Understanding the Whole Picture

I thought it was odd that Jesus wouldn’t tell me first. I am usually the one he turns to, for help, when things go bad for him. I visit him when he’s in jail which, unfortunately, has been too often. I advocate/ mentor for Jesus and his 3 brothers, (For context, see previous blogs, “All Life is Sacred”, “Other People’s Lives”, “My Eventful Day”, “Recognizing and Appreciating Life’s Small Accomplishments”, “The Importance of Having Fun and Being Happy“ & “On Being Hopeful and Hope-filled”) so when I heard that Jesus was going to be a dad, I was a little shocked, to say the least. For the year that he was living with me, I was always the one that was giving him condoms before he went out. Having the talk and trying to make sure he always had protection. And Wow, you got a girl pregnant! It’s no wonder he didn’t want to tell me ! I ended up finding out from his brothers.

He was afraid to tell me because of the way he thought I would react. His oldest brother was teasing him, saying stupid things like “I want you to get a blood test to make sure it’s yours” and other similar things so he thought I might react the same way. Of course, I didn’t. I was actually calm when Jesus arrived. We had planned to get him a replacement ID, as he had lost his, so he came over. I greeted him at the front porch and asked him to follow me so we could talk in private, just he and I. I started by telling him how serious and important his future has now become and about his future responsibilities. I reminded him how precious life is and the wonderful opportunity he has before him; I helped him to understand his obligations, if he wants to be an active part of the baby’s life. I also reminded him that if he wanted to get a blood test that it was his business, and his business, only. He made a poignant statement, “I don’t want to be like my dad. I want to be there for the baby’. And I really hope he is!

The baby is due on November 24. The parents have agreed to raise the baby at their house (Thank God). Jesus hasn’t met the parents yet. They know about his reputation for being in and out of jail and they are understandably not impressed. As of this writing, that has yet to be resolved.

                 Jesus (R) with his brother Miguel. Photo taken 3 days ago

I see my role as Jesus’ mentor/ advocate changing. The 2 most important people in this equation now are the baby and the baby’s mom. She needs to be a strong woman and make sure that only good, positive influences are near her baby. I hope that includes Jesus. It is my heartfelt prayer that Jesus can play the good dad part, that he so desperately wants to play. For that to happen, he will have to change his focus from me to we. From past experiences, that may be a tall order but I am eternally hopeful! It’s not just about you anymore, my friend JJ.  

On Being Hopeful & Hope-Filled

When interacting with other people, it occurs to me how important and beneficial it is to offer hope. Whether in everyday life situations or in personal, intimate conversations, hope can be a powerful , driving energy force ! Why not capitalize on this energy and make good use out of it.

Recently I had the fortune to have witnessed an amazing exchange of hope. All four of the Sanchez brothers were involved. (For context, see previous blogs, “All Life is Sacred”, “Other People’s Lives”, “My Eventful Day”, “Recognizing and Appreciating Life’s Small Accomplishments”  & “The Importance of Having Fun and Being Happy“ )

Jesus, the youngest of the brothers, was in jail. The brothers all wanted to visit him together, before Mannie moved to Atlanta. I arranged it and we went for a half hour visit at the jail. I wasn’t allowed to actually go in (they only allow three visitors in a week) so I stayed out. Fortunately I could clearly see and hear all the interactions between them and Jesus, who was behind a thick, clear glass, they were communicating with phones, hanging from the top. In the car, on the way over to the jail, we chatted about the importance of giving Jesus a hopeful, positive visit and to not mention past misdeeds. Everyone agreed. Jesus came paraded in with the other inmates here to see the visitors. It was great to see his expression upon seeing his 3 older brothers, here to visit him. They all gave him a wonderful half hour experience, filled with hope and joy. It was beautiful to behold! Not only does giving someone hope, have an effect on the receiver, it has an equal and even stronger effect on the giver. I was so happy that they were able to experience it first-hand.

 On a personal level, having hope and being hopeful can be a positive, driving force in helping people to achieve their goals and aspirations. People facing crises of all varieties have a much better chance of success and being happy in the face of hope.

