the eagle. “Would you deny someone else the excitement of a life like yours? This boy they will steal… if you are gone he will live his life in the fields, plowing in the spring, harvesting in the fall. He will never learn to fly. And what of you? You can seek the company of eagles who did not start their lives as boys, but you will find them dull. You are not a child born of an egg, but you are a boy destined to become an eagle.”
When the boy woke the next morning, he went to the eagle’s wagon. But he was just perched on his branch, silent, tilting his head and furling his wings like an ordinary bird. Where was the magical creature of his dream? The boy tried to put the whole experience out of his mind, but a few weeks later, everything came to pass, just as the eagle had predicted.
The boy who was now an eagle sat in the wagon without any bars, but felt like a prisoner. He spread his wings and circled above the wagons and the bonfire in the middle of the camp. He knew that soon they would choose a boy for him to rescue, learn to love, and that he must begin a new life of great responsibility. Suddenly, he felt unequal to the task and began climbing into the night sky. When he finally looked back, the campfire shone like a star from the dark landscape of the countryside. He rested on a stiff current of cold air and tried to decide what to do.
Would he go back to the circus and fulfill his destiny, or make a run for the flames of the Sun?
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Benefit of Another Perspective
Spiritual Story by Matthew Joyce
As soon as I sat in meditation I met my spirit guide Chien. “Come on, let’s go,” he said as if I’d arrived just in time.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“On an adventure” he called over his shoulder as he shot off into the blackness. “Follow me.”
So I did. I launched myself in the blackness right behind him. At first I traveled out of body in the astral form of my human body, but soon I let that go and continued on as a mere point of awareness racing through the void beside my friend.
As is normal, I felt myself moving swiftly, but without any lights in the void for visual reference I had no sense of speed. After a while tiny points of light winked amidst the inky blackness. At first they were distant as stars in the night time sky. But as we continued to gather speed they shifted into streaks of light blurring across the void. Faster and faster we moved until the streaks of light curved back upon themselves into a spiral.
We rode the swirling spiral of light like specks of consciousness caught in a whirlpool, going round and round until we were sucked in and down. Although I was without form I sensed a collapse or compression until my speck of awareness was indistinguishable from the light itself. Then just as all distinction and movement ceased, we burst forth into another world.
Formless we rocketed through the atmosphere of a distant planet. Pink light spread across the pre-sunrise sky catching on billowing clouds that drifted above a vast violet sea. In the distance I saw a dark streak low on the horizon and realized it was a shoreline. We flew toward it, dropping in altitude as we did so.
In the brightening light I glimpsed the froth and foam of waves breaking upon a sandy beach. Set back from the shore was a sprawling complex of buildings. Here and there lights punctuated the shadowed sprawl, hinting at the waking activities of those within.
As the first rays of the sun broke the horizon and raced across the sea behind us, we flew low over the beachfront complex. In the new found light, details of the multi-storied buildings began to emerge. They were flat-roofed and constructed of grey speckled stone similar to granite. But this was not the crude hand-hewn stonework of ancient times, nor even the finely mortared stonework of modern life on Earth. These buildings appeared to be made of massive stone blocks several stories high and as many wide. Oval-shaped windows and doors appeared to be carved directly from the three foot (1 meter) thick slabs of rock.
We stopped outside one of the windows on ground level. Inside an unseen light source illuminated a common room with a cooking and eating area. From beyond the table, a figure emerged from what I presumed to be bedroom. He crossed to the hearth and lifted a kettle. Steam rose as he poured something hot to drink. I wanted a closer look and moved toward the window.
“Stay invisible,” said Chien. “We’re not here to interact today.”
His voice stopped me where I was.
“Just watch,” he said.
With drink in hand, the man emerge from the front door and turned away from us, walking down a footpath. We followed behind him, drifting along as invisible observers. He walked purposefully yet unhurriedly as if he was sure of his destination and confident he had plenty of time to get there. As he walked, with his free hand he adjusted his clothing. He appeared to be wearing a tunic of white woven cloth, a narrow cord tied about his waist. Sandals adorned his feet.
His walk led us through well-tended gardens with lush, exotic foliage in a surprising palette of colors. Not your basic green leaves and bright flowers of Earth, but a riot of blue and purple fronds with coconut-sized red and orange fruits clustered along their scale-covered stems.
Before long he led us to another building. This one had a grand portico with wide doors propped open to catch the cool morning sea breeze. We followed him inside and found ourselves in a sunken amphitheater. Pockets of people sat here and there. More people were walking in from the far side.
While the other arrivals stopped a few rows down from the back, our man continued to descend toward the center. He nodded to those he passed but remained silent. In fact, everyone was silent as if in contemplative meditation. When he reached the front row he continued on, ascending the stairs that led up onto the central stage.
He stood silently for a time as more and more people entered the amphitheater. When the theater was about a third full he took a final sip of his beverage and set it aside. Then he turned to the audience and clasped his hands together. “I greet the Divine in you. I greet the God you are.” His voice was rich and sonorous, carrying easily to the far reaches of the room without any amplification.
“I greet the Divine in you. I greet the God you are,” came the chorused reply.
