Reflections on a frosty morning

Reflections on a Frosty Morning.

A few weeks ago as I was walking to work early in the morning, it was crisp with the chill of a sharp ground frost. A feint red disc of a balloon shaped moon with a sharp, bright, pencil thin crescent shining in its lower waning quarter, hung suspended in a star filled, midnight blue sky that seemed to get paler as the minutes ticked.

Silhouette branches of leafless trees stood motionless in the stillness of the morning, each punctuated by the menacing black dots of rooks perched in the canopy like notes of music on an invisible stave. And as I walked I thought how beautiful this world of ours is and how small and insignificant we are and then as I walked pass the rubbish and abandoned or stolen bicycles, I thought of just how stupid, selfish, greedy and irresponsible we are as a species and how we need to look after this beautiful planet of ours.

Now look at the photograph. On the 14th February 1990. The spacecraft "Voyager 1" left our planetary neighborhood for the fringes of the solar system, engineers turned Voyager 1 around for one last look at its home planet and in doing so captured a portrait of our Planet, planet earth, a small pale blue dot just 0.12 pixels in size, caught in the centre of scattered light rays 6.4 billion kilometers (4 billion miles) away. And on seeing this photo the renowned astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist and astro biologist Carl Sagen wrote......

"Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. 

The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there......on a spec of dust suspended in a sunbeam.

The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.

Our posturing’s, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.

The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand".

Look again at this beautiful photo..... and now look at the world that surrounds you. Everything we see, everything we hear. Everything we smell, everything we touch, everything we taste. From the vastness of the cosmic dark and the pixel of our pale blue dot to the flap of a hummingbirds wing. From a baby's first cry, to a beautiful piano sonata. The smell of a rose, a lover’s caress, the taste of fresh spring water. All of this, a gift to treasure on this lonely planet as it journeys through space like a life raft, floating on the giant ocean that is our universe. We fight and bicker and cause wars. We chop down and destroy the diverse fabric of this beautiful planet like mad men picking away at the stitching of the life raft, unable to get off, unable to save our selves and “in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves”.

It need not be like that. We do not need to make big lifestyle changes to live in harmony with this beautiful planet that is our home. . Lau Tzu said “every journey start’s with one small step”. And the first step is to learn to stop and breathe and enjoy this present moment, acknowledging that our life is only as long as the gap between this heart beat and the next? We can learn to “bow” in gratitude to this present moment.

"Imagine for a moment that everything you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste is your very best friend. The spoon in your hand and the distant sound of traffic; the raindrops running down your back and the smell of dirty laundry; the blue sky and the flavor of cumin—these are not mere passing encounters with two-dimensional items. Instead, imagine for a moment that everything you are experiencing is your very, very best friend saying hello.

Such a hello is much more than just a passing handshake or kiss on the cheek. The sky’s blue hello invites us to discover something further, something vast and astounding. The smell of an ocean breeze invites us to explore further, to wonder and discover. The sights and sounds around us when fully acknowledged are quite an invitation indeed.

Now, imagine further that we accept our best friend’s invitation and say hello back. What would we say and how would we say it?

When we live a fearless life, we return such a gracious greeting by recognizing unmistakably that everything we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste is in fact quite literally our very best friend, and we accept all invitations extended by our very best friend with decorum and great respect: we “gently bow.”

On the one hand, bowing is a simple gesture, a human offering, where we extend heartfelt respect toward another. Standing up straight, looking directly at our world, fully appreciating the profound invitation, we acknowledge the remarkable timelessness of it all and we say hello by gently bowing. We actually bow by gently lowering our head in appreciation. This gentleness has no agenda other than to softly open and be fully awake to what is fully awake, completely available and exposed. 


Even small changes in our actions and perceptions can greatly enhance our spiritual growth. We can start by nourishing the seeds of acceptance, compassion, forgiveness and patience.

1.  Nourish the seeds of Acceptance

When we learn to accept ourselves as we are, we can begin to accept others without prejudice. The idea of acceptance starts from within, and can help us grow past viewing one another (and ourselves) in terms of gender, race, religion, and sexuality, and realize that underneath everything else, we are all humans.

2. Nourish the seeds of Compassion

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop)

Our personal happiness is directly related to our ability to show love to one another. Every action for another human being strengthens our own spirit, whether or not we realize it at the time.

