tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120182252012-01-27T16:51:14.494ZRise up! Step out! Walk on...and forget.Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.comBlogger7701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-63541358574202235462008-04-01T10:36:00.012Z2008-04-01T15:55:37.608Z

This is the last posting on Moving Mountains, it's almost three years since the first one was made in Vancouver Canada just before flying to South East Asia. These have been long, and sometimes arduous, years filled with good kind and compassionate friends, known and unknown. If I've not been in touch I'm sorry, within these pages you may get an idea of why. Please come and visit me on my new

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-8968340365577245762008-03-31T21:15:00.010Z2008-04-01T09:51:44.804Z

1st April - Comments have been switched off for this post. You can leave a comment here though.Have you ever paused to notice?if your mouth is closedwhen you breath in and when you breath out?Have you ever considered?if your mouth is OPENwhile you walk in silenceand have you wondered why?Have you ever paid attention?to the soft touch of top on bottom lipand noticed the wonder of itin your toes?

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-16810763367676139422008-03-27T18:14:00.004Z2008-03-27T18:44:20.017Z

From Alum Bay looking towards the NeedlesYesterday I took a couple of walks. First in the Parkhurst Forest near Newport, and very near the renowned maximum security prison. And then onwards to Headon Warren and Alum Bay attracted by the the coloured sand cliffs. My original intention was to walk to Freshwater Bay over Tennyson Down however it was a bit late in the day for that after exploring the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-70833507651126011972008-03-27T17:54:00.001Z2008-03-27T17:57:17.686Z

Just take a look at what Ruth, a member of our lay community in Vancouver, Canada is contemplating doing.I've been mentally preparing for this trip for sometime now, however, I still have doubts as to the sanity of an old woman with worn out knees and other signs of impermanence, doing such a trip.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-75786295006721577972008-03-27T10:07:00.002Z2008-03-30T07:28:10.193Z

It's interesting how the word gets around. This morning I had an email from a Taiwanese Buddhist nun studying in England, with whom I've had periodic contact with over the years. She was kindly letting me know about the annual conference of the Network of Buddhist Organizations which will be held in June at Taplow Court, Taplow, Nr Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-85382992309659003532008-03-25T20:43:00.004Z2008-03-25T21:01:08.260Z

As they contemplated in this manner, the old monks began to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the off chance that one among them might be the Messiah. And on the off off chance that each monk himself might be the Messiah, they began to treat themselves with extraordinary respect.And respect extends to all that we encounter making our land the land of the Buddhas and Ancestors. A bow

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-61674864703318634772008-03-24T21:27:00.010Z2008-03-24T22:04:20.252Z

A reader is relocating from Florida and needs to place her two cats before the end of the month. This is heart breaking for a devoted cat lover. She may need to drive West with them on the back seat...unless they find new homes. Today I definitely got both cats up on the shelter website -- if you want something done it's necessary to do it oneself sometimes. There must have been a

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-55683326970411402912008-03-24T21:19:00.002Z2008-03-24T21:26:02.647Z

Getting out is a welcomed break from work on Jade Mountains. At the moment I'm adding categories to all of my postings, as well as poking around the OBC web sites for teaching material link to. I found hidden treasure!Found on the Lions Gate Buddhist Priory website an extract from a letter Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett sent in 1979 in answer to one from a lay trainee.I cannot explain how to keep the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-30179066810562006042008-03-24T20:29:00.006Z2008-03-24T21:19:11.361Z

With a break in the clouds I ventured forth for a walk after my very very vegi lunch. As luck would have it the sun came out and Culver Cliff turned a glowing chalky white. I can see the cliff way off in the distance from the front door of where I'm staying. I've grown fond of the view. Lunch, I'm really packing in the vegi. Culver Cliff at the extreme Eastern end of the Island, from Shanklin

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-48556608322309785382008-03-22T21:50:00.003Z2008-03-23T14:27:28.013Z

Here is the text for the About section of Jade Mountains. As you can see I'm linking to a selection of postings. I'd appreciate your suggestions on what would be good to include. Who? I'm a female disciple and Dharma Heir of the late Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett having been ordained by her at Shasta Abbey California in 1981 and named a Master in 2000. Since 1996 I've served as the international O.B.C

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-49409155597729550212008-03-21T21:47:00.003Z2008-03-21T22:05:27.954Z

While out and about deciding on sites to link to for Jade Mountains I stumbled across a post about Telford Buddhist Priory which gives a taste of the place and people. The whole blog is worth a look see:Buddhism in Britain A journal of a year spent communicating with and visiting Buddhist groups, organisations and individuals around the UK, on behalf of the Network of Buddhist Organisations (UK).