He smiled as the greeting was acknowledged. “I had a dream last night I want to share with you,” he began. “I dreamt of a man on another world. He too is a spiritual teacher, but unlike me he has the ability to visit worlds like ours at will. Whereas we use our dreams to free ourselves from this world, he can do so while he is awake. With the mere power of his awareness he can travel across the vastness of the universe and he teaches others on his world how to do this.”
Murmurs of interest arose from the audience. My interest arose as well when I realized he was talking about me.
“This world of his is very interesting,” he continued. “While the beings there seem to have abilities different than ours, they have limitations as well. As I observed him interacting with others I realized that in their waking lives the people on his planet are fully immersed in their individual perspectives. Whereas we always have a dual perspective of our current lifetime and our greater selves, the people there have little or no sense of who they truly there. They think they are only the individual being living in the current lifetime.”
More murmurs arose.
“This limited perspective causes all sorts of problems,” he said. “Having no sense of who or what they really are means the people there primarily focus on securing short-term advantage over each other and over the natural elements of their world. Locked into one perspective, they naturally think first of themselves and they often have a difficult time seeing from another point of view. While the more mature among them learn to do so, as a species their short-sightedness causes great strain on their sense of well-being, on their society and their world.
“With each person locked in his or her own viewpoint you can’t imagine the clashes of ideas they face. Arguments, violence, indifference and disease are rampant on their world. At first I was aghast that people could live that way. But the more I watched the more I came to realize that perhaps there was wisdom to their way of being after all. Here our omnipresent sense of connection means that we enjoy a great sense of harmony within ourselves, with each other, and with our world. But perhaps our comfort comes at a price.
“On their world they are unceasingly exposed to new and often conflicting ideas and they must deal with them on the spot and over time,” he continued. “Right or wrong, successful or unsuccessful doesn’t matter from our expanded perspective, but to them it matters greatly. They are fully invested in the moment and in the outcome. This wholehearted and single-minded commitment is a rigorous way of being and it isn’t for faint souls. But if the people I observed are any example, it may be worth it. Their way of life engenders rapid growth and makes them very strong beings.
“To grow they must learn to shift and expand their awareness. Mostly they do this in the physical realm, learning sympathy, empathy, compromise, and cooperation. But when they are ready, they begin to explore the nonphysical world as well. They look to people like the spiritual teacher to help them send their awareness into other times, places, and states of being. In doing so they begin to experience for themselves what we take for granted: That they are intimately interconnected with all things.
“It’s a different way of life to be sure, but it’s one we can learn from. We may prefer harmony to conflict, but sometimes it can be very helpful when someone provides you with a new perspective on things. It helps you to grow,” he said.
I agreed. Not only with his assessment of Earth, but also that we grow immensely when we gain the benefit of another perspective. Not just the perspectives of our neighbors, but the greater perspective of who we truly are beyond this individual lifetime. If you’re interested in learning how, let me know.
As soon as I sat in meditation I met my spirit guide Chien. “Come on, let’s go,” he said as if I’d arrived just in time.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“On an adventure” he called over his shoulder as he shot off into the blackness. “Follow me.”
So I did. I launched myself in the blackness right behind him. At first I traveled out of body in the astral form of my human body, but soon I let that go and continued on as a mere point of awareness racing through the void beside my friend.
As is normal, I felt myself moving swiftly, but without any lights in the void for visual reference I had no sense of speed. After a while tiny points of light winked amidst the inky blackness. At first they were distant as stars in the night time sky. But as we continued to gather speed they shifted into streaks of light blurring across the void. Faster and faster we moved until the streaks of light curved back upon themselves into a spiral.
We rode the swirling spiral of light like specks of consciousness caught in a whirlpool, going round and round until we were sucked in and down. Although I was without form I sensed a collapse or compression until my speck of awareness was indistinguishable from the light itself. Then just as all distinction and movement ceased, we burst forth into another world.
Formless we rocketed through the atmosphere of a distant planet. Pink light spread across the pre-sunrise sky catching on billowing clouds that drifted above a vast violet sea. In the distance I saw a dark streak low on the horizon and realized it was a shoreline. We flew toward it, dropping in altitude as we did so.
In the brightening light I glimpsed the froth and foam of waves breaking upon a sandy beach. Set back from the shore was a sprawling complex of buildings. Here and there lights punctuated the shadowed sprawl, hinting at the waking activities of those within.
As the first rays of the sun broke the horizon and raced across the sea behind us, we flew low over the beachfront complex. In the new found light, details of the multi-storied buildings began to emerge. They were flat-roofed and constructed of grey speckled stone similar to granite. But this was not the crude hand-hewn stonework of ancient times, nor even the finely mortared stonework of modern life on Earth. These buildings appeared to be made of massive stone blocks several stories high and as many wide. Oval-shaped windows and doors appeared to be carved directly from the three foot (1 meter) thick slabs of rock.
We stopped outside one of the windows on ground level. Inside an unseen light source illuminated a common room with a cooking and eating area. From beyond the table, a figure emerged from what I presumed to be bedroom. He crossed to the hearth and lifted a kettle. Steam rose as he poured something hot to drink. I wanted a closer look and moved toward the window.
