Mindfully Gay

Home

2012-01-29T20:12:00.000-05:00

But do not ask me where I am going,
As I travel in this limitless world,
Where every step I take is my home.

---Dōgen---

The Imitation of Christ

2012-01-29T20:01:00.000-05:00

All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it.

---Thomas Kempis---

Rick Mora

2012-01-29T19:57:00.002-05:00

Peace

2012-01-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.

---Albert Einstein---

Red Bull

2012-01-29T12:41:00.004-05:00

Bull Calf

2012-01-29T12:41:00.001-05:00

A Handsome Face

2012-01-29T12:39:00.002-05:00

Emptiness

2012-01-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

Emptiness is a key concept in Mahayana Buddhist philosophy.

The Buddhist notion of Emptiness is often misunderstood as nihilism. Unfortunately, 19th century Western philosophy has contributed much to this misconstruction. Fortunately, Western scholars have now acquired enough knowledge about Buddhism to realise that this view is far from accurate.

The only thing that nihilism and the Teaching of Emptiness can be said to have in common is a sceptical outset. While nihilism concludes that reality is unknowable, that nothing exists, that nothing meaningful can be communicated about the world, the Buddhist notion of Emptiness arrives at just the opposite, namely that ultimate reality is knowable, that there is a clear-cut ontological basis for phenomena, and that we can communicate and derive useful knowledge from it about the world.
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Emptiness must not be confused with nothingness. Emptiness is not non-existence and it is not non-reality.

Empty means a thing is devoid of inherent existence.

Jean Tierney

2012-01-29T12:20:00.002-05:00

Science and Faith

2012-01-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

I Do Not Act From Bribe or Threat

2012-01-29T12:09:00.000-05:00

A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeeded be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

---Albert Einstein---

Chinese Proverb

2012-01-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever.

The Imitation of Christ

2012-01-29T11:50:00.001-05:00

Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.

---Thomas à Kempis---

The Boys

2012-01-29T11:43:00.002-05:00

Zen

2012-01-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

Learning Zen is a phenomenon of gold and dung. Before you understand it, it's like gold; after you understand it, it's like dung.

---Zen Proverb---

Debate

2012-01-29T08:23:00.000-05:00

Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.

---Thomas Paine---

Diego Luna

2012-01-29T08:17:00.002-05:00

This Is Because That is

2012-01-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

Have you stopped to consider how the world is made up? The Buddha teaches us that all phenomena are the results of a series of causes and conditions. He teaches that “this is because that is”.

But, what about when there is no this or that? Where are we when we are left with just a “this”? If we plumb the depths of the Buddha’s teaching we discover that the same law applies.

In Buddhism we call this the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. The last two words make the law clear: all things originate and are because certain causes and conditions come together to give rise to a particular phenomenon. You are a phenomenon. You only exist because a sperm and egg came together. They are the causes of your existence.

You did not come into being on your own. Nothing does. Behind all phenomena there are similar causes and conditions.

On a more fundamental level, one can say that there are just atoms and space. Atoms come together to create all sorts of things from plants and animals to the stars. In this sense we are not different than the stars.

It’s an interesting thing to ponder don’t you think. Hold that idea for awhile: you are no different than a star. Observe what comes up for you and how it informs how you view yourself and others.

---Deokwun Sunim, Abbot of the Grand Rapids' Zen Temple---

Resting From the Moon

2012-01-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

Clouds come from time to time -
and bring to men a chance to rest
from looking at the moon.

---Matsuo Basho---

Rick Mora

2012-01-28T14:27:00.002-05:00

Spanish-Moss

2012-01-28T14:23:00.000-05:00

Spanish-moss, also called Florida moss, long moss, or graybeard, is not a true moss. It is an epiphytic plant, which grows on another plant, but does not rely on the host plant for nutrients; epiphytes make their own food.

Spanish-moss does not have any roots. It uses its long, thin, scaly stems to wrap around the host tree and hang down from the branches. The leaves are covered with cup-like, permeable scales that 'catch' moisture and nutrients from the air and from pockets on the surface of the host. This water-trapping ability allows Spanish-moss to withstand long dry periods. In extreme dry spells, the plant becomes dormant until moisture returns.

