Offering #3-Flowers

When offering flowers, this signifies the practice of generosity and it opens up the heart!
Remember this when you offer flowers.....it will make your heart sing!...and Buddha's too!
: )

Offering #2- Water to wash the Feet~

Offering water to wash the feet: This is clear water mixed with incense or sandalwood which is made as an offering to all enlightened beings' feet. The symbolic meaning is purification. By cleansing the feet of the enlightened beings, we cleanse all our own negative karma and obscurations. By making offerings to clean the enlightened beings feet, we are really cleaning the "feet" of our own mind.
=

Buddhist Symbols~ Offerings

The next few days (eight to be exact) we will cover the eight offerings to Buddha. Each one has it's own relevance to honoring the Buddha. I love learning these wonderful things and sharing them on my blog.

Enjoy the next week of offerings and know that as I blog each one I will also physically honor the Buddha with each offering. Join me?


We will start with the first one............

Water...to cleanse the mouth and/or face.


Offering water to cleanse the mouth or face: It signifies auspiciousness or all the positive causes and conditions which bring positive effects. So, make an offering of water which is clean, fresh, cool, smooth, light, delicious, comfortable to the throat and stomach - these qualities are the qualities of auspiciousness.

Blessings of peace~
Desiree

My Healings~

~Quan Yin Heart of Compassion Healing~

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you would like a healing session please contact me by either e-mail: quanyinhealing@gmail.com

or by phone: 209-598-3142

Healings can be done remote or in person.
There is nothing more beautiful than working with the healing energy of this beautiful goddess. Love and compassion are the most powerful healing modalities we can encounter. Please feel free to ask any questions in regard to a QYHofC Healing~

My you be blessed by the love and compassion of Quan Yin~

Peace and Love~
Desiree

The Divine Feminine~

Mercy is always borne by the East Wind...
			A Poem to Kuan Yin (Excerpts from The Divine Feminine) Listen to the deeds of Kuan Yin Eternally Divine and wonderful With great vows, deep as the ocean, She saves all the suffering when their cries reach her. Serving the innumerable, She never fails to answer their prayers Even through inconceivable periods of time. Responding compassionately on every side. Giving great, clear and pure vows .... To hear her name, to see her body, to hold her in the heart, is not vaoin, For she can extinguish the suffering of existence

“A man should first direct himself in the way he should go. Only then should he instruct others.”
Buddha

Buddha for Today~

Have an incredible weekend......I am living in the present moment this weekend in the enchanted forest!

Buddha Hugs to You~
Desiree~

The Magic Monk of Cambodia~ ENJOY!!!

I love this!

Quan Yin Goddess Dressing

Quan Yin: White Goddess Dressing

Featured in Goddess Dressings (Not Just Green)

1 12oz. package soft silken tofu
1 T white miso
2 T pickled ginger + 1 T juice of the ginger
1 scallion chopped, white and green parts
1 tsp. organic soy sauce
2 T apple cider vinegar
½ tsp freshly ground white pepper
2 T water

http://www.kitchencaravan.com

Quan Yin Crown

I am setting the intention........I am manifesting this beautiful Quan Yin Crown!
Dear Goddess of Compassion.....I truly want to own this beautiful crown!
I will use this during my healings for the highest good of all involved!
so it is and so it shall be!

Ti Guan YIN Tea~

My friend Kevin in Canada shared the history about this tea and he said he drinks it all of the time. Thanks Kevin!!! This oolong is typically close to a green tea, with only a little fermentation. Subsequently, it has a very flowery, delicate aroma without the green tea "grassiness" or astringency. It is said to have the flowery taste of an orchid.
There are two legends about the tea that I will share in this post. If you get the chance to visit an Asian market...pick your self up some of this delightful tea!