“Stay invisible,” said Chien. “We’re not here to interact today.”
His voice stopped me where I was.
“Just watch,” he said.
With drink in hand, the man emerge from the front door and turned away from us, walking down a footpath. We followed behind him, drifting along as invisible observers. He walked purposefully yet unhurriedly as if he was sure of his destination and confident he had plenty of time to get there. As he walked, with his free hand he adjusted his clothing. He appeared to be wearing a tunic of white woven cloth, a narrow cord tied about his waist. Sandals adorned his feet.
His walk led us through well-tended gardens with lush, exotic foliage in a surprising palette of colors. Not your basic green leaves and bright flowers of Earth, but a riot of blue and purple fronds with coconut-sized red and orange fruits clustered along their scale-covered stems.
Before long he led us to another building. This one had a grand portico with wide doors propped open to catch the cool morning sea breeze. We followed him inside and found ourselves in a sunken amphitheater. Pockets of people sat here and there. More people were walking in from the far side.
While the other arrivals stopped a few rows down from the back, our man continued to descend toward the center. He nodded to those he passed but remained silent. In fact, everyone was silent as if in contemplative meditation. When he reached the front row he continued on, ascending the stairs that led up onto the central stage.
He stood silently for a time as more and more people entered the amphitheater. When the theater was about a third full he took a final sip of his beverage and set it aside. Then he turned to the audience and clasped his hands together. “I greet the Divine in you. I greet the God you are.” His voice was rich and sonorous, carrying easily to the far reaches of the room without any amplification.
“I greet the Divine in you. I greet the God you are,” came the chorused reply.
He smiled as the greeting was acknowledged. “I had a dream last night I want to share with you,” he began. “I dreamt of a man on another world. He too is a spiritual teacher, but unlike me he has the ability to visit worlds like ours at will. Whereas we use our dreams to free ourselves from this world, he can do so while he is awake. With the mere power of his awareness he can travel across the vastness of the universe and he teaches others on his world how to do this.”
Murmurs of interest arose from the audience. My interest arose as well when I realized he was talking about me.
“This world of his is very interesting,” he continued. “While the beings there seem to have abilities different than ours, they have limitations as well. As I observed him interacting with others I realized that in their waking lives the people on his planet are fully immersed in their individual perspectives. Whereas we always have a dual perspective of our current lifetime and our greater selves, the people there have little or no sense of who they truly there. They think they are only the individual being living in the current lifetime.”
More murmurs arose.
“This limited perspective causes all sorts of problems,” he said. “Having no sense of who or what they really are means the people there primarily focus on securing short-term advantage over each other and over the natural elements of their world. Locked into one perspective, they naturally think first of themselves and they often have a difficult time seeing from another point of view. While the more mature among them learn to do so, as a species their short-sightedness causes great strain on their sense of well-being, on their society and their world.
“With each person locked in his or her own viewpoint you can’t imagine the clashes of ideas they face. Arguments, violence, indifference and disease are rampant on their world. At first I was aghast that people could live that way. But the more I watched the more I came to realize that perhaps there was wisdom to their way of being after all. Here our omnipresent sense of connection means that we enjoy a great sense of harmony within ourselves, with each other, and with our world. But perhaps our comfort comes at a price.
“On their world they are unceasingly exposed to new and often conflicting ideas and they must deal with them on the spot and over time,” he continued. “Right or wrong, successful or unsuccessful doesn’t matter from our expanded perspective, but to them it matters greatly. They are fully invested in the moment and in the outcome. This wholehearted and single-minded commitment is a rigorous way of being and it isn’t for faint souls. But if the people I observed are any example, it may be worth it. Their way of life engenders rapid growth and makes them very strong beings.
“To grow they must learn to shift and expand their awareness. Mostly they do this in the physical realm, learning sympathy, empathy, compromise, and cooperation. But when they are ready, they begin to explore the nonphysical world as well. They look to people like the spiritual teacher to help them send their awareness into other times, places, and states of being. In doing so they begin to experience for themselves what we take for granted: That they are intimately interconnected with all things.
“It’s a different way of life to be sure, but it’s one we can learn from. We may prefer harmony to conflict, but sometimes it can be very helpful when someone provides you with a new perspective on things. It helps you to grow,” he said.
I agreed. Not only with his assessment of Earth, but also that we grow immensely when we gain the benefit of another perspective. Not just the perspectives of our neighbors, but the greater perspective of who we truly are beyond this individual lifetime. If you’re interested in learning how, let me know.
Daily Wisdom - The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, April 9, 2012:
And yet there is one river called the Sahaya that follows a course as straight as a taut rope, flowing directly into the western sea. A woman who has faith in the Lotus Sutra will be like this river, proceeding directly to the Pure Land in the west. Such is the virtue inherent in the single character myo.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; writen on January 6, 1266
Monday, April 9, 2012:
And yet there is one river called the Sahaya that follows a course as straight as a taut rope, flowing directly into the western sea. A woman who has faith in the Lotus Sutra will be like this river, proceeding directly to the Pure Land in the west. Such is the virtue inherent in the single character myo.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; writen on January 6, 1266
Daily Wisdom - Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, April 8, 2012:
Above all, both you and your husband are upholders of the Lotus Sutra. You will surely bear a jewel of a child who is going to inherit the seed for the propagation of the Lotus Sutra. I wholeheartedly congratulate you. The child is one who will inherit both your physical and spiritual aspects.
Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child
Written to Nichigen-nyo on May 7, 1271
Sunday, April 8, 2012:
Above all, both you and your husband are upholders of the Lotus Sutra. You will surely bear a jewel of a child who is going to inherit the seed for the propagation of the Lotus Sutra. I wholeheartedly congratulate you. The child is one who will inherit both your physical and spiritual aspects.
Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child
Written to Nichigen-nyo on May 7, 1271
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Beautiful Mountains Captivated Her
Spiritual Story by Alan Dolit
The beautiful mountains captivated her. When Marian saw them she was dumbfounded. How could this be. She had left home moments ago and went to the beach. She remembered running from the beach house she and Justin had rented for their honeymoon, along an isolated stretch on the southern California coastline. It hadn't taken very long for what she had anticipated to be Heaven turn into hell. They hadn't been in the cabin for very long. A piece of paper had fallen out of his pocket. She was about to give it back to him when she noticed a woman's name and phone number on it. She looked at him and by the expression on his face she knew right away this was trouble. She immediately developed a migraine headache. She remembered grabbing a book that was lying on the counter and running and running as far and fast as she could. She eventually became exhausted after about 20 minutes and literally fell onto the soft sand.
Justin had called to her to stop, but he didn't try to follow her. After laying there for several moments, Marian started reviewing the history of their relationship. They met a year previously. Not long after they met, she started getting migraine headaches. It's not that she didn't have them before, but the intensity and frequency increased during the past year. She was also aware that during the past year the thought of Mary Magdalene came to her mind often. In fact she thought that in a previous incarnation she may even have been her. Not that she necessarily believed in reincarnation or was religious in any sense. In fact, she very rarely even attended any church. After she recovered her breath, she looked at the book she grabbed. It was the bible. How funny. She started to laugh. It had been many years since she had read the bible. After a while she felt more relaxed and closed her eyes for a short nap.
Upon opening her eyes, the first thing she saw was mountains. Where could these large mountains possibly have come from. What is going on? They weren't there when she first lay down. Then she recalled that the last words she remembered reading were from Matthew with Jesus speaking the words: "For most assuredly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." She thought that this passage on faith was possibly the quintessential teaching of Jesus. But where was her faith now? As Marian was lying on the beach pondering her situation, she heard and saw a group of men about a hundred yards away coming towards her. They were wearing biblical type robes and had long black beards and looked just like characters from central casting. One even looked like Jesus. Now the penny dropped. Of course. They are making a movie about the life of Jesus, and the mountains are just a prop.
As they approached she waved to them but they seemed not to notice her. In fact they were animatedly engaged in conversation with each other, mostly with the Jesus character. They seemed to be speaking in a foreign language, and yet somehow she was able to understand what they were talking about. They were only a few feet from her and no one noticed her at all. In fact they walked through her as though she weren't there. She tried to touch one of them but it was as if he were made of air. She shouted and screamed to no avail. They continued walking down the beach. In her mind she thought she heard Jesus say: "Mary, follow me", but she really didn't believe it. Beside her name was Marian not Mary. After a moment when the procession was about 50 yards from where she was, she felt impelled to follow them.
Some how she had been transported back into history some two thousand years. But we'll let Marian continue in her own words: "This is unreal as though I slipped into the twilight zone. I'm either in a time warp or perhaps I've died. Or perhaps this is some sort of out of body experience. My senses all seem to be working. I don't know what is happening. I don't recognize anything. It reminds me of the Wizard of Oz movie in which Dorothy is transported via a tornado to some where over the rainbow. Only here nobody can sense my presence. I don't know what to make of any of this, but for now I'll just follow them. How utterly strange. I've never been very religious except for my early years when I was a teenager. I had given up my formal religious beliefs while still a teenager and now consider myself an agnostic, even though I sometimes believe in reincarnation. Oh well I'll just tag along and see what develops, since I don't know what else to do.
"They are going in to a building. I follow them in. They go up a long dark staircase. I feel frightened. I momentarily lose sight of them . The building is totally dark. I don't have any way to produce light, so I feel my way against the wall. As I ascend it seems to be getting lighter. I must be going into some sort of loft which has windows and skylights. I can hear voices. I reach the top of the staircase, and hear and see the men. They are sitting around a long table. I have a feeling that this is the Last Supper, only they are seated around the table and not all on one side of it as I've seen depicted in paintings. Most of them are in a somber mood. Only Jesus is in good spirits. The men sense that something serious is afoot and that they will never be together again. The men express their concerns to Jesus and he just waves his hands and says something like "Not to worry, God is in charge no matter what happens."
