YOU SPIT, I BOW

found at http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/resources/buddhist_stories.html

The morning after Philip Kapleau and Professor Phillips arrived at Ryutakuji Monastery they were given a tour of the place by Abbot Soen Nakagawa. Both Americans had been heavily influenced by tales of ancient Chinese masters who'd destroyed sacred texts, and even images of the Buddha, in order to free themselves from attachment to anything. They were thus surprised and disturbed to find themselves being led into a ceremonial hall, where the Roshi invited them to pay respects to a statue of the temple's founder, Hakuin Zenji, by bowing and offering incense.
On seeing Nakagawa bow before the image, Phillips couldn't contain himself, and burst out: "The old Chinese masters burned or spit on Buddha statues! Why do you bow down before them?"
"If you want to spit, you spit," replied the Roshi. "I prefer to bow."

From: One Bird One Stone: 108 American Zen Stories by Sean Murphy

thanks again to Mariana for introducing me to Stumble, the web browser that takes me to all these great sites. Sharing is good karma :)

Reprint from the Buddhist Channel

Dalai Lama gives 'Presence' to city
By TARA DOOLEY, Houston Chronicle, Sept 20, 2005
Though he calls himself nothing special, his vision inspires millions
Austin, Texas (USA) -- The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and political leader of the Tibetan government in exile, will be in Houston today and Thursday. All events are sold out.

The Dalai Lama is known as the Ocean of Wisdom and the Wish-fulfilling Gem. But for some who have met him, the most descriptive title is Kundun, the Presence.
"He enters a room, and even if you didn't see it, you know it," said M. Alejandro Chaoul, a Rice University doctoral candidate who has studied with the Dalai Lama.
Since winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, the Dalai Lama has turned heads as a major political, religious and cultural presence. He has packed arenas around the globe, including the University of Texas Frank Erwin Center in Austin on Tuesday. Free tickets to Thursday's talks at Rice University's Autry Court were claimed within eight hours of becoming available.
"He really models something that this world is hungry for and that everyone realizes is essential," said Anne Klein, a religious studies professor at Rice University who studies Tibetan Buddhism.
"This Dalai Lama has made it clear that he is not only here for the Tibetan people, but he wants to do what he can for the entire world."
In a nearly two-hour talk before 12,000 people in Austin, the Buddhist monk touched on some of his main concerns, such as nonviolence and interfaith dialogue.
The Dalai Lama said he encouraged President Bush to seek peaceful measures after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But he acknowledged that knowing what to do was "beyond" his wisdom.
He advocated a global responsibility and compassion that he said would begin only when individuals cultivated the same principles within themselves.
He also called for religious harmony, saying that "all religions have some potential to serve humanity." Religion, he said, can offer hope in times of tragedy such as hurricanes.
As political leader of the Tibetan government in exile, he spoke of his people, both living in the Himalayan region and living in exile.
Dressed in traditional red and yellow robes and carrying a small red satchel, the Dalai Lama entered to a standing ovation. He spoke in English with the occasional help of a translator and near the start of his talk assured the crowd that he is "nothing special."
He told listeners that if they found his ideas interesting they should follow up with "further investigation."
"If you think these ideas are not much of interest, then forget it," he said, drawing a laugh from the crowd.
Bodhisattva of Compassion
"Dalai Lama" means Ocean of Wisdom. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th in a line of leaders stretching back to the 14th century. Each is considered the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, "an expression of all the compassion of the past, present and future of all Buddhas and all enlightened beings," Klein said.
Rather than serving as sort of a pope of the Buddhists, the Dalai Lama is trained in one of Tibet's five religious traditions. He is recognized as the spiritual leader for all Tibetan Buddhists and revered by practitioners across the many Buddhist traditions.
An international leader
The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondrub in 1935 to a peasant family in eastern Tibet. He was discovered at 2 to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. Taking the name Tenzin Gyatso, he was installed in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in 1940. When China invaded Tibet, the Dalai Lama was working on his rigorous Buddhist training and serving as head of government. He was 15.
In 1959, after the Chinese suppressed a Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama escaped Tibet for India and set up a government and residence in exile in Dharamsala. About 130,000 Tibetans now live in exile.
Prompted in part by history but also by personality and mission, the Dalai Lama embarked on a path that has made him the most unusual leader from what had been a largely isolated country nestled in the mountains.
"It is totally extraordinary," Klein said. "It is the first time in history that a Dalai Lama has become a world-renowned figure."
His popularity stems from a sense that he lives what he believes, said Dr. Howard Cutler, a Phoenix-based psychiatrist who worked with the Dalai Lama on The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living, a 1998 book that was on the New York Times best-seller list for 97 weeks.
"People sense that he has a kind of certain moral authority," Cutler said. "He genuinely lives by what he talks about."
A keeper of tradition
Though an international star, the Dalai Lama often refers to himself as a simple monk. And he is — in part, said Cutler, who met the monk in 1982 and is working on his third book with him.
Despite his schedule, the 70-year-old rises well before dawn for at least four hours of prayer and meditation, Cutler said. As a monk, he has taken vows of celibacy and does not own personal property. According to tradition for monks, he usually does not eat dinner and goes to bed early.
Though he speaks to a general audience about universal themes, the Dalai Lama's talks to the faithful are often detailed exegeses of ancient Buddhist texts, many of which he can quote from memory.
"Very few people know that he is an unparalleled scholar of his own tradition," said Klein, a founder of Dawn Mountain, which offers Tibetan Buddhist teaching in Houston.
A main part of the Dalai Lama's role has been as champion of Tibet and its people.
Some, however, have criticized him for advocating autonomy rather than calling for Tibetan independence from China.