Wei Legend

Deep in the heart of Fujian's Anxi County there was a rundown temple that held inside an iron statue of Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) was repaired and became a beacon for the region. And Mr. Wei took joy in his daily trip to his tea fields, never failing to stop in appreciation of the beautiful temple. of Compassion. Every day, on his walk to his tea fields a poor farmer named Mr. Wei would pass by and reflect on the worsening condition of the temple. Something has to be done, thought Mr. Wei. But he did not have the means to repair the temple because he was poor. Instead the farmer brought a broom and some incense from his home. He swept the temple clean and lit the incense as an offering to Guan Yin. "It's the least I can do," he thought to himself. Twice a month for many months, he repeated the same task. Cleaning and lighting incense. One night, Guan Yin appeared to him in a dream. She told him of a cave behind the temple where a treasure awaited him. He was to take the treasure for himself, but also to share it with others. In the cave, the farmer found a single tea shoot. He planted it in his field and nurtured it into a large bush, of which the finest tea was produced. He gave cuttings of this rare plant to all his neighbors and began selling the tea under the name Tie Guan Yin, Iron Bodhisattva of Compassion. Over time, Mr. Wei and all his neighbors prospered.

Wang Legend

Wang was a scholar who accidentally discovered the tea plant beneath the Guanyin rock in Xiping. He brought the plant back home for cultivation. When he visited Emperor Qianlong in the 6th year of his reign, he offered the tea as a gift from his native village. Emperor Qianlong was so impressed that he inquired about its origin. Since the tea was discovered beneath the Guanyin Rock, he decided to called it the Guanyin tea.

Across the Sea~

Carry my heart across the sea
Bringing love from you to me
Send my heart sailing free
Bringing love from you to me
Pull my heart out of the sea
Bringing love from you to me
Catch my heart as it sails free
Bringing love from you to me
Beautiful Quan Yin
We are all one again~

~Desiree

Buddha on Pleasure

If one, longing for sensual pleasure,
 achieves it, yes,
he's enraptured at heart.
The mortal gets what he wants.
But if for that person
 — longing, desiring —
the pleasures diminish,
 he's shattered,
as if shot with an arrow.


~Buddha

Buddha on Earnestness~

Fools follow after vanity. The wise man keeps earnestness as his best jewel.
~Buddha
The Way of the Buddha
Dhammapada 26

Buddha on Peace~

Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.

-- Buddha (560-483 B.C.)

Quan Yin Prayer for today

Divine Mother, Goddess of compassion who hears the cries of the world, pour forth you love, bring protection and peace to all.

Goddess of compassion and mercy, Quan Yin hears the cries of all beings and is the carrier of the Divine Mother aspect of Buddhism. Blessing all beings with physical and spiritual peace, she is a symbol of wisdom, strenght and the divine powers of transformation; she is a Bodhisattva, an enlightened one, who chose to remain in the world of form until all beings have attained enlightenment, pouring forth her love on all who call upon her in times of need.

Universal Buddha~

Today is a great today to remember that we are universal beings and that we all are connected through the most powerful force in the universe......LOVE! Close your eyes and connect to your Beautiful Buddha Nature and know that you are loved beyond measure!

May your day be blessed with universal understanding!
Peace...Love....Laughter~
Desiree

Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha is an enlightened being who has unbiased compassion for all living beings. He protects one from sickness, dangers and obstacles, and helps to eradicate the cause of sickness and danger. He is a Buddha Doctor that people can rely upon. They say that just by hearing his name, you can be cured.

This teaching explains how to make the connection to this Buddha and the benefits, and how to practice the Medicine Buddha instructions.

Bhaiṣajyaguru (藥師佛 Ch. Yàoshīfó, 薬師 Jp. Yakushi), more formally Bhaiṣajyaguruvaidūryaprabha (Jp. 薬師瑠璃光如来 Yakushirurikō nyorai) and also known as the Master of Healing or Medicine Buddha, is the Buddha of healing. His full name means "Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light". In Mahayana Buddhism, Bhaiṣajyaguru represents the healing aspect of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. The use of the analogy of a Buddha being depicted as a doctor who cures the illness of suffering using the medicine of his teachings appears widely in Buddhist scriptures.