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-44597535450109076182008-03-19T21:48:00.005Z2008-03-19T23:13:57.597Z

Freshwater Bay in the morning. Yesterday was a long day. Freshwater Bay at 9.30 am on a cold morning was not inviting at all especially as I was about to follow the coast, on foot, for twelve miles. Like my friends I've been reporting on recently I enjoyed a lively back and forth in my mind about continuing on with the plan. I continued on, for better or for worse. The trail ahead towards Chale

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-34454699020614323712008-03-17T21:33:00.007Z2008-03-17T22:58:15.246Z

Next week a loyal reader of this blog is going to receive the Precepts at the Ten Precepts Retreat at Throssel. The retreat will start on Saturday. We have been in correspondence talking back and forth as she works through the inevitable Shall I, or shall I not, cancel? Will I, or will I not, be able to go through with the commitment to formally become a Buddhist? Her story is much the same as my

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-89513836357682695492008-03-15T17:35:00.007Z2008-03-15T18:39:20.616Z

A good friend has been readying herself to have hip replacement surgery. Here follows excerpts from our recent correspondence.So I phoned today for my annual medical check-up, and as I put the receiver down, a little voice said, call your surgeon, to which I replied, Oh, I don't think so, this is enough for one day to which the little voice replied, call your surgeon, to which I replied, well, I

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-87905151993114420392008-03-13T21:03:00.002Z2008-03-13T21:05:29.174Z

I've spent quite some time this evening leaving answers to comments left over the last couple of weeks or so. I'm sorry not to have kept up with the comments lately.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-48903648241732606102008-03-11T21:29:00.006Z2008-03-11T22:55:33.905Z

Waves at Freshwater Bay, Isle of WightAt the moment there are severe gale warnings posted for northern Britain. Last night the Isle of Wight and the south coast got a beating with much flooding. These waves bursting up over the sea defences at Freshwater Bay had a small group of photographers trying their luck to catch a big one without getting soaked. Fortunately I remained dry.Just up the road

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-30652328440900473712008-03-09T18:09:00.005Z2008-03-09T19:19:48.891Z

The rain slants across the open field. My windward pocket is filling up with water, I shift my guide book to leeward. Five solid hours on my feet and still a long way from home base. The question has to be asked, Why am I doing this? There is no good answer. Just keep on walking, one heavy booted burning footed step after the other.I know it is a sign of tiredness when I know better than the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-60436066385059681622008-03-05T22:57:00.002Z2008-03-05T23:00:48.461Z

Mini Golf Shanklin, I.O.W, originally uploaded by Mugo.I have a flickr account where you can see what I've seen.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-80544470206184778062008-03-04T14:07:00.013Z2008-03-04T15:20:55.040Z

To-day I was walking on the narrow light green strip marked South Downs. Wonderful! On Stane Street crossing the South Downs going south. Stane Street, sometimes called Stone Street (Stane is simply an old spelling of "stone" which was commonly used to differentiate paved Roman roads from muddy native trackways), is the modern name given to an important Roman road in England that linked London

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-24766630641202589042008-03-03T22:55:00.004Z2008-03-03T23:44:42.176Z

Here are my hosts of the last two days moving towards Chichester Cathedral. We walked around the old walls of Chichester this morning. There's Greyfriers where William Blake was tried for....? Following the thread of interest (and curiosity) Wikipedia gave us the answer.He (William Blake) rejected all forms of imposed authority; indeed, he was charged with assault and uttering seditious and

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-25670268837934319042008-03-02T14:07:00.004Z2008-03-05T23:03:18.008Z

Photographer unknown, great picture. Whoops! It is time for me to leave Reading Buddhist Priory and be on my way further south. There is not much more south to England and after that there is an island just off the south coast. That's where I'll be, the Isle of Wight, for most of March with the intention of resting before flying to North America in late April or early May.My thought today is

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-74440932618725262432008-02-29T22:18:00.006Z2008-02-29T22:40:56.774Z

In this moment there is nothingwhich comes to be.In this moment there is nothingwhich ceases to be.Thus, in this moment there is no birthand death to be brought to an end.Thus, there is absolute peace in thispresent moment,Although it is just this moment,there is not limit to this moment.And herein is eternal delight.Hui NengSitting and working in the priors office at Reading Buddhist Priory near

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-18431282310348462042008-02-25T22:23:00.005Z2008-02-25T22:41:13.911Z

I've cast my vote, my choice for Canada Reads is Icefields by Thomas Wharton. Tom writes the blog The Logogryph which has Buddhist content I've linked to in the past. I support both the book and the author. As for the nomination mentioned a couple of days ago. It went to the late Michael of One Foot in Front of the Other. The poem Fatigue was recommended to me by a sangha friend.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-59206578283527621122008-02-24T14:35:00.005Z2008-02-24T15:07:23.161Z

Progress with the new Jademountains site is going ahead apace. It will however take me some time to learn how to 'drive' the new behind-the-scenes machinery. Nothing is hurting for Jade being off-line so there is no rush to open up the doors before all is ready.Being away from the monastery and my usual daily schedule provides me with an opportunity to contemplate the direction I'd like to take

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-33301137556405296652008-02-23T23:35:00.005Z2008-02-24T10:05:21.164Z

