In My Mind’s Zen Garden

Vegan Sushi No. 2
Photo by randomguru

I recently received a nice comment about this photo.

This is a good example of vegan sushi; a simple combination of avocado and cucumber surrounded by vinegared sushi rice wrapped in a nori sheet.

This is Zen simplicity.

Other components of this particular meal: a bowl miso soup, a slice of kiwi, a tofu wedge, a cup of green tea, and some wasabi and soya sauce.

This is a good meal to go with a philosophy of eating smaller meals, 6 times a day. Of course, this is just an example of one meal, and variety is the spice of life. But, as much as we all love to eat, sometimes in mass quantities, pacing oneself and eating several smaller meals a day is healthier and easier on the body.

Also check out: Boosting Your Energy Level With Smaller Meals and The Zen of Raw Vegan Sushi

Tapping
the essence
of eternity…

We live
in the realm
of the moment…

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. —The Dalai Lama

Leo of Zen Habits wrote a very nice post, A Guide to Cultivating Compassion in Your Life, With Seven Practices, that mentions His Holiness The Dalai Lama and some of his words of Wisdom with a very nice quote:

Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can. —The Dalai Lama

In a world that in many ways is “Compassion-challenged”, it is very important to cultivate feelings of Compassion. And I feel we can take our lives day-to-day and begin to be more Compassionate toward our fellow human beings. And try not to cause too much suffering in our world.

Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. —Albert Einstein

I’ve written a few articles myself regarding Compassion and the Dalai Lama’s teachings. In retrospect here are a few older posts I’ve written about Compassion:

Widening Our Circle of Compassion

The Light of Compassion

Compassion and the Chakras

Loving-Kindness

Re-Discovering An Open Heart

Kindness

Forgive Your Enemies

And, we can extend our circle of Compassion toward animals, treating them with the same Compassion we treat ourselves.

Be Kind To Animals

Yesterday I took my youngest son for a haircut because he had an ROTC competition in Long Beach the following day and he needed to look his best. So, I gave him some money for the haircut plus a tip, then I drove off to pick up a pizza for him while he was getting the haircut.

On my way to the Pizza place I had to stop at a traffic light and waited to make my left turn. There was a women, who looked middle-aged, standing in the middle island and waving a sign. Apparently, she needed money but it was dark already and I couldn’t see what the sign said.

This poor, destitute woman kept her head down and just stood there. It was a cold evening.

I was thinking… what could’ve caused this poor woman to place herself in the middle of the boulevard, begging for money? I studied her and tried to understand if she became a drug addict… or maybe she lost her job and her home. It didn’t matter. I just felt this overwhelming sadness for her. I imagined myself in her shoes. I tried to invision the possible scenarios that could put me in her situation.

Anyway, the light turned green and she wasn’t looking up. I quickly took a dollar out of my wallet and opened my window and called out to her. She looked up, and just as I was passing her she was able to grab the dollar from my hand. And she thanked me. And just as I was making my left turn I started to cry a bit. I just wished I could’ve given her more money… but, I’m on a tight budget myself. If I could I would’ve given her a twenty dollar bill.

After getting the pizza and picking up my son from the hair salon, we drove passed that intersection where I gave the woman my dollar. I saw her walking away down the street and she disappeared into the distance… into the dark. And in my heart I wished her well, and hope she finds herself in a better place…

This album comes at a time when there is much need for Peace in this world.

Being that Christmas is around the corner, I was in the mood for some music that was different than the usual onslaught of Christmas music, yet still had a flavor for the Holiday Season and reminded me of Peace and Quietude.

Jack DeJohnette’s latest effort seems like New Age at first, but listening closely to what’s happening, the music has a rhythmic sensibility that is definitely jazz.

For one, DeJohnette’s ride cymbal is ever present through most of the middle section of the album. And the other key elements, such as the flute, keyboards and tabla drums, are subtle, minimalistic and carry a very understated groove amid the ambient sounds and the drones.

Peace Time has only one track (the title track) that runs 1 hour, 2 minutes and 7 seconds in length.

Only one song.

But also one glorious musical journey. And the recording quality is utterly amazing!

The entire piece evokes a very peaceful and soothing quality, as the flute sounds permeate then entire recording, as various ambient sounds, like distant waves, low hums and vocal drones drift in and out.

I would consider this album a fusion of world music, new age and subtle jazz qualities.

This definitely is a great album to listen to on headphones. And this is also great for playing as background or ambient music at home.

I probably will end up playing this album often, as this is the kind of music I enjoy at home. And it is quite suitable for meditation and just for relaxing while reading.

During my meditations, I try to focus on spiritual things, but also I try to focus my attention on Truth and Love… “universal” Truth and Love.