Great Ginormous Sigh of Relief

Phew! Just finished taking the state exam for massage therapy-- three words for it. Piece of cake. I feel this bizarre giddy/calm/unreal feeling. This was something I was a bit apprehensive about, and it turned out to be a pleasant experience. Let's hope hurricane Rita is the same sort of thing-- scary on approach, but not so much when you look back on it. Many of the people taking the test came from various points across the state--as far as El Paso(!), a few from Dallas, and some from Galveston and Houston. Best of luck to you all-- may the wind and water be kind. I have to admit, I was a bit embarassed to live so close to the testing site. It was a mere 10 minute drive, and they held it at the most posh hotel I'ver ever been in. Just amazingly luxurious. Besides the test, there were a large number of people with dogs-- must have been a dog show in town. It was quite nice to see a pet friendly facility, particularly one that posh. I suppose for what they charge, they can afford to clean up after any "wee" accidents. If you are ever here, stop by the Rennaissance Hotel on Arboretum Blvd, and see what I mean. Wowsers!

Panic in the Aisles

I just got back from the grocerey store-- goodness! Apocalypse redux! People are full on freaking out here. After the devestation in New Orleans, and the pathetic mishandling by our civil authorities, I can understand a bit of apprehension; however..... here are some facts easily verified by any search engine. Austin is 208 miles from the coast at the closest point(Galveston). We are 406 feet above sea level at our lowest point, 1,080 at the highest. My brother's house lies 50 miles west of New Orleans, and he had minimal damage-- lost some shingles from the roof, had a shrubbery blow away, and has to rebuild a portion of his fence. We have survived several floods here in Austin-- some quite nasty. Most of us are aware of the hazardous places-- the new Whole Foods location is right smack in the midst of the area hit the worst in the labor day floods of 1980, and the city has taken some pains to improve the drainage since then. We're going to be fine, people. I believe the worst thing you will face is a storage problem for all the bottled water and toilet paper ya'll are hoarding. And those $1,000 generators? Ebay ext-nay eek-way, icken-chay ittle-lay.

