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August 2008 Blog Posts (6)

Getting Ready to Go To Amida France

Only a couple of more weeks until I go back to Amida France. This is a great place - nature's beauty abounds, inspiring even the most anti-religious cynic and skeptic to have doubts about the spiritual dimension in life. I've never spent time out there during the autumn nor winter but I have heard from others who have and I imagine the following:

I will stand amongst the tall grass and trees, hear the stags call out for their mates and watch the colours turn into warm earthly tones;… Continue

Added by Susthama on August 30, 2008 at 10:23 — 2 Comments

Wonder and Awe: The Pilot Light of Faith

This week I would like to say something about wonder. It is not an easy subject to write about since the whole nature of wonder seems to be that it takes one's breath away and with the breath go words also. The sense of awe is undoubtedly one foundation-stone of religion and one of the most precious gifts that I have received from my religious training is an appreciation of it and an enhanced capacity for it. That is certainly the gift (grace) that I would like to see bestowed on others.… Continue

Added by Dharmavidya on August 20, 2008 at 10:03 — 3 Comments

Going to Milton Keynes

Today a few of us from The Buddhist House will be going to the Peace Pagoda in Milton Keynes to commemorate the 1st anniversary of Venerable Handa's death. There is a new monk there - and all seems to be going well for them after the devastating loss of Ven. Handa.

Yesterday I spoke to our good friend Joan Court, aside from heart trouble she is doing as well as to be expected and is still active in providing advocacy to those less fortunate - mainly animals these days. The situation… Continue

Added by Susthama on August 17, 2008 at 7:39 — No Comments

Balanced Life

As I am currently here at the Amida France retreat centre, I am led to reflect upon the meaning of 'a balanced life'. Here we spend much of our time outdoors. Right now, however, I am inside writing this post. Keeping a balance between the physical and the mental aspects of life is healthy, but circumstances do not always make it as easy as they do here where, as today, I can have spent some time digging the garden, reading the sutras, eating a meal, attending a service, and working on the… Continue

Added by Dharmavidya on August 11, 2008 at 11:31 — 1 Comment

Love, Beauty & Practice

Recently we have had some discussions concerning the relationship of love, beauty and practice. On the one hand one might think of Buddhism as quite ascetic and vinaya monks are not supposed to go to shows or 'indulge' in art or entertainment. On the other hand, not all Buddhists are vinaya monks and the Pureland tradition derives more from the dedicated 'faith follower' than the hermit ascetic. Buddha Shakyamuni is depicted as enjoying beauty on certain occasions in the sutras and progress in… Continue

Added by Dharmavidya on August 4, 2008 at 15:08 — No Comments

Stories

I’ve been thinking about stories lately. Normally, I get caught up in my own story, actually to be more precise, I get caught up and carried away by the feelings that some of the scenes trigger. These days I seem to be moved by the stories of those I meet along this path.

I've met two people who have had experiences that I wouldn't wish upon anyone. The details of their stories, the characters involved have been incredible (so you know that they aren't made up) and the way they have… Continue

Added by Susthama on August 3, 2008 at 21:44 — No Comments