More than a Fish Story

Danny Fisher posted this Video on his blog and it is definitely worth watching. This story of the Eg-Uur Buddhist monks of Mongolia resonated with me because my people, the Dene, who are also struggling to conserve their land and culture. As caretakers of the land, their dream is to be able to restore the health of their land before it is too late.

It is certainly great to watch a dream come true for the Eg-Uur Buddhist monks. Meanwhile, the people of Fort Chipewyan are in a continued fight for their lives.

Darwin-Buddhism

Is there a connection? I found a couple of articles while scrolling through twitter, again. You would be amazed at the resource in 140 characters or less you could find from this particular social network.

The connect between Darwin and Buddhism is in our relationship with the world, in particular, how we relate with empathy, kindness, and compassion. What does he say about our emotions?

Painting by a local artist.

Lovingkindness Instructions by Bhante Vimalaramsi

The sound is not too good, but worth listening to in spite of it. smile and the world smiles with you.

Also check out Mental illness:Meditation or Medication if you haven't yet. I found after reading the conversation, I thought of various people who I know would benefit from the wisdom shared here.

It's all in the Eyes

Ever notice how your animal looks at you, of course you do? You’re almost certain you know what they are communicating. We feel that way about our family dog.

Bodhisattva (Bohdi) a standard poodle, is handsome as he is adorable. Sometimes I would be reading and feel this strong sense that someone is watching me. Then I will look up, and there is Bodhi looking at me with such intensity that I wish he could use words to describe what he wants. But instead, I have to gauge what kind of reaction I get from my tone, and words, by his body language for clues to what he wants. It always seems I correctly guess what he wants, because he seems happy for whatever I give him.

He can be surprising too. When Andrew was a toddler and had stuff animals all over the house, Bodhi knew he could not play with them. He had his own doggy toys. However, one day, Bodhi took his own toy and placed it on Andrew’s bed. Then he went to the shelf and took Andrew’s stuff bear for himself. I never would have guessed that animals could communicate on that level of sophistication.

I do know my family is connected with him, not just as a pet, but as a being. When I meditate, I feel our energies merge, and I can feel the calm that seems to emanate from him mingle with my energy causing a blanket of light energy to dance around us.

He absorbs our energy too, indeed, the exchange of energy flows from us to him. When he is having a bad dream, I sit beside him and rub his neck until his breathing returns to normal. He takes a deep breath, and continues to sleep. The least I can do for this silent but very communicative being.