108 Faces of Buddha: About iris

About iris

Namaste...and welcome!


I AM ... a Waterfall ... Falling Free! Free to be Me!

Who am I? What am I doing? I believe my life to simply express that I am a woman who is consciously on a meditative journey. My goal is to stay grounded, to see the truth of our interconnectedness and keep that message in my heart. However, the reality of our mundane world is relentless in giving me lessons… sometimes, I fall off that peaceful pathway and for me, it is helpful to have symbolic art around to remind me to go within to get back into my heart space. I am so grateful for being able to live art and to reveal my passion for peace through clay.

I believe that from our births, we carry with us the creative juices and the wisdom of the cosmos. As newborn babes with the vibrating energy of our beginnings, we are rooted to an inner sense of love that comes from our innate knowing of the interconnectedness of all. This is how we start… but from the moment we leave the womb, our everyday challenges begin to interfere with the love connection and we can tend to forget the wisdom. Sacred art communicates with the subtle levels of consciousness to call forth the potential for us to unlock the wisdom within. It is my dream to humbly share my art with the world to help uplift minds and hearts into an awareness that will help us to remember all that we once knew.

Here is more about me ...
I would like to learn more about You ...
Are we thinking some of

the same things?

Although, I am seri0us about my life and my pathway, I have fun with it. I mostly live my life coming from my innerchild. I am living on Kauai and I love to merm in the ocean, dance, and celebrate life. At this point on the journey, synchronicity has offered me the opportunity of collaging my artistic talent with my meditation practice, educational and life experiences into the Sacred Art pieces that I create from clay. Enjoy!

This is my second son, Jed...

here we are hanging out in Los Angeles on one of my trips.

He is a published writer and a

comic artist...also, the one who

helped my blog get started...

thank you thank you thank

YOU....my wonderful Sun...

Here is Luke, my eldest son, walking the pathway of Life.

Along with being a great son, Luke is a scientist, naturalist, artist and musician..

                        Here we are walking the path together...
                                  the comic was drawn by Jed.

    What a Life! Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You
                        for two Suns who love Mother Earth.

Joshsua Tree National Park and Jed

A moment in the golden desert ... by day, time and space is intensely filled with a bit of Earth, the Sun, and the Sky (imagine a day in the desert) ... and then at night ... the air turns soft, the temperature cools and this desert sky turns to an illuminated stage ... there is movement, there is sparkle, there is awe ... We, the viewers, stand with hands palm to palm and smile!

Halley's Comet (1986) viewed from Joshsua Tree

And then there are the questions ... What is this all about?

       Is it all about "there is no question?" Is it all about the
                          infinite ... within and without?
                       Is it all about Oneness?

Thank you for being here ...

WHAT IS 108 FACES OF BUDDHA?

Simply, it is about 108 (and more) steps toward peace!

This is how it all began ... Early one morning, I had a thought of the mala that is used in meditation (like the one pictured above) to be symbolic of the connection of all things. They are connected… all 108 beads with each bead being used as a counter of our mantras (our prayers).

If you are familiar with malas, you know the love energy they emanate. You hold them, your fingers caress each bead, you invoke the mantra with each bead...108 times.

I had already begun to create clay pieces… peaceful meditating images with each holding a mantra. Then I realized each of these clay images were like the beads of a mala… all connected… all infused with love and inspiration for me and YOU on the pathway toward the realization of our loving- kindness for ALL.

My life, my art, and my spiritual practice became one. Here... I AM...

UNDER THE BODHI TREE IN HANAPEPE

MORE ABOUT MALAS AND MANTRAS...

Traditionally, a mantra would consist of a Sanskrit word or syllable which is chanted aloud or silently. A mantra is a spiritual tool that can be used along with a mala in a different kind meditation. One would use each bead to recite the mantra over and over again. The 108 beads help you to do that...and keeps track of the counting.

With my clay BuddhaFaces, it is slightly different... each piece is invoked with a thought while I am working with the wet clay... of course, the mantras are for me, but they are also for YOU. The affirmative mantras are directed toward spiritual growth, for gratitude, for health, for happiness, for peace...I let my heart lead me.

When gazed upon, these images serve as a reminder to realize our intrinsic loving and wise natures within. They also work on a subtle level of putting blessings out in the Universe. My personal commitment is to make 108 of the Buddhafaces... and they are here to share...

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: "Silence vibrating is Creation. Silence flowing is Love. Silence shared is Friendship. Silence seen is Infinity. Silence heard is Adoration. Silence expressed is Beauty. Silence maintained is Strength. Silence omitted is Suffering. Silence allowed is Rest. Silence recorded is Scripture. Silence preserved is Our Tradition. Silence given is Initiating. Silence received is Joy. Silence perceived is Knowledge. Silence stabilized is Fulfillment. Silence alone is." Thank you, Maharishi, for bringing Transcendental Meditation and your teachings to the Western world. You opened a door.

Walt Whitman ... Coming out of the 19th century, this poet is known as the father of free verse. He had the courage to live and to write his truths. With insight he could see people, nature, the cosmos and the inter-relationship between all things ... believing "a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars." When he said, "I am large. I contain multitudes" he shows his understanding that he does not stand alone. Thank you, Walt Whitman, for truly looking deeply into our human nature.

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