Bashō's supposed birthplace in Iga Province Bashō (1644 – 1694) was the most famous Japanese poet of the Edo period. Since the crescent moon,I have been waiting for tonight. By my new banana plantThe first sign of something I loathe--A miscanthus bud! Even a horseArrests my eyes--on thisSnowy morrow. Another year is goneA traveler's shade … Continue reading Haiku by Matsuo Basho
Author: Clare
Pure Land Practice
Notes from talk below: are out of the realm of samsara, like a purgatory. born instantaneously. lifts you up. consciousness out top of head. you develop rapid psychic powers. can help sentient beings. power of suchness. power of travel. remember all past lives and information. have celestial eye, and ears to hear cries and respond, … Continue reading Pure Land Practice
Pandiculation for Shoulder Tension
We MUST have relaxed muscles for the light to get in. If we have tension we are resisting the divine flow of energy into and through our body. All spiritual practices begin with relaxing muscles. Previously, I've posted my struggle with releasing tight shoulder/trapezius muscles related to decades of scoliosis abnormal posturing in my upper … Continue reading Pandiculation for Shoulder Tension
The 3 Refuges
In my tradition, the ceremony of the 3 refuges and the 5 precepts are done together in one ceremony. The Three Refuges In Buddhism, taking refuge has two meanings: to return and to rely. By taking the Three Refuges, we acknowledge that we have been deluded and erroneous in our ways; now we wish to … Continue reading The 3 Refuges
The 5 Precepts
The 5 Precepts are an important ceremony in the life of a Buddhist disciple. The precepts are regarded as means to building good character, or as an expression of such character. One can avoid harm to oneself and others. The precepts are gifts toward oneself and others. People who uphold them will be confident in … Continue reading The 5 Precepts
6 Paramitas: Guide to Living
The Six Paramitas are an important guide to living life, as a disciple of Buddhism. Here are some graphics to help understand them simply... These six paramitas are considered essential qualities to cultivate on one’s path to enlightenment, acting as a roadmap for a meaningful and purposeful life. Practitioners develop these virtues by consciously integrating … Continue reading 6 Paramitas: Guide to Living
Have a Positive Ripple Effect on this World
This is a great short video that demonstrates how life could be if each of us used every opportunity that we have to improve the world by coming to the assistance of those people around us. This exact video was shown to me in one of my Buddhism classes. I'm not sure how to un-embed … Continue reading Have a Positive Ripple Effect on this World
One Seeker's Story 