His Holiness/raw chocolate/Mi Maestra

wow. I'm glad I was able to sit--otherwise, I might have fallen over. I actually felt a shift in my consciousness at the lecture-- a bit lightheaded, and tears of joy actually welled up a few times. His holiness the Dalai Lama was comfortable to be near. He assured us that we were all his equals. He was humble, wise , and compassionate. I wish I could be a bit more articulate about it--maybe next week.
In other news-- my friend and fellow student< Matthew, turned me on to raw chocolate. Again, wow. Chocolate that is actually beneficial to your health. Fancy that!
And this just in-- see the side bar? The links? Mariana directed me towards the info I needed to adjust the template-- thanks again, M! You rock as hard as ever-- here's a transatlantic cyber hug! thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!

Bigotry Never Rests/ W Tells the Truth /Bad Taste Takes a Holiday

Ok--go to Snopes.com, and see for yourself.http://www.snopes.com/info/whatsnew.asp
In the wake of hurricane Katrina, there have been a number of faux "first hand" reports of horrid behavior by evacuees. The gist of these hateful lies is "they are shiftless, the dregs of society, we shouldn't help them, they are ungreatful" etc etc etc. So far, not ONE of these alleged eyewitness accounts has proved to be true/accurate/fair/anything other than lies fabricated by rabid racist fucktard shit- for-brains losers intent on spreading their all too familiar banal evil, something we specialize in here in the southern United States. Take a breath, Trey......
In other news, after a rain of "It's not Bush's responsibility for the disgraceful mess" from conservatives, W turns around and claims responsibility. Bravo, sir. For once, I believe you.
And this just in-- I owe Celine Dion an apolgy. While I continue to find her music not to my liking in the extremest measure, she did have the courage to speak out about the government's poor handling of the crisis. Merci bien, Madame, et "brava", mais pas pour tes chantes. I know, my french is merde.

Kind Words: A Testimonial

My darling baby twin sister posted the nicest testimonial on "My Space", and I had to share it with you. It is wonderful to have the support of loved ones when starting a new business. Amber started nursing school about the same time I started massage school. Nature gave her not only looks and brains, but a kind heart, as well. She wrote:

"Trey is the coolest sweetest guy! Once in his presense you will be so totally relaxed that a big sigh may escape your lips that may subtly/unconsciously sound like "home". He is like Santa Claus except not scary - soft spoken like Micheal Jackson, but you know, not sweet on eight year old crackers or anything.hahahaha. I don't know,you have to meet him; He's worked years with people w/ mental illness, mental retardation,the elderly, etc. He is a born nurturer- and spiritualy androgenous. He also happens to be my twin brother- by 19 years-which makes him triple cool...make that quadruple.."

Thank you, sweetheart!

Wow--that sucked

Cue The Doors--"Strange Days"-- they've found us, but we're hiding behind the sofa, and pretending we're not at home. A computer virus- I rooted out myself, thank you for bloody nothing, oh my "protection" software, a series of technical difficulties, small on their own, but potent in a swarm, blah blah blah--you get it. It's been a bitch the past couple o'days, but I managed to keep my cool--I didn't bite anyone, full moon or not.
The most difficult exam given in this semester is behind me. The written was a bit brutal, but on the practical, my subject moaned a bit, and a one point exclaimed "that feels great"-- bless him! That can't have hurt my grade.
We start shiatsu next week, right after the lecture by his holiness, the Dalai Lama. Then, on friday, I sit for the state exam, and take the practical that afternoon. Then, the waiting for the results/ license part begins. Wish me luck!

