What does Supermoon have in store for You? – June 22, 2013

Published 23/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

SuperMoon Energy Report
The Supermoon lights up the sky this weekend (June 22-23) coming up at around 9 pm Pacific Time Saturday (22nd) and setting around 4:30 am Sunday (23rd). This is the 3rd of the three Supermoons this year, and this one is the closest yet. If you don’t know, a Supermoon is a Full Moon that comes closer to earth – so it’s closest in position. Tomorrow’s Supermoon is the largest of the three.

So what does this mean energetically? First, with any Full Moon opportunity, moon illuminates. Metaphorically, it shines light on all the dark corners and cobwebs in your life. This enables you to see what needs to be cleaned up on an internal level – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Of course, being a Supermoon, the light just shines even larger. The theme here is being able to move past deep-seated core beliefs, releasing more layers of that mental and emotional onion that no longer serve you. On a physical plane also, perhaps its time to clear the clutter, look at what blocking or plugging up the energy flow. The physical environment is equally a reflection of the emotional and mental levels of consciousness too.

By this massive illumination opportunity that is occurring, cleaning and cleansing is not the only order of the day. Along with cleaning and purging, is the notion of realizations and awareness. Shining light on these cobwebby areas in your mind, body, and spirit, allows little realizations to trickle and come forward into your consciousness. Along with realizations, just like a 360 degree circle, then allows you to make better or different choices in life, whether it’s releasing what no longer serves, holds positive energy in your life, anything that is around fear, expectations, or limitations. Supermoon is an opportunity to become that much more open to miracles in your life, and expand beyond the limitations that currently dogging you. So the more you become aware of these small realizations in your thoughts or feelings, the more they will expand. There is a saying “What you focus on, expands”. So this weekend, illuminate the lingering and long forgotten cobwebs, tie up loose ends, take stock and ask yourself if you really need to hang to this (whatever level it is), and let it go. By doing so, you leave room for new and fresh insights which can then multiply in your life.

The last thing that SuperMoon will illuminate is about expression. Just like emotional suppression, hiding away the cobwebs in the internal dark corners, verbal suppression is not conducive to your Higher way of being. Everything that you have been denying yourself, shunning, putting down, ignoring, no matter what area of life, now is the time where you can no longer afford to keep the lid on. It’s time to take the lid and say what you have been wanting to say for a long time. There is no longer room for things things like ‘What if I upset someone, What if the other person won’t like what I say?, What if I offend, or the favourite What if they don’t like me anymore?’ This way of thought is no longer in alignment with your more expansive energy. And this SuperMoon energy, at its most powerful this weekend, is giving you the boot so to speak to push you out of that suppressed space. The gloves are off, or in this case, the lid. Take this time to use it. You will not only honour yourself by taking this step, but you will that much closer to really being authentic and knowing who you truly are – and that is a loving, wise, powerful person, who can equally empower the people around you.

Active Exercise for Today:
Take some quiet time and space where you can do this exercise – outside in nature, quiet room, etc.. Put focus on your body, from head to toe. Turn your energy onto your heart area. And ask yourself these questions:

Am I thinking things that are not serving me?
Am I doing things or behaving in ways that aren’t conducive or positive?
How are these not serving me?
Can I let this go willingly?
And just simply give it up to the Universal Hands that are lovingly waiting to take and disseminate on your behalf. Call in Archangel Michael too to help as He is very good at helping you release the unnecessary energetic clutter from yourself. Even if you’re not sure how to evoke an angel or Archangel, thinking His name will suffice, and He will be there by your side regardless.

Until July’s energy post,
Love/Olena G – IndigoCrystalCoach™♥

You may copy and redistribute this material so long as you do not alter it in any way and the content remains complete, credit is given to the author, and you include this copyright notice and following links: http://indigocrystalcoach.wordpress.com and http://www.indigocrystalcoach.com

Did You Know? We do PERSONAL REPORTS just for you! To book a Private One-on-One Reading with Olena, click HERE

Connect with Olena through her Social Media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigocrystalcoach
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/indigocrystalco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IndigoCrystalCoach
BlogTalkRadio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indigocrystalcoach
Questions: indigocrystalcoach(at)gmail.com

Chinese Pure Land Buddhism

Published 21/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

A way for

global peace

happiness

harmony

prosperity

Chinese Buddhism

During the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China President Hu Jintao emphasized the importance of reviving the Chinese culture for future development. President Hu went on to say that the ethical and ideological standards of the people play a crucial role in the development of a harmonious society.

