Ram Dass interviews Thicht Nhat Hanh

I have just watched and listened to the simple words of my first teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh
I remember my pilgrimage to see 'Thay' when he was in Vietnam 5 years ago.
I have no idea why I was propelled to see him.
Was it 'my hurt little child'  that sought him out as my Zen Master suggested?

When I picked up that CD  in the city bookshop titled 'The Art of Mindful Living' by Thich, my life was changed. That is how I started on the Buddhist path.
How fortunate I was to happen upon the dhamma  that day.
Even though I have tried to stay within one form of Buddhist teaching I find myself moving in and out of groups. Tibetan, Zen, Engaged Buddhism, Theravada.

Dipa Ma would not approve. She says 'Stay with one meditation practice and stick with it.'
Yesterday I was able to easily incorporate Calm Abiding meditation into my usual practice.
So strange - When I picked the title for this blog I had no idea what 'calm abiding 'was.
The name just 'appeared 'to me. Now I find I am connected a form of meditation practice that  differs from my current Vipassana practice.

Calm Abiding Meditation Practice

"There are many stages in mental development, but as soon as we are able to maintain the mind in a calm state, at that very moment there is joy and peace. This is reflected in the body becoming relaxed, and then the mind becomes more relaxed. As the mind calms down, the hidden enlightened qualities emerge more and more."

—Venerable Khenpo Rinpoche

My heart is with all my teachers.
Each one has showed me an aspect of what I need to know.

You can find Thich Nhat Hanh  looking youthful in his 80's on his web page.
http://www.plumvillage.org/
One day I could end up in Plum Village.

Another Day another Card - Things you find while walking.

Today I found this battered playing card.
It was on my path as I meandered my way to work on this Saturday morning.
A random card appears every time I am at the crossroads in my life.

Why this card now?

I have a collection of found cards spanning back over the last 30 years
[That's when I chose to examine the random to find out more about my heart - exploring synchronicity and the I CHING]

Usually the cards I find have a cautionary message...suggest another way I must 'sit' with the stuff of life that I am really wanting to 'push away'

My dreams of Tsunamis, giant walls of water engulfing my neighborhood  indicate the underlying feeling of impending doom that continues as I am prepulsed  toward the month of November. This is when this home of mine for the past 11 years is bulldozed and I am literally 'homeless'.

Uncertainty is impossible to deny when 'the world as I know it' will end.

Not too many choices when you are poor, old and not very fit.

So this card?

The 6 of hearts or 'cups'
I smile....could be a lot worse....the meanings I found are gentle this time... also, I don't really let myself be taken over by the 'black arts'....


General Meaning: The Six of this suit generally represents a refreshing openness and innocence, a willingness to learn and an optimism that things will get better as we advance together in understanding. The traditional title, The Past, reminds us of our original nature, when we were young and enthusiastic, when anything was possible and the future was an open book. We are to remember that this same freshness, those new possibilities, are always available to us, even now.



http://tarot.com/show_daily_card.php?explicit_card=41&explicit_deck=37

also

Tarot Card Meanings: The Six of Cups in a Tarot Reading

The Six of Cups represents reminiscence, childhood memories, and the fond sentiments of one’s past. The Six of Cups often indicates the reviving of past relationships. In some cases, The Six of Cups denotes a resurgence of opportunities that were once missed.
Upright Six of Cups Tarot Card Meanings in a Tarot Reading
The Six of Cups connects one’s past with one’s future. You may run into an old acquaintance or attend a family reunion. You may suddenly find yourself thinking about your past childhood experiences. You have a new found sense of gratitude for your childhood. In some cases, the Six of Cups can indicate a yearning for past relationships and experiences. This may be a period of emotional renewal. Perhaps you have finally broken free from a past experience. You are coming into your own with a deep appreciation of your journey. You may find the solution to your current problems by reviewing you past experiences and skills. Old acquaintances may offer you new opportunities. Your past efforts bring you success.
In Love Tarot, the Six of Cups tarot card meanings can indicate the reviving of old relationships. A lover from your past may suddenly reappear. Relationships may need to become more playful and innocent. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with your partner. Speak from the heart.
The Six of Cups can also refer to children. It can denote a pregnancy or birth. Children may also play a significant role in your present life. Children can serve as great advisors. A childlike perspective may aid you in career or relationship matters.

• Nostalgia
• Reunions
• Childhood memories
• Utilizing old skills
• Emotional renewal
• Old Friends and former lovers

http://tarotreadingpsychic.com/tarot-card-meanings-six-of-cups-meaning/