In my professional life, I use hope and hope-filled actions, often and every day. I work with people who are facing death and all that that entails. By being hopeful, on every level, it makes that journey much easier.

Together with being positive and appreciative of experiences given, hope can be a powerful tool for most anyone. Do you know someone who can use a hopeful message? I’m betting that most people do. Be cheerful and offer hope to your friends and loved ones, I think that you’ll like what you see.

 

      Do you know someone who can use a hopeful message?

The Importance of Having Fun and Being Happy

It may seem like a great idea to enjoy life and be happy, all well and good. How much of our time, in a day, do we devote to doing something fun? It may be as simple as driving a different way to work or scheduling something that you enjoy.  How much time do we spend making sure our attitudes and outlooks are positive and happy? In a busy day, where there is hardly enough time to do the things that we need to do, sometimes a reminder to ourselves might be a beneficial thing. Remind ourselves that we deserve to be happy. It’s our birthright and only we can make it happen!

 Numerous studies have shown that happier people make better decisions. Even if you’re not feeling that great, try to cultivate a happy thought, then make yourself smile about it. Your happiness level will increase and it will make you more productive according to a study published in the Academy of Management Journal recently.

Appreciate life’s small accomplishments. Be mindful of the things that do go your way, even something as simple as the store clerk getting your order right, can make you feel a greater sense of accomplishment throughout the day. Suggestions like these are easily do-able, it just takes a little practice to remind yourself that you deserve to be happy. 

                  Mannie & Miguel Sanchez and my nephew, Steven Jr.

Receiving happiness from helping others is another awesome way to get a greater sense of who you really are. You are a complex human being, deserving of all life’s happiness’s.

Soak in up for all the people who can’t. 

On Being Efficient

From personal experience with my family, the Sanchez brothers and other friends, I have come to appreciate the great value of being efficient. In the dictionary Efficient is described thus: Efficient (adj.) Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort. With this definition in mind, it would seem like a nice thing to aim for.

At work, I’m a caregiver to a man who has Parkinson’s disease, being efficient makes my job a lot easier. It makes it easier on my client, also. Sometimes with Parkinson’s, the person has rigidity and a freezing effect. This can occur quite suddenly. With calm, efficient movements you can get the person settled, safe and comfortable. Efficiency in getting him in and out of the car, in and out of bed, etc. makes both of our lives easier.

At home, I mentor the 4 Sanchez brothers. On any given day, I may help all four of the brothers, in one form or another. Take today for example: Mannie stayed over last night. Jesus “showed up” at about 8 AM.  He wanted to visit his dad in Escondido (about 30 miles from home).  I had other plans but in the “larger picture,” this is an important event.  Jesus was born in Escondido and he hasn’t seen his dad for many years.  I made them breakfast and we left. We dropped Mannie at the rail station then continued on. The boys dad, Art, is taking care of Cesar (For context, see previous blogs, “All Life is Sacred”, Other People’s Lives”, “My Eventful Day” & “On Being Thankful”).

                                               Jesus & Mannie

The plan for today is to drop Jesus off and take Cesar back with me home. I think it’s important that Jesus have one on one time with his dad. I took Cesar home with me. At 3 PM, I had a job driving a client. At 4 PM, I meet Mannie. He has reservations for 3 nights at the local youth hostel. I bought him this so he could have a flavor of meeting people from different countries. He is adventuresome like that and I try to encourage it. At 7 PM, I take Cesar and exchange for Jesus. Jesus and I drive home. I make him dinner then drive him home. It was a total of 135 miles and over 3 hours of driving time. Would I trade it for anything, no I wouldn’t.  It’s such a great feeling to know that I am making a difference in their lives. I feel very blessed! Thanks to Being Efficient all of this was able to happen in a single day.

                                                Miguel & Cesar

I think there are probably a lot of stories like mine out there. And I think that we can all relate to the fact that if we weren’t efficient at what we do, we wouldn’t get the things done that we do. So go ahead and congratulate yourselves On Being Efficient, you deserve it!

