Contemplating Disease – Part 12a – Ten Characteristics – 30 September 2018

In the previous section I gave a quote from Chih-I in which he talks about a free method of managing illness, one that doesn’t take much time, which can be done without any side effects, and may be taken with out limit.  He laments that in spite of all the benefits of this offering people refuse to partake.  In the Lotus Sutra in the parable of the Gem in the Robe we learn that the…

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Contemplating Disease – Part 11 – Losses and Benefits – September 29, 2018

“The medicine of this secular world may cost a fortune and take time to prepare.  Also they may be bitter.  Also, they may come with prohibitions, but those who rely on them for their lives continue to take them until they die.  But now I present a method that does not cost a cent, does not waste even a half-a-day effort, is not bitter to the taste, and can be eaten and drunk as you…

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100 Days Chanting Meditation – Part 1

A few days ago Sensei Kanjin Cederman offered this challenge to us and our practice for the last remaining 100 days of the year.  I would like to offer as a companion to this an accompanying meditation to engage in as we make our way out of 2018 and into 2019. If you’ve read my book on The Magic City you will know that I am fond of and engage in a couple of mystical…

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Contemplating Disease – Part 8b – Religious Ideation – September 24, 2018

In 1971 I was at that time stationed at the Marine Corps base Kaneohe, Hawaii.  In that year I had a significant  pain and swelling in my knees.  It was so bad I could hardly walk at all.  I went to the sick bay and they sent me to Trippler Army Hospital on the other side of the island.  It was determined after many doctor visits and consultations that I was suffering from significant scar…

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