3. Nourish the seed’s of Forgiveness

Holding on to anger is easy – any one of us can do that. What is much rarer and much nobler is to mindfully break the cycle of resentment, realizing that we too are human, and that we all make similar mistakes.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." (Gandhi)

4. Nourish the seed’s of Patience

As humans we often have a need for immediate control and absolute certainty. But if we can learn to surrender our individual sense of urgency and trust the process, then every dream of who we want to be and what we want to accomplish can become a reality.

By nourishing these “seeds” we grow nearer to a universal compassion, in everything that we do and become.

Develop the “pale blue dot survival strategy” of one action, one breath, one moment. How often do we find our selves deliberating that we never have time? So learn to do one thing at a time, and when you are doing it, do it slowly, do it deliberately and do it completely. Learn to do less and put space between things. Develop rituals, (think of the tea ceremony, when you drink your tea drink it mindfully). Designate time for certain things, such as devoting time to sitting, (Shikantaza meditation). Smile and serve others, there is much to be gained by serving others, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said “Benefit others, and if you can not benefit others do not harm them. Learn to make cleaning and cooking a form of meditation, (mindfulness meditation). Think only about what is necessary, and live simply and enjoy life.  

So I wish you all good health, love, peace and happiness through out 2016

With love and best wishes.

Leon

The Stillness Project.

References:

Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994

Fearless at Work: Timeless Teachings for Awakening Confidence, Resilience, and Creativity in the Face of Life’s Demands by Michael Carroll. 2012

http://www.mindfueldaily.com/livewell/4-practices-to-develop-the-heart#sthash.RWMGNUfi.dpuf

The Stillness Project 8 posture Yang Style Tai Chi

Pilgrimage To Koyasan

Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the spiritual home of the Shingon sect of orthodox esoteric Buddhism founded by Kōbō-Daishi (774-835). It is a beautiful documentary in English, I hope you like it.

Walking on Daisies

The Tai Chi Walk
When doing the "Tai Chi Walk", keep your arms loosely by your side, soften the knees and keep the weight low. Breathe out as you place the foot heel first, place the foot softly and gently, as though you are walking over a lawn full of daisies and not wanting to harm a single one. You should feel centred, grounded, light and spacious. control the breath as you walk, breathing out as you place the foot and in as you take the next step. Practice the Tai Chi Walk...... done correctly it is a walking meditation in its own right.  

Leon Edwards

© The Stillness Project

An update on Thay's health 06/04/2015

An Update on Thay’s Health: 6th April 2015

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Plum Village — 94 Comments ↓

Official Announcement

Plum Village, France
April 6, 2015

To all Plum Village Practice Centers,
To all Practice Centers and Sanghas World Wide,
To our Dear Beloved Friends,

We are happy to report that Thay’s health has continued to improve at the specialist stroke rehabilitation clinic in Bordeaux, where he has been steadily recovering his strength.

In the warm spring weather in the last few weeks, Thay has been able to enjoy going outside, sitting under a tree and listening to birdsong, drinking a cup of tea and enjoying the sound of the bell.

This week the medical team have given their approval for Thay to leave the rehabilitation clinic and return to his Hermitage at Plum Village. We are deeply grateful to the entire medical team at the University Hospital in Bordeaux for their professionalism and wholehearted care to support Thay’s healing over the past four and half months.

Thay expressed his clear wish to return home, and arrived on Friday April 3, in time to enjoy the beautiful magnolia blossoms and the first spring leaves as they unfurl. We are all very glad that Thay can come back to his spiritual home, where his devoted team of monastic attendants are continuing to support him and care for him 24 hours a day, under the guidance of visiting doctors and nurses.

We hope that in the nourishing and peaceful environment of Plum Village, and with the support of on-site physical therapy and speech therapy, Thay will have favourable conditions to treat his hemiparesis and make progress in swallowing and recovering his speech.

We would like to thank our global spiritual family for your loving energy and support. Thay’s journey of recovery will be long, and we thank you for continuing to send him your prayers and energy of compassion and healing.

It has been a pleasure to welcome so many of you at our monastic practice centers in America, Europe and Asia in the past few months as we walk, hand in hand, the beautiful path of awakening that Thay has opened up for us all.

With love and trust,

The Monks and Nuns of Plum Village

Future official reports on Thay’s recovery will be posted from time to time at plumvillage.org, langmai.org, villagedespruniers.org, and www.facebook.com/thichnhathanh.

Lament to a dead fox.

Buds on Sweet Chestnut trees,

Swollen, green and about

To open as winter turns into spring.