Wishing You Peace and Happiness, always

** A Sad Update.**

It's about 24 hours after I posted the above. Jesus was picked up and detained again for violating his probation. I'm happy for him that he got to spend about 10 hours with his dad yesterday. I pray that Jesus may find peace and happiness in his life. It would be sad to see him get used to this kind of lifestyle, I also realize that there is only so much I can do. I visualize peaceful energy directed at you for all times, my friend! 

                             May you find peace in your life my friend, J.J.

All Life is Sacred

I’m on my way to the hospital to visit Cesar. He just got transferred to the Rehabilitation unit for the long, hard work ahead. Poor guy has had his share of issues in this lifetime. Through no fault of his own, he was in the foster care system for 15 years of his life. Now he is dealt another tough hand.

He was riding as a passenger in a vehicle last week. A speeding drunk driver was hurling his vehicle towards them. He hit 2 parked cars then smashed his vehicle into the car that Cesar was riding in. Meanwhile Cesar was trapped in the car. The “jaws of life” were used to get him out of the wrecked vehicle. He was transported via ambulance to the hospital. There he found out that his C-1 vertebra was badly fractured, his hip was fractured and he had many assorted bruises. The doctors did emergency surgery to fuse some of the vertebrae together. They added a plate in the back of his head with rods running down his spine.

                             Cesar in Balboa Park rose garden

This brings me back to the rehab unit. Cesar was confronted with the daunting task of rehabilitation. It was just too much for him at the time. He refused to participate in any of the rehab activities despite what other people were telling him. He was in such pain that all he wanted to do was sleep. Due to his lack of participation in anything, he developed pneumonia. Two days ago, after I left the hospital, I thought for sure he had completely given up on life. I was resigned to the fact that if that’s what Cesar wanted then there’s nothing more I could do. I was ready to sit with him until he passed.

                                                 Cesar w/ Honey

Yesterday morning when I got there he started to participate in life again. I was so happy.  It’s a very tough road ahead for him. He has to relearn everything, all of the activities of daily living that most people take for granted (grooming, showering, dressing, walking & sitting, etc.).

                                          Cesar on my car

This morning I went over to the hospital to decorate a corner of his room. I bought some colorful material from the fabric store. I framed some photos of Cesar in his “glory days” so he can look at them and be inspired. I see my job now as his cheerleader. He needs to believe that he can do this and with a good, positive attitude. Stay tuned, like the rest of life, it’s a work in progress…

For context, see previous blogs, “Other People’s Lives”, “My Eventful Day” & “On Being Thankful”)

                                      Cesar AKA Marie in Las Vegas

Peace and Happines, always

Mike

My Eventful Day

I had a very eventful day and I feel happy that I got so many worthwhile things accomplished in one day. It started out as most other days. I’m a compassionate caregiver and I have a client who has been in the hospital for several days. He was able to come home today. As you can imagine, he was very happy to be home. His wife, and most ardent cheerleader, has had to deal with the additional burden of having to worry if their house would still be standing. San Diego is on fire. Today some areas of the county have out of control fires raging, fanned by the hot Santa Ana winds. My clients have a house very near to the epicenter of one of the fires. In addition to having to deal with her husband’s worsening condition, she has the fire to deal with. Fortunately for all involved, she is a strong woman. I left their house about 7 PM.

I had plans with Miguel (the current Sanchez brother living with me. For additional info see my earlier blogs “Other People’s Lives” & “On Being Thankful”) for the evening. We went to do errands when Jesus, the youngest brother called. He has been having some difficulty lately with accommodations (a place to sleep). He recently met up with his friend, Steven, who offered him a job and a place to stay. Jesus wondered if I would buy some groceries for Steven’s family, as his offering of thanks, for a place to stay. I was most happy to do it. I loaded up brothers Miguel & Cesar and we went off to Food4Less. I bought $50 worth of groceries then turned to Miguel and asked him “What would you like to offer to your youngest brother?” To his credit, he offered $12 worth of additional items. We drove it over to where Jesus was working.  He jumped in the car then we went to Steven’s house to drop off the groceries, then returning him to work. I was so happy that Jesus was taken care of, at least temporarily.

