Facts and opinions about aspects relating to Buddhism and other spiritual practices, including reiki, healing stones and much more.
Contents:
Footprints of the Buddha
Images of footprints made by Buddha are from the earliest Buddhist art forms. Another word used when describing Buddhas footprints is “Buddhapada”, they are highly revered in all all Buddhist countries, especially Sri Lanka and Thailand, where the Buddha himself once walked. Buddhapada is a symbol that has been respected in India because for it's representation of the grounding of the transcendent.
In Modern Buddhism the Footprints have many different meanings, but they are all related to Buddhism, ultimately it is undisputed that they are a symbol of the existence of the Buddha. Some people believe that after the Buddha attained enlightenment, his feet made an imprint in the stone where he stood.
In a different tradition, the infant Buddha stood and walked for seven steps after his birth as a symbol of his spiritual domination of the universe. Ether way the footprints of the Buddha symbolize the Buddha's presence. Even today the Buddhapada are still revered in the Buddha's absence, now that he has entered nirvana they are a reminder of the Buddhist strides toward a life of nonattachment.
Physically the Buddha's footprints can come with different images, but most commonly they are depicted with the toes of all one length and a dharmachakra wheel on the soul. Other symbols that often appear on the heel and toes are a lotus flower the swastika and the three Jewels or triratna.
On very large Buddhapada's there is enough room for more detail, so there is room for 32, 108 or even 132 distinctive marks of a Buddha usually in a checkerboard pattern. Any or all of these symbols can also seen on the bottoms of the feet of large statues of the Buddha when he is reclining.
The oldest and most precious sculptures of Buddha's footprints are protected in special temples and structures, where Buddhist monks and others who are faithful will bring offerings such as flowers, fruit, incense and money.
Hindu Aumkar; The ohm symbol
The Vedas are a form of Hindu scripture, created by the great Rishis, they are the most ancient scriptures of the Hindus. All the mantras are started with the Om symbol which is now the most powerful word-symbol used in meditation. The Om symbol is known as the symbolic representation of Ultimate Reality. With the spread of Buddhism reaching out across the world the Om symbol is being given new life by many new cultures.
Om may seem simple enough at fist glance but it is known by the great seers as complete detachment from the world of matter, domination of the senses and inner purification. By chanting the an Om mantra and conquering the self,it is possible to eventually reach heights of Self-Realization where humanity will learn the Truth (also known as Dharma). The great Rishis who performed all actions as acts of sacrifices for the well being of humanity, recognized the significance and power of Om.
Of all the different mantras the Omkar mantra is considered to be the most significant. It is known as the pranav mantra which means, something that pervades life or runs through prana or breath. All mortal beings depend on the flow of prana through their bodies in-order to survive, in the same way the planet needs the sun to harbor growth. It is the Om symbol that allows us to worship both of these things.
The Om is a symbol for pure consciousness, it resides in the three states of waking, dreaming and deep-sleep. When you recite the Omkar mantra, all these of these states are purified and your activities, mental thoughts, speech and actions become powerful and enlightened which brings peace and well being to all.
Although the Omkar mantra is a one-syllable mantra it has tremendous power over you mind body an soul. By using it in meditation your are able to attain inner harmony and dharma, aspirants have reached the state of Self Realization that Om brings to the light of knowledge on the aspirant's path of realization.
This is all well and good but there is a catch, you must first earn the right to the use of this holy mantra by being completely unselfish and detached. It is easier said than done, but for those who are selfish and only desire personal fulfillment they can not benefit from this mantra. In the olden days, only those Rishis who had withdrawn from the outer world of senses and conquered the inner enemies, such as passion, anger, attachment, greed, jealousy, and so on. With proper understanding they were allowed the practice of this mantra for humanity's welfare.
Omkar is ultimately a symbol of Parabrahim. Inside the sounds is the complete essence of divine wisdom - which helps to lead you from attachment to detachment, from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to light. I prey that it will inspire you all to the path of Dharma and God-consciousness.
