108 Faces of Buddha

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Namaste to you ... Yes, I bow to your divinity ... Yes, my heart loves your heart ... Yes, let us meet where we are One ...

Namaste from the Peace Garden in Hanapepe


Painting by my friend, Anna Raimondi

I have been looking at all of my seeking on the pathway of life to realize the truth of me ... traveling, workshops, listening to the wisdom words of our teachers and more. The yearning has been great to find the answers to life. I am thankful for all that I have learned.

Now I sit upon this rock in the middle of a big pond and know that I have realized a new simplicity of thought ... there is no other place to go. Zen Master Hakuin captures this idea in these two lines:

"This very land is the pure lotus land,

This very body is the body of Buddha!"

Thank you for being here and

joining me in our awakening!

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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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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