Door to Door Bigotry

Ugh. Some charmless asshole that lives in my neighborhood just knocked me up to see if I knew where "some trouble makers" lived. Someone told him a big guy that lived on the corner and used to be a bouncer knew where a particular group of young people--vandals--lived. I live on the corner, and have that "former bouncer" look, so that mistake was understandable. What I didn't "get" was his assumption that his car window was broken by "mexicans". He also assumed I would sympathise with his racist bullshit. oh, so wrong. But thank you, mr. anonymous shit- for -brains, for bearding me in my den, and treating me a taste of banal evil. How kind of you to volunteer for the neighborhood hatred home delvery service. I'm certain other inbred fucktards will be thrilled to have one of their own reinforce their pathetic prejudices. FYI-- the majority of youth in this area are of the caucasion persuasion-- the kids you see driving drunk down residential streets tend to be very white, thanks alot. Also, thanks for informing me that you took your .45 out of its "secret place" and placed it next to your window-- it confirmed my suspicions re: penis envy. Thanks, also, for reinforcing my distrust of my own age group. You fucks haven't changed since junior high. jesus, I could just puke.

1,000 Words could do no better

I always thought so........
from skynews Ireland http://www.sky.com/skynews/home/
via snopes urban legend site http://www.snopes.com/photos/katrina/disaster.asp

Xenophobia Haunts Us Still

Mariana has written an insightful post on bigotry @ Gatochy's Blog http://gatochy.blogspot.com/-- it stirred up more than I felt would be appropriate in the comments box, hence this post of my own.
On the heels of our national disaster, this topic is quite timely. While the majority of people have shown compassion for their fellow man, there have been a number of bigots spouting their hatred, as well.
I remember Dr. King. I recall the Watts riots. The U.S. was a haven of institutionalized racism in my childhood. The word "nigger" was openly used in polite society, as was "nigger lover". Bigotry was mostly unchallenged, and those who did oppose it were marginalized and vilified. People who considered themselves to be christians denied the basic humanity of black and hispanic citizens-- claiming that they were soulless animals, just waiting to overrun the country and rape all the white women. It was a disgusting time here. Our state and local governments enforced the division of ethnic groups, with bathrooms set up for men, women, and "colored". I remember anglos openly staring with hostility at any person of color driving a new car-- as though it had been stolen from them.
I came across this photo in today's paper. This gentleman haunts me. I first noticed his expression-- it looks kind and friendly to me; even in the face of this horrific tragedy, he smiles toward the photographer. Then I was struck by his apparent age and the evidence that he has been doing physical labor, even into his elder years. His hair is white-- beard and chest hair included. Look at the strong arms, chest, and shoulders. This man has obviously been working hard. I really doubt-- given the state of poverty in Louisiana-- that he got that body at the gym. A lifetime of hard labor is more likely where he developed his physique. Where he got the spirit to keep smiling in the face of disaster and grotesque economic disparity is what I want to know.
While fewer people are openly racist these days, it seems that those who embrace racial hatred do so more fervently. My own family is multi-ethnic. My grandmother did all she could to hide her Cherokee half-- we got whiter and whiter as the years went by, until her stroke. Then, she forgot to deny being indian (I hate the term "native american"-- it was coined in 1972 by the dept. of the interior to describe all the tribes, along with hawaiians). My father was part black (remember "black is beautiful" from the 70's? "african american" smacks of insincere, condescending white guilt), and violently denied his heritage. He actually beat me unconscious at the age of 7, after I told him I wanted to marry Uleta Johnson when I grew up. She was kind, patient, honest, and sweet, and I truly adored her. After dad beat the hell out me, he fired her mum as our housekeeper. After all the trouble he'd gone to marry a white woman (he thought), he wasn't about to have me bring black features back into the family.
I thought we would have overcome this shameful tendency by now. I was heartbroken when I first encountered my first bigot with long hair. Talk about learning not to judge by appearance!

Gossipy Update Re:Innapropriate Clients

Short version: Someone e-mailed our group, obviously looking for a hook up "Masculine, in shape guy, drug/disease free, seeks sports massage". His handle was "Bi Texas Fisherman". Do you smell something fishy? It was obvious that the guy was looking for sex. Ok, the "love and light" guy? Totally defensive-- actually, offensive-- when group members made note of the dodgy, not at all proper aspects. I thought his profesional bounderies might be a bit lax, now I know they are beyond lax, practically non-existant. All the sanctimonious "love and light" blather seems to be a thin veneer, covering a creepy core. I can't say as I'm terribly surprized, as he was a bit aggro about it the first time. Yobbos like him give us hippies a bad name, durn it!