Buddhas' Fourth Noble Truth
For those of you who have been following along in this guide to the four noble truths of the Buddha you now know that life is filled with suffering, that suffering comes from being attached to things and that there is a way to end suffering. The fourth and final noble truth is the path to the end of suffering. Thats right there is a path that anyone can follow to end all of our suffering, it is a gradual path of self-improvement, with the ultimate goal to reach nirvana, which most people are trying to do consciously or unconsciously. In order to move this process along we can follow the details as they are described in the Eightfold Path. It is the middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self-mortification (asceticism). Eventually it will lead us to the end of the cycle of rebirth and to Nirvana, but for now we must be conscious of our behavior and work towards bettering humanity. The difference between improving yourself on a small scale and following the Eightfold Path is that when you do it by yourself you run the risk of "wandering on the wheel of becoming", because there is no final objective you can become lost or confused. The path to the end of suffering can be extended over many lifetimes, throughout which every individual rebirth is subject to certain karmic conditioning. Essentially we are starting over each time we are reborn we can fall trapped in the cycle by craving, ignorance and delusions. Its effects will disappear gradually as long as we remain conscious to the process and learn from our mistakes, then progress can be made on the path. It will take a long time there is no doubt about that, but the ultimate end to suffering can be found buy following the Buddhas' Eightfold to enlightenment. The path is gradual but thought many lifetimes of gradual self-improvement.
Buddhas' Third Noble Truth
For those of you who know the noble truths taught by the Buddha, you already know that to live is to suffer and that the good things in life must be taken in context and not for granted. The good news is that the Third Noble Truth is that the end of suffering is attainable.
The end (cessation) of suffering can be attained through something called nirodha. Nirodha means the unmaking of sensual craving and conceptual attachment, in other words it means that to stop our suffering we must first let go of our attachments. Which is easier said than done, because right now we are attached to everything and everyone around us! We must remember that when we pass on we will not be able to take anything with us, we must let go of everything but our minds.
The third noble truth is an expression of the idea that suffering can be ended by attaining dispassion or letting go living in the moment with peace. Nirodha extinguishes all forms of clinging and attachment, from the cloths we wear to the people we love. This means that suffering can be overcome through human activity, simply by removing the cause of suffering. This does not mean to only do things that feel good because you will inevitably suffer again when the pleasure wares off.
Attaining and perfecting dispassion is a process of many levels, including meditation and deep thought, that ultimately results in the state of Nirvana. Nirvana is a state of freedom from all worries, troubles, complexes, fabrications and ideas. Nirvana is not comprehensible for those who have not attained it, but that does not mean that it is not impossible to reach this state with lots of time, practice, patience and following the teachings of the Buddha.
The Chakras and the Psyche
Until there is scientific evidence of the chakra energy systems, most people will have a hard time understanding how they can benefit from the chakras healing energy. There are many different theory's of what the seven chakras are and what powers they have over our bodies, but for people who are familiar with effects they will tell you without a doubt that there is something truly magical about the chakras. Indian mystics are thought to have been amongst the first to have associated the chakras as physical manifestations in the endocrine system. It can be noted by many people who practice chakra healing that there is a marked similarity between the roles and positions of the glands in the endocrine system and the chakras. There is also thought to be a link between the chakras and the positions of the nerve ganglia (known as “plexuses”) which runs along the spinal column. With the knowledge that the chakras are connected to so many parts of the body this means that two vastly different systems have been brought together to synchronize insights about the same happenings. Chakras are thought to have a physical manifestation in the body as these glands, and their subjective manifestation as the associated psychological and spiritual experiences. There are various hormones secreted by these glands that have a dramatic effect on human psychology, if there is an imbalance in one it can cause a psychological or physical imbalance in that person. Whether these changes in body chemistry have a bearing on spiritual matters is debatable even among the Indian theorists, and with different belief systems, Indian and Western, make the debate even more complicated. The most psychologically dramatic and potent secretion of these glands is the psychedelic drug DMT which comes from the pineal gland, corresponding to the brow chakra. In Western cultures, some people have sought spiritual breakthroughs with the use of these chemical aids. Primarily the level of existence of the chakras is in the spirit and the psyche where it cannot be seen but for those who believe, can be healed and comforted by them. The thought of an unknown energy having any amount of control over their bodies can be a scary concept for some people. For those of us who do believe we can be understanding and patient with those who do not understand.
