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Keep It Simple | June 23, 2014
Underneath all the drama, the restlessness, the hopes and fears, behind the narratives we weave about ourselves, and even before we’ve thought of ourselves as ourselves, lies a simple, unadorned awareness. It’s not even a thing—just an event that happens, a little burst of knowing, deep in the center of it all.
—Andrew Olendzki, “Keep It Simple”
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Monday, June 23, 2014
Via Daily Dharma
Flower of the Day: 06/23/14
"At some point in your journey, you will come face-to-face with your shadow. It is important for you to know that this is only one aspect of your personality, as your shadow is not who you truly are. You are not the lower self, it is only one part of yourself that needs to be understood and integrated. To do so, you must have steadiness and determination, but also a lot of compassion and patience, since these aspects of yourself are also there to teach you something. Everything is sacred: everything is part of the divine play."
Sri Prem Baba
Via Flower of the Day: 06/21/14
"Cultivating
silence, observing oneself, and being whole in action form the
foundation upon which the building of consciousness can be raised. If
you dedicate yourself to these practices, you will inevitably begin to
smell the fragrance of pure love. The seeds of silence will naturally
start to sprout, and love will begin to be revealed. Love is the nectar
of life. It opens the doors to peace and prosperity."
Sri Prem Baba
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Via Daily Dharma
Watch Fear | June 22, 2014
Fear demands to be felt, and it can be
felt most readily in the body, as a powerful sensation. The experience
may be uncomfortable, but as you watch fear manifest in the body, the
truth of the Buddha's words is revealed: It does arise because of
conditions. It is not a wall of emotion, but a constantly changing
process. And it finally ends. It has its say and departs.
—David Guy, “Trying to Speak: A Personal History of Stage Fright”
Friday, June 20, 2014
Via JMG: Sec. John Kerry Celebrates LGBT Pride, Tells Embattled Foreign Gays That "You Have A Partner In The United States"
Via press release from the White House.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
The Department of State joins the world in celebrating LGBT Pride Month and reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGBT persons around the globe. In the United States, we have made marked progress in tearing down the unjust and unfair barriers that have prevented the full realization of the human rights of LGBT persons. We know there is more to do, but here, the arc of history is bending towards justice.This would have been unimaginable not so long ago.
I was proud to join my colleagues at our Embassy in London last August to announce that, going forward, same-sex spouses who applied for visas would have their applications considered in the same manner as those of opposite-sex spouses. And just this week, President Obama announced his intention to sign an Executive Order banning federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In many places around the world, however, trends are running in the opposite direction. LGBT individuals and their allies are harassed, arrested, and even killed because of who they are and the work they do. Governments are enacting laws that discriminate against LGBT individuals and their allies and restrict their fundamental human rights. The United States strongly condemns these discriminatory acts and legislation and is working every day, both here in Washington and at our embassies and consulates around the world, to ensure that all persons can exercise their human rights, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We raise the human rights of LGBT persons both publicly and privately, and we support civil society organizations who are working on the frontlines to ensure equality and dignity for all. Through the Global Equality Fund – a partnership supported by 14 like-minded governments, foundations, corporations and non-profit organizations – the Department of State has allocated more than $9 million for both emergency and long term LGBT-related programming in more than 50 countries worldwide.
This important work, done in conjunction with allies from civil society, faith communities, the private sector and other governments, is central to our foreign policy. So, to the activists, allies, and LGBT individuals on the front lines combating discrimination, you have a partner in the United States. I stand with you and I wish you safe and happy 2014 Pride celebrations.
Labels: foreign relations, gay Pride, John Kerry, LGBT rights, Obama administration, State Department
Via JMG: HomoQuotable - John Paulk
Via Daily Dharma
The Luminous Gap | June 20, 2014
At the moment, because of ignorance of
our real nature, we experience everything as the confused manifestations
of samsara. The sense of self creates a feeling of solidity, like the
apparent solidity of the clouds veiling the face of the sun, but at
certain moments a gap is opened up, through which we may receive a
glimpse of the light of reality.
—Francesca Freemantle, "The Luminous Gap in Bardo"
Via Flower of the Day: 06/20/14
"Your
heart rejoices when you feel that you are being guided, when you
realize that you are not alone and that you are not a leaf being strewn
in the wind. When you perceive that there is an intelligence that
connects everything, and you are a part of this play, then you feel like
you belong: like you are a flower in the Creator's garden. There is no
sadness anymore. But to reach this state of contentment, one has to
learn how to listen to the voice of intuition and to pay attention to
synchronicities. There is always a message for you behind any mysterious
‘coincidence.’ Synchronicity is the language the universe uses to show
you the next steps of your journey."