While the plant is not parasitic, it can sometimes damage the host tree by over-shading the leaves, thus reducing photosynthesis, or by weighing down and breaking the branches.

The plants have very tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind and birds. Birds may also carry off small fragments that easily reproduce new plants.

Spanish-moss was harvested for years as a stuffing material in automobile seats, furniture, and mattresses. The moss-stuffed mattresses were said to be cooler and more comfortable due to the natural insulating properties of the plant. This was especially important in pre-air-conditioning days. Moss pickers were hired and used long poles to pull the stringy masses off the trees. The plants were then dried and cured before being used.

Today, the stems are used occasionally in upholstery and as a packing material. Spanish-moss is a popular mulch and is widely used in the floral industry. Many floral arrangements use Spanish moss around the plant base to hold in moisture. It is also seen in certain types of Cajun architecture as insulation and it is sometimes draped along fences or wires to provide privacy screening in backyards.

Several species of songbirds use the plant material for nest building or weave their nests in the moss clumps. Warblers are especially fond of these sites, as are bats. Many reptiles and amphibians hide inside the thick masses. Redbugs, or chiggers, are also common residents in Spanish-moss on the ground and may cause an unpleasant, itching rash on the skin if the plants are handled.

Spanish-moss is limited to Central and South America and the southeastern United States, from Florida to Texas.

The Journey

2012-01-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.

---Matsuo Basho---

Seeking Wisdom

2012-01-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.

---Matsuo Basho---

All That I Own

2012-01-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

My actions are my only true belongings.

---Thich Nhat Hanh---

Great Wisdom

2012-01-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

No matter where you go or what you do, you live your entire life within the confines of your head.

---Terry Josephson---

Student and Master

2012-01-28T11:01:00.001-05:00

The 2nd Chinese Ch'an Patriarch Huike stands in the snow behind Bodhidharma

in the cave at Shaolin Temple, Henan, China, c. 530 CE.

When the student is ready, the master appears.

---Zen Proverb---

Shy Eyes

2012-01-28T10:51:00.004-05:00

Bright Eyes

2012-01-28T10:51:00.002-05:00

Sweet Eyes

2012-01-28T10:50:00.002-05:00

The Prajnaparamita Mantra

2012-01-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha.

This mantra may be translated as, "Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone beyond the beyond, wisdom (or awakening), amen (hallelujah, at last)."

The Beat poet and Zen Priest Philip Whalen suggested, "Gone, gone, really gone, into the cool, oh, Mama.

I Woke Up To Beautiful White

2012-01-28T10:40:00.002-05:00

I Woke Up To Beautiful White - The Back Yard (Back Garden)

2012-01-28T10:19:00.000-05:00

Where Are You Going?

2012-01-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

Alice came to a fork in the road. "Which road do I take?" she asked.

"Where do you want to go?" responded the Cheshire cat.

"I don't know," Alice answered.

"Then," said the cat, "it doesn't matter."

---Lewis Carroll...Alice in Wonderland---

Growing in Wisdom

2012-01-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth.

---Karl Ludwig Börne---

Mexican Butter Bean Soup

2012-01-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

2 cups (453 grams) of chopped onions
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of ground coriander (the seeds of the cilantro)
1 tablespoon of ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon, or to taste, of cayenne
1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced small
3 cups (710 milliliters) of vegetable broth
2 cups (850 grams) of cooked butter beans
2 cups (850 grams) of fresh or undrained canned tomatoes, chopped
1 cup (425 grams) of fresh sweet corn (maize) kernels
4 ounces (113 grams) of Neufchatel or cream cheese, cut into small chunks
½ cup (57 grams) of grated Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup (56 grams) of chopped fresh cilantro
Sea or kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Sliced black olives for garnish

In a covered soup pot on medium heat, sauté the onions and the garlic in the oil, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft, about 15 minutes.