Well here is a bit of fun, Moving Mountains has been nominated in the following category for the 2008 Blogisattva Awards.Best Achievement Blogging in the First Person [as a diarist; writing of events in one's life; offering thoughts; or by venturing out into the world, gonzo style]; 5 nominees; [blog, blogger]:Hardcore Zen; Brad WarnerIntegral Options Cafe; William HarrymanKathmandu for You;

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-68405772268624086822008-02-22T21:46:00.005Z2008-02-22T22:14:32.210Z

When I typed in a recent blog entry hose instead of host, bogging instead of blogging I knew my brain was close to the edge of optimal functioning. When I hear today that I'd mained (there I go again) a package of valuable items addressed with just a name and a neighbourhood I know for sure my brain is spent, but not completely. (I'll be taking a break during March BTW.)Thankfully the wonderful

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-91048496368960009832008-02-21T21:35:00.001Z2008-02-21T21:40:14.500Z

Meditation may not be for you. It is boring, it is difficult, it is confronting. But it is also a few other things, things that I will leave up to you to experience.Yes life is short, but it is deep. Thanks Ed in Australia.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-88599956015059011592008-02-20T18:46:00.002Z2008-02-20T19:20:58.572Z

For many people physical pain is ever present in their lives, it is something they feel they could well live without. However there are those who have learnt not only how to live with pain but find it has helped them to deepen their practice. Recently a book, Turning Suffering Inside Out A Zen approach to living with physical and emotional pain, came into my hands. It's written by a woman who

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-57941290256724866482008-02-19T21:43:00.002Z2008-02-19T22:14:51.638Z

Walking along the lane to the second meditation period. Six forty and light is in the sky, rosie red on the rim of the Eastern moors. Gazing around, the moors to the West are pink frost. All is quiet, not a sound, no bird song, not a hint of wind. So very still, whisper still. The moors draw my eyes further westward and then WHAM! what a surprise, the moon is resting on the horizon. How did that

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-88187669414219735792008-02-17T22:30:00.008Z2008-02-19T11:21:49.756Z

You know how it is when you know it's time to move house but well, you think of a million good reasons to stay where you are. Who likes change? Who enjoys packing up and moving and then having to learn new ways. That's how it has been with both Moving Mountains and also Jade Mountain. Each for different reasons needed to be moved, it was that or build on extensions to both of them!Today with deft

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-68174771174630070582008-02-15T21:16:00.005Z2008-02-15T22:20:26.046Z

When my mother reached 60 she was jubilant. Any reductions for O.A.P.'s? she'd ask, fairly much anywhere she might be in with a chance. She'd be proud of me to-day since I applied for my National Bus Pass Scheme pass at the local Council offices in Hexham. Senior Citizens (over 60?) have long been able to travel free locally during off peak times. Come April 1st that privilege will be extended

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-26234602287920890422008-02-14T21:41:00.005Z2008-02-15T16:00:59.580Z

In March 1997, the year after my teacher died, I stayed at our hermitage in the mountains of Northern California. I'm glad I made the time to reflect on her passing and benefited greatly from the opportunity to concentrate on just sitting. Her death, like any death, brought about profound changes for those remaining. The retreat time helped me to adjust and redirect, it was however a testing time

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-940435758949668532008-02-13T21:32:00.007Z2008-02-13T22:46:59.635Z

Why do some stars twinkle? Why do some cycle through yellow, cyan and magenta so impressively? Thus we ponder this evening, my walking monk companion and I. We spin on the subject of stars and colour balance and photo printing for awhile, we then move on. There is no lack of subjects to talk about as we walk in the dark. One sojourn with this monk and I have enough material for a blogging week.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-65998135270139499342008-01-26T19:52:00.000Z2008-01-26T20:24:42.086Z

Wet and windy driving conditions (North West of England), endless long strait roads over flat fens (Norfolk), my favourite service station temporally rendered a building site (southbound Westmorland Services) all pale into insignificance in the face of a FAST INTERNET CONNECTION. Oh Joy, indeed.But the subject on my mind this evening is memory, short term memory and the loss of it which comes

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-16265818503884535122008-01-18T14:12:00.000Z2008-01-26T19:52:15.241Z

Stillpointmeditation has a section on Illness & Meditation: Too ill to meditate? Meditation as an aid to healing. Problems when meditating with ME/CFS and some solutions, including some specific treatments that may make meditation easier. Relaxation advice for when meditation is too hard. Thanks to Rachael for this link.Redeemer Reborn: A book by a one time monk in our Order writes about the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-60604538476975819582008-01-08T08:52:00.000Z2008-01-08T09:04:06.191Z

Dear Readers and Friends,Postings are going to be somewhat irregular during January, February and possibly March. This is due to a number of factors the main ones being I need to organize my year, which will include a trip to North America, and to (Uh!) write something which is well over due. In Gassho, _/\_MugoThat said the publication on the Internet of the entire Shobogenzo should keep