I guess I treat meditation as a way for me to tune into that Truth and Love. Most of the time, we humans are selfish creatures. We do wish to be happy and ensuring that those friends and loved ones around us are happy too… well, wouldn’t that be considered a selfish thing too? But I’m sure above all else, we humans wish there to be Truth and Love, and Peace… though those ideals elude multitudes of people around the world. Still, it’s important to be focused on hope and positive aspirations, and meditation for me is a key.

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” —Mahatma Gandhi

I just saw the movie, Gandhi, so can you tell I’m in this whole philosophical mind-set right now?

Gandhi is someone I deeply admire, and wish I could be like, somehow. He spoke about non-violence and solving the worlds problems through non-violence. He was a Hindu and practitioner of Indian Philosophy. He was a strict vegetarian and took to long fasts for spiritual cleansing as well as for political protest. He advocated a simple life where he made his own clothes and lived simply in his ashram. Maybe, in many respects I try to model my life after his as far as simple living is concerned.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall — think of it, always.” —Mahatma Gandhi

I’m trying to compile my most favorite drum solos from YouTube. This is what I’ve come up with so far…

Buddy Rich - West Side Story Suite(1970)

Michael Shrieve w/Santana (Soul Sacrifice)

Tony Royster, Jr.

Dream Theater’s Drummer

Cathy Rich introduces Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd and Vinnie Coliauta

Stomp Out Loud

The real act of discovery is not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.—-Marcel Proust

Today, for the first time… I was able to be friendly with someone in real life who doesn’t like me. In fact, I’m sure he hates my guts for some reason…

But, I tried chatting with him, and talking to him in a nice, friendly tone, as if I were talking to a brick wall once he decided not to acknowledge me any more.

Then I left feeling good about myself, but felt pity on this person. That he doesn’t share the same feelings of friendship and compassion as I do. But now I have closure with “the hate” that I’d been feeling in the past toward him, because of the way he has treated me and my family.

Anyway, I can’t look back from how I hated before. I don’t want to hate anyone, not even if it’s in retaliation for what another has done in the past.

I think I can bury all hatred and look on everyone with love and compassion. It’s a monumental acheivement, but I now think it can be done. And I think I can free myself from the bonds of “karmic negativity”.

There is a certain amount of this “karmic negativity” in this world, especially in the middle east… there’s always been hatred over there that has lasted years and years.

How can people become more compassionate toward others. Especially, to become more compassionate toward their enemies… who have families and loved ones of their own… who must have things that they love, and that they long for peace and brotherly love in this world….

How can we fix the problems of this world?

A good form of meditation…

“Mindfulness or being mindful is being aware of your present moment. You are not judging, reflecting or thinking. You are simply observing the moment in which you find yourself. Moments are like a breath. Each breath is replaced by the next breath. You’re there with no other purpose than being awake and aware of that moment.”
—Mindfulness.com

“if you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. without a cloud there will be no rain, without rain the trees can not grow; and without trees we cannot make paper… for the book you read”
—-a Buddhist saying

I recently bought this book entitled “Buddhist Inspirations”, by Tom Lowenstein.

I like it because of its cover, and the beautiful illustrations and photography inside.

But I also like it because it captures the essence of Buddhism without getting too academic and scholarly, and without getting too cryptic as other books on Buddhism tend to do.

It’s simple, yet elegantly presented, and very well organized. An easy read.

I am wholeheartedly trying to understand the essence of the following Buddhist teachings, “the five remembrances”: Read more »

Just as compassion is the wish that all sentient beings be free of suffering, loving-kindness is the wish that all may enjoy happiness.
—The Dalai Lama, from his book, An Open Heart.

. . . .

In all honesty, these are words of wisdom that I struggle with from day-to-day, but I feel I’m on the right path and am becoming more and more like this each day… I do, however, believe at a very deep level that compassion and loving-kindness IS the true path, regardless of one’s personal beliefs.

My daily meditations always focus on visualizing world peace, compassion and loving-kindness for all beings. And although there is much hatred and violence in this world, I never give up hope…

Each day, I light candles for all, that they may find truth and happiness and never lose their way. This I do religiously, and believe that somehow it is going to work. At the very least, it puts me in the right frame of mind where I can go out into the day and show loving-kindness to those I make contact with, and hopefully they too will spread this to others… if I have been successful.

At the very least, we should do no harm to others…

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
—Mahatma Gandhi

I found some old photos of me meditating in the lotus pose, way back when I was 20, I believe (circa 1978).

It’s amazing how I was doing the yoga even way back then… a lot of water under the bridge.

Somewhere along the road of life perhaps I lost my way with regards to yoga, and then I found it again.

Now I recall I was pretty hardcore about my Eastern Philosophical endeavors. I even attended Puji Festivals put on by the Hare Krishnas. But I was never really satisfied with any one religion. I was always questioning things like I am now, even still.