Stir in the coriander, the cumin, the cayenne, and the thyme. Add the bell peppers, stir, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Combine 1/3 of the broth and ½ of the butter beans in a blender and puree until smooth.

Add the puree to the soup pot with the remaining broth. Stir the mixture well so no spices are left sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add the tomatoes and the remaining butter beans, and the corn. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, and cover for 3 minutes.

Add both cheeses, stir frequently, until the cheese is melted.

Stir in the cilantro and season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Served with the garnishes on the side.

Freedom

2012-01-27T19:27:00.000-05:00

If you think you're free, there's no escape possible.

---Ram Dass---

Seekers of Truth

2012-01-27T19:18:00.001-05:00

Silence III by Foart

Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.

---Andre Gide---

The Way

2012-01-27T18:33:00.002-05:00

The painting is "Small Path' by Leonid Afremov
.

The real way is not difficult.
It only abhors choice and attachment.

---Zhàozhōu Cōngshěn---

A Quiet Moment

2012-01-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

Three Treasures

2012-01-27T18:18:00.000-05:00

I have three treasures that I cherish and hold fast.
The first is gentleness,
the second is simplicity,
the third is daring not to be first
among all things under heaven.

---Lao Tzu---

Artichoke

2012-01-27T18:10:00.001-05:00

The artichoke is also know as artischocke, alcachofa, artichaut, carciofo, alcachofra, edible thistle thorny artichokes, l’artichauts épineux, épines, and carciofi.

As one of the world's oldest known foods, the artichoke enjoys a rich heritage. The delicious bud holds a special place in our history.

First cultivated for food in the Mediterranean basin thousands of years ago, they remain a popular favorite throughout that part of Earth to this day. The temperate Mediterranean climate is ideal for this hardy thistle. Italian, Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines have inspired many classic artichoke dishes.

Artichokes traveled with Italian immigrants to the northern California coast during the late 1800s. Relatively mild, usually frost-free winters and cool, foggy summers proved to be perfect growing conditions.

Today virtually one hundred percent of the United States' supply of artichokes comes are grown in California.

Whenever we eat an artichoke, we are actually eating a flower bud.

As a perennial in the thistle group of the Sunflower Family, the artichoke bud, if allowed to blossom, would measure up to seven inches (almost eighteen centimeters) in diameter. The flower is a beautiful purple-violet color with an aroma similar to the lilac.

In full growth the artichoke plant spreads to cover an area of perhaps six feet (1.8 meters) in diameter. The plant will reach a height of three to four feet (1 to 1.2 meters).

Artichokes are usually steamed, sometimes boiled. They may also be roasted, baked, or grilled. Artichokes are often stuffed.
To eat the cooked artichoke start by pulling off one of the outermost petals. Dip the base of the petal into your favorite sauce. Many people prefer melted butter, sometime with lemon and black pepper. Mayonnaise is a popular dip. There is in reality no limit to the types of dips or sauces that can be used.

Pull the petal through your slightly clenched teeth to remove the soft, tender flesh at the bottom of the petal. Discard remainder (you'll want to have an empty bowl ready in which to drop them).

Continue until all petals have been removed. You will now have arrived at one of the great culinary rewards: the Heart. If the fuzzy choke guarding the Heart hasn’t been removed, scoop it out with a spoon.

Cut the remaining Artichoke Heart into bite-sized pieces, dip and enjoy

Etta James - The Very Thought of You

2012-01-27T15:45:00.001-05:00

Etta James

2012-01-27T15:44:00.001-05:00

January 25, 1938 - January 20, 2012

The Little Things

2012-01-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

It isn't the mountains ahead that wear you out, it's the grain of sand in your shoe.

---A Chinese Proverb---

Parsnip-Pear Soup

2012-01-27T10:55:00.000-05:00

2 teaspoons of a lightly flavored vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (340 grams) of chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (340 grams) of chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups (340 grams) of peeled and chopped parsnips
1 1/2 cups (340 grams) of peeled, cored, and chopped pears (Bosc pears work best)
1 teaspoon of sea or kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons of brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
4 1/2 cups (1.06 liters) of water

In a soup pot, warm the oil. Add the onions, the carrots, the parsnips, the pears, and the salt and saute on medium heat for perhaps 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Add the brown sugar, the cinnamon, the allspice, and the water. Cover and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

In batches, blend the soup to a smooth puree.