Buddhas' Second Nobel Truth
Buddha's Second Noble truth is that the root of all suffering is attachment, which means that from the day we are born we are suffering. There is not one person on this planet that can say that they are not attached to something. First it is our mother who gives us food and warmth, then as we grow we become accustom to different things, not only physical but emotional and spiritual as well, in other words we become attached to all of the objects that our mind perceives.
As humans we have genetic dispositions that allow us to desire anything that brings pleasure, things as simple as a song that we liked, a gift someone gave to us for our birthday or a religious belief we were taught as a child, or it can be as complicated as believing we have our whole lives ahead of us. Our suffering is inevitable the only way to not suffer is to over come it, but pleasure is deceiving because we allow ourselves to believe that in order to be happy we need a home, family, nice car, a good job and so on. The need for these things means that we have become attached to transient things and with that comes ignorance.
Ignorance is the lack of understanding of how our mind is attached to impermanent things. The reasons for suffering are desire, passion, pursuit of wealth and prestige, striving for fame and popularity, or as modern Buddhist will say humans suffer because of craving and clinging. The objects of our attachment are transient, their loss is inevitable when we die we will lose our family, or home, and our thoughts, and then suffering will necessarily follow. It is inescapable.
Another common object of attachment is the idea of a "self" which is a major delusion, because there is no such thing as an abiding self. The thing we call "self" is just an imagined entity a mass of cells and electrical currents. We are merely a part of the ceaseless becoming of the universe. It is naive of us to say that we are more than just a collection of matter that will continue to erode the same way the earth does.
Throughout our short life on this earth we become attached to all of the objects that our mind perceives, which is everything. Think of it as if we are born into a video game that we cannot turn off until we die. We must free our minds of attachment and let go of everything. Live with compassion, patience, tolerance and trust that there is and end to this life.
The Hindu Swastika
A swastika is a cross with four arms that are bent at a right angle, all four arms are the same length and sometime there will be a dot or charm in the negative space. It is a common symbol throughout India and world wide. The name swastika comes from the Sanskrit word svasti, which means good fortune, luck and well-being. It has a variety of religious meanings such as a charm to bring good fortune and can be seen in two different versions, the right-hand and the left-hand swastika.
The right-hand swastika is one of the 108 symbols of the god Vishnu and is also a symbol of the sun and of the sun god Surya. The rotation of the arms is a imitates the course the sun takes through the sky as it passes from east south and west in the Northern Hemisphere.
The left-hand swastika sometimes called a sauvastika, usually represents the terrifying goddess Kali, night and magic. However, this form of the swastika is not "evil" as it has become known for its connection to Hitler. The left-hand swastika is the form most commonly used in Buddhism. Hindu art often shows the swastika as an auspicious symbol very commonly used in architecture and decoration. It can be seen on everything from temples, houses, doorways, clothing, cars, and even cakes. It is also a major part of the decoration for festivals and special ceremonies such as weddings.
The Nazis adopted the swastika because their understanding was that it was an Aryan symbol indicating racial purity and superiority. The Nazis propagated a theory that the early Aryans of India were white invaders. There is also a connection with the swastika's magical connections, for Hitler and other Nazi leaders were keenly interested in the occult.
For such a simple symbol the swastika's history is far reaching and controversial. It has been tainted by fear and hatred but the true meaning of the swastika will aways be one of good fortune, luck and well-being.
Buddhas' First Nobel Truth
The word Dhukka suffering. In The Buddhas' teachings he taught the Four Noble Truths, The first of the Noble truths is that Life is suffering. Buddha spoke of how to live is to suffer in countless forms of pain, anguish, fear, and physical torments,as well as psychological maladies and emotional discomforts. There is no way to over come the outer causes of suffering but we can over come our internal suffering by following the Buddhas' teachings.
The main reasons for the suffering in the world is the nature of incarnate life, it is not perfect and neither is the planet we live on. During all of our lives, we will be unable to avoid physical suffering like bodily pain, sicknesses, injuries, fatigue, old age, and eventually death. There are all kinds disagreeable psychological forms of Suffering, including Sadness, Fear, Frustration, Disappointment, and Depression, that we all must endure.
Every unpleasant experience we have in this life time has an equal and pleasurable reaction. All the different levels of Dhukka will pass and be replaced by pleasurable experiences while we are still living. We generally like to think of suffering as the opposite of pleasure, but in fact it is the opposite.
