Approaches to Buddhist Meditation
Part 5
by Vajra Simha

Before proceeding to a brief account of how mindfulness is used by Buddhist contemplatives, it is necessary to clear up a few common misunderstandings that have grown up around the term. Smrti is a mental function or activity, one of several that work together--synergistically, as we would say nowadays--to support the project of personal liberation from suffering. Collectively those functions are known as the bodipaksha dharma, “the things conducive to awakening.”

The Dance of Contraction - How to Embrace the Dharma Bell
by Cathy Rosewell Jonas
CathyRosewellJonas.com

The dharma bells rings and vibrates an invitation to begin our meditation. We immediately follow our breath into the expanse of our heart space. Our gaze and bodies seem to automatically relax. Soon, meditation soothes us, lofting us away from our busy lives, and the attachments we hold to the roles we play.

Defying Laws of Nature Even After Death
by Sharon, SSRF Team Member
SpiritualResearchFoundation.org

We had recently written about our dear evolved seeker Mrs. Nirmala Honap (Honap Kaku) and her selfless service to others even while being bedridden. Honap Kaku left her body (passed away) on the morning of 12 Aug 2010 and was cremated the following morning approximately 26 hours later.

Approaches to Buddhist Meditation
Part 4
by Vajra Simha

In this essay and the next I will introduce the basic categories of Buddhist meditation, beginning with those that tradition adopted in ancient times. As noted earlier, the eightfold path of practice has long been divided into three parts, to wit, moral discipline, mental/emotional discipline and intellectual discipline, also known as the Three Trainings of Conduct, Samādhi and Wisdom.

Path Notes – Mystic Knights, Kuji-In, and More
by Vajrapani

Along the way, I played all the team sports and participated in Golden Gloves boxing and wrestled in Junior High School and High School. Anything I could do to get better physically and tougher mentally. I really wanted to be that cool guy that had the great body, slick moves, and all the girls.

Undefining Experience
Opening up to a world of experience through non-judgment
by Shawn Zemba
ShawnZemba.com

Our lives have become so incredibly predictable. We look around our home, and it bores us. We see the same boring crap that has surrounded us for however long. Life has lost it’s luster, I have discovered everything. Or have I?

Approaches to Buddhist Meditation
Part 3
by Vajra Simha

Of the many factors that motivate people to take up meditation, the most common are probably curiosity; desire to experience altered states of consciousness; the acquisition of power over nature and/or other people; and the desire for inner peace.

Secrets of Immortality

This is an introduction and testimonials of people who assisted to a seminar on the Secrets of Immortality, from the Daoist, Hindu and Buddhist esoteric teachings. They share about their quick healing, regeneration of the body, and elevation of their level of happiness. The complete seminar runtime is more than 12 hours.

Weeds - An Earth Day Meditation
by Peregrinus
FeralReserve.blogspot.com

I grew up in the center of a large city, in the midst of an environment so bereft of wild things that my daily contact with the non-human was confined to encounters with a housecat, geraniums in window boxes, and cut flowers on the dining room table.

Confusion Before Mindfulness
by Vajrapani

As we noted earlier, the traveler on the spiritual path is faced with many questions, choices, and challenges. The amount and magnitude of questions and choices can be overwhelming and often leads to confusion in the mind of the beginner. This confused state is a natural if somewhat painful place to be in, but is also vital to the progress of the spiritual traveler.