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Freedom
"You
know, the West is a very young culture. America is only a few hundred
years old, and it's a great place, and I love it, and I enjoy teaching
here. But there's not a lot of knowledge about Buddhism, one of the
largest and oldest religions in the world. It is the oldest religion
- yoga is, the oldest practice. So, I do warn you, if you practice,
that it does get a little rocky sometimes. People give you a hard
time about it. But don't let it bother you. It's always that way in
a new culture, in a naive culture. America is a great place, it's
a wonderful place to practice Buddhism."
September 11, 2001:
I was walking my dog, Bud, early that morning, something I almost never
do. I walked past a house, the TV was blaring, and it was not even 7:30
a.m.! My buttons were pushed, and I wondered what kind of a person would
be starting their day in such a way.
As I approached my house, a neighbor said, "Haven't you seen the news?"
He filled me in quickly, I rushed home and punched the remote, just
in time to watch the second tower implode.
The next several days were surreal, as I watched scene after scene,
again and again. I continued working, but the rest of my routines were
lost in my unfocused mind.
This experience has literally shaken me to the core. And out of the
rubble I have discovered some surprises. Discovery is, always, in all
ways.
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Life
is precious and fleeting. Love fuels life, and hatred destroys life.
This is a planet of "wars and war's alarms",
but many, many of us here, in the USA, have been sheltered from
that reality. |
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Political
systems are created by humans, and hold all of the conditions of
human consciousness. Some are better than others, some are created
out of higher awareness and push their standards towards the higher
good. |
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It
is easy to look at myself, and see all that I am not, and to focus
on the incredible imperfections that scar my being. It
is far more difficult for me to look at myself, and see all that
I am. It is harder for me to see the shining light that is
there, more radiant than the human condition. |
That
tendency expands to my view of the nation and it's politicians. Today
I stand in a different space, with a different perspective. I stand
in a view that is full of shining light and hope.
It is a feeling that pushes from the inside out and touches the world,
and its essence is freedom.
I have watched people, in the face of incredible horror, demonstrate
strength, compassion, and selfless giving. Many people made a choice
to help others, and gave their lives in that choice.
I feel incredible gratitude today. I have taken so much for granted,
my whole life. What a blessed incarnation. "Ocean
breezes, and sweet wines, and cheeses", not to mention an enlightened
teacher. Doesn't get much better than that.
And I have to tell you, I agree with Rama, America
is a great place, and a great place to practice Buddhism. As
a relatively young nation we are finding our way, and today I hear a
unified voice that favors freedom over tyranny, and faith over fear.
Perhaps out of the rubble we will discover personally
and collectively the light that shines.
Lynne
of the San Diego DharmaCenter
ARCHIVES!
The
Absence Beckons
Pass
the Dharma Spread, Please!
Dimensions of Power and Knowledge
Dissolving What We Know
Increase Your Psychic
Abilities!!
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From
Rama's Teachings
Rama
presented thousands of techniques that were intended to help students
along their own pathway to enlightenment. Techniques presented here
may be useful for you. The teachings are meant to be used by students
who are serious about their practice, and their own enlightenment.
A
special thanks to
Lynne of the San Diego
DharmaCenter for her writing, and the inspiration to begin this
feature.
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