"River of Fire, River of Water" is one of my favorite books, an introduction to Pure Land Buddhism by Taitetsu Unno. Unno is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on this type of Buddhism, and I was lucky enough to spend a day with him and his wife at a workshop a couple years ago (I even got his autograph on my copy of his book!)
Pure Land is the type of Buddhism that appeals most to me, and the temple I attend is Pure Land (also known as Shin Buddhism). It manifested in Japan in the 12th century, as a reaction to the fact that Buddhism had evolved into a religion only for the few people who had the means and dedication to spend their lives in isolation and meditation. It is a Buddhism for the common man, a means of enlightenment for regular people with families, jobs and loved ones.
The key is the nembutsu, known literally as "saying the name of Amida Buddha," namu-amida-butsu. The namu component refers to human finitude and limitations. Amida combines the dual conntation of its Sanskrit originals, Amitabha, Immeasurable Light, and Amitayus, Immeasurable Life. Butsu is the Japanese name of Buddha.
Thus, as I quote Dr. Unno, "illuminated by the Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Immeasurable Life, I am made to realize my reality as a karma-bound being- limited, imperfect and mortal - contained within boundless compassion. In the full acknowledgment of my finitude, of my karmic bondage, liberation and freedom are realized."
I enjoy reading books and articles about quantum physics, particularly ones that point out connections between the quantum world and Eastern religion. I am a Buddhist and an amateur scientist.
In the quantum world, things are not "things" as we have come to understand. They are probabilities of actions and events, affected by those observing and predicting them. Some say there are multiple universes; one theory postulates that every time there someone makes a decision, the universe splits into pieces, where every possible outcome becomes real in one of them. Others say that God occasionally goes back in time and tweaks human history. Only a few of us have memories of the histories that no longer exist.
A great starting point to launch into this type of thought is a book called The Dancing Wu Li Masters. I highly recommend it.
I've been having dreams about the Arctic on a regular basis, and have read dozens of books about northern exploration. Many ancient cultures told tales of supernatural realms at the top of the Earth. I went to northern Alaska in July 2003 and again in July 2005; here are some photos:
Arctic Circle mckinley distant mckinley
Tundra 1 yukon river clouds1
Tundra 2 interior 1 clouds2
Tundra 3 interior 2 clouds3
Hanging from the pipeline mckinley again
ice snow michael
My sister died in March 2000, way too young. She was a single mother, the best ever. From her funeral program:
"If I had another minute, I'd put my
arms around my boys,
And hold them as I'd never done before.
I'd tell them not to worry,
and promise I'd be waiting
When their times come to knock on
Heaven's door."
I love you, Janet, forever.
I write poetry. Here are a few of my favorites: