Taking Refuge

The word "refuge" may be easily misunderstood in the context of Buddhism.  The dictionary definition of "refuge" is usually as follows:
1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm.
2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
(from Dictionary.com) 

The term "refuge" in Buddhism is shorthand actually takes on a different meaning.  We are not looking to run away, hide, find immediate relief when we speak "I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha."

What we really mean is: "I am one with the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha."  Now, the term "one" can have a double meaning as well.  If we are ONE with the Triple Treasure, we do have protection within our mind, body, and spirit.  But taking refuge should not be seen, implied, or even imagined as an escape from reality or an immediate alleviation.

When we truly practice and have a deep faith within Buddhism, we are a part of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.  We live it in our daily lives, instilling it into our bones and marrow.  We cannot be separated from it and it cannot be separated from us.

So remember the next time you recite the verse of the Triple Treasure, Triple Gem, (etc.), you are not escaping into them, your are affirming that you are one with them.  This will bring much more strength and meaning into the recitation alone.

Gassho.

Alone in the World

One of the biggest difficulties I find while practicing is the dis-attachment from self.  I've always had a little problem with social anxiety. Even now as an (ever-aging) adult, the task of letting go of self is sometimes difficult.

I live my life as I choose, but perhaps it is "western-conditioning" that I still feel self-conscious about what I may wear or how I behave.

Dogen states that people will scoff and make fun of those who practice the Way of the Buddhas and Patriarchs for what they wear and what they do, but hold fast to the teachings of the Way, for those who make fun of you and scoff at your actions are the furthest from awakening.

Being in the west, many Buddhist customs such as dress and begging are not exactly accepted.  This is different from eastern cultures where this has been a part of society for at least 2,000 years. But the statement from Dogen even holds true until today in eastern cultures.  Many monks beg for alms in China, Japan, and others as the Buddha instructed during his time on earth.

So the only solution to this, I guess, is to ultimately let go of ego and self.  Dogen states that continuously that the benefits of studying and practicing the Way of the Buddhas and Patriarchs far out-weighs the benefits of conforming to the emotions and judgments of worldly people.

Relic Tour

This past Saturday, I attended the Maitreya Relic Tour.  I was kind of skeptical and wasn't sure what to expect.  All of the flyers and brochures just showed rocks and hair.  But when I watched the video which they had playing, something profound hit me.

When beings are enlightened and have deep compassion, during their cremation, they produce relics.  One of the Lama's relics was of his heart, and as the story goes, his whole heart was untouched by flames and his ashes were in the shape of various Bodhisattvas.
EVEN THE ORIGINAL BUDDHA'S RELICS WERE THERE!  I was moved to tears when I looked over them before I even realized what I was looking at.  So after viewing the video, I had to take another round of observing the relics.
Here are some pics:

Main Relic Table Display

Relics of Buddha's Disciples, including Ananda and Shariputra

Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, himself!

Relics of other Lamas and Teachers

These relics are going to be placed in the heart of a 500 ft statue of Maitreya in northern India, where the Buddha passed away.  This was definitely a once-in-a-life opportunity and I am forever grateful.  If the tour comes by your way, I strongly recommend you attend.
Gassho.