"Several women show up. They are from some sort of catering service, and pile many platters laden with food of all varieties on the table and leave. Jesus blesses the food and takes food from each dish. The other men follow suit. After Jesus tastes the first item he exclaims: " Wow Peter, you really ought to try this fish, it is delicious." He takes twelve different items and as he tastes each item he makes a similar comment to each disciple in turn. It is as though he is deliberately trying to lighten the mood as everyone is so upset. Judas is really the most upset, he won't even eat. Jesus says to him, "Judas eat something for Christ's sake. You'll need your strength for what you need to do". I think he is saying this remark tongue in cheek.
I note that as Jesus picks an item of food and addresses each person, he makes light of the item. Literally. Whatever he touches, light shines forth from it. I watch the disciples' countenance lighten up as Jesus does this. All except Judas. He keeps getting more and more uptight and finally blurts out : "Jesus, for God's sake, will you stop with the parlor games already? This is a very serious moment." Jesus laughs and throws a chicken leg at him. But before Judas can catch it, it turns into a live chicken and flies away. This is the last straw for Judas. He runs from the room. After everyone had eaten Jesus dismisses the remainder and says he needs to meditate for a while.
"After the last one leaves, Jesus looks directly at me and says: "Hello Mary, its been a long time. Thanks for coming." This totally frightens me. Jesus says: "Don't be afraid. I sent for you." There are no accidents. This is all carefully planned out. You may have noticed how I've been enjoying each item of food. Well why not. Its the last food I'll ever eat. We don't have much time so listen carefully. They'll be coming for me in a short while. It has to be this way. If I live to a ripe old age, my message of peace, love and joy and especially forgiveness, will be totally lost to antiquity. I have to have a dramatic show biz exit. You were correct about Mary Magdalene. You are her reincarnation. And guess what. Justin is Judas's reincarnation. You have never forgiven Judas for betraying me. That is why you are together now. You still haven't forgiven, that is why you still get migraine headaches. However now you have the opportunity to choose again. You know that forgiveness is the key to happiness and also good health. Don't jump to conclusions about Justin. Go back and listen to him. Trust and faith will settle every problem now.
One last thing Mary... Marian, Judas is only fulfilling his assigned role. The human condition will always need someone or something to project guilt on to. Either another person in the form of anger, or to our own body in the form of illness. The only solution to projection is forgiveness. I can hear them coming for me now. Smile Mary, you're on God's candid camera. I'll see you in your dreams. Listen to me. I will never leave you comfortless." I hear a commotion outside. There is Judas with a group of soldiers. "There he is" shouted Judas pointing at Jesus. He really does look like Justin, I notice. Judas says to Jesus in a softer voice "You're still here. I thought I wouldn't see you again"
"Then all of a sudden I am back on the beach. Every thing is back to normal. I see Justin running toward me. "You're still here. I thought I wouldn't see you again. Marian, I love you. I tried to tell you, but you had already gone. That woman is my cousin and she is bringing over a present to us. It was meant to be a surprise. There is no one else in my life. Truly." We embraced. At this point I felt I had truly forgiven Justin and Judas. After we returned to the cabin and were lying in bed that evening Justin said: "You know Marian, it was the strangest thing, I heard a voice telling me to wait about an hour and then go find you. The voice told me precisely where you would be lying and that all would be forgiven. It seemed that in fact I was being forgiven for something that had occurred a long time ago. Perhaps even in a different lifetime. I don't know why but I had the strangest sensation that it was Jesus who was directing me to find you". I smiled and decided not to say anything about the experience I had had. Right after I had forgiven Justin/Judas my migraines cleared up and haven't returned. Thank you Jesus."
The beautiful mountains captivated her. When Marian saw them she was dumbfounded. How could this be. She had left home moments ago and went to the beach. She remembered running from the beach house she and Justin had rented for their honeymoon, along an isolated stretch on the southern California coastline. It hadn't taken very long for what she had anticipated to be Heaven turn into hell. They hadn't been in the cabin for very long. A piece of paper had fallen out of his pocket. She was about to give it back to him when she noticed a woman's name and phone number on it. She looked at him and by the expression on his face she knew right away this was trouble. She immediately developed a migraine headache. She remembered grabbing a book that was lying on the counter and running and running as far and fast as she could. She eventually became exhausted after about 20 minutes and literally fell onto the soft sand.
Justin had called to her to stop, but he didn't try to follow her. After laying there for several moments, Marian started reviewing the history of their relationship. They met a year previously. Not long after they met, she started getting migraine headaches. It's not that she didn't have them before, but the intensity and frequency increased during the past year. She was also aware that during the past year the thought of Mary Magdalene came to her mind often. In fact she thought that in a previous incarnation she may even have been her. Not that she necessarily believed in reincarnation or was religious in any sense. In fact, she very rarely even attended any church. After she recovered her breath, she looked at the book she grabbed. It was the bible. How funny. She started to laugh. It had been many years since she had read the bible. After a while she felt more relaxed and closed her eyes for a short nap.
Upon opening her eyes, the first thing she saw was mountains. Where could these large mountains possibly have come from. What is going on? They weren't there when she first lay down. Then she recalled that the last words she remembered reading were from Matthew with Jesus speaking the words: "For most assuredly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." She thought that this passage on faith was possibly the quintessential teaching of Jesus. But where was her faith now? As Marian was lying on the beach pondering her situation, she heard and saw a group of men about a hundred yards away coming towards her. They were wearing biblical type robes and had long black beards and looked just like characters from central casting. One even looked like Jesus. Now the penny dropped. Of course. They are making a movie about the life of Jesus, and the mountains are just a prop.
