skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Bhikkhu Khantipalo, The Wheel (No. 243/244), Wisdom Quarterly edit
Deva protecting Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Canvasoflight/Flickr)
FOREST MEDITATIONSTalaputa, who lived at the time of the Buddha, had been trained from his youth as an actor. Steadily his fame grew until he became the manager of a traveling theatrical troupe of a great number of women. This troupe of actors, dancers, and singers became very famous, with people coming from far and wide to attend performances.
Talaputa's acquaintance with the Dharma was, no doubt, a gradual one. As he came to know more and more of the Buddha's Teachings, his aspirations to be ordained as a monastic became stronger. He was a gifted poet, and he used this ability to compose the verses of inspiration with which his stanzas begin.
WHY GO FORTH INTO HOMELESSNESS?
People become monastics for various reasons, some good, some bad. Once the king of Kurus mentioned that people left home, shaved their heads, and put on saffron robes due to: old age, sickness, loss of relatives, loss of wealth... even laziness and a desire for what one misunderstands to be an "easy" life. There were such monastics in India then as they are to be found now in every Buddhist country.
Talaputa explains why he ordained, first naming some bad reasons for doing so:
33. Not for lack of luck did I go forth,nor shamelessness, nor mind's inconstancy,nor banishment, nor due to livelihood,and therefore I agreed with you, O mind.
Talaputa saw how difficult it was to practice the Dharma while burdened by household duties. The problems the Dharma solves - the difficulties and troubles which can all be called DUKKHA - have their source in the mind.
If one is to disentangle the tangles of the mind, mindful awareness of actions was necessary, as was meditation to calm the mind then develop the penetrating wisdom that frees the mind. The conditions necessary for this undertaking are found in the Buddhist Order as it was originally organized. So he decided to become a wandering ascetic.
(Yuliang11/Flickr.com)
I. Thoughts Before Going Forth
1. When, O when shall I live all alone
in mountain caves, unmated with desire,
clear seeing as unstable all that comes to be?
This wish of mine, when indeed will it be?
2. When shall I, wearing the patchwork robes
of color dun, be sage, uncraving, never making mine,
with greed, aversion and delusion slain
and to the wild woods gone, in bliss abide?
3. When shall I, this body seeing clear -
unstable nest of dying and disease
oppressed by age and death, dwell free from fear
in the woods alone? When indeed will it be?
4. When indeed shall I dwell seizing the sharpened sword
of wisdom made? When cut the craving creeper -
breeder of fear, bringer of pain and woe,
and twining everywhere? When indeed will it be?
5. When lion-like in the victor's stance
shall I draw quick the sage's sword
of wisdom forged and fiery might
quick breaking Mara with his host? When indeed will it be?
6. When myself exerting, shall I be seen
in goodly company of those esteeming Dhamma?
Those with faculties subdued who see things as they are?
Those who are 'Thus'? When indeed will it be?
7. When indeed will weariness not worry me -
hunger, thirst and wind, heat, bugs and creeping things,
while bent on my own good, the Goal,
in Giribbaja's wilds? When indeed will it be?
(Rainforest, Guardian.co.uk)
8. When indeed shall I, self-mindful and composed
win to that wisdom known by him,
the Greatest Sage, the Four Truths won within,
so very hard to see? When indeed will it be?
9. When shall I, possessed of meditation's calm
with wisdom see the forms innumerable,
sounds, smells and tastes, touches, and "dharmas" too,
as a raging blaze? When will this be for me?
10. When shall I indeed, when with abusive words
addressed, not be displeased because of that,
and then again when praised be neither pleased
because of that? When will this be for me?
11. When shall I indeed weigh as the same:
wood, grass and creepers with these craved-for groups,
both inner and external forms
the "dharmas" numberless? When will it be for me?
12. When in the season of the black raincloud
shall I follow the path within the wood
trodden by those that See; robes moistened
by new falling rain? When indeed will it be?
13. When in a mountain cave having heard the peacock's cry,
that crested twice-born, bird down in the wood,
shall I arise and collect together mind
for attaining the undying? When indeed will it be?
14. When shall I, the Ganges and the Yamuna,
the Saraswati [rivers], and the awful ocean mouth
of the Balava-abyss, by psychic might
untouching go across? When indeed will it be?
15. When shall I, like charging elephant unbound,
break up desire for sensual happiness
and shunning all the marks of loveliness
strive in concentrated states? When indeed will it be?