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-75120985555374875552008-01-05T15:51:00.000Z2008-01-05T16:08:28.673Z

TripleGem, the site for Buddhist news and ideas has now launched in the UK at the end of 2007. Featuring a news blog, forums, image gallery, event calendar, and analysis, we will gradually build a lively resource of contemporary Buddhist perspectives. TripleGem is a cooperative not-for-profit enterprise run by Buddhists from a range of traditions."So there we have it, a new blog based in Britain,

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-48063677614993879522008-01-03T21:24:00.000Z2008-01-03T21:59:44.596Z

Spore capsules of a moss plant carefully testing the temperature above the ice. Victor BosI went out for a walk today in blizzard like conditions with the intention of taking some photographs. Unfortunately when the moment came my camera told me it's batteries were exhausted! I was fine though.To make up for the lost snow pictures here is a photograph which came in a New Year greeting from a

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-23522908322317901202008-01-02T16:29:00.001Z2008-01-02T18:00:24.853Z

Dear Lottie,Happy New Year!This is just to let you know that Ned is on his way home. As you know he does suffer from separation anxiety however this time the symptoms were not too severe, thankfully. He kept phone calls home to a minimum and he joined in the activities with everybody else, even enjoying them. You were never very far from his thoughts of course. We had a chat and to be honest your

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-5003649072157847492008-01-01T21:31:00.000Z2008-01-01T22:25:09.507Z

Let's start the year with a bit of fun.Anybody able to guess where this picture was taken? Where exactly it was taken?Here is a shed fancies fantasy! I doubt if anybody can guess where this one was taken, except the reader who took the picture of course. Anybody care to make a guess? The clue for this one is cake with lots of cream, and cherries. Same clue for this one. We had a bit of fun during

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-37468617383633106842007-12-30T21:28:00.002Z2007-12-30T22:07:08.895Z

We accept this food so that we may become enlightened.We are taught in Zen not to waste food, not to throw it away, not to let it spoil or go bad. In the Dhammapada there is this verse from the Old Age section:Those who while still youngneither choose a life of renunciationnor earn a good living,will end up bemoaning the past, falling like spent arrowsthat have missed their mark.Verse 156 At the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-54604011108794639332007-12-28T20:38:00.000Z2007-12-28T21:18:33.660Z

Just bumped into a chap in the cloister and we had a chat. He was leaving the New Year retreat early. Some might say he had failed because he didn't make it through to the end. Not so, definitely not so. I've just eaten three chocolates, he said holding up three fingers in front of his face. Three chocolates, I just saw them on offer in the common room and took three. He was triumphant. Err?

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-45741479640184235512007-12-27T21:33:00.000Z2007-12-27T22:29:29.338Z

Continuing on with the Five Thoughts, the third goes thus: We must protect ourselves from error by excluding greed from our minds.While it is obvious that one eats primarily for need not indulgence in greed and to be woofing down ones grub mindlessly is a mistake, however there is a primary mistake. The word exclude is the pointer here. To exclude greed, to exclude anything is to set something

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-2378884136008640142007-12-25T22:43:00.000Z2007-12-25T23:47:35.503Z

Along with the life saving ColdFX capsules from Edmonton (thanks Mike) were a couple of clippings from Canadian Geographic. I'd heard Mike tell of the ice roads in the Northwest Territories, and beyond into Nunavut which reaches into the Arctic Circle. Each spring in late January or early February Mike dispatches truck loads of supplies to the diamond and gold mines in the far north. It is a big

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-25938507960328830852007-12-24T18:40:00.000Z2007-12-24T19:20:37.806Z

A cocoa pod Ripples of shock have been passing through the ranks today. Apparently, according to the Food Programme on BBC Radio 4, there are only a handful of companies, possibly just three, in the world that process the raw cocoa bean. Pause a moment for the full impact of this news to sink in. It means that chocolate is being shipped, trucked and generally transported around the world, in bulk

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-9737820208567118882007-12-21T19:08:00.000Z2007-12-21T22:36:40.044Z

Our retreat finished a couple of days ago. The week was cold, still and bright. I had a cold and at the same time managed to remain still and bright, thankfully. Now I'm resting and regaining strength to meet the coming year and all it will bring. I predict air miles.I hope the photos inspired you to pause and reflect and to perhaps touch the mystery that is within the just sitting looking at a

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-41786385739091232872007-12-20T00:22:00.000Z2007-12-20T00:31:09.292Z

[This isn't one of Rev. Mugo's pictures but I couldn't resist adding him onto to the end of this series. He lives on the wall of a factory on a Japanese industrial estate. Actually he's just starting to draw another picture but it always feels to me like he's doing his daily meditation. - Iain]

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-2208379405492932252007-12-20T00:01:00.000Z2007-12-20T00:01:44.658Z

Puddle on the road

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-44095945568213647722007-12-19T01:17:00.001Z2007-12-19T01:19:43.536Z

Peace to the One who leaps beyond all fear ...