Reheat and serve.

Anger

2012-01-26T22:35:00.000-05:00

Whenever anger comes up, take out a mirror and look at yourself. When you are angry, you are not very beautiful.

---Thich Nhat Hanh---

Desire and God

2012-01-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

Worshipping God for the sake of a desired object is worshipping that desired object alone.

---Ramana Maharshi---

Sunny Southern California

2012-01-26T21:55:00.002-05:00

Lonely Adam

2012-01-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

In the beginning,
Eden was bliss,
But lonely was Adam
with no one to kiss.

"O God," cried Adam,
"I long for a Steve."
But God misheard
and came up with Eve.

---Walter Cooper---

All is Possible

2012-01-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

Because you are alive, everything is possible.

---Thich Nhat Hanh---

Proud Tel Aviv

2012-01-26T13:53:00.000-05:00

Pythagoras on Vegetarianism

2012-01-26T11:42:00.001-05:00

As long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seeds of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love.

---Pythagoras---

A Child of Three

2012-01-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

The poet Haku Rakuten of the T’ang dynasty once asked Master Dorin of Choka, “Just what is the major intention of the Buddha Dharma?”

Master Dorin replied, “Refrain from all evil whatsoever; uphold and practice all that is good.”

Rakuten remarked, “If that’s all there is to it, even a child of three knows how to say that!”

Master Dorin replied, “Though a three-year-old child can say it, there are old men in their eighties who still cannot put it into practice.”

Upon hearing the matter put this way, Rakuten then bowed in gratitude.

Rough, Shy, Sweet, Beautiful

2012-01-26T11:26:00.002-05:00

A Student Questions Bodhidharma

2012-01-26T11:24:00.000-05:00

Student: If someone is determined to reach enlightenment, what is the most essential method he can practice?

Bodhidharma: The most essential method, which includes all other methods, is beholding the mind.

Student: But how can one method include all others?

Bodhidharma: The mind is the root from which all things grow. If you can understand the mind, everything else is included. It's like the root of a tree. All a tree's fruit and flowers, branches and leaves depend on its root. If you nourish its root, a tree multiplies, if you cut its root, it dies. Those who understand the mind reach enlightenment with minimal effort. Those who don't understand the mind practice in vain. Everything good and bad comes from your own mind. To find something beyond the mind is impossible.

The Length of a Life

2012-01-26T10:51:00.000-05:00

The Buddha asked a monk, "How do you measure the length of a man's life?"

The monk answered, "By days."

The Buddha said, "You do not understand the Way."

The Buddha asked another monk, "How do you measure the length of a man's life?"

The monk answered, "By the time that passes during a meal."

The Buddha said, "You do not understand the way."

The Buddha asked a third monk, "How do you measure the length of a man's life?"

The monk answered, "By the breath."

The Buddha said, "Very well, you know the Way."

Kiss

2012-01-26T10:40:00.002-05:00

Good and Great

2012-01-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

A monk asked the Buddha, "What is good, and what is great?"

The Buddha answered, "Good is to practise the Way and to follow the truth. Great is the heart that is in accord with the Way."

Anything For the Team

2012-01-26T10:14:00.002-05:00

Simplicity of Heart

2012-01-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

If you endeavor to embrace the Way through much learning, the Way will not be understood. If you observe the Way with simplicity of heart, great indeed is this Way.

---The Buddha---

Occult Powers

2012-01-26T09:59:00.000-05:00

The desire for occult powers is part of the desire to impress others. It has nothing to do with the religious quest. It is essentially worldly.

---Osho---

Splendid Algeria

2012-01-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Pansies

2012-01-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

When other plants
refuse to grow,
pansies smile
through ice and snow.

Fragile flowers
can exude
the most amazing
fortitude.