Chinese culture is underpinned by three of Chinese greatest and enduring philosophies which have been embraced worldwide: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. These three philosophies are interwoven in the fabric of the Chinese psyche and reflected in society. I call these the tripod upon which Chinese society is built.

Since the late 1960’s there has been much interest in the West of Eastern philosophies and religions and we are now seeing many components of these philosophies now becoming part of mainstream clinical psychology as in the Mindfulness based therapies and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Since the 1980’s Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism have begun to spring forth new buds in the spring of cultural and economic revival in China. Many westerners are coming to China, not just for viewing the many breathtaking scenic places and exciting cities of China but also to come in touch with the heartbeat of an ancient culture which has dynamic relevance and importance to today’s world. Indeed, many Chinese are unaware of their own culture and its vital importance in the face of rapid economic development within China. A society cannot survive purely upon economic prosperity. There must be a cohesive humanistic culture which sustains the prosperity.

Buddhism came to China during the first century when both Taoism and Confucianism were already established. Buddhism has had a remarkable ability to blend within the colours and shapes of a culture and maintain its essence. To this end Buddhism absorbed the essence of both Confucianism and Taoism and took on its own identity as Chinese Buddhism.

During a Buddhist forum with foreign students at Guang Jue Temple, Zaoxi-Lin’an, in 2011, The Venerable Zheng Rong, spoke of the correlation of the three great teachings. Confucianism is about relationships between people and has a clear model in this regard. Taoism is about the relationship between man and nature, namely how to handle the relationship between our environment and ourselves. Buddhism is about ‘man and his heart-mind”. Our minds and a sense of the transcendent, our environment and relationships – these three are significant in our social development.

Buddhism is an education which emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment. Enlightenment must be attained by our own effort. Only with self-awareness will we find the strength to deal with many worries and illusions, resolve to maintain our integrity and find peace and stability. To this end Chinese Buddhism has the model in which we can promote self-integrity and self-awareness which can change the world and benefit humanity.

In the past people used to think that Buddhism was nothing more than chanting or holding ceremonies for the dead and that monks lived apart from society in mountains. Every phenomenon in this world depends on a set of causes and conditions for its existence. Thus we cannot survive if we move away from people as they are our cause and condition, the heart of our survival.

Buddhahood can only be reached by the interaction of sentient beings. In the Buddhist sutras, it is said that every Dharma gathering or undertaking requires the presence of an assembly of beings to happen. The only way to success is to work side-by-side with other beings. This is an undeniable truth!

The most valuable things in this world are the good conditions between us and others in order to have harmony, success, fulfilment and merits. Therefore there are many good deeds worth doing in this world, for instance, contribute to or serving others, the building of international harmony networks.

China faces many challenges as it develops economically. There is a rapidly aging population with few children to look after families, there is need for education for those who cannot afford formal education, there is the need of medical services catering for increasing psychological problems which are inevitably part of materialistic development. Buddhism has much to offer to serve its local

communities and benefit the nation as well as the world. Its very survival depends upon its humanistic involvement.

It is important for Chinese Buddhism to establishes “bridges” between cultures so that not only the world may be able to access the wealth of teaching of Chinese Buddhism but also be able to cross over the bridge to reach out to humanity and the world in service and fulfil the aim of the Bodhi Mind.

In Chinese Buddhism we know the power of Vows to help us fulfil our spiritual aims. Vows strengthen our resolve. In the Vizualization Sutra Shakyamuni Buddha told Ananda to go and teach to many. Teaching is also by example. We must find resolve to respect the admonition of our Root Teacher and not only resolve but also ways to attain the spreading of the Dharma that are in tune with the needs of our society and in a way that modern society can comprehend.

Chinese Buddhism is one of China’s great cultural heritages. Let us not confine it to the museum of history but revive it to serve both the people of China and the world as well as bring peace, harmony and prosperity to all beings.