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-38081983271551033242007-12-18T07:59:00.001Z2007-12-18T08:01:36.012Z

Moss and lichens on a wall

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-51185195330604102122007-12-17T08:40:00.000Z2007-12-16T23:40:50.558Z

Buddha in a wall

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-78840745033609961312007-12-16T09:00:00.000Z2007-12-16T00:03:06.153Z

Gaps in Walls

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-71464276570592222062007-12-15T09:51:00.000Z2007-12-15T00:55:56.445Z

Elephant in the Wall

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-6562851551821794342007-12-14T08:14:00.000Z2007-12-13T23:15:00.030Z

Seat in the Wall

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-9905889921937317872007-12-13T08:17:00.000Z2007-12-13T00:20:34.981Z

Ship and Three Drums in the wall ...

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-84073089315360330592007-12-12T19:26:00.000Z2007-12-12T20:04:19.827Z

For the next week or so the monastic community will be spending a lot of time meditating formally in the meditation hall. Postings here will continue with photographs, which were mostly taken within the monastery grounds.It was a joy to revisit the hidden-in-plain-view sights. Have a good week and perhaps you can find a seat at home and join us as we all just sit, looking at a wall.Many thanks

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-42656413520153184402007-12-11T22:26:00.001Z2007-12-11T23:27:04.544Z

My mother died on this day, 11th December, 1995.I learnt a new word this morning, Segue. It seemed unlikely I'd manage to accomplish the task of getting an order of stamps picked up in Hexham at such short notice. However the sequence of events leading to eventually getting them moved smoothly, sooo smoothly, one following upon another in a near miraculous way. Applauding the day aloud somebody

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-4386064377615893622007-12-10T22:27:00.000Z2007-12-10T23:14:23.975Z

I visited a female monk this evening, she is recovering from a cold. Recovering slowly. This cold has gone the rounds of the monastery. It's tapped on my door a few times, entered briefly, but not stayed. This time of year, leading up to the winter solstice, with ever shortening days can be hard on the whole system. Add to that sickness and the best of us can feel low, depleted and miserable with

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-81962681380051979482007-12-08T19:40:00.000Z2007-12-08T22:13:11.588Z

American director Edward A. Burger takes us on his unforgettable journey into the hidden lives of China's forgotten Zen Buddhist hermit tradition. "Amongst White Clouds is a look at the lives of zealot students, gaunt ascetics and wise masters living in isolated hermitages dotting the peaks and valleys of China's Zhongnan Mountain range." The Zhongnan Mountains have been home to recluses since

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-56367545575955703042007-12-06T21:14:00.000Z2007-12-06T21:55:00.796Z

A reader in Edmonton sent me this picture today. Too good not to share I thought. Thanks, and thanks to the photographer who ever she or he was. This is the actual turnoff from Banff, Alberta, Canada to the #1 highway to Calgary.They had to build the animals (especially the elk) their own crossing because that’s where the natural migration crossing is and after the highway was built there were

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-39487585388060170492007-12-05T21:04:00.000Z2007-12-05T21:48:12.393Z

If you have had one or know somebody who is in line for one it's worth educating yourself. A woman of my acquaintance has recently been diagnosed with this condition and while it is not good news she seems amuzed by the name, Takotsubo or Octopus Trap Syndrome. Tako-tsubo" is the japanese name for octopus traps that fishermen still use to catch octopus. In this syndrome, the heart (left ventricle

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-85841523346353338842007-12-03T16:00:00.000Z2007-12-03T22:02:38.820Z

Brr, it was cold and windy out on the moors today, however their subtle beauty was not diminished. I'd not been up to the Hexhamshire Common above Allendale, village of the year, before and can anticipate another walk in the not too distant future. Maybe when the snow comes. Back in our valley with grey clouds receding from the high moors to reveal a sprinkling of white I realize Brr, it really

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-69142300503398388772007-12-02T17:43:00.001Z2007-12-02T18:35:54.650Z

The main altar this morning.Shakyamuni Buddha in earth witness mudra.When Shakyamuni was enlightened, He said, "I was, am and will be enlightened instantaneously with the universe" and now, as we hear these words, we are assured anew of our own Buddha Nature and our ability to enter the path of Truth. When Shakyamuni died, He told His followers to make His teaching the light of their lives and

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-59009261216694439572007-12-01T21:25:00.001Z2007-12-01T22:19:12.763Z

Rohatsu - the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, is a time when Zen Buddhists mark the date of Buddha's enlightenment. It starts on the 1st of December and ends on Bodhi Day - the 8th of December. In the seven days leading up to the day of rohatsu, monks will spend their time in silent and intensive meditation. This period of intensive meditation is known as 'sesshin'. This practice is the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-447813829916808672007-11-30T21:34:00.000Z2007-11-30T22:15:00.237Z

