Metaphorage2
Patterns everywhere...
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023
The Billy Collins poem “Aristotle”
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46706/aristotle
Aristotle
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Where did that bounty hunter idea come from
I was surprised when I read this article. I didn’t know about the deep philosophical roots behind Texas’s anti-abortion law. Now that I know the background and philosophy of both Clarence Thomas and his former law clerk, I can see what they are doing. Obviously they both threaten the legal basis for legal structures that are very important to me. Also, I doubt that most people have any idea what they are up to. Heads up!
A Panacea for the Heart An Incitement to Virtue Through Reflection on Impermanence
On the death of Christina Monson, an important lesson.
Sogan Rinpoche (Sogan Tulku Pema Lodoe) composed "A Panacea for the Heart: An Incitement to Virtue Through Reflection on Impermanence" upon learning of Christina's passing. It includes the following verse:
And when my Dharma siblings who I wished to remain here with me inseparably
Are led away without hope of intervening, by the Lord of Death himself, I feel sad
But sadness and grief don’t help; let us rouse strength of heart
And spurn ourselves to practice virtue and dedicate it with aspirations.
The full poem is at the link below. (note: I suspect a translation error substituted “spurn” for “spur” at the end.
https://www.shambhala.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-Panacea-for-the-Heart.pdf
Thursday, November 9, 2023
My favorite Improv West Coast Swing
I dance West Coast Swing as a hobby and have for almost 50 years. This dance has evolved over the years but at an especially rapid rate in the past five years - in my opinion it's at it's best now. On top of that, these two dancers, Ben and Victoria, are among the best in the world of contemporary WCS. I have watched them since they began to dance as teenagers and I just marvel at what they do. Please watch this video - it is my favorite WCS dance ever!
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche quotes on change
Loss of friends and relatives is much more common at my age. It is not any easier now just because it is well known. With that fact at the forefront, the imminence of death is clearly something to keep in mind. So is the recombination of our circle of friends, family, and colleagues. I now face the near term death of several people who are really key in my life. Pontificating in the face of this development is questionable, so I will keep this short and turn this post over to someone more qualified, Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche:
Change is continuous. Day by day, one season slips into the next. Day turns into night and night to day. Buildings don’t suddenly grow old; rather, second by second, from the moment they’re constructed, they begin to deteriorate… Think of beings inhabiting this universe. How many people born a hundred years ago are still alive?… We see the play of impermanence in our relationships as well. How many of our family members, friends, people in our hometown, have died? How many have moved away, disappearing from our lives forever?… At one time we felt happy just being near a person we loved. Just to hold that person’s hand made us feel wonderful. Now maybe we can’t stand him, don’t want to know anything about him. Whatever comes together must fall apart, whatever once fathered must separate, whatever was born must die. Continual change, relentless change, is constant in our world.
Don’t burden others with your expectations. Understanding their limitations can inspire compassion instead of disappointment, ensuring beneficial and workable relationships. Remember that you have only a short time together. Be grateful for each day you share.