108 Faces of Buddha: BuddhaFamily

BuddhaFamily

I thought this would be a fun page...I am smiling and I hope you are, too. Everyone is somewhere on their own personal pathway...seeking ways of developing wisdom and compassion. This cannot be denied...in our hearts, we know that we want to be wise and loving human beings.

When I use the term Buddha, I mean one who has realized the true nature of our existence...like the historical Buddha becoming so clear that "the dustless and stainless Eye of Truth" (from What the Buddha Taught) showed him the truth of our oneness, our interdependency. I know from experience that when I am coming from the space of Oneness...I am smiling.

This gives us something to work toward...we have moments of seeing the truth and we have moments of forgetting...so it goes on and on..lesson... practice... bliss...lesson... practice... bliss.........

On this page, I am gathering the BuddhaFaces that are in my life... I humorously say I am collecting them ... all ages. My vision is that our peaceful energies are connecting, growing and reaching outward... If you would like to join the BuddhaFamily and hold this thought with me...you are very welcome... Namaste... please send me a photo of your Face...

Like the beads of a mala, we are all connected and we each hold a personal mantra for ALL ...

Here we are ...

...FOR BEING A PART OF THIS PEACE PROJECT...

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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