Sri Prem Baba
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Via JMG: Presbyterian Church USA Votes To Allow Pastors To Perform Same-Sex Marriages
The top legislative body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has taken major steps toward recognizing gay marriage. The General Assembly voted Thursday in favor of redefining Christian marriage in the church constitution as the union of "two people" instead of "a man and a woman." The redefinition will take effect only if most of the 172 regional Presbyteries approve it in voting over the next year. The Presbyterian delegates in Detroit also voted to immediately allow pastors to preside at gay weddings in states that recognize same-sex marriage.More from GLAAD.
“The Church affirmed all its faithful members today. This vote is an answer to many prayers for the Church to recognize love between committed same-sex couples,” said Alex McNeill, Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians, a national network of Presbyterians working for the full inclusion of the LGBT community within the church. “We will keep praying that the majority of our 172 presbyteries will confirm that all loving couples can turn to their churches when they are ready to be married.” The General Assembly of PC (USA) is taking place this week from June 14 – 21 in Detroit, Michigan. At the last General Assembly two years ago, marriage equality was not upheld, though a policy had been amended around that time to allow gay and lesbian Presbyterians to be ordained as clergy.UPDATE: The Human Rights Campaign reacts.
"This is a giant step forward for the PCUSA Church and for people of faith everywhere. Presbyterian LGBT couples are now one step closer to being able to get married in the church of their choice,” said Sharon Groves, Director of HRC's Religion and Faith Program. “Perhaps even more significantly, young people and their families can go into a Presbyterian church and know that their denomination has not turned a blind eye to them but has instead taken a giant step toward becoming a more loving and more welcoming place for all people to worship. We at HRC congratulate the Presbyterian Church (USA) on a job well done and thank the good people at More Light Presbyterian, The Covenant Network, So We May Freely Serve and Presbyterian Welcome for their years of dedication that got us to this point.”UPDATE II: The anti-gay Institute On Religion & Democracy is ever so pissed about this.
By overturning natural marriage the PCUSA is only accelerating its already fast-paced demise. It will become even smaller, whiter and older. Only declining denominations reject historic Christian standards and in nearly every case that rejection reinforces the decline. Who respects a church that only echoes the secular world? Many faithful have already quit the PCUSA and many more now will. But some faithful will remain. May the Holy Spirit bless their witness and lay the groundwork for the PCUSA's return some day to the teachings of the global church.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Via Good News Network
A 64 year-old man in Istanbul decided to brighten the neighborhood
by painting rainbow colors on some wide, gray, crumbling stairs. When
municipal officials sent workers after nightfall to hurriedly repaint
the steps gray, a quiet revolution
started on Twitter. Not only did volunteers come out to repaint those
stairs that Huseyin Cetinel had spent hundreds of dollars on, they
painted other stairs and walkways in cities around Turkey, posting
photos on social media. A Pandora's Box of color had unwittingly been
opened.
VIDEO at Good News Network: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/civics/brightly-painted-stairway-in-turkey-starts-color-revolution-against-drab-gray.html
Photo credit: Gürol Demirutku
VIDEO at Good News Network: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/civics/brightly-painted-stairway-in-turkey-starts-color-revolution-against-drab-gray.html
Photo credit: Gürol Demirutku
Via Daily Dharma
Why Meditate on Skeletons? | June 17, 2014
In urging his followers to meditate on
skeletons and bloody remains, the Buddha was advocating consciousness,
not disdain for the body. When we are aware of all the intricate
processes and parts that make up our bodies, we are less likely to
identify the overall image as 'me.' Disdain for our bodies is, in fact,
born not of detachment but of identification.
—Hannah Tennant-Moore, "Not Our Bodies, Not Ourselves"
Monday, June 16, 2014
Via Flower of the Day
"It's
a great challenge to speak about the truth, since it is an experience,
and it is always difficult to translate an experience into words. How
can we transform the experience of love into words? How do we explain
joy, ecstasy and compassion? Words are too small to express the
greatness of the truth, but they can be used as a bridge to reach this
experience. Words can help you transition from the state of the mind to
the state of ‘no-mind.’ As your questions are answered, the mind starts
to calm down and become free of anxiety. The mind then becomes receptive
to being flooded with the awareness that comes with the experience of
the truth."