16. When, as pauper by his debts distressed,
by creditors oppressed, a treasure finds,
shall I be pleased the Teaching to attain
of the Greatest Sage? When indeed will it be? MORE>>
(Jaci XIII/Flickr)
Tags: religion and spirituality morality 2500 vc army swap taheb from the house how lucid dream early church practice wish come true spell
When calling the quarters you are doing more than just walking the cardinal directions of the compass. You are asking the elements in that direction to join and bless your magic. You're seeking their support and powers to assist with your workings. Respect and understanding is the first thing to begin with. With anything it is the first thing! You should know the workings of calling the quarters and casting your circle for anything to work, but if improperly called things can be disastrous. Knowing which direction to start and which direction to travel is a very important part of rituals. Begin in the East and call to the guardians while drawing an invoking pentagram in the air. Then move clockwise to the south, west, north, and finally returning to the east.
And invoking pentagram is drawn beginning at the top of the star drawing down to the bottom left point, up to the right point, across to the left point, down to the bottom right and finally up to the top point.
This pentagram should be drawn at each quarter. Using your athame or wand as a focus of your energy. In your mind visualize what that element means to you, east-air could be a nice fresh breeze blowing, and so on. This closes your circle and those boundaries should be respected and not crossed.
As with anything, when casting a circle you will want to pick a time and location where you won't be disturbed. Choose an area with plenty of room to hold your working tools and altar but still allow you to move around freely. Nothing sucks in a ritual more than tripping around a bunch of stuff or having to get up and answer a doorbell! Your energies won't be properly focused and nothing will feel right. Also make sure you have everything you need before you begin. No one bakes a cake and then wants to have to run out to get eggs half way through! A proper circle has a diameter of 9 feet across. When you create a circle and call the quarters you are creating a doorway between the world of the living and the world of the gods. The boundary that forms as the circle creates a cone of power around and above the witch to allow them to focus their energies and draw energies from the gods and the elements. Taking that for granted and acting childishly is not wise at all. As with anything beware of what you wish for you just might get it!
Remember that any ritual is a reflection of the witch. Anything done for selfish gains or to cause harm to others is not taken lightly by the Goddess and God. All deeds are returned to the witch by three, so if all you do is act selfishly or viciously it will return to you much stronger than you sent out. Personal greed is a very evil deed!
Blessed Be
Lady Alice
P.S.
A traditional circle has a 9 foot diameter and is advisable but if you don't have this much room make it as big as you can! Just be sure it is big enough for you to comfortably work within and to contain you and your altar! I once worked with an individual whose altar and circle were within a room that was too small for one person let alone two and his altar was entirely too big for such a small area.
Tags: fortress liberation preaching preaching resource feminist goddess neopagan rise spirituality unmasked free voodoo magic spells ago america hundred one year black magik celebrate christm
Magic to call joy into one's life should be performed at the Waxing Moon.
Get three cherry-red candles. Gather flowers, whatever kinds are in season, and decorate
your altar with them. When you have viewed the Moon that evening, light your three candles
and dedicate them to the Fates. Joy is very much in their domain. Say:
"Red is my blood and red is my laughter,
Red is the color of life and of love.
Gracious Old Ladies, who weave in deep dark places,
Bless me with joy and bless me with luck."
Perform this honoring of the Fates three nights in a row, and burn the candles a little each night.
The last night, allow your candles to burn down. For incense you can burn red clover.
Once the spell is finished, dispose of it by taking a little bit of the candle dripping, dried flowers,
and ashes from the incense to a living body of water, cast them in, turn your back, and don't look back.
Source: http://crafty-witch.blogspot.com
Luke 13:22-30 LORD, WILL ONLY A FEW BE SAVED?
"(Click here for reading)"
A recent MSN article (or picture story) boasted that there are a number of "longtime "unmarrieds" who show that commitment doesn't have to include a trip to the altar! "Hollywood continues to feed our culture with messages that not only run contrary to our faith, but that are really damaging to our health and peace. Do they really want us to believe that Hollywood stars are good examples of commitment? Of course! They use celebrities for commercials all the time. We believe what they say and do what they live because deep down we are all looking for attention, fame and fortune! The Christian today has his work cut out for him. It is the battle of the Titans: Glamour vs. The Truth; Celebs vs. The Unknowns; Comfort vs. The Cross. In the end, we know who is victorious - I AM! How many souls will be lost or won? This is the question!
"Go out to all the world and tell the Good News! Go out and humble yourself, give yourself, sacrifice yourself, commit yourself to the Lord for the sake of the souls that are entrusted to your care? "Got souls?" If not, do you know someone who is lost and cannot find their way? We worry about a lot of things, but do I worry about the souls that are entrusted to my care? Their salvation? Do I bother myself for their sake? There are two things that a Christian must never say to the Lord: "I will not serve" (which is what the devil said) and/or "I cannot do this" (which is what every single patriarch, prophet and priest has said since the beginning of time). Of course we cannot do what the Lord demands. That is why he said, "Without God, nothing is possible."