QUAN YIN HEART of COMPASSION HEALING

With my hand on my heart
I breathe Quan Yin's love
Into the temple of my heart
I feel her presence
In my heart chakra
I feel her love run through
Every artery and vessel
I feel her compassion
flowing in my blood
I am blessed by her presence~
Mercy and goodness prevails~

Shanti!

Buddha and Friendship~

Genuine friendships are not based on status, wealth, elitist association, or self-serving needs.

According to the Buddha, good friends:

1) Help in times of need.

2) Are prepared to even forfeit their lives.

3) Protect you from evil.

4) Rejoice in your success, and honor those who praise you.

The Buddha’s definition of friendship is centered around spiritual advancement. Genuine friends lead you towards spiritual and dharmic progress. They always dissuade you from wrong and harmful actions. Good friendships are based on selfless love, and incorporate human values.

When we are able to understand these definitions of good friendship and translate that into genuine expression, in all our interactions, in every relationship, then, the divine spark ignites in ourselves and others.

Metta when taken in its real perspective encapsulates all the noble human feelings a person could shower on another." Metta (loving kindness), Karuna (compassion), Muditha (altruistic joy) and Upeksha (equanimity), which are known as Satara Brahma Vihara or the Four Noble patterns of behaviour form the very sheet anchor of Buddhist friendly, ethical conduct. The spirit of love and friendship promulgated by these, cover a much wider spectrum than mere love,

I am so blessed to have friends that are of loving kindness, compassion, altruistic joy, and equanimity. I also know that my true friends have a mutual feeling towards me. I also believe that when we are friends with our Creator.....our relationships follow suit!

I did not want to touch on the negative....and what Buddha considered 'bad friends' but the fourth thing listed is "Influence friends towards bad habits like drinking".....and I just have to add that I give wine to me friends and I truly believe Buddha would have changed that last one ...knowing that a nice glass of good red wine is actually good for the heart.....in fact I know he would have! ; )

Beautiful Lavender ~~Essential Oils and more!

I love lavender and the smell of this beautiful flower instantly relieves stress for me. I have a lavender pillow that I keep near my bedside. When I am restless I simply pick up the little sachet and breathe in the wonderful smell! I also use the essential oil in my healing sessions. I usually put a small dot in between the eyebrows on the forehead(third eye chakra)during the Quan Yin Meditation.

The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects.

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.

Human clinical studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Lavender oil is also used together with other forms of integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.

When life takes a toll on you and your nervous system...sit down, light a candle and breathe in the beautiful fragrance of lavender. Your whole mood and attitude will shift for the better!

Amethyst~ The Spiritual Stone

The amethyst crystal is known to be one of the highest stones in spiritual healing and energy. I use this stone during my healing sessions and I also have amethyst crystal all around my home. It is said that if you put an amethyst under your pillow it will help you remember your dreams.

I also relate the amethyst stone to Quan Yin and her lavender flame of compassion.
These crystals can be found in several shades of purple, violet, and lavender. I clean and recharge my amethyst in the light of the full moon. I try to put them under the moonlight within three day prior or three days following the full moon. While some crystal can be charged by solar energy, the sun actually will fade the brightness of the stone. Many healers, intuitive, and spiritual minded beings are drawn to this stone. It is a beauty.

Buddha ~ Law Among the Birds

In the Buddhist religion, the Dharma concept of the Buddha is not confined to men, but is taught to all kinds of beings, including ghosts and animals. According to a legend Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, (Avalokiteśvara is often depicted in a female form known as Guan Yin or Kuan Yin or Quan Yin) had taken among the birds the form of a cuckoo - an animal which recommends itself to the Buddhist mind by its attitude to family life.

Singing Bowl

Since the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (560 - 489 B.C.E.) the harmonics of singing bowls have been used to induce meditation and assist spiritual seekers to the state of enlightenment.

