Three Short Teachings

Three Short Teachings

Three Short Teachings By Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche:   Thoughts and the Mind   Like waves, all the activities of this life have rolled endlessly on, one after the other, yet they have left us feeling empty-handed. Myriads of thoughts have run through our minds,...
Hexagram 1 The Creative, the Dynamic

Hexagram 1 The Creative, the Dynamic

If you are alert to the Creative, you will meet with  good  fortune nowThe Creative is at work; change is in motion in a dynamic, creative way.   This hexagram signals a time when the fundamental creative power of the universe is available to you.  An...
Verses on the Faith Mind

Verses on the Faith Mind

During my daily meditation today I opened my new pocket book, Teachings of Buddha to the following very important message for all of us on the path: Verses on the Faith Mind, by Sen-Tsang, the third Zen Patriarch.   The Great Way is not difficult for those of us...
Hexagram 3, Difficulty at the Beginning

Hexagram 3, Difficulty at the Beginning

    Difficulty at the Beginning DIFFICULTY Other titles: Difficulty at the Beginning, The Symbol of Bursting, Sprouting, Hoarding, Distress, Organizational Growth Pains, Difficult Beginnings, Growing Pains, Initial Obstacles, Initial Hardship DIFFICULTY AT...
Hexagram 4 Youthful Folly

Hexagram 4 Youthful Folly

Reading Hexagram 4 at mid-life ( AARP cards already arrived in the mail) should be a thorough resounding embarrassment.  This reading frequently comes when one has been provided sage advice but refused to apply the lesson to the situation.  Youthful folly implies no...
Hexagram 7  The Army “Discipline”

Hexagram 7 The Army “Discipline”

This is one of the most challenging to comprehend readings in the I Ching. The Army? How obtuse! Right? What does it convey to you? I have received this reading at times when I was preparing for a confrontation or meeting with a dysfunctional team or individual. Most...
Hexagram 11  T’ai Peace

Hexagram 11 T’ai Peace

11. Tài (Pervading) Peace Through relating correctly we have achieved peace.   Maintaining peace requires inner discipline. Interpretation: Share good fortune with others. Peace after difficult times. Be flexible but true to yourself. A time of peace, prosperity and...
Hexagram 11-Peace

Hexagram 11-Peace

Hexagram 11-Peace In the aftermath of two of the more contentious battles breaking we have cause to rejoice and rest in Peace. Readers of my other website Durham Cool will be heartened to hear more about Durham NC news now that President Obama has not granted the...
Hexagram 13 Changing to Hexagram 1

Hexagram 13 Changing to Hexagram 1

Hexagram 13 Fellowship with Others Reading from today after 1.2-hour meditation, early this morning. Critical that we clear our minds, via meditation or mantra before framing the question and asking same during the tossing of the I Ching Bronze coins. The best...
Hexagram 14 Possession in Great Measure

Hexagram 14 Possession in Great Measure

Those who are steadfastly balanced, humble, and in harmony with the Sage inherit everything under the sun. Fire above the sky shines far — symbolizing the vastness of the territory of wealth. To develop virtue and repress evil is in accordance with the will of...
Hexagram 15

Hexagram 15

This reading is a strong antidote to the ego’s desire for a quick remedy to life’s most compelling challenges. Often it is a difficult to discern between the voice of the sage(higher self) and the cunning mimicry the  ego manifests on a moment by...
Hexagram 16   Enthusiasm

Hexagram 16 Enthusiasm

This is a frequent reading for me. Those with heavy doses of internal creativity (“Fire” in the Tibetan Bon Shaman tradition) often receive this reading when confronted with a difficult choice or significant obstacle. The Oracle counsels us there are two...
Hexagram 17

Hexagram 17

17 — Following — 17   HEXAGRAM NUMBER SEVENTEEN — FOLLOWING Other titles: According With, Acquiring Followers, Adapting, Adjusting, To Accord With, To Accompany, Concordance, Conformance to The Work, “Learn to serve in order to rule. Quit...
Hexagram 18 Work on What has been Spoiled (Decay)

Hexagram 18 Work on What has been Spoiled (Decay)