Sri Prem Baba
Via Tricycle:
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June 16, 2014
| New at Tricycle: Restoring Zen's female lineage, learning to listen
deeply, and kicking off the Fourth Annual Tricycle | BuddhaFest Online
Film Festival. |
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 | MAGAZINE: ROUSED FROM A DREAM | ||||
| The importance of lineage in Zen Buddhism cannot be overstated. Yet the transmission of Zen has been documented through an exclusively male lineage chart—until now. Journalist Mary Fowles reports on restoring Zen’s female lineage and embodying a new story for Zen, "a story that includes women." | |||||
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Via Daily Dharma
End This Suffering, Too | June 16, 2014
Buddhism is, of course, a tradition
that strives to end suffering, but concern with the suffering that is
caused by gender stereotypes, constrictive narratives, and
discriminatory customs is relatively new, at least in its public
discourse. How women’s lives have been marginalized from the Buddhist
narrative is still being discovered, acknowledged, and remedied.
—Mary Fowles, “Roused from a Dream”
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Via Daily Dharma
Spiritual Hunger | June 14, 2014
The spiritual journey involves stepping into unknown territory with a hunger to know what is true.
—Aura Glaser, “Into the Demon’s Mouth”
Friday, June 13, 2014
Via JMG: AFA Refuses Donation With Milk Stamp
How much do anti-gay groups hate the new Harvey Milk stamps from the U.S. Postal Service? One organization refused to even open a mailed donation to their cause using one such stamp as postage. Staying true to their announcement that they would boycott all mail with the Milk stamps, the American Family Association told The Wire that the organization had mailed back our attempted $5 donation to their anti-gay group unopened. Speaking to The Wire, AFA's Director of Issues Analysis Bryan Fischer said that the very existence of the Harvey Milk stamp was akin to "honoring Jeffrey Dahmer on a postage stamp designed to honor the culinary arts." That's because Fischer and the AFA, citing a line from a biography of Milk, believe that Milk was a sexual predator. "He is not somebody that should ever be honored on a postage stamp," Fischer said.Maybe the Wire shouldn't have announced the attempt two weeks ago? Focus On The Family and the Family Research Council both processed Milk-stamped donations sent by the Wire.
Labels: AFA, Bryan Fischer, crackpots, douchebaggery, ex-gay. religion, Harvey Milk, hate groups, USPS
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Via Daily Dharma
Beware of Celebrity Teachers | June 12, 2014
Western people who really want to study
Buddhism should not follow celebrities. Of course, His Holiness the
Dalai Lama is a great master. And of course people can receive his
teachings. That’s no problem. But if somebody wants to be a good
student, they might look for a learned teacher, and among the learned
lamas, one that has renounced.
—Shamar Rinpoche, "Tulku, Inc.: The Perils of Picking a Teacher"
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Moral Health | June 11, 2014
That morality is a natural feature of
the natural world is an insight we all have to learn if we hope to be
deeply well. The more the sense of an autonomous self is injected into
any situation, the more it acts as a lightning rod for greed, hatred,
and delusion, which inevitably bring suffering. The more we can get the
self out of the way, the more clearly we can see the effect of our
thoughts, words, and action upon ourselves and others.
—Andrew Olendzki, "Moral Health"
Monday, June 9, 2014
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
6 June 2014
Her Excellency Ms. Dilma Rousseff,
President ofthe Federative Republic of Brazil
Your Excellency,
In response to your kind invitation, we take pleasure in sending the following message on the occasion of the opening of the 2014 World Cup.
We extend our heartfelt greetings to the people of Brazil as they welcome the representatives of so many countries to their homeland for a celebration of sporting prowess. Few occasions can claim to embrace so wide a cross-section of humanity, comprising peoples of varied ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. It is clear to every observer that the sport that has brought these nations to Brazil is only strengthened by the marvellous diversity of the participants. To rejoice in this fact is to reject prejudice in all its forms. Truly, nothing is more striking about this extraordinary footballing spectacle than its capacity to reflect the global culture that has emerged in this age. And in summoning together the nations in friendship, it powerfully suggests that collaboration and common endeavour are possible in all things.
Humanity today is bound together in a global civilization. As the world advances in its organic evolution, let it reflect at this moment on the many qualities that the Brazilian people so admirably embody. For the path to peace will require expansive hearts, a passion for progress, unbounded creative energy, great resilience, a strength forged from diversity, and minds enlightened by the spirit of the age and inspired by the quest for justice. The peoples of the world are as variegated flowers in one splendid garden. Is any nation more fit to demonstrate this simple but essential truth than Brazil? In the vibrant, interwoven colours of this land the world can imagine its own dazzling future possibilities.
A sporting contest, even one on such a scale as this, cannot obscure the severity of the challenges that confront humankind. But in the weeks to come, we hope that observers everywhere—especially the youth of the world—will take heart from the many examples of teamwork, fair play, valour, and earnest striving that are sure to surface in the tournament. God willing, they will aspire to show those same qualities in their lives, in service to their communities, and in the promotion of peace.
