It’s My Birthday And I’ll Chant If I Want To

18 Nov 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags:

Today, November 19th, is my birthday.

Those of you who follow the blog, patient souls that you are, will know that we have a family illness at the moment, so I’m going to spend the day on my own.

Without Nichiren Buddhism, I might be sitting here feeling sorry for myself, in the World of Hell.

Thankfully, I have my Practice to steady my boat, and keep me on an even keel. Do I sense a nautical theme there?

I shall be chanting for a positive outcome of the family problem and for the safety of my partner on her long journey to her mother. I am sure that a day of learning and Practice will leave me with that inner peace that I am enjoying recently.

As I turn 56, I suppose I have another 14 years before I reach my allotted span of three score and ten. In the past the thought of that might have caused the onset of feelings of mild panic. So much to do, so little time to do it. But no longer. I am comfortable with my physical immortality and know, deep in my heart, that my ‘being’, whatever you wish to call it, will go on for ever. Now that is a very comfortable place to be.

Finally, I would like to thank all the people who have been kind enough to send birthday greetings.

No News Is Sometimes Good News

06 Nov 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Some days are more Buddhist than others (well maybe), but today has been a nice quiet one with little to test the practice.

A lazy late start, tucked up in bed with a 25th anniversary copy of ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ followed by a little indoor gardening, watering the Bonsai and Dragon’s Tooth plants.

Thoughts of kyo chi gyo i during the England v New Zealand game and the realisation that I was in the World of Humanity most of the day were about as deep as it got.

Chanting starts and ends days like this, so I’m off to clear my mind and try not to wake the neighbours.

Just One Question …

04 Nov 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags:

I know how I feel, but what about you?

Chanting – Recharging The Batteries

01 Nov 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags:

As I suspected, my holiday distracted me from my practice and I had not chanted enough, or in the right manner, to raise my life-energy levels.

Today, on the way to work, I chanted my socks off. As I’ve mentioned before, I do get a few funny looks but it’s well worth it.

By the time I had parked up I was fizzing. It’s amazing how energised you feel and it’s also strange how quickly you forget that fantastic feeling.

A little like the effect you get when you change the batteries in a torch, you had forgotten how beautifully bright everything suddenly was and, rather aptly, how clearly things came into focus.

I am sure my relapse has taught me to maintain my level of practice and I hope it helps to remind you too.

Welcoming Problems

31 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: ,

We all know that we should welcome, if not exactly seek out problems, to test our practice.

Sometimes it is easy to see the benefits, sometimes it’s not and today has been one of those times.

I think I have been guilty of swinging the lead, in practice terms on my week off, and the results speak for themselves.

I’m back in the office tomorrow and I need to chant all the way to Ringwood to get myself into the right life-state.

A Day In Paradise

28 Oct 2010 3 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags:

If ever there was a perfect place to see the Universe in all it’s beautiful perfection, it was evident all around at Westonbirt Arboretum today.

No lessons learned today, except that nature in all it’s glory can be absolutely amazing …

DSCF0092

To see all the images click here

Every Day – Another Little Test

25 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: ,

Following a very nice day comprising, though not in order of niceness, getting my car serviced, eating croissants for breakfast, walking in the sunshine and going to our favourite Thai restaurant, there was a stern test of my practice stuck to the windscreen of my car.

Yes, a parking ticket, only the third I have been served in 55 years of this particular lifetime.

Not totally impressed with how I coped, but I’ve already paid it online and I’ve put it down experience, yet more poison into medicine.

As we all know, even Parking Wardens love their parents, partners and children, and have a portion of Buddhahood within them.

Namaste.

Whoo Hooo – A Whole Week Off

22 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: ,

We have a whole week off, starting today, and we’re going to make the most of it.

Perfect timing, after the recent frost, for a trip to Westonbirt Arboretum.

Autumn Leaves

That magical link between nature and the very life-force of man enhanced by immersing yourself in the forest.

Autumn is maybe the most beautiful season, all those amazing reds, yellows, gold and brown as the trees prepare for winter.

And yet, Autumn is like the twilight years we will all experience as we come towards the end of our lives.

It’s reassuring to know, that just like Winter follows Autumn and Spring follows Winter, year in, year out, time without end, rebirth follows death and the Wheel of Life is just as certain.

We all enjoy the beauty of Autumn, and we can all enjoy the certainty of knowing that, even though life also cycles through the seasons, that our rebirth means we can enjoy every stage, from cradle to grave.

No Room For Complacency

21 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Having basked in the warmth of one success after another, I have issued myself a warning not to rest on my laurels.

Buddhist practice is like a dog, for life, not just for Christmas, and must be part of your very being.

I’m not suggesting that I have been back sliding, because I haven’t, but I feel I can still do more towards my goal. The difficulty is getting the balance right, treading a fine line between strenuous regular practice and learning, and an obsession with the new way of life.

Given the fact that the whole point of adopting Buddhism as a way of life is to gain a happier existence for me and those around me, I need to get this right.

Those of you who know me, know that I have an addictive nature and throw myself into new ventures wholeheartedly. The problem, in the past, has been keeping that going. I have been, I admit openly, in the World of Hunger, for most of my life, always looking for the next new thing.

I am certain that I am addressing that and making some headway, but self criticism is healthy in this respect.

One reason for keeping this blog is to prove to myself that I have changed, and that I have the drive and desire to keep my practice strong. You have my permission to tell me, if you see cracks appearing.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Unfazed

20 Oct 2010 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , ,

Having waited months for this special day to arrive, the inevitable has happened, it’s been postponed.

Ok, so it’s only by a few hours, a day at the most, but time was when I would have been distraught. Not this time.

My inner strength is amazing even me and I remain stoic and unfazed by the whole thing.

It’s so good to feel ‘in control’ and be in a position to be able to see the good things in what is, after all, a potential disappointment.

Onwards and upwards, and chanting wins again.

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