Seen on a bill-board in Leeds. An image of a couple embracing on a couch. The text: When you find something that feels good, hang on to it! The product: a cell phone!Much to ponder here, not least of which is the dodgy personal relationship advice. In the marketing world it's worth pondering upon, in terms of wisdom, the thinking behind RED. John Humphrys in Beyond Words, How Language Reveals the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-23877204747784262022007-11-28T21:33:00.000Z2007-11-28T22:27:29.204Z

Driving over the Pennines to Penrith. Driving on the M6 motorway. South to Preston Lancashire yesterday, back north this morning. In and out of Westmorland Services for coffee and scone. Listening to the car radio, Radio 4 exclusively. Whizzing along, passing lorries, cars passing me. Sometimes raining and sometimes foggy. Headlights on. Headlights off. Then, getting back to the monastery,

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-10197902017558247372007-11-26T21:14:00.000Z2007-11-26T22:08:27.687Z

Two women. One in America the other in England. Both have recently received acknowledgment of the contribution they have made in their professional work. They have been promoted. One made President of the company she started out with by doing their accounts from her home. The other potentially being made Head Teacher of the school where she teaches, and as I understand it, in extremely

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-36307798314079655452007-11-25T17:27:00.000Z2007-11-25T18:21:43.688Z

Nearly all the retreat guests have gone. We had a good retreat together and I was glad and happy to be talking about Buddhism, practice and the Precepts. Somewhere in there during the week-end we talked about karmic consequence and how one can recognize negative consequences by a palpable disquiet experienced within ones body and mind. One blog reader who appreciates words and their use was taken

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-47378141473728650972007-11-23T21:32:00.000Z2007-11-23T22:27:30.245Z

It's The Life of the Precepts retreat this week-end.The dharma talks (during the retreat) will address in practical terms how we can apply the Precepts in daily life and how the practice of the Precepts is inextricably interconnected with mediation and true wisdom. Taken from the 2007 Retreat Programme flyer.Many people are here who will be attending Jukai next spring. Jukai is a week-long

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-47730784153418948842007-11-22T20:04:00.000Z2007-11-22T21:00:34.247Z

For anybody who suffers from M.E. (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome)or knows somebody who does BBC Radio 4 magazine programme, You and Yours broadcast a series of programs on the subject. You can listen to the audio and there are also full transcripts. Here is David Puttnam (now Lord Puttnam) the film producer talking about the onset of ME.I'd just come back from a trip to the Far East, I

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-52810309185625722332007-11-21T19:35:00.000Z2007-11-21T20:06:12.339Z

Trog, dog of the blog! Jazzy from Edmonton, eat your heart out.Just having a bit of fun. I'd not want any cat fanciers to have their whiskers bent out of shape due to lack of cat photographs. Which reminds me of a cute cat event I witnessed the other day. Sadly I'd not got my camera with me at the time.A new postulant was being instructed by the Head Novice. They were sitting in the novices

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-34257830951060097462007-11-20T19:31:00.001Z2007-11-20T19:45:25.414Z

We met in the laundry room. Uh! My eyes hurt, it feel like I’ve got sand in them, I said. We do tend to suffer from dry eyes, I’ve a spare tube of Viscotears you can have. We? A moment’s pause. Ah yes, WE and our common concerns that come on with advancing age. I'd not have it any other way.A couple of years ago I was in Redruth in Cornwall buying a train ticket, Are you a senior? No. Fast

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-8144151366046019672007-11-18T23:01:00.000Z2007-11-18T23:48:48.915Z

This evening we watched Downfall. The story of Hitler's last ten days as seen through the eyes of Gertraud "Traudl" Humps his youngest private secretary. She stayed with him in the bunker until almost the last moment and was present when Hitler shot himself. The film ends with Traudl walking through the invading troops, hand in hand with a small boy. How things went for her immediately after her

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-55065193911076037492007-11-16T22:31:00.000Z2007-11-16T23:24:27.042Z

The woman behind the counter at Boots the Chemist had yellow fuzzy ears on. Owww! she said they do pinch. They're giving me a head ache. I'll ask them in the dispensary if they'll give me something. All in a good cause though. It's the BBC Children In Need fund raising day. Oh, and here's a £2 off voucher for hair care products. I'd got my hat on but she knew I was a monk. Well sometimes you grow

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-27583141629275984382007-11-15T10:00:00.000Z2007-11-15T10:45:22.910Z

At some time in the past our local village, Allendale, was dubbed the centre of England. But that honour has now been claimed by Haltwhistle. It is a fairly ordinary looking place, neat with a couple of places to drink tea, a couple of shops for groceries, a revamped post office. Under the surface however more is going on. Back in the summer a couple of our monks were invited to set up a

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-73881244276533763902007-11-14T21:21:00.001Z2007-11-14T22:12:56.914Z

Lunch in Newcastle with a retired Chinese female paramedic from Malaysia. But before that a visit to an English funeral directors to deliver an empty ash urn. My companion took a healthy interest in our funereal arrangements, briskly scouting out the chapels of rest and the hearses. Modern sleek and shining, we have those. Horse and carriage with black feather plumes, humm. Motorbike and coffin

