Robin Beck

Thanks Robin

I fully understand now (and feel a little stupid as well)....although I was a little late to this Blog I have read some of Greg's previous posts and liked his approach.

I will put down the worms (they taste yucky) and be patient.

With respect, as always

Frank

Frank,

Be patient. Greg's wife Nancy and his brother have a lot of things to do. Keep writing.

Tushita is a heaven in the realm of desire. It is described as a geographical place one can go visit; not as a meditative or purely spiritual heaven. The Buddha went there to see his mother, iirc. Also, future samyaksambuddhas, like Maitreya are reborn there until it is time for a new Dharma Dispensation.

More later on this.

robin

Robin,

Loved your play list:

This post isn't really to stroke your ego re your musical tastes.

I have a question...who runs FWP and why can't I even get a post on the guest blog....I realize I have little of import to say but I thought a Canadaian perspective might be in order or is this strictly for US citizens? At BJ I get bumped to the "Cheap seats" Anyway "nobody loves me ...everybody hates me...I'm going to the garden to eat worms"

Also re: "I had mentioned to Frank that I do not think Buddhist Cosmology has any ontological value. The geographical universe is not constructed as described. I do think it has epistemological value. The Buddhist map of the universe can not help launch a rocket to Tushita."

Cosmology is metaphysics and a branch of philosophy. Where is Tushita?

With respect

Frank

Hi Nancy and Robin:

Things have really degenerated in the world of western medicine, at least as practiced in the United States. I remember when I would do everything, literally everything, to keep a person alive. Three months or more in the ICU was nothing for a very sick person. Hundreds of thousands of dollars and daily, sometimes monumental efforts, on the part of the nurses and doctors, to support one life. Now we have Palliative Care Specialists. It seems to me that these doctors, although well intentioned, have been overly influenced, possibly subliminally, by both cost benefit considerations and the patient's family (avoidance of suffering) rather than by the wondrous potential to regain health from even the most serious illness.

I can think of at least several instances where, if palliative care were rendered, rather than a sincere curative effort, the patient wouldn't be walking around right now.

These people will argue that the patient is destined to die, despite heroic efforts, so we might as well make the person comfortable and not prolong the agony. There are too many exceptions to the rule to allow this mindset to go unchecked and money considerations should never play a role because as we are throwing hundreds of billions of dollars away every year in less noble endeavors. Unfortunately, by Law, one may not overide the wishes of the patient or the patient's family, so even if there were no money considerations there would be the delusion factor. Buddhism will truly revolutionize the way we practice medicine. Sorry if this is a bit off topic.

Mark

By expanding our grief to karuna for all living beings and beyond; we are no longer ever alone.

"What will happen if I let go?"

I did that alone; which I do not recommend.

There are a couple ways to do insight meditation. Well, more than a couple; but two for this purpose.

One way is to observe that conditioned existence sucks; it is unwholesome, stressful, inconstant, and fabricated. Then there are tears of regret, rage, frustration, and hurt.

The other way is to connect with our own unconditioned Amala Consciousness; thus connecting with that which is wholesome, blissful, constant, and authentic. Then there are tears of joy.

Inner Light Therapy
http://www.fraughtwithperil.com/blogs/rbeck/archives/001353.html

Interview with God

You Are The Light Movie

"The root meaning of karuna is said to be the anguished cry of deep sorrow and understanding that can only come from an unblemished sense of oneness with others." -- from Kuan Yin, The Compassionate Rebel

I have been reflecting this past week. I lead an easy life for 50 years. I sometimes wondered why I encountered Buddhism. Apparently 50 years was my lead in to this. This is the year I must deal with death. It is interesting that this year we studied The Ultimate Heritage and I have so much death in my life. Guess I need to learn something.

I haven't written about Byrd yet - I just don't know where to start. I have built a wall around my feelings and am now afraid to chip away at it. What will happen if I let go?

Nancy