Tag Archives: enlightenment

Kensho

Posted on October 23, 2015 by jyourist

Kensho, 見性, in Japanese and in the Zen tradition, means initial insight or awakening, but not yet full Buddhahood or satori. It literally means “seeing” (ken) “nature” or “essence” (sho).

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100 days to reach enlightenment!

Posted on March 19, 2015 by jyourist

  Today in Tai Chi class our teacher taught us “Swimming Dragon.” “You do this nine times a day for 100 days in a row and you will reach enlightenment,” she said. “If you do this exercise for nine times … Continue reading →

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In the Table: Kare-sansui

Posted on March 17, 2015 by jyourist

JB arranged his version of a Kare-sansui in the table. It includes a paper sculpture he created. The word Kare-sansui 枯山水 literally means “dry landscape garden” and refers to what is more commonly labeled as the zen garden where features like … Continue reading →

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Or not

Posted on June 24, 2014 by jyourist

Yesterday I went to see Gregory at his Alzheimer care facility. Michael, his partner of over 35 years, was visiting as well and I brought each of them a no-foam skim latte. Gregory’s meds have been changed. His previous meds had caused … Continue reading →

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I am awake

Posted on April 8, 2014 by jyourist

In the context of sakura (cherry blossoms) blooming in Japan, Hana Matsuri, The Japanese Flower Festival, celebrates the birth of Buddha some 2500 years ago. To commemorate this auspicious day is the following traditional story adapted from Art of Dharma. It is … Continue reading →

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Vesak Day

Posted on May 22, 2013 by jyourist

This morning during advisory, one of my students handed me a Vesak card which was designed by her father. This auspicious day, the first full moon in May (as celebrated in Vietnam and Southeast Asia) commemorates Buddha’s birth, death, and … Continue reading →

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What happens when you acquire solar-powered enlightenment from Loew’s

Posted on February 12, 2013 by jyourist

Yes, the Buddha’s paint is peeling. On the other hand, it’s important to shed our personal baggage and the masks we wear in order to be released from continual reincarnation. Purchases at Loew’s apparently hold the key for escaping samsara … Continue reading →

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Enlightenment wears at least 16 disguises

Posted on February 8, 2013 by jyourist

Parinirvana Day commemorates the day that Buddha died, therefore his final release from karma and rebirth, his reaching final nirvana. It is either celebrated today, Feb. 8, or next Friday, Feb.15, depending on what sect of Buddhism you follow. This is … Continue reading →

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Solar-powered enlightenment

Posted on June 24, 2012 by jyourist

JB and I had looked for a Buddha for the garden for Father’s Day but were unable to find one we liked. We actually went out to a place where concrete garden sculptures are cast, but there were no Buddhas … Continue reading →

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