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-59321952285950099642007-11-13T21:12:00.000Z2007-11-13T21:46:54.277Z

Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.Pictures taken today at Fountains Abbey. There is more information on the official web site too.The Leonard Cohen poem came on a card from somebody who recently fell and broke her foot. ...and while I wouldn't have directly chosen this time of broken-ness, I am learning

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-45503310108460143982007-11-12T23:05:00.000Z2007-11-12T23:42:47.854Z

The altar set ready for the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts ceremony held yesterday in Edmonton, Canada. Nearly everybody has left after the retreat here at Throssel. This email arrived just now with news of a returning friend:Dear Rev Mugo, Yes she arrived safe this afternoon complete with streaming cold. I have packed her off to bed with inhalations, chest rubbed with essential oils, lem-sip and

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-78178530077980692342007-11-09T21:31:00.000Z2007-11-09T21:46:10.404Z

Taking a tripdown memory lane.Many old friendsgathered together.These are the peoplewho I'm responsible to.My heart is gladdenedto see so many again.Crutches, a castfresh faces, liquid eyes.Deep smiles andsad tales to tell.For a long week-endtogether to sit.To yarn and then...they are gone home. Uma who died about a month ago watches the snowy hillside from her vantage point.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-41051152574868319342007-11-07T21:11:00.000Z2007-11-07T21:44:49.690Z

Jazzy the pug. In her youth, a couple of years ago, she had a modeling job. She trotted up and down at a dogie fashion show wearing the latest in dog attire. Mostly these days it's on with the red harness and out to amaze and amuse the world on Whyte Avenue, Edmonton. Jazzy, always the show stopper.Overheard in a large store in Telford last week. Come on, let's knock 'em over Jim. A young father

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-63397245018093407662007-11-06T22:05:00.001Z2007-11-06T22:18:18.314Z

There is quite a lot of wear and a huge tear in the robe I'm mending for one of the monks at the moment. I really enjoy the challenge. The cuffs, hem, collar and under arms are the most vulnerable areas for fraying and ripping. Sometimes material from a hem can be cut out and used to make a new collar thus giving the robe literally years more usable life. But one can only go so far. A hem can

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-37614572284651637262007-11-04T19:02:00.000Z2007-11-04T22:50:05.278Z

I left Telford Buddhist Priory at 9.00 am yesterday and arrived at Throssel around 4.00 pm. That's travelling by car then train and car again. This morning I felt like I was under a train, at least! The impact of covering distances at speed, even slow speed in yesterdays case, cannot be ignored any longer. Perhaps there has always been this pain, this road/rail lag as I think of it. Now with a

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-40082564741482084962007-11-02T20:45:00.000Z2007-11-02T22:41:42.309Z

I had a plan. Unfortunately it hasn't worked. So here are random photographs, rather than organized ones. They were taken while visiting one of our temples in the Black Forest in Germany. It is good to be back on the blogging trail once again. This was too hard to resist. Bad means bath, this is a spar town, with baths. Black Forest Gateaux. The autumn colours were at their height and the forest

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-57943776543348805032007-10-25T08:29:00.000Z2007-10-25T08:30:03.498Z

I could not help but snap this wee beastie while out for the day on Monday, in Shrewsbury. Even upside down it is still smiling. Well, that's what I see anyway.Since it is count down time to leaving for the airport to fly to Germany I'll just have to leave you with these two photographs.Postings will more than likely stop now for the week. I'll be back in England on the 1st November.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-75734334015407679772007-10-23T19:51:00.000Z2007-10-23T19:58:02.606Z

At the end of an up and down kind of a day, with little left in me to say, here is something from Iain in Japan for you to contemplate.At times often rather trivial things have happened to me that have triggered waves of anger in me the force of which has sent me reeling. That angry little boy inside. "It isn't fair and it has to be put right!" But of course nothing ever can be restored status

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-50419908842585214082007-10-22T08:36:00.000Z2007-10-22T09:17:33.546Z

Back in 2005 I visited the Stupa in Birmingham where the Buddha's Relics are enshrined. At the time I was somewhat sceptical, are they 'real' etc. Yesterday afternoon I joined a trip to Birmingham to visit The Heart Shrine Relics Tour. I'm glad I went. Carmen Straight, our Custodian on the USA Tour, watched a five year old girl skipping around the relic altar display and peering curiously at the

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-28199628142957237632007-10-20T21:00:00.000Z2007-10-20T21:43:28.265Z

He said, My brother is good at visiting now. He learnt how from seeing our father regularly after his stroke. At first he'd say, I don't know what to do, or say. Don't know if he is taking anything in or even understands me anymore. I then said, Just sit there quietly if necessary. So my brother learnt how to visit. When he came to see me I was asleep, so he sat quietly in that chair. Then I woke

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-57432617182567431682007-10-19T22:02:00.000Z2007-10-19T22:39:33.628Z