                         With Miguel, Cesar & Jesus after dropping food off for Jesus

On our way home we stopped off to get pizza. We drove home and as soon as we turned the corner, I realized that my garage door was open and the bicycle was stolen. I was in such a hurry to go that I forgot to put the door down, my bad. I got angry for a few minutes then I realized that this was a teaching moment. I “got off it” then continued with our earlier plans. I helped Miguel edit his blog post for the week. We watched a little American Idol. Then Cesar wanted my help. Cesar is a drag queen, very narcissistic and into his own looks. He was all dressed up then asked for a ride to meet his friends, so I took him there. Once again, I’m happy that Cesar was taken care of, at least temporarily.

There is only so much I can do and I realize it. With my limited means, I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do. I have high hopes for Miguel. He has a job and is turning out to be a good, conscientious worker. He will enroll in college this summer and I would love to see him be the first college graduate in his family.

I have high hopes for all the boys.

                                                              Here's to High Hopes

It’s late, the news is on and were watching the stories about the different fires burning around here. I can’t help but wonder how everything will turn out. I have high hopes! Let’s see what tomorrow brings…

On Being Thankful

It occurred to me recently that “Being Thankful for what I have” is very important in my life. I have been fortunate and realize that being grateful and appreciative of my successes is one of the main reasons for my good fortune and happiness. I look forward for the opportunities of being able to say “Thank You” to someone, every day of my life. A simple “Thank You” can make other people feel good but it also makes me feel good.

Look around you. No matter who you are, there is something to be thankful for. A roof over your head or the food in your fridge or your family and friends. Each of these are truly gifts. Every day that you are in good health, every day that you get to go to work, every day you get to drink clean water. When you begin to recognize the goodness in your life, and make a conscious effort to be grateful for those things, you will see that every day there is more and more to be thankful for.

If you really think there is nothing to be thankful for in your life, you’re probably not trying hard enough. At the least, you should be thankful you are fortunate enough to have access to a computer with internet to be able to read this.

Studies have shown that people who regularly practice feeling thankful have an advantage when it comes to their health. Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at UC Davis, has been a leading researcher in the growing field of “positive psychology.” His research has found that those who adopt an “attitude of gratitude” as a permanent state of mind experience many health benefits.

Emmons’ findings suggest that grateful people may be more likely to:

·         take better care of themselves physically and mentally

·         engage in protective health behaviors and maintenance

·         get more regular exercise

·         eat a healthier diet

·         have improved mental alertness

·         cope better with stress and daily challenges

·         feel happier and more optimistic

·         have stronger immune systems

·         maintain a brighter view of the future

With that list of benefits, who wouldn’t want to try it? Consider integrating some of these steps into your daily life.

Attitude also plays a large part in determining whether you can feel grateful, in spite of life’s challenges. Gratitude can be defined by your attitude towards both the outside world and yourself. Those who are more aware of the positives in their lives tend to focus their attention outside of themselves.

For the past 4 years, I have been a mentor/ advocate for a family of 4 brothers, the Sanchez men. There is Cesar 22, Miguel 21, Manuel 20 & Jesus 19 (read my earlier blog “Other People’s Lives”). Each of the brothers has lived with me for about 1 year, usually when they got out of the foster care system at 18. Each has their own personalities and I would never lump them all together. There is one thing, however, that I insist on for all of them and that is the importance of saying “Thank You” every time it’s due. As I explain it to them, “It’ not that I like hearing ‘Thank You’ for myself. It’s an important life lesson so I insist on it. Good manners will take you a long way”. They are probably tired of hearing it but every time they don’t say it when it’s due, I go into my speech.

I truly believe that being grateful opens me to more opportunities to be grateful for. This has proven true in my personal life and I am very fortunate.

                                (L -R) Miguel, Cesar, Jesus & Manuel

The Importance of Being Patient →

Sometimes I tend to be an impatient kind of guy. I want things when I want them and why didn’t I get them. I put an unreal expectation on myself and other people around me when I’m in this frame of mind. People much smarter than me have commented on this for a long time.