Ease, Comfort and Happiness, are thought of as being the opposite extreme to displeasure. Life is complex but in order to make it tolerable for the masses there must be ease and pleasure to look forward to. Complexity is simply imperfect and incomplete, because humans, plants and every living being in this world are subject to impermanence, there is a means to an end.
Impermanence means that we will never be able to keep permanent hold of the things that we strive for, including our homes, cloths and jobs. Even though we are able to enjoy pleasurable moments, sadness and reality of misfortune to come are always looming. Eventually we ourselves and our loved ones will have to pass on and leave this body and life behind.
Suffering is the first noble truth. We must come to terms with this reality, learn from our misfortunes and let them pass. Every experience we have in this life is an opportunity to take wisdom with us as we pass through on our journey to enlightenment.
Mind over matter.
Mind over matter. This is true in all parts of life. Every religion talks about the importance of your thinking.
"What we think, we become" Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C
Before anything became a reality, it was a thought. By taking control of our thoughts, we can achieve our dreams. Do you have a business idea? Use the power of the subconscious mind. Visualize success.
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
As a christian, I base my thoughts on the Word of God, the Bible. The proverbs, for example, have many teachings about the power of wise thinking and how it can affect your life.
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
There is scientific evidence that subatomic particles can have different behavior depending on the observer. Subconscious beliefs create realities. Meditate on words of wisdom and they will become part of your reality. The more knowledge you have, the more power your thinking will have.
"Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about." Whorf
Picture yourself in that new car or in that mansion of your dreams. Keep away from thoughts that will hinder success. If you are charitable it allows you to have an open mind about money without being attached to it. Attachment to money is a hindrance toward becoming wealthy. Fear of illness invites sickness. Faith is a phenomena created by what we think.
About the Author Nahom Kidanemariam http://eduhelper.tripod.com
Direction of Consciousness
For many cultures the fact that the human body is a finely tuned energy system has not disputed. Now with the scientific knowledge of string theory the human energy system can be deeply explored and proven in such a manner that it will change the world forever. Traditional medicines in the East refer to the major energy systems as chakras, Each of the seven chakras has a role and responsibility for different aspects of the endocrine system, it is likely that with time and the right tools the human race will finally be able to answer their deepest questions about life on earth.
Each chakra is directly responsible for aspects of the body, in the same way that each organ is responsible for its own bodily functions by using subtle electrical pluses. Our bodies take in these electrical pluses with the food we eat, the air we breath and from other people we interact with everyday. I am sure that you have felt the energy drain from your body when you are talking to someone who can't stop complaining about how horrible their life is, or had a surge of excitement after an inspirational speech by someone you respect.
Feelings and emotions are as normal and unpredictable as the weather. In order for you to become fully aware you must be able to ride out the feelings that pass through your consciousness. Feelings are something you can not control, just as you can not control the actions or feelings of another person. Sometimes your feelings may be chaotic but chaos is necessary, it is easier said than done but you need to let your self go, trust your self.
In all of us there is a connection to the bigger things in the universe, part of us has no idea, and the other knows it all, let the part of you that knowns nothing just tag along. Our lives here in earth are short, but our spirit or life energy will go on, we are all connected by a force called critical mass. Critical mass is when a mass of people understand a concept, the rest of society instantly understands, which means that your world is a direct result of your thoughts.
Tara is the Star who Saves
There is a very special deity known throughout Buddhism named Sgrol-ma, which means “she who saves”. This savior goddess is most popular in the regions of Tibet , Mongolia and Nepal. She is known simply as Tara or “star” in the Sanskrit language.
Tara is the goddess of universal compassion, she is the representation of all virtuous, enlightened action. Her love for all living things is stronger than the love of a mother for her child. Tara protects us during our earthly travels, giving us longevity and stands guards us as we fumble our way through the spiritual journey to enlightenment.
Before the sixth century CE Tara was not known to Buddhists but she was very well known in Hinduism by another name, the goddess Parvati. When Buddhists discovered Tara they say she was born out of Avalokiteshvara, through her tears of compassion. As the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara wept for the world and its beings who endure suffering, her tears formed a lake. Inside this lake of tears grew a lotus and when the lotus opened the goddess Tara was inside! In another legend Tara was born from a blue light beam coming from one of Avalokiteshvara's eyes.