A challenge to improvement that which has been spoiled through neglect can be rejuvenated with effort. Receiving this hexagram is an indication that there is a defect in the attitude of oneself, another or one’s society that requires correction. For me this...
Hexagram 20 Contemplation

Hexagram 20 Contemplation

  CONTEMPLATION Kuan has two meanings in Chinese, either “contemplation” or “setting an example” This explains why in some interpretations you will find reference to the first part of the work (purification) has been done. Now it is time...
Hexagram 24 Return

Hexagram 24 Return

You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. In the old days, when we were strong and happy people, all our power came to us from the...
Hexagram 27 The Corners of the Mouth:  Nourishment

Hexagram 27 The Corners of the Mouth: Nourishment

When you receive this reading reflect on the type of things you take into your body and mind.   Observe the people you draw to you and are drawn to.  When we stray from our practice of equanimity and balance by grasping for and to passion, fear and anxiety (see...
Hexagram 21 & Buddhism and Animal treatment

Hexagram 21 & Buddhism and Animal treatment

Hexagram 21     THE CORNERS OF THE MOUTH (PROVIDING NOURISHMENT)Give proper nourishmentto yourself and others. The image of this hexagram is that of an open mouth. It comes to remind us that the nourishment of our bodies and spirits is important and merits...
Hexagram 35 Progress

Hexagram 35 Progress

35 — Advance of Consciousness — 35 You progress like the rising sun. The brighter your virtue, the higher you rise. Judgment Legge: In Advance of Consciousness we see a prince who secures the tranquility of the people presented on that account with...
Hexagram 40 Deliverance

Hexagram 40 Deliverance

Hexagram 40  Deliverance A change in attitude delivers you from difficulty This reading, Hsieh, signals the beginning of a deliverance from danger, tensions, and difficulty.  The I Ching counsels us, through this reading, on the cause of the deliverance and how one...
Hexagram 42 Increase

Hexagram 42 Increase

42. I / Increase   Hexagram 42 Above Sun, the gentle wind Below CHêN The Arousing Thunder Powerful improvements are underway This reading comes to let you know this is a time to act when the universe is behind you in all of your benevolent ventures.    Please...
Hexagram 46 Pushing Upward

Hexagram 46 Pushing Upward

    My consultation today focused on overcoming obstacles.  Often, as you will find with other readings referencing similar lessons, the Universe (Sage) teaches us in many different ways about the battle of ego dominance vs. Higher Self guidance.  ...
Hexagram 49 Revolution

Hexagram 49 Revolution

49 — Metamorphosis — 49   HEXAGRAM NUMBER FORTY-NINE — METAMORPHOSIS Other titles: Revolution(s), Transformation, Skinning, The Bridle, The Symbol of Change, Molting, Leather, Skin, Molt, Cut Off, Changing, Radical Change, Overthrowing. Judgment...
Hexagram 50 The Caldron Ting

Hexagram 50 The Caldron Ting

Hexagram 50 The Caldron Ting Hexagram 50 The Caldron denotes a powerful time to continue or nuture noble causes.  In the case of working on what is out of balance or static, the counsel is to create an open space for the Higher Self to do the work.  Creating...
Hexagram 51 Keeping Still Mountain

Hexagram 51 Keeping Still Mountain

Still your emotions through meditation Receiving this hexagram is a sure sign you need to quiet your “emotions” and impulses as they are preventing you from seeing clearly.    This is the EGO talking and clamoring for a quick and “easy”...
Hexagram 53 (Gradual Progress)

Hexagram 53 (Gradual Progress)

Those who persevere make continuous progress The image most commonly associated with this reading is that of a tree growing on the top of a mountain.   If this tree grows too rapidly, wihout properly rooting itself, it becomes susceptible to being torn up and...
Today’s Reading Hexagram 54 Marrying Maiden

Today’s Reading Hexagram 54 Marrying Maiden

The Marrying Maiden is also interpreted as Propriety Making do In relationships, desires lead to misfortunes. Behave with discipline and balance When you receive this particular Hexagram, the connotation is innate imbalance.  You hold a subordinate position in a...
This Week’s Reading – Hexagram  53