In the woods a fox died

Where it fell. We buried

Its decomposing body in a

Shallow grave with no ceremony.

Blackthorn petals fell like

Flakes of snow on its

Sun dappled lifeless body.

Blackbirds and robins sang

A requiem at the brake of day

To a woodpeckers rhythmic drumming.

At conception a clock ticks

But the alarms secret none shall know.

Twice, (and more), have I

Seen the year of the Water Snake and

Soon I will be like the Fox.

The blackthorn petals will

Continue to fall and the buds on

The trees swell, turn green and burst open.

Then with autumns color change, fall.

Nourishing the earth in the
Never ending cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

_______________________________________________

Thich Nhat Hanh on Embracing Reality: 
The Five Remembrances

When you deny the reality of life, you appreciate it less. Meditate on the Buddha’s Five Remembrances and rediscover the magic of life just as it is.

I am of the nature to grow old.
There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health.
There is no way to escape ill health.

I am of the nature to die.
There is no way to escape death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love
 are of the nature to change.

There is no way to escape
 being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings.
I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.

My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

Leon Edwards

© The Stillness Project

Celebrating "Setsubun" and "Risshun"

 China, Japan and South East Asia traditionally celebrated a 24 month Lunar/Solar calendar. This excellent article by Steve Renshaw and Saori Ihara explains the story behind the "Bean Throwing celebration".

Get Out Ogre! Come In Happiness!

Setsubun in Japan; A Lunar "New Years' Eve"

By Steve Renshaw and Saori Ihara

February, 2000

(Revised January 2015)

 February 3rd marks the date of Setsubun. Falling at the end of the period defined by the solar principal term Daikan (Severe Cold), Setsubun occurs one day before the sectional term Risshun (Spring Begins). The setsu of Setsubun (literally "sectional separation") originally referred to the eve of any of the 24 divisions of the solar year (see The Lunar Calendar in Japan for an explanation of these divisions). However, the Setsubun associated with "Spring Begins" gained significance as a symbol of Toshi Koshi (year passing) or Jyo Jitsu (accepting the old year) by marking the completion of the cycle of the 24 divisions of the solar year. Only this Setsubun is still marked on the official calendar. Setsubun achieved the status of an imperial event and further took on symbolic and ritual significance relative to its association with prospects for a "returning sun", associated climatic change, renewal of body and mind, expulsion of evil, symbolic rebirth, and preparation for the coming planting season. Customs surrounding this day apparently date as early as the Ming Dynasty in China, and in Japanese form, began to take shape in the Muromachi Era (1392-1573), that era of Japanese history in which the country saw little internal peace but in which such customs as tea ceremony and other genteel arts and practices so often associated with Japan developed.

Setsubun generally always precedes the lunar New Year, and in the ancient ideal was often actually referred to as New Year's Eve. In 2008, solar and lunar cycles coincided enough to make the ideal almost real in that February 4th marked Risshun (Spring Begins), and February 7th was the actual lunar New Year in both China and Japan. In 2015, Setsubun occurs about two weeks earlier than the lunar New Year (February 19th).

Setsubun has been celebrated in many ways, but perhaps the most common custom found throughout Japan is the traditional Mame Maki or the scattering/throwing of beans (mame) to chase away the evil oni (ogres, evil spirits, as depicted in the illustration which heads this article). In some ritual forms, the Toshi Otoko [literally "year man" but referring either to the "man of the house" or to men who are born in the animal sign of the coming year (sheep for the year 2015)] will throw mame within the house or at someone perhaps dressed as oni and repeat the saying Oni wa Soto; Fuku wa Uchi (Get out Ogre! Come in Happiness!). After the ritual throwing of the beans, family members may then pick up the number of beans corresponding to their age; eating these brings assurance of good fortune in the coming year. These days, of course, it is not uncommon to see children dressed in masks of oni, others madly throwing beans, and all gleefully shouting for evil to hit the road. Prominent temples in Japan may also find monks or celebrities showering large crowds of people with mame to ward off spirits and welcome the renewal of the coming New Year.