Master Zhi Sheng is Retreat Facilitator of Guang Jue Temple and has worked most of his career as a psychotherapist and mental health educator in Australia. His work, at Guang Jue Temple Zaoxi is in bringing foreigners to understand, practice and preserve Chinese Buddhism especially Pure Land Buddhism.

The Magic Number 108

Published 19/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

The Magic Number 108 in All Religions-Prana Kishore

The Significance of the number 108

The Indian Subcontinent rosary or set of mantra counting has 108 beads. 108 has been a sacred number in the Indian Subcontinent for a very long time. This number is explained in many different ways.

The ancient Indians were excellent mathematicians and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical operation (e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 = 108) which was thought to have special numerological significance.

Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2×2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108

Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 x 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.

9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9 times 12 is 108. Also, 1 plus 8 equals 9. That 9 times 12 equals 108.

Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Marmas: Marmas or marmastanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in the subtle body.

Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.

Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.

Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna.

1, 0, and 8: 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.

Sun and Earth: The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.

Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 … 10, etc., where 0 is not a number.

Smaller divisions: The number 108 is divided, such as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.

Islam: The number 108 is used in Islam to refer to God.

Jain: In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively.

Sikh: The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string of wool, rather than beads.

Chinese: The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108 bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three parts of 36 each.

Stages of the soul: Said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey.

Meru: This is a larger bead, not part of the 108. It is not tied in the sequence of the other beads. It is the quiding bead, the one that marks the beginning and end of the mala.

Dance: There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.

Pythagorean: The nine is the limit of all numbers, all others existing and coming from the same. ie: 0 to 9 is all one needs to make up an infinite amount of numbers.

We have listed below 108 Upanishads as per the list contained in the Muktikopanishad . We have arranged them in four categories according to the particular Veda to which each of them belong.

Rigveda(10): Aitareya , Atmabodha, Kaushitaki, Mudgala, Nirvana, Nadabindu, Akshamaya, Tripura, Bahvruka, Saubhagyalakshmi.

Yajurveda(50): Katha, Taittiriya , Isavasya , Brihadaranyaka, Akshi, Ekakshara, Garbha, Prnagnihotra, Svetasvatara, Sariraka, Sukarahasya, Skanda, Sarvasara, Adhyatma, Niralamba, Paingala, Mantrika, Muktika, Subala, Avadhuta, Katharudra, Brahma, Jabala, Turiyatita, Paramahamsa, Bhikshuka, Yajnavalkya, Satyayani, Amrtanada, Amrtabindu, Kshurika, Tejobindu, Dhyanabindu, Brahmavidya, YogakundalinI, Yogatattva, Yogasikha, Varaha, Advayataraka, Trisikhibrahmana, mandalabrahmana, Hamsa, Kalisantaraaa, Narayana, Tarasara, Kalagnirudra, Dakshinamurti, Pancabrahma, Rudrahrdaya, SarasvatIrahasya.

SamaVeda(16): Kena, Chandogya, Mahat, Maitrayani, Vajrasuci, Savitri, Aruneya, Kundika, Maitreyi, Samnyasa, Jabaladarsana, Yogacudaman, Avyakta, Vasudevai, Jabali, Rudrakshajabala.

Atharvaveda(32): Prasna , Mandukya, Mundaka, Atma, Surya, Narada-Parivrajakas, Parabrahma, Paramahamsa-Parivrajakas, Pasupatha-Brahma, Mahavakya, Sandilya, Krishna, Garuda, Gopalatapani, Tripadavibhuti-mahnarayana, Dattatreya, Kaivalya, NrsimhatapanI, Ramatapani, Ramarahasya, HayagrIva, Atharvasikha, Atharvasira, Ganapati, Brhajjabala, Bhasmajabala, Sarabha, Annapurna, TripuratapanI, Devi, Bhavana, SIta.

The Significance of the number 108

We must agree that all measuring systems are merely reference frames. They give us a starting point. It doesn’t really matter if you call them farenheits or cycles. All science is based on fundamental assumptions of the mechanics of this universe. Yet, these assumptions, if correct, connect like building blocks.