As they approached she waved to them but they seemed not to notice her. In fact they were animatedly engaged in conversation with each other, mostly with the Jesus character. They seemed to be speaking in a foreign language, and yet somehow she was able to understand what they were talking about. They were only a few feet from her and no one noticed her at all. In fact they walked through her as though she weren't there. She tried to touch one of them but it was as if he were made of air. She shouted and screamed to no avail. They continued walking down the beach. In her mind she thought she heard Jesus say: "Mary, follow me", but she really didn't believe it. Beside her name was Marian not Mary. After a moment when the procession was about 50 yards from where she was, she felt impelled to follow them.
Some how she had been transported back into history some two thousand years. But we'll let Marian continue in her own words: "This is unreal as though I slipped into the twilight zone. I'm either in a time warp or perhaps I've died. Or perhaps this is some sort of out of body experience. My senses all seem to be working. I don't know what is happening. I don't recognize anything. It reminds me of the Wizard of Oz movie in which Dorothy is transported via a tornado to some where over the rainbow. Only here nobody can sense my presence. I don't know what to make of any of this, but for now I'll just follow them. How utterly strange. I've never been very religious except for my early years when I was a teenager. I had given up my formal religious beliefs while still a teenager and now consider myself an agnostic, even though I sometimes believe in reincarnation. Oh well I'll just tag along and see what develops, since I don't know what else to do.
"They are going in to a building. I follow them in. They go up a long dark staircase. I feel frightened. I momentarily lose sight of them . The building is totally dark. I don't have any way to produce light, so I feel my way against the wall. As I ascend it seems to be getting lighter. I must be going into some sort of loft which has windows and skylights. I can hear voices. I reach the top of the staircase, and hear and see the men. They are sitting around a long table. I have a feeling that this is the Last Supper, only they are seated around the table and not all on one side of it as I've seen depicted in paintings. Most of them are in a somber mood. Only Jesus is in good spirits. The men sense that something serious is afoot and that they will never be together again. The men express their concerns to Jesus and he just waves his hands and says something like "Not to worry, God is in charge no matter what happens."
"Several women show up. They are from some sort of catering service, and pile many platters laden with food of all varieties on the table and leave. Jesus blesses the food and takes food from each dish. The other men follow suit. After Jesus tastes the first item he exclaims: " Wow Peter, you really ought to try this fish, it is delicious." He takes twelve different items and as he tastes each item he makes a similar comment to each disciple in turn. It is as though he is deliberately trying to lighten the mood as everyone is so upset. Judas is really the most upset, he won't even eat. Jesus says to him, "Judas eat something for Christ's sake. You'll need your strength for what you need to do". I think he is saying this remark tongue in cheek.
I note that as Jesus picks an item of food and addresses each person, he makes light of the item. Literally. Whatever he touches, light shines forth from it. I watch the disciples' countenance lighten up as Jesus does this. All except Judas. He keeps getting more and more uptight and finally blurts out : "Jesus, for God's sake, will you stop with the parlor games already? This is a very serious moment." Jesus laughs and throws a chicken leg at him. But before Judas can catch it, it turns into a live chicken and flies away. This is the last straw for Judas. He runs from the room. After everyone had eaten Jesus dismisses the remainder and says he needs to meditate for a while.
"After the last one leaves, Jesus looks directly at me and says: "Hello Mary, its been a long time. Thanks for coming." This totally frightens me. Jesus says: "Don't be afraid. I sent for you." There are no accidents. This is all carefully planned out. You may have noticed how I've been enjoying each item of food. Well why not. Its the last food I'll ever eat. We don't have much time so listen carefully. They'll be coming for me in a short while. It has to be this way. If I live to a ripe old age, my message of peace, love and joy and especially forgiveness, will be totally lost to antiquity. I have to have a dramatic show biz exit. You were correct about Mary Magdalene. You are her reincarnation. And guess what. Justin is Judas's reincarnation. You have never forgiven Judas for betraying me. That is why you are together now. You still haven't forgiven, that is why you still get migraine headaches. However now you have the opportunity to choose again. You know that forgiveness is the key to happiness and also good health. Don't jump to conclusions about Justin. Go back and listen to him. Trust and faith will settle every problem now.