Depiction of an Edo Era celebration of Setsubun. The Toshi Otoko (left) throws beans about family members of the house to chase away evil. (From Sasama, 1995)

Several stories relate to the origin of throwing beans at Setsubun, but perhaps one of the most famous can be seen in a Kyougen (No Comedy) performed at Mibu Temple in Kyoto. Roughly translating (and perhaps with a bit of poetic license) the plot of this play goes something like this: One day an ogre disguised himself and came to the house of an old widow. He possessed a magic mallet, and with it, he fashioned a beautiful kimono. Temptation got the best of the old widow, and she succumbed to its beauty. She plotted to steal it away from the ogre by getting him drunk. Not satisfied with just the kimono, she thought she would get the magic mallet as well. Surprised by the abrasive greed of the old woman, the ogre revealed his true self. So scared, the old widow got hysterical and starting throwing the first thing handy, a bunch of beans she had on hand. They must have hurt, because the ogre fled the scene leaving the widow without her greedy desires but nonetheless wiser and healthier.

Other celebrations of Setsubun involve eating Nori Maki, a special sushi roll. Particularly in Western Japan, many may face a "lucky direction" (in geomantic form) and try to eat the entire sushi roll without saying a word. Those who are able to accomplish this feat (the roll is about 20 cm long) are promised luck with their business, longevity, and freedom from illness. In Osaka, where this tradition appears to have originated, some people say the practice started when a young Geisha ate the tasty delicacy in order to assure she would be with her favorite lover in the coming year. In some areas, the Nori Maki is made with a stuffing of seven colors which represent Shichi Fukujin (seven gods of happiness). These gods can be seen in the illustration of "happiness beans" below.

Fuku Mame (Happiness Beans) are sold at Setsubun. Beans such as these may chase many an ogre away. This particular brand also sports images of Shichi Fukujin (the Japanese seven gods of happiness) sailing merrily along.

On the night of Setsubun, many Japanese will decorate a holy tree in front of their houses with a head of a sardine, a clove of garlic, or an onion. Such talismans are designed to keep the oni away as the New Year approaches (though the neighbor's cat may not be so intimidated). Oni are said to be stung by the leaf of the holy tree (a vitalistic Shinto symbol in its own right) and thus keep their distance from the home for the coming year.

In more ancient times, with a Chinese based lunar calendar superimposed on indigenous ritual, the seasonal significance of Setsubun was more pronounced, incorporating traditional values of lineality, optimism, and vitality in ritual behavior and in ritual objects themselves. Beans, seeds, the source of life... rice rolled in seaweed, fruits of land and sea... all used to ward off coming evil and insure future productivity... objects whose ingestion assured vitality and purification. The centrality of this "last event of the year" and its implication for activities of a culture dependent upon an agrarian and marine base still hold at least symbolic significance for many in Japan.

These days, because of its solar orientation, Setsubun is one of the few festivals celebrated in Japan relative to actual astronomical reckoning, although most young Japanese have no idea that there is any incongruence throwing beans on a day occurring over a month past their memory of a Gregorian New Year. Of course, when a luni-solar calendar was in actual use, another source of confusion regarding Setsubun occurred. As mentioned in our article on The Lunar Calendar in Japan, years with leap months could contain 383-385 days. "Leap" years could thus often have 2 "Spring Begins", one at the beginning of the year and another at the end or 12th month. The confusion of having two "New Years' Eves" was eloquently described by famed poet Motokata Arihara in Kokinshu (see Watanabe, 1994), although our translation does not do justice to his dry wit:

Before the year is over

"Spring Begins" comes

The year is not over

It is still the year

Oni wa Soto! Fuku wa Uchi!

REFERENCES

Campbell, A., D.S. Noble, et al (1993) Japan; An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.

Nojiri, H. (1992) Hoshi Sanbyaku Rokujyu Go Ya (365 Starry Nights). Tokyo: Kouseisha Kouseikaku.

Okada, Y. and S. Akune (1993) Gendai Koyomi Yomikaki Jiten (Modern Calendar Dictionary). Tokyo: Kashiwa Shoubou.

Sasama, Y. (1995) Fukugen; Edo Seikatsu Zuroku (Restorations; Picture Book of Edo Era Life). Tokyo: Kashiwa Shobou.

Sasama, Y. (1992) Shiryou; Nihon Rekishi Zuroku (References; Japanese Historical Illustrations). Tokyo: Kashiwa Shobou.

Shinmura, I. ed. (1994) Koujien (Japanese Etymological Dictionary). Tokyo: Iwanami Shoten.

Watanabe, T. (1994) Koyomi Nyumon; Koyomi no Subete (Introduction to the Calendar; All about the Calendar). Tokyo, Yuzankaku.

Please send comments to

Steven L. Renshaw

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