Much in the same way, the number ‘108’ is just a reference frame. It is symbolic of a bigger picture: that of humility. When devotees recite 108 Hanuman Chalisas, in their minds they believe, they are proving their love for God, and that there is in fact a need to prove their love. When devotees assign a 108 names to Shri Ganesh, they are once again gauging their devotion through numbers. What is important is that a system is there to guide us through the fundamental struggles encountered in any evolutional process. Otherwise, chaos and anarchy follow and nothing gets done.

Having said that, I will show you justifications from a few subcultures in India. Obviously, I consider the Vedic rationale to be the most consistent with the fundamental laws of this universe. The others have borrowed and built, but it still smells of Vedic beginnings.

In present times, we can find many rationales for the proliferation of ‘108’ throughout our scriptures. In fact, this number seems to garner its unfair share of attention from myriad cults and faith systems around the world. I will give you a few justifications that have been brought to my attention.

JYOTISH SHASTRA {VEDIC SYSTEM} This universe was created by the five elements: space, air, fire, water and earth. From these elements came the three attributes: Raj {birth}, Sat {protection} and Tam {destruction or death.}

The mathematical or geographical evidence proves that one circle has 360 degrees in space. Why is this circle or wheel of life considered to be of 360 degrees only? If we take a circle and start dividing it using the four elements and three attributes, all the logic can be observed.

The circle itself, is considered the first element of space, since we must consume space in drawing a circle. In this space {or circle}, the four remaining elements and three attributes create the idea of time. The circle is divisible by the product of four elements multiplied by three attributes. This involves the belief that the three attributes exist in the circle. By moving three times, each element completes its revolution.

So now we have the number 12 {3 x 4}. This division gave birth to our 12 months, and also to the 12 horas {1/2 of the day or Ahoratri}. We now have 360 degrees as well as 12 divisions. We can now further divide the wheel of time: there are 27 fixed stars (nakshatras) along with three attributes that divide the time in smaller portions. So this 27 + 3 = 30 is interpreted as 30 degrees or days of one part of the wheel (circle) or month. All of this is only half of a day. The night is yet unaccounted for. Therefore, we multiply these 30 degrees by 2. This gives us our reference of 60 seconds in a minute.

Thus the 360º x 30º = 10,800. Zero {0} is considered ‘Purna’ or complete. So we take out the last zeros and are left with 108. The idea of our total universe is represented by this number of 108. Offering 108, devotees believe that they are showing ultimate or complete respect to the Supreme.

There are many other justifications but all can be traced back to this system. A few are explained below:

SHOSHU BUDDHIST Followers use 108 beads in their malas. They implement the following formula: 6 x 3 x 2 x3 = 108 6 senses [sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought] 3 aspects of time [past, present, future] 2 condition of heart [pure or impure] 3 possibilties of sentiment [like, dislike, indifference]

BUDDHA’S FOOTPRINT All Buddhists accept the Buddha Footprint with its 108 Auspicious Illustrations. These areas are considered to have been marked on the Buddha’s left foot when his body was discovered.

BUDDHISM 108 beads on the Hindu maalaa {rosary} 108 Arhats or Holy Ones

HINDUISM 108 Gopis {consorts} of Lord Krishna 108 Holy places for Vaishnavas 108 beads on the Japa maalaa {rosary} 108 Upanishads 108 Divyadeshes – Divine or Sacred Tirtha throughout India and Nepal 108 sacred water taps in Muktinath – Nepal

TANTRA SHASTRA 108 Pitha {Sacred Places} The story goes that Lord Shiva was in deep and incessant meditation. His asceticism was creating great heat in the universe. All existence was in peril and Lord Brahma was deeply concerned. Lord Brahma asked the Mother of the Universe, Maa Shakti, to use Her strength and wile to seduce Lord Shiva. Maa Shakti agreed and was born as Sati, daughter of Shri Daksha. Lord Shiva was so entranced by Sati’s asceticism and extraordinary beauty that he took human form and they were married. Years later, at a feast, Sati’s father insulted Lord Shiva. Sati was so humiliated that she began a deep meditation which led to her immolation. Lord Shiva was completely heart broken. He reached into the sacrificial fire and pulled out as much of His beloved’s body as he could grab. As He ascended to heaven, bits of Sati’s body fell to earth. 108 bits to be precise! In time, these places were acknowledged and worshipped.