---Walter Cooper---

Tao Chia

2012-01-25T20:04:00.001-05:00

The Forest Pond by ForestGirl

Tao Chia is philosophical Taoism. It is simple stuff about flow and harmony.

Pay nothing, go for a nice long walk. Visit a green place by the water.

Accept the world, watch it decay and renew, and become content.

Vegetarianism

2012-01-25T17:01:00.001-05:00

Vegetarianism should not be anything moral or religious. It is a question of aesthetics: one’s sensitivity, one’s respect, one’s reverence for life.

---Osho---

Gareth Thomas as Art

2012-01-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

Pixie's Parasol

2012-01-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

The Pixie's Parasol (Mycena interrupta) is a small mushroom found in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Chile. It grows up to about 2 cm (1 in) in height., The blue cap grows to 2 cm in diameter. It appears in small colonies on rotting, moist wood in rain forests and beeches or eucalypti forests.

Native American Corn Pudding

2012-01-25T15:13:00.001-05:00

I realize in many parts of the world what we in the United Sates call corn is referred to as maize. This is sweet corn not field corn. For those people in the world who have never tasted a cob of freshly picked and roasted or boiled sweet corn, there are few things better. The high sugar content, the tender sweet flavor, so good. My childhood is in every drop that runs down my chin.

1 1/2 cups (340 grams) of fresh sweet corn kernels removed from the cob
2 beaten eggs
1 tablespoon of butter, melted
1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) of milk
Sea or kosher salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).

Mix the corn, the eggs, the melted butter, and the milk. Pour into a butter baking dish.

Place the dish in a pan of hot water. The water should not be deeper than 1/4 the height of the baking dish.

Bake the pudding for 50 to 60 minutes, until it is set.

Silence

2012-01-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

Few things under heaven bring more benefit than
the lessons learned from silence...

---Lao Tzu---

Do Not Judge

2012-01-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Jesus said, "The speck of dust that is in your brother’s eye you see. But the beam that is in your own eye you do not see."

The Sleeping Prince

2012-01-25T10:09:00.003-05:00

Meditation

2012-01-25T10:07:00.000-05:00

Every one can meditate but sadly only a few people really dare to meditate and go deeper into it.

The Flute Player

2012-01-25T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Five Precepts

2012-01-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

These are not commandments, there are guides. The Precepts are an ideal, a measure to use when we have choices and decisions.

1...I undertake the way of training to abstain from destroying or harming living beings. = I vow to cherish and defend all Life.

2...I undertake the way of training to abstain from taking what is not given. = I vow to respect the property of others.

3...I undertake the way of training to abstain from sexual and sensual misconduct. = I vow to respect the relationships and choices of others.

4...I undertake the way of training to abstain from false, harmful, and harsh speech. = I vow to live a life based on truth.

5...I undertake the way of training to abstain from taking anything that causes intoxication or heedlessness. = I vow to work to keep my mind and body clean and pure.

Purity and Impurity

2012-01-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

You are the source
Of all purity and impurity.

---The Buddha---

The Face on the Sofa

2012-01-24T22:11:00.002-05:00

Free Yourself

2012-01-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

The painting is Spring Breeze by K L Bailey

The masters only point the way.
But if you meditate
And follow the dharma
You will free yourself from desire.

---The Buddha---

Eric Balfour

2012-01-24T11:46:00.002-05:00

Fairness

2012-01-24T11:42:00.000-05:00

Gossip

2012-01-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

The Fourth Precept asks us to refrain from lying, harsh speech, harmful speech, and gossip.

The context of gossip may or may not be true. True or not, it is always harmful. And the harm is not always to the object of the gossip, it hurts those engaged in it.

Ignorance

2012-01-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

The greatest impurity is ignorance.
Free yourself from it.
Be pure.

---The Buddha---

Remember Those Simple Summer Days; Warm Sun, Warm Nights, Warm Friends

2012-01-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

Your Efforts

2012-01-24T10:33:00.000-05:00

By your own efforts
Waken yourself, watch yourself.
And live joyfully.
You are the master.

---The Buddha---

Folly

2012-01-24T10:27:00.001-05:00

By your own folly
You will be brought as low
As your worst enemy wishes.