One last thing Mary... Marian, Judas is only fulfilling his assigned role. The human condition will always need someone or something to project guilt on to. Either another person in the form of anger, or to our own body in the form of illness. The only solution to projection is forgiveness. I can hear them coming for me now. Smile Mary, you're on God's candid camera. I'll see you in your dreams. Listen to me. I will never leave you comfortless." I hear a commotion outside. There is Judas with a group of soldiers. "There he is" shouted Judas pointing at Jesus. He really does look like Justin, I notice. Judas says to Jesus in a softer voice "You're still here. I thought I wouldn't see you again"
"Then all of a sudden I am back on the beach. Every thing is back to normal. I see Justin running toward me. "You're still here. I thought I wouldn't see you again. Marian, I love you. I tried to tell you, but you had already gone. That woman is my cousin and she is bringing over a present to us. It was meant to be a surprise. There is no one else in my life. Truly." We embraced. At this point I felt I had truly forgiven Justin and Judas. After we returned to the cabin and were lying in bed that evening Justin said: "You know Marian, it was the strangest thing, I heard a voice telling me to wait about an hour and then go find you. The voice told me precisely where you would be lying and that all would be forgiven. It seemed that in fact I was being forgiven for something that had occurred a long time ago. Perhaps even in a different lifetime. I don't know why but I had the strangest sensation that it was Jesus who was directing me to find you". I smiled and decided not to say anything about the experience I had had. Right after I had forgiven Justin/Judas my migraines cleared up and haven't returned. Thank you Jesus."
Daily Wisdom - The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, April 7, 2012:
If you try to treat someone's illness without knowing its cause, you will only make the person sicker than before.
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
Saturday, April 7, 2012:
If you try to treat someone's illness without knowing its cause, you will only make the person sicker than before.
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
Daily Wisdom - An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, April 6, 2012:
So if a woman makes offerings to the Lotus Sutra now in the last five-hundred-year period, [Bodhisattva Gladly Seen's] benefits will all be bequeathed to her without exception, just as a wealthy man transfers his entire fortune to his only son.
An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278
Friday, April 6, 2012:
So if a woman makes offerings to the Lotus Sutra now in the last five-hundred-year period, [Bodhisattva Gladly Seen's] benefits will all be bequeathed to her without exception, just as a wealthy man transfers his entire fortune to his only son.
An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Asylum
Spiritual Story by Kahlil Gibran
I was strolling in the gardens of an insane asylum when I met a young man who was reading a philosophy book. His behavior and his evident good health made him stand out from the other inmates.
I sat down beside him and asked:
"What are you doing here?"
He looked at me, surprised. But seeing that I was not one of the doctors, he replied:
"It's very simple. My father, a brilliant lawyer, wanted me to be like him.
"My uncle, who owns a large emporium, hoped I would follow his example.
"My mother wanted me to be the image of her beloved father.
"My sister always set her husband before me as an example of the successful man.
"My brother tried to train me up to be a fine athlete like himself.
"And the same thing happened at school, with the piano teacher and the English teacher – they were all convinced and determined that they were the best possible example to follow.
"None of them looked at me as one should look at a man, but as if they were looking in a mirror.
"So I decided to enter this asylum. At least here I can be myself."
I was strolling in the gardens of an insane asylum when I met a young man who was reading a philosophy book. His behavior and his evident good health made him stand out from the other inmates.
I sat down beside him and asked:
"What are you doing here?"
He looked at me, surprised. But seeing that I was not one of the doctors, he replied:
"It's very simple. My father, a brilliant lawyer, wanted me to be like him.
"My uncle, who owns a large emporium, hoped I would follow his example.
"My mother wanted me to be the image of her beloved father.
"My sister always set her husband before me as an example of the successful man.
"My brother tried to train me up to be a fine athlete like himself.
"And the same thing happened at school, with the piano teacher and the English teacher – they were all convinced and determined that they were the best possible example to follow.
"None of them looked at me as one should look at a man, but as if they were looking in a mirror.
"So I decided to enter this asylum. At least here I can be myself."
Daily Wisdom - The Rationale for Writing "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land"
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, April 5, 2012:
I, Nichiren, observing this state of affairs, proceeded to consult the great collection of Buddhist scriptures. There I discovered the reason why these prayers are without effect and on the contrary actually make the situation worse, along with passages of proof to support it. In the end I had no other recourse than to compile a work to present my findings, entitling it On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.. . . This I did solely that I might repay the debt of gratitude that I owe to my native land.
The Rationale for Writing "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land"
Written to Hogan on April 5, 1268
Thursday, April 5, 2012:
I, Nichiren, observing this state of affairs, proceeded to consult the great collection of Buddhist scriptures. There I discovered the reason why these prayers are without effect and on the contrary actually make the situation worse, along with passages of proof to support it. In the end I had no other recourse than to compile a work to present my findings, entitling it On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.. . . This I did solely that I might repay the debt of gratitude that I owe to my native land.
The Rationale for Writing "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land"
Written to Hogan on April 5, 1268
Daily Wisdom - Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, April 4, 2012:
Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions.
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo) on October 1, 1279
Wednesday, April 4, 2012:
Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions.
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo) on October 1, 1279
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Answer
Spiritual Story by Deepak Chopra
I heard the sea and asked,
"What language is that?"
The sea replied,
"The language of eternal questions."
I saw the sky and asked,
"What holds the answer?"
The sky replied,
"The language of eternal silence."
I heard the sea and asked,
"What language is that?"
The sea replied,
"The language of eternal questions."
I saw the sky and asked,
"What holds the answer?"
The sky replied,
"The language of eternal silence."
Daily Wisdom - Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, April 3, 2012:
If one doubts the strength of the Buddha when he says, "I am the only person who can rescue and protect others"; if one is suspicious of the rope held out by the Lotus Sutra when its teachings declare that one can "gain entrance though faith alone"; if one fails to chant the Mystic Law which guarantees that "such a person assuredly and without doubt [will attain the Buddha way]," then the Buddha's power cannot reach one, and it will be impossible to scale the embankment of enlightenment.