Saint Teresa of Avila couldn't avoid complaining to her closest Friend about the cross she was asked to carry. In one of her visions with Christ, the Lord told her, "Teresa, that's how I treat my friends." Teresa responded, "No wonder you have so few friends!" But since Christ had so few friends, she felt they should be at least good ones. And that's why, at the age of 43, she decided to reform her order. Great and enduring things come from the Truth, the unknowns and the cross!
"Brothers and sisters, have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him" (Hb 12:5). The Lord demands great things from those who love him. Love is paid with love. There is no other commodity that the Lord chooses to receive from us: blood for Blood; heart for Heart; sacrifice for Sacrifice; love for Love! How else will we be saved? How else will we save those entrusted to our care? "With God, nothing is impossible! (Lk 1:37). These are the words that begin our story, His Story - the greatest story ever told!
Someone asked the Lord, "Will only a few be saved?" The Lord responded, "not if I have anything to do with it!" He asks the same question to us. Whatever you do for Christ, ask the Lord for the grace to respond likewise!
Tags: norse magic making mojo bag wicca whither salusa and the cemetery a strange thing jesus abbat of samhain
I love to write and most certainly love to write about that which I am passionate about and that is my relationship to Christ. My sincere hope is that God will use my blog to encourage others in their walk with Christ!
THESE ARE THE RULES FOR THE LIEBSTER AWARD:
* Each nominee must link back the person who nominated them.
* Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
* Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.
* Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
* Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them
Here are the 10 blogs that I wish to nominate:
3) Do you have an accountability partner?
My husband
4) What is your favorite color?
currently orange
5) What is your favorite vacation spot?
Punta Cana, D.R.
6) Who is your favorite author?
Francis Chan
7) What is your favorite Christian song?
Agnus Dei
8) Which disciple most reflects you?
Definitely Paul!
9) List your top 3 favorite foods.
Potatoes in any form or fashion, chicken and asparagus
10) What would you tell your younger self now that you didn't know then?
Stop wasting time worrying and trust God, He always comes through!
NOW HERE ARE THE 10 QUESTIONS FOR MY NOMINEES:
1. AT WHAT AGE DID YOU COMMIT YOURSELF TO CHRIST?
2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE?
3. IF YOU COULD MEET JUST ONE APOSTLE HERE ON EARTH, WHO WOULD IT BE?
4. WHO HAD THE MOST IMPACT ON YOU COMING TO CHRIST?
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE VERSE?
6. WHAT SPIRITUAL LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE HERE WHEN YOU GO ON TO BE WITH JESUS?
7. WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF SPIRITUAL GIFTING?
8. WERE YOU RAISED IN A CHRISTIAN HOME?
9. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE BODY OF CHRIST GROW STRONGER IN?
10. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE TO PRAY?
Tags: free black magic spells for love real voodoo spells that work brotherly and sisterly love faery summoning black magic hexes gemstones and crystal
From Fr. Trigilio:
"Sorry for the brief hiatus from the blogoshere. I was in Erie all last week to visit my mom and to preach the Days of Prayer Novena for the discalced Carmelite nuns (also in Erie). My mom was admitted to the hospital yesterday to have an EKG. She had an MRI and CAT scan last month which came back negative for stroke (Deo gratias). However, she has been having dizzy spells and has fallen several times. Her doctors suspect that is is her meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and glaucoma. All this week she has been fatigued, so the ECG was done to see if she has a heart murmur.
Needless to say, I appreciate any and all prayers for my mother. She buried three of her five children and then her loving husband of 39 years. Then four of her six siblings died in just a sequence of several months.
Being the head nurse of the Trauma Center / Emergency Room for more than 40 years did large damage to her spine, so she is also on cortisone shots to help alleviate some of the chronic pain she experiences in addition to her other ailments. While home last week, she fell at the Novena and hit her head. I am stationed more than 300 miles away in another diocese.
I visited Father Bob Levis (who also lives in Erie). He is in a nursing home. Needs a walker to get around since his nasty fall at Christmas time which gave him a cuncushion. Since then, he fell a few more times. Fr. Bob turned 89 this summer and is still very much alive but has been grounded for health reasons. Hence, you won't see him on EWTN as much or at conferecences, workshops or conventions but know he is still very much among the living but in need of your prayers. He has never been so confined and constrained from getting around. He has been independent 88 years and now he needs assisted living.
Thank you and God bless you and Mary keep you"
Father John Trigilio
Credit: http://masonsofheaven.blogspot.com