October 16, 1987? I was still in America. Those in England remember the devastation and deaths from the Hurricane that hit these isles unexpectedly in the early hours of the 16th. Not until now have I learned that a small collection of trees on top of the south downs, the Chanctonbury Ring, were mostly blown down. Historic trees knocked out for ever.But how our memories can play tricks. We've

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-835719106132322502007-10-17T20:44:00.000Z2007-10-17T21:29:02.771Z

This was my private alter while I was in Edmonton, Canada. The statue is the Healing Buddha (AKA Bhaisajyagura)and the arrangements is somewhat how we set up alters in our tradition. This must have been taken around holiday time when it's usual to add a bit more sparkle. I'd often put cards and letters I'd received on my altar for a few days. I particularly liked the flower card. Other traditions

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-76898896794560887912007-10-16T20:56:00.000Z2007-10-16T21:07:27.497Z

Here's a bit of fun picked up from Blue Heron Zen Buddhist Centre in Canada, a Buddhist blog new to me at least. Many thanks to Pascal for the link.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-29029119277439810462007-10-15T20:34:00.000Z2007-10-16T09:42:27.305Z

Inside the Ethics Committee. Program 1. Treatment decisions for people who can’t give informed consent. Who decides and how? I listened to this the other day, the full transcript or the....

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-71963351534029769202007-10-14T17:58:00.000Z2007-10-14T18:30:17.069Z

I made a list today oh boy! I hear a Beatles song coming on...wasn't it 'I heard the news today' from A Day in the Life? Yes, I looked that one up just yesterday. Something about holes in the road in Blackburn, Lancashire and the Albert Hall. Amazing what you learn about those old songs. I'm no happier and a bit wiser for knowing the connection between Blackburn and the Albert Hall. It's

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-56365820733876570872007-10-13T20:32:00.000Z2007-10-13T20:34:01.113Z

Time to take a long look and allow the sight to enter in. Memorial Photography. Yes, I have taken photographs of dead people. And yes, there is an odd macabre feeling about the practice. No, I do not regret having taken them.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-19298125764195597002007-10-12T20:50:00.000Z2007-10-12T21:24:31.291Z

When there is no place that you have decided to call your own then no matter where you go you are always heading home. Muso SosekiORWhen there is no personthat you have decidedto call your home.Then no matter where you goyou are never alone.MugoJust a different way of saying the same thing.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-68918454812601004342007-10-11T19:14:00.000Z2007-10-11T19:54:12.734Z

This sheep herding operation stopped me in my tracks this morning. Once again I was in my beloved Lake District. This time to pick up a monk left there two weeks ago, to rest. I was being navigated by a TomTom satellite navigation gadget. It did so well, talking me along remote roads I'd never have been able to negotiate without stopping every few miles to check a map. The road I particularly

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-13462061411730855052007-10-10T20:31:00.001Z2007-10-10T20:43:11.351Z

Hearing about a woman: there is every sign of cancer. She is choosing not to see a doctor: it's her choice. Hear about a man: there was a diagnosis of senile dementia. He chose to stop eating: he died soon afterwards. Nothing much to say: except there is no absolute right or wrong here. And Great Compassion manifests in all conditions: no matter what.

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-70441125075802413922007-10-09T16:24:00.000Z2007-10-09T19:13:19.788Z

Monks re-pointing the brickwork on a chimney called down to me. There is a great view from up here, make a great picture. By the time I had changed into trousers and fetched my camera the mist and rain had closed in and the view was almost obscured. Coming down off the roof, carefully, I then went for a walk on the bottom road. The valley was grey and the world appeared flat. The camera saw it

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-81764344022863146232007-10-07T20:49:00.000Z2007-10-07T21:03:11.911Z

You might be wondering how it is that the Buddhist monks in Burma are able to participate in anti government protests. Here is how.On Sept. 18, monks in Mogok, upper Burma, gathered together at the Aungchanthar Monastery to decide whether or not to overturn their alms bowls: to declare a formal boycott of the country’s military regime, together with the rest of the Buddhist order — the Sangha —

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-82296625528625068542007-10-06T20:24:00.000Z2007-10-10T07:36:25.019Z

A chap who had been coming here regularly wrote an email to me today letting me know that: Zen training is not for me and I have arranged to go to an ashram in India, travelling on the 23rd Oct. And further on in the email he wrote: I am not a religious man and prefer a practical hands on, spiritual approach. Something like, try everything deeply, until something fits deeplyHere is part of my

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12018225.post-42727788623835571562007-10-04T20:19:00.001Z2007-10-04T20:33:39.326Z

Remind us of what is importantLink lay and monastic trainingSpiritual encouragementInspirationTeaching This is what one reader came up with when asked about what she saw as being offered here. My purpose in asking was to get a sense of the balance of articles and where it would be good to make adjustments. What is not mentioned in the list is links to films. Here's one to be going along with. The

Mugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01211229946986469783noreply@blogger.com5