SANATANA DHARMA In a book by Khurana, the explanation closely mirrors the original Vedic justifications: A circle has 360 degrees, which when multiplied by 60 gives us 21,600 minutes in a circle. 60 comes from the 60 ‘ghatis’ which Sanatana Dharmiks believe in. One ghati is equal to 24 minutes and 60 ghatis come to 24 hours.

One ghati is divided into 60 parts or ‘palas’. So the 60 ghatis multiplied by 60 palasa comes to 3,600. This is further multiplied by 60 (becase a pala contains 60 vipalas) which gives us 21,600. Half of this is for the day, and the other half for the night. So, 21,600 divided by 2 gives us 10,800. For practical purposes, we use 108.

Using the number 108 helps us coordinate the rhythm of time and space & we remain in harmony with the spiritual powers of nature.

Namaste

Mark

My Spiritual Journey Part 4.

Published 17/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

For parts 1-3 of My Spiritual Journey, please see the dedicated page on my home page.

My Spiritual Journey Part 4:

I really must try to bring this journey up-to-date because the last post I gave you takes us back to January 2012 so we are at least 18 months behind!…That’s me, sorry, I am a little tardy when it comes to writing, I don’t know why but I guess I over think too much about what I should and need to write, this leads to procrastination and leads to delays of this amount of time J Actually, I guess I am always rather busy with my work, my family, my interests and of course my spiritual journey.

So, back to the journey J After the passing of my beloved father ‘John’ on the 13^th January 2012 life was tough not just for me but for all my family, my children went through all sorts of emotional battles because they were all very close to their granddad. After the funeral we returned to China on the 3^rd February arriving home o the 4^th, that night I was invited out by friends to have a few drinks and to celebrate my fathers life (my friends in Shanghai all knew my father because he had been over many many times). This celebration was a final step in the grieving process for me and brought some closure to my mind…or so I thought! That same evening as I was on my way home in the rain, I slipped and fell on we steps leading up to our home, these steps raise about 1.5m from the ground. As I fell I must have hit my arm on the way down taking the whole weight of my body on my shoulder, as I rolled about and writhed in agony on the concrete floor in the rain and puddles I must have came to my senses, managed to gather enough adrenalin to pull myself up, clamber up the steps that caused me this pain, stumble into the elevator and rise on up to my home on the 16^th floor. I banged and banged on my door until my wife answered my calls; and she said, “ Oh my god, your shoulder is falling off ”…. We called for transport and off we went to the hospital, on arrival I was quickly ushered into the x-ray room and before I had even left the room, the radiologist ran out shouting, “ We need to admit him now “…to cut a long and painful story short, I was admitted immediately, my wife signed the papers straight away and quickly underwent many hours of reconstructive surgery to repair my shoulder I had about 8 months convalescence and am left with these: –

“Why Me”, “Why Now”!

While I was in surgery, I felt I had risen out of my body, I was looking down on me, lying there on the operating table, all the Chinese surgeons were working away and trying to fix my shoulder, they were communication with each other, drilling, cutting, stitching and fixing me. It was though I was a medical student observer watching the operation. I must have re-entered my body and woke up a few hours later. The next few days were filled with pain, discomfort and this all added to the recent trauma of my fathers passing. My wife called our children to tell them what had happened; you can imagine this was all they needed to hear so soon after the passing of their Granddad.

Anyway, while I was in hospital recovering, I was often wheeled around the hospital in a wheelchair or on my hospital bed, off for x-rays, tests of one sort or another etc., and while visiting different areas of the hospital I became acutely aware of other people, their injuries, their worry, their plight, their fear and their sadness. I could feel their emotions, hear their silent prayers, observe their sadness, grief and sometimes joy. My healing senses were becoming even more finely attuned to those around me. After a week or so we came home, I felt totally lost, I could not dress myself, wash myself, feed myself, all those daily tasks we take for granted were impossible for me to manage, I fought and I struggled to do all that I could by myself but mostly I had to rely on my wife for all these things we like to do for ourselves…. This made me think more deeply, I started to gain even more admiration for those less fortunate than myself, I now felt for myself the difficulties of going to the bathroom alone, which was impossible, my dignity felt drained and my self respect diminished, my sadness for the loss of my father became even more enhanced, I was becoming lost in my own grief……

Sorry, I need to stop now because reliving this trauma has brought back so many deep and painful emotions, I need to meditate be thankful and get myself back on track.