---The Buddha---

Beautiful First Nation

2012-01-24T10:20:00.000-05:00

Gay Native Americans Reclaim Two-Spirit Culture

2012-01-23T22:36:00.000-05:00

The Navajo used the word “nádleehí” to describe people who embodied both masculine and feminine traits. They were among the hundreds of Native communities that celebrated and revered tribe members who lived outside binary male/female restrictions. As today’s Native communities fight to revitalize the culture that was beaten out of them, gay and transgender Natives are reclaiming this aspect of their ancestry by identifying as two-spirit –- a unifying term that serves as a catch-all for the many variations of sexuality and gender identity.

Two-spirit people were seen as a gift in Native American culture, viewed as a third gender with a heightened spiritual connectedness and a significant role to play. However, the forced Western colonization injected tribal communities with strong anti-gay attitudes that, for the most part, continue to reign supreme today. As two-spirits try to reclaim their historical culture, it is vital for the LGBT community to start paying attention to history as well.

The seasoned two-spirit activist Richard LaFortune's wisdom makes it painfully clear how shortsighted the LGBT civil rights movement has become. While much of the current focus is on the state-by-state status of legal relationship recognition, LaFortune reveals that many Native cultures enjoyed marriage equality for same-sex couples well before European settlers arrived. It isn’t surprising that anti-gay activists didn’t bother to consult Native American history before constantly regurgitating “marriage has always been between one man and one woman” talking points.

A rich history of equality does not equal an immediate connection to today’s gay movement for equality. LaFortune says most mainstream gay agenda items are illegible to him. Much of his organizing and activism is built on community building issues like environmental justice, women’s rights, elderly rights, and culture revitalization.

Ojibwa Baked Pumpkin

2012-01-23T22:19:00.002-05:00

1 small Pumpkin
1/4 cup (59 milliliters) of apple cider
1/4 cup (59 milliliters) of maple syrup
2 ounces (56 grams) of butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius)

Place whole pumpkin on an edged baking sheet and place in the oven.in oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Remove the pumpkin from the oven, cut off the top, and scoop out the pulp and seeds. Set the seeds aside for later eating. Reserve the top.

Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour into the pumpkin. Replace the top as a lid. Return the pumpkin to the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Remove the pumpkin, cut into wedges, and serve.

I Have No Words

2012-01-23T17:15:00.000-05:00

A Person's Character

2012-01-23T17:13:00.000-05:00

Sharing With Others

2012-01-23T14:37:00.000-05:00

True Persons do not hoard.
Using all they have for others, they still have more.
Giving all they have to others, they are richer than before.

---Lao Tzu---

Friendship

2012-01-23T14:26:00.000-05:00

Sacha Harding

2012-01-23T13:02:00.002-05:00

Seeking the Same Truth

2012-01-23T12:19:00.000-05:00

Sri Ramakrishna 1836-1886

Truth is one; only It is called by different names. All people are seeking the same Truth; the variance is due to climate, temperament, and name.

---Ramakrishna---

The Meadow Where We Made Our Camp Was Filled With Interesting Wildlife

2012-01-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

From the Old Man

2012-01-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Knowing others is to be clever.
Knowing yourself is to be enlightened.
Overcoming others requires force.
Overcoming yourself requires strength.

---Lao Tzu---

Wake-Up

2012-01-23T12:01:00.002-05:00

Wisdom Is Found In Many Places

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Bodhidharma

2012-01-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

Bodhidharma took Zen from India to China. He planted the seed of Zen in China. He started a great phenomenon on its way. He is the father and, of course, Zen has carried the qualities of Bodhidharma all these centuries. Zen is one of the most absurd religions -- in fact, a religion has to be absurd because it cannot be logical. It is beyond logic.

---Osho---

Observe Your Delusions

2012-01-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

When you observe your delusions, you will know that they are baseless and not dependable.
In this way you can cut confusion and doubt. This is what I call wisdom.

---Bodhidharma---

Happiness

2012-01-23T00:48:00.000-05:00

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.