Here is an old photo taken from one of my oldest books on Buddhism, Tibetan Yoga & Secret Doctrines. This is “the late Srimat Kuladananda Brahmachary. He was one of the most beloved gurus of the Madhwacharya Order, and had many disciples, one of whom is kneeling at his side in reverent obeisance.”

. . . .

I’d been checking my local Blockbuster store for the movie Kundun. Matter of fact, I visited the store on two separate occasions to see if the movie had come in… and I asked the clerk and he said the one person hasn’t returned it yet.

…okay, last night was my sister-in-law’s birthday and we were over at her house celebrating. I found out she had been really getting into Buddhism lately and lo and behold… SHE had the DVD!!! She was the one who borrowed it! So, she lent it to me so I could see it.

Anyway, I’m surprised she’s really getting into Buddhism, which is good in my most humble opinion. I helped her hang this wooden shadowbox frame of The Buddha. And discussing my own Buddhist studies found out she had purchased an introductory book on Buddhism and the Autobiography of the Dalai Lama.

But she confesses she can’t go on the strict vegetarian diet I’m on, a diet that has a big part in my leanings toward Buddhism. So, last night she had cake and I happily watched everyone else eat cake while I got into Lotus Pose in front of the Buddha.

Later, I had a little session where I was teaching the kids some Yoga postures, and we all got into Lotus Pose for a while. Children can easily get into Lotus Pose. I can but with a little effort. But I guess it goes to show you that children are very flexible, and somehow adults lose a certain amount of flexibility when they get older… more reason to continue doing Yoga!

A simple, humble buddhist altar at home… a space to meditate and reflect on the nature of impermanence in this world.

Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.
—Dalai Lama

I’ve been finding more time for myself to meditate.

Spend some time alone every day.
—Dalai Lama

Note to myself:

Found old post, listing journals by yogis and yoginis.

A note to myself…

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
—-DALAI LAMA

and now… the chakras!

in meditation
lies the journey

inward…

in spirit
and devotion

one finds peace
like a small lake made still
it’s mirror-like surface
reflecting the beauty
of the soul…

peace and love
will find those who
follow the inner path

stillness
will conquer those
ill-thoughts and misbegotten
deeds…

peace will arrive
love will persevere

have faith, hope
and fervent devotion…

surrender to the stillness
and you will find your way…

© 2005 Carlos Rull

I gazed at the stars again the other night and noticed the constellation Orion.

The coldness of the evening air prompted me to only catch a glimpse of what was noticeably a very clear night-time sky.

I caught the faint glimmer of the milky way galaxy as it tried to make its way past the glow of the city lights.

In moments like these I sometimes ask myself, “why am I here? What is my purpose in life?”

The alone-ness suddenly engulfs me, and it seems all too clear that although I have others whom I can lean on and share in the joys of life, I can’t help that I sometimes feel alone in this world.

As of this moment?

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” —Buddha

I enjoy life but at the same time I feel a sense of duty and obligation to serve those whom I love, and who love me. To serve those who I consider my true friends.

Life has blessed me with an ability to express myself through music, not so much as a means to showcawse my talents or to hopefully become infamously rich because of them, but rather as a means to express, communicate and to share in the joy that is Music. But I am sure that many people express themselves similarly via other talents and art-forms.

If we could call this “Zen”, as an act of being totally in the moment when we do the things we do, then I can simply say that one of the important things in life is to be at one in whatever we do, and to perform/act/create/communicate to the highest degree possible… to whatever that highest level might be that is achieved.

Perhaps my philosophical meanderings leave everyone in question of what I write, but this is me trying to follow my Zen-like intuitions.

I most definitely will go with the flow and can freely express that which I am feeling at the moment.

This moment…

For we are fleeting moments in timeless space. Sparks in the night caused by the eternal bonfires of our dreams. Although we may cease to exist in this present time and space, our presence will cause ripples to be felt into the future. We are in essence our own wave spreading out through the lake. As we carry on this movement that we are a part of, this flowing sea of humanity and life.

Enlightenment… self-realization… what is that, I wonder?

Are we looking for some state-of-mind that will make everything so true?

Do I trust in whatever faith everyone else has, or do I try to go by my own instincts?

If to live is to love then I am there. If to be a human being fulfilling my destiny by raising children of my own and helping them grow, then I am there. We all must feel that there should be some purpose in life that will make us whole, and to feel that we have done our duty to our fellow human beings.

If we have shared in each other’s company then we have served our obligations.

When I was younger I thought life was long. Now I realize just how fragile and short it can be.

Once again, living in the moment becomes so much more important now. And living a good moment, one that is fully experienced and felt, is all there is because one never actually is certain what will happen at the next turn… in the next moment.

One is certain though that we have but a brief time.

One moment. One instance where we can see eternity, could be a defining point in one’s life.

If on a clear day one can see forever, then a moment like that could successfully carry us through the remainder of our lives, and help us ride this wave of life.

I am but a drop in the ocean, but at the same time I am the ocean.