Namaste

Mark

My Spiritual Journey Part 5 Coming Soon.

Be Thankful for what you have in your life.

Published 17/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

A heartbreaking image taken in a orphanage in Iraq.

I came across this on one of my friends sites http://childreninshadow.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/362/ and I just felt compelled to share it with you.

May last three posts have been about peace and gratitude so this image seemed fitting to bring our minds back to the realities of this world and to allow us time to think about others less fortunate than ourselves.

Namaste

Mark

Give Thanks and Hold out your Hand Today.

Published 15/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

Gratitude.

Did you know?

Actually, when I take a look at my life I have everything, in fact far too much of everything. I have food in my fridge, clothes on my back, a roof over my head and a place to sleep. I too have money in the bank, money in my wallet and change in my pocket. I certainly woke up this morning with more health than illness. I have never experienced the dangers of battle, the agony of imprisonment or the horrible pangs of starvation, and I was certainly blessed with a great education and opportunities all throughout my life to learn and grow through the loving care of my parents, the love of my family around me and through my life’s (wonderful) experiences.

But what about the rest of humanity, our brothers and sisters around the world who are far less fortunate than ourselves? Will they have any food and water today? Will they find shelter, put a roof over their head and any form of bed to sleep in tonight? What will they have to endure today to get some coins for some scraps of food? Or will they have to forage in our waste to gain a mouthful of anything to keep then going through the day and the long night ahead of them? Will they be safe tonight and if they survive will they be safe tomorrow? Will they be moved on, thrown out into the cold, will they dodge more bullets again today, shelter in blown up buildings and maybe watch friends, family and loved ones loose their limbs and or they lives?

When we look at what we have around us each and every day, when we really look at our lives, take a moment to observe our day, what we do, what we eat, what we throw away, what we dismiss, who we curse, what we complain about and then look at our beautiful children, see them smile, see them play, see them read, watch them eat and fall asleep in our arms with not a element of fear in their eyes as we leave them tucked up in their beds at night…When we really take a minute to observe what we have in our lives, then and only then can we be Thankful and Grateful for our lives…and maybe then and only then will we try to make a difference in this world, hold out our hands to someone in need, where ever they are and in any way we can!

Make today a special day, make it a day of Gratitude, give thanks for all the great things and people we have in our lives and do something good for someone less fortunate.

Namaste
Mark

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/daily-prompt-faith/

Let there be Peace on Earth: Video

Published 14/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

IS THERE PEACE IN YOUR HEART?

Published 11/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

Peace: It’s in everyone’s heart!

Or is it?

When we are born, we are innocent, we are at peace, we are love, we are compassion, and there is no hate, no greed, no envy, and no spite, just PEACE.

So what goes wrong?

From day one we watch and learn.

The love and the peace slowly get’s knocked out of us by our parents, our siblings, our families, our friends, our teachers, our neighbors, our supervisors, our leaders, our peers, by our governments and society.

Deep down, Love and Peace is there; it is STILL in our hearts, we just need to go deep inside and find it and it can be done! We can be at peace with ourselves, with others and with the world.

So who am I to say anything about Peace and Love…Well I’m nobody, I’m just a man, a husband, a father, a friend, a business leader, a peer…someone who cares! Someone with passion, someone who wants to make a difference to this world, someone who wants to see this world change for the better, someone who wants to see peace in his lifetime, someone who wants to see smiles on peoples faces, someone who wants to see the end of famine, someone who wants to see the environment heal, someone who wants to swim in the ocean with out the fear of pollution, someone who wants to see the end to endless greed by the few at the expense of the many, someone who wants to see justice done to the so called leaders of this world who continue to take and give nothing in return……Where will it all end, and can I make a difference?