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
Tuesday, April 3, 2012:
If one doubts the strength of the Buddha when he says, "I am the only person who can rescue and protect others"; if one is suspicious of the rope held out by the Lotus Sutra when its teachings declare that one can "gain entrance though faith alone"; if one fails to chant the Mystic Law which guarantees that "such a person assuredly and without doubt [will attain the Buddha way]," then the Buddha's power cannot reach one, and it will be impossible to scale the embankment of enlightenment.
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
Daily Wisdom - On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, April 2, 2012:
Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the Mahayana. A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet.
On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
Monday, April 2, 2012:
Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the Mahayana. A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet.
On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
Daily Wisdom - The Teaching for the Latter Day
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, April 1, 2012:
This teaching was not propagated in the Former or Middle Day of the Law because the other sutras had not yet lost their power of benefit. Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, neither the Lotus Sutra nor the other sutras lead to enlightenment. Only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can do so. This is not my own judgment. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas of the ten directions, and the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth as numerous as the dust particles of a thousand worlds have so determined it.
The Teaching for the Latter Day
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278
Sunday, April 1, 2012:
This teaching was not propagated in the Former or Middle Day of the Law because the other sutras had not yet lost their power of benefit. Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, neither the Lotus Sutra nor the other sutras lead to enlightenment. Only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can do so. This is not my own judgment. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas of the ten directions, and the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth as numerous as the dust particles of a thousand worlds have so determined it.
The Teaching for the Latter Day
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Adopted Stranger In The Garden
Spiritual Story by S R Karthik
Once upon a time there was a man who had a big garden. He had planted many fruit trees and cared for them till they bear fruits. Now he wanted to pick up the fruits and sell them to make money for his family.
One fine day while picking fruits with his son, the man saw a stranger sitting on the branch of a tree and picking the fruits. This man became angry and shouted, "Hey you! What are you doing on my tree? Aren't you ashamed of stealing fruits in the day time?"
The stranger on the branch just looked at the gardener but didn't reply, and continued picking the fruits.
The gardener was very angry and shouted again, "For a whole year I have taken care of these trees, you have no right to take the fruits without my permission so come down at once!"
The stranger on the tree answered, "Why should I come down? This is the garden of God and I am the servant of God, so I have the right to pick these fruits and you should not interfere between the work of God and his servant."
The gardener was very surprised at this answer and thought of a plan. He called his son and said, "go bring a rope and get this man down from the tree."
His son brought the rope and the gardener ordered him to tie the stranger to the tree. The gardener then took a stick and started to beat the stranger. The stranger began to scream. "Why are you beating me? You have no right to do this."
The gardener paid no attention and continued beating him. The stranger screamed, "Don't you fear God, you are beating an innocent man?"
The gardener answered, "Why should I fear? This wood in my hand belongs to God and I am too the servant of God, so I have nothing to fear, and you shouldn't interfere with the work of God and his servant."
The stranger hesitated and then spoke, "Wait don't beat me, I am sorry for taking the fruits. This is your garden and I should seek your permission before taking the fruits. So, please forgive and set me free."
The gardener smiled and said, "Since you have now realized your mistake, I will forgive you but remember that God has given all his servants brain so every person's deeds are in his own hands."
Then the gardener untied him and let him go free.
Once upon a time there was a man who had a big garden. He had planted many fruit trees and cared for them till they bear fruits. Now he wanted to pick up the fruits and sell them to make money for his family.
One fine day while picking fruits with his son, the man saw a stranger sitting on the branch of a tree and picking the fruits. This man became angry and shouted, "Hey you! What are you doing on my tree? Aren't you ashamed of stealing fruits in the day time?"
The stranger on the branch just looked at the gardener but didn't reply, and continued picking the fruits.
The gardener was very angry and shouted again, "For a whole year I have taken care of these trees, you have no right to take the fruits without my permission so come down at once!"
The stranger on the tree answered, "Why should I come down? This is the garden of God and I am the servant of God, so I have the right to pick these fruits and you should not interfere between the work of God and his servant."
The gardener was very surprised at this answer and thought of a plan. He called his son and said, "go bring a rope and get this man down from the tree."
His son brought the rope and the gardener ordered him to tie the stranger to the tree. The gardener then took a stick and started to beat the stranger. The stranger began to scream. "Why are you beating me? You have no right to do this."
The gardener paid no attention and continued beating him. The stranger screamed, "Don't you fear God, you are beating an innocent man?"
The gardener answered, "Why should I fear? This wood in my hand belongs to God and I am too the servant of God, so I have nothing to fear, and you shouldn't interfere with the work of God and his servant."
The stranger hesitated and then spoke, "Wait don't beat me, I am sorry for taking the fruits. This is your garden and I should seek your permission before taking the fruits. So, please forgive and set me free."
The gardener smiled and said, "Since you have now realized your mistake, I will forgive you but remember that God has given all his servants brain so every person's deeds are in his own hands."
Then the gardener untied him and let him go free.
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