Whether labouring for the elimination of every trace of racism and discrimination, championing the equality of women and men, or seeking to advance justice, the efforts of every member of the human family are necessary. Constructive change is possible everywhere. Man, woman, youth, and child—all have an essential contribution to make.
We anticipate a time when competition among the nations may be a phenomenon chiefly witnessed in the sporting arena, whereas interactions on the global stage will be dominated by cooperation, reciprocity and mutual support. We pray that this present occasion will redound to the honour of the great nation of Brazil as hosts and that the event will inspire not only passing fellowship but lasting solidarity among all who participate and the countless millions who spectate.
signed,
The Universal House of Justice
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Via Daily Dharma
Understanding the Breath | June 7, 2014
Breath takes care of itself. Arising
and passing away quite impersonally, with no one breathing. This
understanding comes through our attention.
—Sylvia Boorstein, “Body as Body”
Friday, June 6, 2014
Via JMG: Gay(er) Marriage Map
Via JMG: FLORIDA: Backlash Grows Against AG Pam Bondi For Supporting Marriage Ban
All adults should have the right to marry and divorce as they see fit. That’s why, in another set of circumstances, I wouldn’t bring up Attorney General Pam Bondi’s two marriages and divorces – and her current relationship with a Tampa ophthalmologist, this time sealed, not with legal ribbon but in a well-publicized “non-binding” celebration in the Cayman Islands in 2012. Her marriages, divorces, and out-of-wedlock relationships are her business – not state business. But it’s hypocritical of this serial bride to use sanctimonious arguments to try to convince a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and SAVE on behalf of gay and lesbian couples seeking to have their out-of-state marriages recognized in Florida.Bondi responded to the criticisms with a statement: “The brief does not argue for or against same-sex marriage as a matter of policy, wisdom, or fairness. Those decisions are for the voters of each state, not for lawyers or courts. It is my duty to protect Florida from the ‘harm’ of a federal injunction overriding the will of Florida voters.”
In another sign of the backlash, yesterday Bondi canceled a speech before a group that works on behalf of homeless LGBT youth.
Bondi was scheduled to speak at the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services annual awards banquet in Sarasota and receive special recognition from the group for her work on fighting human trafficking. But shortly before she was scheduled to speak, the Florida Network organizers announced Bondi had cancelled her appearance. Bondi’s Tallahassee press office did not respond to questions about the cancellation. The Florida Network is a nonprofit statewide association representing agencies that serve homeless, runaway and troubled youths and their families.Did she really cancel or was she disinvited?
RELATED: Bondi took office in 2010 after being endorsed by Sarah Palin. In 2012 Bondi was the lead litigant when she and 26 other state attorneys general unsuccessfully attempted to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
Via JMG: Second-Largest Religions By State
In the Western U.S., Buddhists represent the largest non-Christian religious bloc in most states. In 20 states, mostly in the Midwest and South, Islam is the largest non-Christian faith tradition. And in 15 states, mostly in the Northeast, Judaism has the most followers after Christianity. Hindus come in second place in Arizona and Delaware, and there are more practitioners of the Baha’i faith in South Carolina than anyone else. All these data come from the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, which conducts a U.S. Religion Census every 10 years.Hit the link for a breakdown by every US county. Christianity dominates in all but one of the 3143 counties in the nation.
JMG Quote Of The Day - Akie Abe
Also in attendance was George Takei, who predicted that Japan will soon make advances in LGBT rights.
The "Star Trek" actor also known for his gay and civil rights activism, said he was encouraged to have met with Japanese activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and even some of their parents fighting for their children. "They have to have courage to come out and share their lives honestly," Takei said. Once they get a ball rolling, more movement would follow, like "a ripple effect" that spreads, he added. "So I'm optimistic. I do think that Japan will be one of the nations that have equality and that too will serve as an example for other Asian nations."The event was hosted by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. From her opening speech:
"African-Americans, women, people with disabilities, and gay men and lesbian have reminded all Americans that we are each entitled to the same rights, liberties, responsibilities and opportunities. Those struggle to transform our society, here tonight we celebrate the countless acts of courage and commitment and reaffirm that LGBT rights are human rights."RELATED: In April, Akie Abe rode in Tokyo's pride parade.
Via Daily Dharma
Birth and Death | June 6, 2014
Just understand that birth-and-death is
itself nirvana. There is nothing such as birth and death to be avoided;
there is nothing such as nirvana to be sought. Only when you realize
this are you free from birth and death.
