108 Faces of Buddha

Monday, January 7, 2013

Namaste to You on this day that is one week into the new year ... Today I was contemplating some life situations and suddenly Suzuki Roshi came into my thoughts. I found this sweet and colorful painting of him. Thank you to the artist.

Painting by David N. Goldberg

Shunryu Suzuki came to San Francisco in 1959 and discovered a group of enthusiastic students who were willing and open to the Zen of Japan.

I came across one of his great quotes for you to ponder.

"If your practice is good,
you may become proud of it.
What you do is good,
but something more is added to it.
Pride is extra.
Right effort is to get rid of something extra."

-- Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 - 1971)

Thank you, Suzuki Roshi, for your teachings.

And 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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Monday, January 7, 2013

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