Lao Tzu shared these quotes with us and I think he any many other sage’s, God’s and Masters left us with words that we have forgotten, like we have forgotten that WE STILL HAVE PEACE AND LOVE in our HEARTS:-

‘The Journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step”
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
“The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.”
“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.”“Be content with what you have;
“Rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
“A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.”
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”
“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”
“Stop thinking, and end your problems.”
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
“Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires.”
“Act without expectation.”
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
“To lead people, walk beside them …As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate …When the best leader’s work is done the people say,We did it ourselves!”
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”
“Because of a great love, one is courageous.”
“Your own positive future begins in this moment. All you have is right now. Every goal is possible from here.”
“If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness.”
“If you want to know me, look inside your heart.”

I just want to finish this short post with these words OF WISDOM…

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
Gautama Buddha

NAMASTE

MARK

Awards and exception to my norm.

Published 11/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

My dear friends,

I received another award today and if you take a look at the tab at the top of my home page marked Awards, you will see that I normally do not accept awards due to the amount of time it takes to complete and comply with the award acceptance process …However….today I received an award from a dear blogging friend Summer at http://summer4soul.wordpress.com this award came straight from her heart and had the following message:-

Thank you, for being the person who you are.. Be Inner Peace and share it on your own special way..

I give you this Inner Peace Award.. It’s my way to thank you for your friendly comments, the follow, your kind words and the beautiful things you are share with the world..

Feel free to accept this Award and add it on your blog. There is just one rule, when you past the award on, please share some kind words with that person.

Namasté, Summer

I was touched by Summer’s act of kindness and I happily accept this award with an open heart filled with peace.

Namaste

Mark

Choying Drolma and Guqing in Shanghai 琼音卓玛与成公亮梵呗古琴音乐会

Published 10/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

A wonderful concert held here in Shanghai, the beautifully calming voice of Choying Dolma, stunning Mantra’s giving you protection and the lovely music of the Guqin.

Enjoy my friends

Namaste

Mark

Leshan 10

Published 07/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

Here we are, at last you say!

We have arrived…Here is ‘Dafo’ Big Buddha. As you can see he is huge and commanda a special place overlooking the river.

I do hope you enjoyed your walk with me around the gardens of Leshan and you gained some peace, solitude and compassion from the journey.

Namaste
Mark

TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine

Published 05/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

TCM. Traditional Chinese Medicine in China.

Traditional Chinese medical education has a history going back thousands of years, and it has kept abreast of the development of TCM culture and Chinese civilization, which is rarely seen in the world medical history. Numerous practitioners have been trained and they have offered much in medical and health care for the Chinese people, and promoted development of traditional Chinese medicine. So far, it occupies an important place in national medical education.

