Practical Buddhism and Buddhist Mysticism:
For us, life is a spiritual experience. Being Buddhist Mystics, every thought and every act is an opportunity to practice. See Sensei's book for the four moments in which we can choose to intervene in our own experience. So the Dharma and personal insights help us structure a practice that is very practical and applies to every moment. An intentional life is a mystical path.
Noble Friends:
As he was sitting there, Ven. Ananda said to the Blessed One, "This is half of the holy life, lord: admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie." The Blessed One responded:
"Don't say that, Ananda. Don't say that. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & colleagues, he can be expected to develop & pursue the noble eightfold path. — SN 45.2
KC and I have been Noble Friends since we began our Buddhist journey twenty years ago. Rev. Dai-En Bennage once congratulated KC for figuring out what the true nature of our relationship was. That has out been a light on the path ever since.
The Eightfold Path:
wise Understanding and Intention,
(Heightened Discernment)
wise Speech, Action, Livelihood,
(Heightened Virtue)
wise Effort, Mindfulness And Meditation
(Heightened Mind)
Chanting:
1. aids in memorizing concepts, names, places, events
2. training for wise thought and speech
3. is a multi level unplugging technique
4. induces positive thoughts and emotions that improve outlook and health
5. moves energy and opens up blockages
6. benefits the physical body by improving respiratory function, increasing oxygenation, producing nitric oxide, improving circulation, and boosting immune function.
Jediyana Isha Kryia Bhaja Govindham chant:
Yogaratova bhogaratova, Sangaratova sangaviheenah Yasya brahmani ramate chittam, Nandati nandati nandatyeva
|| "Revel in discipline or abandon, in good company or solitude. Who revels in contemplation of
Boundless Creative Being, that is true joy.
Satsangatve nissangatvam, Nissangatve nirmohatvam Nirmohatve nishchalatattvam, Nishchalatattve jeevanmukti
|| "With the help of Noble Friends know the Four Noble Truths, follow the Eightfold Path. Tame, train, guard and restrain the mind. Cultivate Insight and strengthen Discernment. Dropping attachment get rid of delusion.
With freedom from delusion, gain Equanimity. Thru Equanimity,
end suffering, attain Liberation."
Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam, Punarapi janani jathare shayanam Iha samsare bahudustare, Kripayapare pahi murare
|| “Recognize the repeating patterns, remember everything is temporary.
The cycle of life is marked by happiness and distress, highs and lows,
thru the grace of Boundless Creative Being I have resilience.
I am one with Boundless Creative Being."
Meditation
Both KC and Cleo teach Meditation and Qigong and they do it very differently.
Ven. KC Daikai WarEagle Sensei is neuro-atypical, she has aphantasia meaning her mind's eye does not see images and other senses are the same for her. So, she doesn't enjoy guided meditations with visualization. However, because of her determination and effort she is an accomplished meditator and has learned to adapt and overcome prejudice from other monks even before knowing her unusual circumstance.
Ven. Cleo Kalyana Wolf on the other hand is hyper-visual and a visual artist. Being visual strengthens the emotional aspect of imagination and this influences the experience of meditation. She began with Transcendental Meditation when she was ten, and on becoming Buddhist years later gradually learned other styles and forms of meditation within that context. Later she became an Acupuncturist and Herbalist and incorporates meditation and visualization into that practice.