Previously used in Tibet for meditation and ceremonial purposes, Tibetan Singing Bowls are struck with a padded mallet or rubbed around the rim with a playing mallet to produce a fascinating blend of harmonic resonances and rich overtones.

QuanYin and Vegetarianism

Due to her symbolising compassion, in East Asia Quan Yin is associated with vegetarianism. Chinese vegetarian restaurants are generally decorated with her image, and she appears in most Buddhist vegetarian pamphlets and magazines.

Buddha's Mother~

The woman who gave birth to Buddha Shakyamuni is called in the scriptures, Mahamaya, meaning Great Maya, or Mayadevi, the Goddess Maya. In Tibetan, she is called Gyutrulma. In English, she is generally called Queen Maya, a designation that obscures more than it reveals.

Queen Māyā's white elephant dream, and the conception of the Buddha. Gandhara, 2-3rd century CE.

Queen Māyā of Sakya was the birth mother of the historical Gautama Buddha, Siddhārtha of the Gautama gotra, and sister of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī the first woman ordained by the Buddha. "Māyā" means "illusion" or "enchantment" in Sanskrit and Pāli. Māyā is also called Mahāmāyā ("great Māyā") or Māyādevī ("Queen, literally 'goddess,' Māyā"). In Tibetan she is called Gyutrulma. Queen Mayadevi was born in Devadaha kingdom of ancient Nepal.

~Buddha~ - Triolet poetry by Desiree (contemporary)

He brings the teachings of dharma
in right mind, right, action
Livelihood, the lessons of karma
He brings the teachings of dharma
middle path, noble truth, and nirvana
Enlightened and fully awake
He brings the teachings of dharma
flowering love for humanity's sake

I wrote this Triolet in celebration of Vesak and in honor of the Buddha. Happy Birthday Buddha!

Triolet form is an 8 line poem and is one of the oldest French styles in poetry. There is value in each word. The first line is repeated three times within the eight lines. There is no room for squandering in this style. It is a great form to remind us of the discipline necessary in writing all poetry. I love exalting form in poetry!

Many Many Blessings~
Desiree

~Buddha Cupcakes~

In celebration of Wesak (Vesak) or Buddha Day on May 9th I found a fellow blogger whom
had designed Buddha cupcakes. I love the color and the happiness that radiates from this picture. At the Cambodian Temple in Stockton I love the bright colors that are used to paint all of the statues of Buddha. I always feel peace there but the colors lift my spirits!

Beautiful Wesak Meditation

In preparing for Wesak (Vesak) I found this beautiful video. I posted it on my blog so that you can enjoy the benefits of this meditation. May this holy time bring you peace and love in your heart.

Many Many Blessings~
Desiree

Celebrate the Upcoming Wesak Festival ( Vesak ~Buddha Day)

I start today to prepare for Vesak. I honor this time and I give my undivided attention to the birth, the enlightenment, and the death (rebirth) of the Buddha. The teachings of Buddha have brought me in full realization of my Buddha nature. I have a deeper understanding about much of life and I am so very grateful for Buddha. I hope that you enjoy this holy time and explore some of the teachings of the Buddha.

Much Peace and Happiness~
Desiree

note: The picture is of Mt. Shasta here is some info on the annual festival that takes place there:

Welcome to the 15th Annual Wesak Celebration, May 8-10, 2009
This year's theme: Embracing Unconditional Love
This year's Wesak Festival features Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks

Quan Yin Energy

I feel you presence oh so near
I hear your cry in the gentle breeze.
I see your shadow in my minds eye
I taste your tears as they gently
roll down my cheek and brush my lips.
I thank you Quan Yin for helping me live in
compassion~

Blessings to you Quan Yin~
Desiree

A special little creation for my friend Kevin in Canada!

Thus shall ye think of all this fleeting world:
A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream;
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud;
A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream.
(Diamond Sutra)

A Prayer For Our Planet

http://www.aprayerforourplanet.com/MusicPage.html

Copy and Paste the above link in your browser and you will be taken to the music page. At the bottom of the page is a free zip file download or a live feed. It is beautiful and please enjoy while you send healing to our planet.