The Excitement Grows

Ok-- Snayd got our tickets to go and hear his holiness, the Dalai Lama speak September 20th. The lecture begins at 4pm-- his holiness is getting on in years-- then I'm treating Snayd (Sandy misspelled, or Sinead mispronounced) to dinner. The following weekend, I'm taking the state examination for massage therapy. I'm not nervous-- I want to get it over with, and get on with my practice.
Our Delta reported back this week-- he's been to a festival that I'm a bit keen on attending next year. http://deltaavidelta.blogspot.com/ It was the massage area that got my attention, then I saw the rest, and I'm all frothy. I've been researching the requirements to practice massage in Eire-- I fired off several e-mails to working practitoners and schools. What I've gleaned thus far-- looks like a simple 135 contact hour program will get you ready to begin a practice. I'll be at about 550 hours this November, and should be ready for the National Certification in January. I'm hoping to peddle my wares worldwide-- yeah, that's it! I'll be a massage exporter. Have hands, will travel. Coming soon to a table near you. I could go on, but as the fatigue is making me goofy, I'll quit for now. g'nite.

The Dalai Lama to visit Austin

The day grows closer-- September 20th, his holiness the Dalai Lama will be speaking in a free lecture at the Frank Erwin Center, here in Austin. The tickets are free, available on a first come, first served basis, starting at 7am, tuesday September 6th. Tickets will be available 2 per person, and the lecture will be arena seating. See you there!

Tragedy in New Orleans

I'm having a hard time expressing myself. Partly--how the hell do you do something like this any justice? Partly shock. Partly inarticulate grief. New Orleans is exactly east of Austin, just 10 hours. Less than half a day away is hell on earth. Our most beautiful city in ruins, the ecosphere contaminated by biological agents from rotting flesh and chemical agents from flooded oil refineries, human misery compounding hourly, number of survivors actually dropping.
People have tried to compare Katrina to 9/11. The only similarity is that they are both grand scale tragedies. The attacks on New York and D.C. were fast, and unanticipated. New York did not lose power, plumbing or food deliveries on a wide scale. Order was never really lost-- there was the understanding that the city had been attacked. That tends to draw people together-- a common enemy. Katrina we saw coming. Those who could evacuate, did. Those who remained behind experienced a terrifying storm, followed by a hellish aftermath. Ongoing misery, hunger, thirst-- these all tend to bring out the worst in people. Those looting televisions must be idiots, or in deep denial. They have yet to realize how low on the list of priorities material luxeries become in a crisis. They are weighing themselves down with useless objects. Pretty much everything in the city limits is an insurance loss.
Dubya is dispatching troops to restore order, with a special emphasis on stopping looters. Ok, looting VERY BAD, but might we focus on getting people the hell out of there, so maybe they won't need to rummage through things that aren't theirs for survival? How fucking dare anyone place more value on inanimate objects that human suffering? How the hell does that work? The first and only priority should be delivering our fellow man from harm. If ya wanna go back for yer stuff afterward, ok. But it's probably not worth having anymore, between water damage, mold, etc-- seriously.
I hope we will learn from this, and make New Orleans a better, safer city. I hope she will be the first city in the US to ban guns outright. With the obscene murder rate, and the assaults on rescue workers, I think we've witnessed what a bad idea our love affair with firearms really is. Everytime we have a tragedy involving firearms--Columbine, for instance-- gun lobbyists froth on about guns being a good thing that preserve our freedom. Bullshit, ya'll. If it weren't for the sniping at helicopters and trucks, more people would be less miserable. We need to wake up to the nightmare that an armed populace is. Nature gives us enough trouble--we shouldn't ought to compound it.