I have a few snakes and they shed their skin occasionally as they grow. I always wished I could shed my skin have a fresh start as it were. Remove all the parasites the scars, the blemishes. Where snakes have that luxury, we as a whole do not. But, no matter how many times they shed they are still snakes. They can’t change the internal by shedding off their external epidermis.
Recently I have been having issues at work and my family has needed more than usual. I was used to being a loner of sorts. We would all get together and have dinner or drinks. But we kind of all proceeded in a steady fashion.
From LiveMint
Even as the students mobbed the Nobel laureates at the Lindau meetings (details in previous post) — for instance Robert H Grubbs flanked by some Indian students in the picture below — Richard Ernst from Zurich, winner of 1991 Nobel in chemistry, was busy telling young researchers to have activities and passion beyond science.
“Never forget your passion.
Don’t become a one-sided nerd.” Ernst told the audience, obviously amidst loud cheer and applause.
The definition of a bodhisattva is an enlightened being who, out of compassion, forgoes nirvana in order to save others.
As we all know by now, the “King Of Pop” Michael Jackson has moved on in the great circle of life and death. Where he goes from here noone knows, but if I were to guess, his next life he do even greater things.
He was known for many things:
- his miraculous dance moves (including the moonwalk).
- his ability to sing over any melody whether it be disco, r&b, rock and more.
- the controversial court charges (which regardless of what I or you think, he was acquitted of).
- bubbles the chimp
As a child I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. I remember…
…I used to own one of the pleather jackets with the mesh and chains that hung off of it, had a thousand zippers but no pockets, and yes it was red!
…While listening to “Rock The Night Away” me and my brother could swear Michael was saying “and we can ride the boogie” and hence we would put a booger on our feet and dance the night away!
…I did have a glove, a glitter glove. I made mine though and it was fun and uber stylish!
I have many memories listening to his music. Watching his videos on MTV when they actually played videos. I remember watching the premiere of Thriller and was blown away.
He’ll be missed by many, and I have to send out condolences to his kids and family. Thanks for the memories Michael!
From The Independent
In a speech that underscored the pressures he has had to bear during his life serving as both a spiritual and political leader, the Dalai Lama has said there is no need for his successor to perform the two roles.
In a video clip shown to hundreds of monks, nuns and lay people gathered in the mountain town of Dharamsala, the 73-year-old said it was essential that the Tibetan community in exile embraced democracy if it were to keep step with the wider world.
“The Dalai Lamas held temporal and spiritual leadership over the last 400 to 500 years. It may have been quite useful. But that period is over,” said the Nobel prize winner. “Today, it is clear to the whole world that democracy is the best system despite its minor negativities. That is why it is important that Tibetans also move with the larger world community.”
I really enjoy the StumbleUpon plug-in for Firefox, I “stumble” quite a bit. While “stumbling” tonight I found the great story below. I hope you enjoy it.
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.
“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
via The Worst Horse we learn that David Vincent, vocalist for the iconic death metal act Morbid Angel, thinks Buddhism is ok although he is a follower of Satanism under Anton Szandor LaVey. (Good find Rod!!!)
From AFP
Supporters of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi made preparations around the world Thursday to mark her 64th birthday, with calls for her release from jail as she faces trial by the ruling junta.
The Nobel laureate is set to spend her birthday on Friday at Yangon’s notorious Insein prison, where she is being held on charges of violating her house arrest after an American man swam to her lakeside house.
Please check out my first article, Through My Son’s Eyes, for the Elephant Journal! Really excited to have written it and hope you’ll leave your comment on the site after you read it!
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/06/through-my-sons-eyes-via-nathan
Seems I’ve been “tagged” by T over at Full Contact Enlightenment for an “Honest Scrap”. What does this mean? I don’t know, but I stole this from her description…
“This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog content or design is, in the giver’s opinion, brilliant. This award is about bloggers who post from their heart, who oftentimes put their heart on display as they write from the depths of their soul.”
The recipient needs to speak or brag of receiving the award, name 7 blogs they find awesome and then list 10 honest things about themselves.
Ed. Note- At the end of this book review please check out the interview I was able to do with Jaimal. I had a good time with it and thank him for taking time out to do it for Precious Metal!
Saltwater Buddha
written by Jaimal Yogis
Published by Wisdom Publications
More and more we’re seeing books published that parallel one’s lifestyle with the teachings of the Buddha. Jaimal’s life as a surfer and Zen practitioner meld together as if they were meant to go hand in hand. It’s not just the surfing and the Zen, his life in general parallels someone we all know, Buddha.
While a youngster, like Buddha, Jaimal became dissatisfied and went on a search to find something larger than himself. When faced with adversity and thoughts of potential failure, rather than give in he overcame the obstacles. In certain cases, he excelled right past them, focused and aware of his intentions.
From Russia Today
The Russian republic of Kalmykia – the only Buddhist region in Europe – has played host to a unique music festival featuring rock bands, folk singers… and monks.
If you put together Buddhism, a city in the Russian steppes, and folk rock music, what would it sound like?
Elista, the capital of the Russian Republic of Kalmykia, has played host to a music festival with a difference.
“Ocean of Compassion” is an ethno-rock festival celebrating the Buddhist virtues of warmth and kindness, which summed up the atmosphere as crowds stayed throughout the day and into the night.
From The Guardian
As a toddler, he was put on a throne and worshipped as by monks who treated him like a god. But the boy chosen by the Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of a spiritual leader has caused consternation – and some embarrassment – for Tibetan Buddhists by turning his back on the order that had such high hopes for him.
Instead of leading a monastic life, Osel Hita Torres now sports baggy trousers and long hair, and is more likely to quote Jimi Hendrix than Buddha.
I took a moment to write my 64 words in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, you should too!
The Lady once said “Please use your liberty to promote ours.” It’s time the world use that very liberty she spoke of to free Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma, enough is enough. Her non-violent struggle is awe inspiring and reminiscent of greats such as Gandhi and MLK. We owe her this moment and much more. Free Aung San Suu Kyi.