—Eihei Dogen, "Birth and Death"
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Via Daily Dharma
Now is the Time | June 5, 2014
Now is the time to free
ourselves from samsara. Unless we do it in this lifetime, it is not
going to happen all by itself. We have to take care of ourselves. Right
now we have the ability to receive teachings and practice the Dharma.
Isn’t this the right time? Wouldn’t that be better than continuing to
act like an animal, concentrating only on eating and sleeping and
letting the time run out?
—Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, "Taking Your Future into Your Own Hands"
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Via JMG: NORTH CAROLINA: Jewish And Baptist Groups Join Marriage Ban Challenge
Via the Charlotte Observer:
The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) and the Alliance of Baptists have made it official that they are joining as plaintiffs in a Federal District Court lawsuit opposing North Carolina’s same-sex marriage ban. The United Church of Christ filed the lawsuit in April, challenging North Carolina’s state ban on same sex marriage. The suit is said to be the nation’s first faith-based challenge to same-sex marriage bans. “This precludes rabbis from participating in one of the fundamental aspects of our Jewish religious traditions with respect to a specific segment of their congregations and communities,” said Rabbi Steven Fox, Chief Executive of the CCAR, in a statement. “Depriving rabbis of the freedom to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies in North Carolina stigmatizes our religious beliefs and relegates many of our congregants and community members to second-class status.”The Alliance of Baptists: "By the joining the lawsuit in North Carolina, we are living deeply into our Christian values and offering a clear, Baptist voice for justice and religious liberty."
Via JMG: Marriage Progress GIF
I believe the map maker used Census Bureau data on where same-sex couples live, not total population numbers. Source.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
JMG: BREAKING: Supreme Court DENIES NOM's Motion To Stop Oregon Marriages
The Supreme Court denied the National Organization for Marriage’s attempt to stop same-sex couples from marrying in Oregon. NOM has appealed the trial judge’s decision not to let the group, which is opposed to same-sex couples’ marriage rights, to intervene in the lawsuit challenging Oregon’s ban on such marriages. The 9th Circuit, which is hearing that appeal, denied NOM’s request to stop the trial court decision striking down the ban from going into effect during the appeal. NOM then went to Justice Anthony Kennedy to ask him to stop the marriages while that appeal is pending before the 9th Circuit.The ACLU reacts via press release:
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to halt new marriages between same-sex couples in Oregon. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), sought a stay of a lower court’s decision allowing marriages to take place, and after the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denied a similar request two weeks ago. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the state of Oregon filed briefs opposing NOM’s request.
“With marriages continuing in Oregon, we have 44 percent of the country living in a freedom-to-marry state: same-sex couples are now part of marriage in America today,” said James Esseks, director of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “Across the country, more and more Americans are embracing the truth that their friends, family, and neighbors in same-sex couples deserve the protection and dignity that only come with marriage.”
Via Dialy Dharma
The Intention Behind Honesty | June 3, 2014
Just as being truly compassionate
doesn’t mean always being sweet and nice (sometimes it means being cold,
harsh), being truly honest doesn’t mean speaking your thoughts and
feelings as they arise. Other awarenesses and intention must be at
work—and a recognition that the truth is not solid.
—Susan Piver Browne, "Right Speech"
Via Daily Dharma
Shelter from the Storm | June 4, 2014
When we take the vows of refuge, we are
also pledging to find the refuge that exists within our own lives. This
taking of refuge is not some kind of evasion or escape, but is the
planting of our 'selves' deeply in the nature of what surrounds us.
—Gary Thorp, "Shelter from the Storm"
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Via Daily Dharma
The Art of Begging | June 1, 2014
Although we hold the bowl open for an offering, the practice of takuhatsu
[begging] does not teach us to be dependent upon society, asking for
something that is not earned, or pressuring a community for an
entitlement to food or goods. Rather, it teaches us the fundamental
lessons of the Buddha: to be dependent on everyone, to live our original
homelessness, to include the homeless in thought and deed, to share
everything, to accept what comes to us, to be generous, to be humble in
society.
—Eido Frances Carney, “Zen and the Art of Begging”
Via Daily Dharma
The Remedy Is Generosity | May 31, 2014
Generosity trusts the emptiness that
runs through things, even ungenerous or ungainly things—it links to the
clarity that underlies all our madness. Whenever my thoughts turn toward
greed, acquisitiveness, or stinginess, my shoulders tense up, and it
feels as if I’m holding my breath. To find a remedy, I don’t have to
improve my thoughts, though—just be generous with them.
—John Tarrant, “The Erotic Life of Emptiness”
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