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

Love

Quan Yin shower me with your love
Today I really need your Goddess energy
I need to wrap myself in your love and compassion
I need mercy on my soul.
My tears flow like wine from the cask
My heart hurts like a scraped knee
My world seems full of suffering
I am forever near you.
You are forever near me.
Thank you Quan Yin~

Quan Yin Blessings

Quan Yin Blessing/Healing Cards
"The Blessing of Beloved Kuan Yin - Goddess of Mercy'

"May the Peace of God be upon this house hold! May the Love of God be in your hearts. May the Light of God be in your souls! May the Wisdom of God be in your minds! May the Virtue and Purity of God be in your feelings! May the Strength and Vitality of God be among the members of your household! May the Health and Well-Being of God be manifest through the bodies, the garments which you wear! May the Talents and Genius of God be manifest through your senses! May the fullness of the Victory of your own God Plan be manifest through your souls at the close of your earth life!' "QUAN YIN"

CALL UNTO ME AND I WILL ANSWER THEE!

Quan Yin in Libra full Moon

She brings a balance
With pure love and compassion
A full Libra moon~

Her promise stands true
The scales around this full moon
Are blessed with her tears~

~Desiree

Haiku 5/7/5 syllable written with the theme of nature.

New Beginnings~ Thr Dhammapada..the way of the Buddha

They who know truth in truth,
and see untruth in untruth,
arrive at truth,
and follow true desires.

My reflection~
I am in the middle of life and life itself. I am in right in the middle of new beginnings I feel alive. I feel renewed. I know truth and I see untruth. I am following my true desires.
Love~
Desiree