A Brief History of the TCM Education System in China.
The ancient medical examination system took shape during the Zhou Dynasty fro 1100-256 B.C. Laid down In the Zhou Li Yi Shi (The Chief Practitioners Book of Rites) the requirements for TCM chief practitioners were recorded. Their compensation depended upon the response to their treatment, e.g. those whose patients responded well to their treatment without any failiure received the highest level of compensation, whilst those whose treatments were not effective received lower levels of compensation.
From the Qin to Han Dynasties 221 B.C – A.D 24 the teacher apprentice system prevailed, but by the Southern and Northern Dynasties 386 A.D – 589A.D, there was a systematic government run education. In the Sui Dynasty 581A.D – 618 A.D, the Imperial Administration of Health was set-up, and in the Tang Dynasty 618A.D – 907 A.D, the Imperial Administration of Health expanded and medical schools appreared throughout China. Through the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties 960 A.d – 1911 A.D, the medical education system was gradually perfected.
The Basic Principles of TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine all illness symptoms are based on the theory of eight principals. They are grouped in the four pairs of opposites.
They are:-
Cold and Heat
Exterior and Interior
Deficiency and Excess
Yin and Yang
These four pairs represent eight elements and explain the nature of diseases and the location of pathological changes. These principals lay in the basics of differentiating the symptoms and giving the analysis.
Cold and Heat
These two principles indicate the nature of disease.
Manifestations of cold syndromes include absence of thirst, slow pulse, tastelessness in the mouth and many others. These are the signs of having an excessive Yin and may be caused by Yang deficiency. Cold syndromes may also be caused by pathological changes.
Fever, thirst, red eyes, rapid pulse, red tongue, constipation, yellow urine are some of the symptoms of heat syndromes. They all all caused by a yin deficiency
Exterior and Interior
Exterior conditions can affect muscles, skin and channels. This refers to flu, viruses and cold. These conditions are caused by the invasion of the body by pathogens while Interior result from pathogens entering the interior of the body. These symptoms affect brain, bones, nerves and other inner organs.
Deficiency and Excess
These principles are used to analyze the bodies resistance to pathogenic factors. Deficiency is explained by the lack of something in the body. It may be caused by a weak constitution, low immune system, deficiency in Qi flow or loss of weight. Among the symptoms are weakness, tiredness, dull pain and many others.
Irritability, rapid breathing, constipation, pain in the chest and abdomen are the main symptoms of Excess. To give you a clear idea here is an example: a common; fast developing cold with high temperature, sore throat and sweating.
Yin and Yang
Exterior, Heat and Excess belong under Yang; Interior, Cold and Deficiency belong to Yin.
People who belong to the yang category are usually dynamic and outgoing. They are extremely energetic and choose careers to display their abilities. It is often very hard for them to sit back and relax. That’s why the symptoms of diseases are usually sudden and among them are:- fever, thirst, swellings and other Yang symptoms. Yang people need to take frequent breaks and learn to calm down, meditate from time to time. Chinese herbs will help them achieve this change to their hectic lifestyle.
Yin people on the contrary are pretty quiet. They choose careers where they can be supportive and more reserved in their outlook on life. They are happy with their quiet lives and go with the flow. The problem may be in their Qi flow. In order to strengthen their Qi flow and yang they also should take special herbs.

It doesn’t mean that being reserved or active is either bad or good , all our emotions and states are natural and given to us by God. Sometimes we can become tired and quiet and sometimes we feel, joyful, happy and are dynamic.

The only thing that is very important is balance.

Namaste

Mark

Daily Life and our Education

Published 04/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, compassion, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable so that we can continue to do good for others.

Yesterday I fumbled, I got myself lost on my spiritual journey, I faltered and questioned ‘Why Now, Why Me’! I took the time to ‘Think Too Much’ and allow my ego to have a place in my mind, to question me as to why i was on this pathway!…It took me sometime to bring my mind back into the ‘Now’ to push these thoughts away and to clear my mind, it also helped to receive some encouraging replies to my post from some dear blogging friends (Heidi, Frank and Rising Hawk) their comments can be seen following the blog post as can their contact links if you would like to check their blogs out too 🙂

Today is a different day, the sun is shining, I awoke with a clear mind after a refreshingly good nights sleep, I’m looking forward to my day with a smile on my face and I’m carrying on my spiritual journey with gusto 🙂

Namaste
Mark

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/daily-prompt-faith/

The Secret to You. Video .A Gift From The Secret Scrolls

Published 03/06/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

Many of you may have already seen this wonderful short video, if you have then please watch it again and enjoy, if this is your first time then watch it, live it and gain all you can from it as it is sent to you all with all my heart.

Namaste my friends

Mark

Amazing…A Must Watch Video

Published 30/05/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

Wow, this is so amazing, Miyoko Shida Rigolo performing a beautiful act of mindfulness, concentration, balance, poise and beauty…Please watch to the end, its amazing and brought a tear to my eye 🙂

Namaste

Mark

Leshan 9

Published 30/05/2013 by inspiringyourspirit

Hi Everyone,

Well, it’s day nine of our walk around the beautiful gardens that surround Leshan Temple in Sichuan Province China. We are now coming to the temple itself, as you will see from the images below, it is protected by some fearsome carvings which stand guard outside the temple entrance. The temple is high up the side of the hill and it is a very tiresome climb up all those steps.

At the bottom of the steps is a large Lotus Leaf Statue which is used for burning candles as a offering to The Buddha and to Passed family members and friends.