This Week’s Reading – Hexagram 53

Hexagram 57 is a good reading to explore for all in this fast paced world .  This was a reading with all fixed lines . What does all fixed lines denote? No changing lines or all fixed is the oracle’s way of getting the point across in emphatic fashion.   Ears...
Hexagram 55 Abundance (Fullness)

Hexagram 55 Abundance (Fullness)

Hexagram 55 Abundance A moment of great influence is at Hand. Prepare wisely and act accordingly. When we think about our influence in this world we know it naturally ebbs and flows, right? If this is the case when the universe is cooperating and we are receptive to...
Hexagram 58:  The Joyous Lake

Hexagram 58: The Joyous Lake

Hexagram 58 the Joyous Lake (Twee) Pleasure ORACLE:   The surface of the marsh is still; the inner marsh seethes with life, Beside it friends sit and talk, The conversation is easy but the communication between them is deep, Success if you keep to your course....
Hexagram 57 The Gentle (the Pentrating, Wind)

Hexagram 57 The Gentle (the Pentrating, Wind)

The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind) Consistent correctness turns every situation to your advantage. The image of this hexagram is that of a gentle wind dispersing storm clouds.  A wind that changes direction often, even a very powerful one, will disperse nothing-it,...
Loving Awareness Meditation

Loving Awareness Meditation

          I highly recommend sitting for this Loving Awareness Meditation.  You may sit down on a meditation cushion or in a chair with your feet touching the ground.   This essential bhakti meditation is the essence of Ram Dass and his root...
Pureland Project

Pureland Project

Dearest Supporters, We have a big announcement and a BIG ASK this #givingtuesday!  Over the last decade, you have helped The Pureland Project reach thousands of Tibetans across the plateau.  The gratitude we accept from communities on behalf of our donors is immense....
Padmamalla

Padmamalla

padmamalla   From the point of view of Buddhism and Buddhist practice, the discovery of the true nature of mind must be established for Buddhadharma to be fully practiced. However, this does not mean that any meditation practiced before such realization arises is...
Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Forgiveness by Anne Ruth Eskilsen Gandhi said, ” the weak can never forgive that forgiveness is the attribute of the...
Hexagram 20 Contemplation

Loving Kindness Meditation

 The lessons come to us over and over until they are truly heart felt, in the feeling center of our being.   Last evening I was pumping gas at a convenience store near my home.  When I was just about finished pumping gas, a gentleman approached me and introduced...
Transfiguration (The Essence of Tantra)

Transfiguration (The Essence of Tantra)

Krystal Aranyani Exercises to connect on a deeper level with your Beloved. The sacred joining of feminine and masculine. We are demonstrating the exercises, it’s best to do each for at least 5 minutes. Thank you to my Beloved @KoiFresco for making this video...
My Left Footed Buddhist Journey

My Left Footed Buddhist Journey

My Left Footed Buddhist Journey Before I began my Buddhist practice, it was as if my left foot was stretched out behind me, rooted in the past while my right foot was outstretched in front of me, standing in the future, thereby preventing any recognition, let alone...
Patanjali Yoga Sutras

Patanjali Yoga Sutras

The study and practice of yoga are not complete without Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras. Durham NC is indebted to Bryan Carey, teacher/owner of Patanjali’s Yoga Studio Durham for leading many of us to the study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yoga Sutras of...
Tibet is making the Headlines

Tibet is making the Headlines

“We will keep fighting. We are not defeated.” An overview of the London 60th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising  On Sunday 10 March we marched alongside hundreds of Tibetans through the streets of London to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1959...
Temple of Joy Sanctuary

Temple of Joy Sanctuary

Jyoti (Jody Kessler) has been practicing yoga for over 30 years, and she is a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She is also a performing songwriter and recording artist, a leader of devotional and ecstatic chant, and an ordained Interfaith Minister. A...
Expert Mind vs. Beginner’s Mind

Expert Mind vs. Beginner’s Mind

Assumptions or misconceptions “subject matter experts” often make:   They have the respect of their (followers, students, and readers) because they forgot more about the subject than anyone else knows. They do not think with “Beginner’s...
Joy!