Blessings~
Desiree

The Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi tree, known as a Pipal tree (ficus religiosa)is where the Buddha attained his enlightenment (or Satori in Zen Buddhism). This tree is considered a sacred tree and is mentioned through out the study of Buddhism and it is also mentioned that Buddha's mother (Maya Devi) held onto the branches of the Pipal tree when giving birth to Buddha.

The Bodhi Tree still performs a very important role to Buddhists of all traditions, being a reminder and an inspiration, a symbol of peace, of Buddhas' Enlightenment and of the ultimate potential that lies within us all. I have noticed in pictures and even the Temple in Stockton (the monks refer to the tree as 'Buddha's tree') that this sacred tree is often surrounded by a wall or fence as to protect it.

Buddha and The Bhikshu~ Dhammapada 372

Without knowledge there is n meditation
without meditation there is no knowledge,
he who has knowledge and meditation
is near unto Nirvana

I am really focused on meditation right now.
With all that has been going on in my life I am
putting my attention on the important things
that keep me balanced. Meditation should be
the last thing to be put on the back burner!
Peace and Love~
Desiree

My Quan Yin Rosary- Malas prayer beads

Malas is sanskrit for 'garland". The Buddhist prayer beads can have up to 108 beads (111 is sometimes seen) and can have as little as 28 beads. They can be made of wood from the sacred Bodhi tree or they can be made of ivory or semi precious stones. My prayer beads are made of jade and I also have a garland made of garnet. The prayer beads or malas are used during meditation and for repeating and counting mantras, chants, or prayers. They can be worn on the wrist or kept in beautiful silk pouches. I keep both of my garlands wrapped around one of my beautiful Quan Yin statues.

I use mine with a special Quan Yin Mantra/Prayer. It can be used alone or with others in a circle. I use this during a Quan Yin healing session. It is extremely healing!

Meet Thich Nhat Hanh~ Zen Master

How do you pronounce Thich Nhat Hanh?
The English pronunciation is: Tik · N'yat · Hawn

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Meditation is essential for our survival, our peace, our protection.

– from The World We Have

by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

I read his book 'Living Buddha, Living Christ' when I first starting studying Buddhism. I was so impressed by this master's love of Buddha and Christ. He made some beautiful comparisons about the teachings of both Buddha and Christ through out the entire book. I HIGHLY recommend this book if your are on the path of both eastern and western religion.

Peace~
Desiree

Buddha Touching The Earth~ Happy Earth Day!

This image of the Buddha represents him in bhumisparsha-mudra, a posture in which he is depicted as touching the earth. In the Buddhist tradition, Buddha's life cycle is classified in three broad divisions, the Buddha, or the phase of his Enlightenment, the Dharma, or the phase when he initiated a new doctrine and the Sangha, or the phase when he founded a new monastic order.

The episode in which Lord Buddha invoked the earth has great significance both in Buddha's life as well as in the Buddhist tradition. It was around the end of his six year long meditation that Mara, the Evil One, renewed its efforts to distract the Sakyamuni from his path and destroy his concentration. Mara sent to him many of its minions, the tempting nymphs and horrifying demons, hunger and affluence, parching heat and icy cold and the bonds of life and the fear of death, but Gautam conquered them all. Now delusion was the only weapon for the Mara to try. For deluding every one and every particle of the cosmos, Mara screamed loudly acclaiming a false triumph, "You are vanquished, Gautam". The Sakyamuni kept quiet but he extended his right hand till his fingers reached the earth and calling upon her prayed her to bear witness that he had defeated the Mara and its minions. Soon after he overcame the Mara, the light exploded within and he was the Enlightened, the Buddha.

resource: Exotic India Art

Buddha and Discipline

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
~Buddha

1000's- Dhammapada 103

If one man conquer in battle thousand times a thousand men, and if another conquer himself, he is the greatest of conquerors.

~Buddha