How We Represent Ourselves to Others

These beautiful necklaces were made from prayer beads. The focal point on one, the endless knot, represents the endless cycle of life while the lotus, on the other, represents the flowering of enlightenment. Tassels found on most Buddhist prayer beads are reminders of constant change within what appears to be changeless, the illusion of separateness, and the undivided unity of the eternal or divine.

What we choose to wear is an expression of our beliefs about who we are. It conveys a message to people around us. Sometimes it is very straight forward for example a T-Shirt slogan.  I saw a T-shirt the other day on a woman that read, "I'm a Bitch!"  Wow!  That was some message.  Something I see often in my neighborhood are the pants below the underwear.  I keep thinking that it is a fad that will pass away but the fad has lasted for at least a decade now.  The message... available for sex?

Our daily practice should not harm others and cultivate wholesomeness in ourselves.  In Buddhism, this practice extends to the most mundane exercises in our lives including how we dress and how we represent ourselves to others.  These ideas should motivate every thought and every action.

Peace!

Jogini a Symbol of Feminine Power

Jogini are the sacred feminine force made incarnate.

In Hindu and Tibetan Tantric mythology Jogini represent the triumph of the feminine over demons or over the heart and the mind.  Part of this concept is to have mastery over ones sexual desires and not to be an undisciplined emotional and hedonistic disaster.  Respect for the feminine spiritual teacher is a necessary part of every beings path to spiritual enlightenment.  Sadly, in modern times the term 'Jogini,' has become synonymous with young girls being forced into prostitution in India.  Sexual slavery is the antithesis of feminine power and of the enlightened mind.  I believe that as women become more respected and empowered, our global community will begin to heal and become more balanced.  When Buddhists pray for the enlightenment of all sentient beings, this development of moral reasoning is really what they are praying about.  As we become more aware, we naturally act on that awareness and create a better world for all of us to live in.

Long may the Jogini dance on the head of her demon foe!

Examine Your Beliefs

Thangka Shop, Kathmandu

After examination, believe what you yourself have tested and found to be reasonable, and conform your conduct thereto. ~Buddha

Thangka Shop, Kathmandu

Thangka Shop, Kathmandu

 

 Click on these and examine them deeply.

Art as Meditation and Worship

While wandering the top of Swayambhu, I became distracted by the consumables, tourist knick-knacks and material kitsch. Objects of desire are all around us, I surprise myself with how much I can want a beautiful statue of Buddha or his mother Mayadevi. (Click to look closer.)

Even the monks look a little distracted.

Lost in the meditation of Guru Rimpoche / Padmasambhava, he chisels.

The artist is only 18. His parents taught him the art of carving slate.
It is both prayer and livelihood.

The symbols are of energetic power, wisdom and compassion.

In the end, both Buddha and Mayadevi came home with me. Depicted here, the birth of Buddha.

The Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, sight seeing part three

There is a meditation in every moment.

Here are some focal points for today's meditation.

Buddhist Monks at Swayambhu.

The deer above the door are symbols of Buddha's first teaching

Stupa or Chorten at Swayambhu

Dipankar Buddha 7th Century, carved from a single stone

Protection and Charity

Ringing the Bell at Swayambhu.

Dragons are Symbols of Sacred Wisdom.

Stupa or Chorten, a holy reliquary.

Grooming

Offerings for Prayers

Ignorance into Mirror-Like Wisdom

A picture shows us part of the world that the photographer wants us to see. A story tells us what the writer wants us to know. A mirror reflects the truth, everything that there is, both good and bad. One of the teachings of Buddha, is that wisdom is the mirror. Wisdom is the answer to the poison of hatred and anger which stems from ignorance.

Below is a link that gives different perspectives on wisdom from several famous people. Please take a look.

http://www.wisdombook.org/