Joy!

ཁྱེད་རང་དགའ་ཤོས་ཀྱི་གཞས། your Favourites Song·   translator from Tibetan to English online བོད་གཞས་ཟེར་ན་འདི་འདྲ་ཞིག་དགོས་ལི་རེད།...
Readings With Lorri

Readings With Lorri

Are you looking for clarity in an area of your life?Would you like to feel lighter, peaceful and breathe easier?Do you want to quiet those voices of doubt in your head? A session with Lorri can help. “ My intention while reading your cards is to allow Spirit to speak...
Teachings of HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Teachings of HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche  Teaching, Giving Instruction, Reason, Preaching, Transmission of the Dharma mudra, after a visit to the Sakya Dharma Center, 1976, SeaTac Airport, Seattle, Washington, USA Three Short Teachings By Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: Thoughts and the...
Walk with Me, Thich Nhat Hanh opening 8-18-17

Walk with Me, Thich Nhat Hanh opening 8-18-17

Watch the trailer for the Cumberbatch-narrated Thich Nhat Hanh documentary, “Walk With Me,” premiering on August 18 BY LILLY GREENBLATT| AUGUST 4, 2017 Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email this...
Cucurrucucu Paloma performed by Caetano Veloso

Cucurrucucu Paloma performed by Caetano Veloso

This morning I started surfing YouTube in search of another orchestral arrangement of this song performed with Caetano Veloso. I found several comparable to this live to film version below from Pedro Almodovar and then a new discovery by this young singer from Spain....
The Gurus Love

The Gurus Love

Ram Dass gathers with Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das to talk about the love of the Guru. Krishna Das and Ram Dass share their experiences with Neem Karoli Baba and the quality of love he radiated. “People are afraid to really go for that love.” –...
Shamanic Services by Susan

Shamanic Services by Susan

    Susan Norton, MS, HLB is a certified shamanic practitioner in Peruvian shamanism. She trained with Alberto Villoldo and the Four Winds Society. This medicine path has changed my life in indescribable ways. When I found this work, my life changed forever...
Golden Light Sutra

Golden Light Sutra

  Listen to this recitation in its entirety, best in meditative stillness and receptivity, to this reading of the sublime, Golden Light Sutra.   You may listen to the 2nd and 108 times while washing dishes or working on a project.   I recommend one download the Sutra...
Japi Hw 3

Japi Hw 3

Japi Hw 3 12-15th Pauris (stanzas)   Hearing enables one to remember. To remember is to agree with the God inside of yourself; remembrance is beyond definition. Nevertheless remembrance is encoded in our DNA, and experienced in our whole being.   No words can speak of...
The Gurus Love

Baba Neem Karoli

Neem Karoli Baba    Neem Karoli Baba (Hindi: नीम करौली बाबा[2]) or Neeb Karori Baba (Hindi: नीब करौरी बाबा) (1900 c. – September 11, 1973), also known to followers as Maharaj-ji, was a Hindu guru, mystic and devotee of the Hindu deity Hanuman.[3] He is...
Life, suffering, and the cessation of suffering

Life, suffering, and the cessation of suffering

We are flawed, led by desire,  quick change, running headlong in pursuit of what we think brings us happiness while forgetting that our true source of happiness is already present inside each of us. Yours truly is a special case for this and therefore all too often...
Why Buddhism is True

Why Buddhism is True

    “Don’t think of Buddhism as some kind of narrow, closed-minded belief system. It isn’t. Buddhist doctrine is not a historical fabrication derived through imagination and mental speculation, but an accurate psychological explanation of the actual nature of...
Sharon Salzberg is coming to the Triangle

Sharon Salzberg is coming to the Triangle

  Sharon Salzberg is coming to the Triangle   “Sharon Salzberg is an amazing teacher, and her words … illuminate the way to love wisely.” – Jack Kornfield   Sharon Salzberg is a central figure in the field of meditation, a world-renowned teacher and NY...

2018 Hanuman Chalisa Chanting news

2018 Hanuman Chalisa Chanting  News from Jon Seskevich: In this Hanuman Chalisa newsletter I like to share recordings i’ve been listening and singing with. Here is a track from the Taos Hanuman CD and I’ve been playing it almost everyday, it is called...
The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness

Every spiritual practice has important teachings on the subject of forgiveness. Many of us have the experience of forgiving another for what may be commonly considered modest intransgressions, but what about big infractions like murder, rape and or sexual assault? Not...
Hexagram 24 Return

See what Art and Nature can do

  Look (observe) at this painting for 10 minutes. Set a timer if you think the occasion warrants. Give the painting enough time to settle over your restless mind. Allow the image to elicit an emotion, any emotion will do. Allow this new or familiar emotion to...
Jon Seskevich updates

Jon Seskevich updates

The Bright HourReceived a text from a friend reading a book and saw me mentioned as “Nurse Jon” and “Relaxation Jon.” What a big surprise for us both! This book is powerful, like one of Stephen Levine, or Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ Living and...
How to strengthen your Chi

How to strengthen your Chi

  What is Chi? Put simply, chi (qi) is that which gives life. In terms of the body, chi is that which differentiates a corpse from a live human being. To use a Biblical reference, it is that which God breathed into the dust to produce Adam. Chi is also the basis...

Vajrasattva Mantra

Vajrasattva Mantra Vajrasattva signifies “diamond being” or “vajra-being”. By practicing daily his Dharma, the follower can avoid all evil thoughts, eliminate vexations and have unlimited happiness and wisdom. Vajrasattva practice is also a tantric meditation done for...
Joy!

My left footed. Buddhist Journey

My Left Footed Buddhist life Before I began my Buddhist practice, it was as if my left foot was stretched out behind me, rooted in the past while my right foot was outstretched in front of me, standing in the future, thereby preventing any recognition, let alone...
Ram Dass Satsang in Durham

Ram Dass Satsang in Durham

                                       The intention is to create and share their curiosity of life under the umbrella of the teachings of Ram Dass and the unconditional love of Neem Karoli Baba. For this gathering, the focus is on the message of being and growing on...
One Moment Meditation: “How to meditate in a moment”

One Moment Meditation: “How to meditate in a moment”

Why meditate? https://youtu.be/F6eFFCi12v8 Sogyal Rinpoche ~ Meditation Is a Process of Coming to Know One’s Mind.    This is the sixth part of teaching from Sydney, 5 February 2017. The first part of this teaching can be watched at https://youtu.be/-cb34Uj0MLY...

Bon-Menri to Mustang

“Colin Thubron is the intrepid, resourceful and immensely talented writer who has made a career out of going to out of the way places and then writing brilliantly about them.”—Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World  “Thanks to Thubron, we encounter a world...
How to Turn your Wounds Into Wisdom

How to Turn your Wounds Into Wisdom

“Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses, and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.” ~ Joseph Addison Human life is so precious and brief. Take a moment to watch this video testimony...
Wisdom and Humility

Wisdom and Humility

Each of us is blessed with some kind of wealth. Some of us have an abundance of spiritual, material wealth, a wealth of humor, a wealth of emotional intelligence, an abundance of grace, love, kindness, humility. Think of yourself. Consider your unique gifts that you...
Hexagram 58 The Joyous Lake

Hexagram 58 The Joyous Lake

      True joy is  experienced by those who are strong within and gentle without. DISPERSION (Dissolution). This reading appears when there is harshness or rigidness in yourself or someone near. In our search for happiness and success, we are prone to...
Hexagram 18 Work on What has been Spoiled (Decay)

Hexagram 18 Work on What has been Spoiled (Decay)

Hexagram 18   The two trigrams are Mountain over Wind.    Decay is not an overnight event, it stagnates and infects areas vulnerable to attack. This problem is not new and requires us to give it our full attention in order to first detect the...
Hexagram 20 Contemplation

Hexagram 13 Fellowship with others

This is the Reading I received this weekend. Where I have strayed from proper conduct is where I will place my focus. This is a very clear course correction for the heart that listens. The sage will aid us when we heed this sagely advice. Hexagram 13 Fellowship with...