Have patience with all things, but first of all, with yourself  - Saint Francis

When I realize I’m in the “impatience mode” and change it, I have found that I can get a lot more accomplished, especially when dealing with other people. First off, I find I’m more relaxed and able to be my true, loving self. People around you can “feel” when you are uptight/ impatient and conversely when you are relaxed and calm.

We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world              Helen Keller

When you are relaxed and calm you release all your worldly concerns and tensions, allowing life’s energy to flow more freely and effortlessly. This is you at your best and it’s much easier to have patience in this state. For this and many other reasons it is important to find something that helps you to relax. Some people pray, some chant, some meditate and some do all of the above. Whatever form of relaxation you choose, just do it!

How poor are they that have not patience. What wound did ever heal but by degrees? William Shakespeare

I invite you to try listening to some chants for yourself. It’s free and I’m not selling anything. On this website I have some professionally recorded chants that I invite you to listen to. I have the words onscreen, in both English and phonetic Tibetan, to chant along with. The 5 minute long “OM MANI PEME HUNG” chant will definitely help relax most anyone. Why not try for yourself!

“If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding.” - Dalai Lama

Sacred Run - Australia

This story was originally published in the Auckland Express newspaper on February 1, 2001 at Auckland, New Zealand. I wrote this story after having just returned from this remarkable journey through Australia, while it was still fresh in my mind. I have just recently come upon these great photos taken during the Run by Billy "Turtle Warrior" Ledger, one of the runners. Please enjoy.

                                Sue carrying the Eagle feather staff

The sacred Run 2000 Australia started in La Perouse (near Sydney) on June 1 and concluded on August 26th, 2000 back in Sydney. I was with the run from the start thru August 10 when the run went through Adelaide. There were 25 runners from different parts of the world including myself. We covered over 13,000 kilometers in just under 3 months.

The purpose of the Sacred Run was to connect with the indigenous peoples of Australia and together in a spiritual way, try to raise people’s consciousness towards issues affecting not only the Aboriginal communities but also our future generations and the fragile balance between humanity and our environment.

Spiritual running differs from recreational running in that while you are running, you are “focusing your attention” on the reasons why you are running. I was not only running for all the amazing Aboriginal people we met but also for All Beings everywhere!

   Runners from L-R. Emillio, Emmett (oldest runner at 70), Vince & Marcus

The Sacred Run was started in the United States in 1978 by Dennis Banks, an Anishinabe activist and leader, with the purpose of carrying the message that “All Life is Sacred”. It was inspired by the ancient Native American tradition of running great distances, even to the most remote villages, to spread the messages, news and information.

I think there were two main reasons we were welcomed into these communities. It was Dennis Banks' organization and he has a large following among the Aboriginal communities, I think they see similar struggles). The second was our No Drugs/ No Alcohol policy.  Unfortunately in a lot of the communities, alcohol & drugs are a problem.

Our course for the run took us through every state in Australia. We “targeted” Aboriginal communities so we would often go out onto rough, out of the way dirt roads in order to reach the different communities.

We purposely started the Run in La Perouse, the closest Aboriginal land to Sydney. From there our route took us north through New South Wales and the Aboriginal communities of Quirindi, Armidale, Moree and Toomelah. In Queensland, we ran through Toowoomba, Cherbourg, Eldsvold, Biloela, Sarina, Tully, Cairns and Laura.

We tried to get to Weipa in Cape York and the Torres Strait islands but we were stopped by the Stewart River. In the outback the only way to cross most rivers is to drive through them. One of our vehicles (mine) got stuck in the river in the evening. We knew that there were hungry crocks in the river and it was hard for us to see. We posted several people with torches to watch “for the eyes” while the rest of us got out and pushed the vehicle out. It was a little scary.

                                    My car stuck in the Calvert river

Our route through the Northern Territory took us right in the heart of Arnhamland then on through the center of the country down to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We got to spend several days with the native peoples from Mutitjulu, right in Uluru National Park.

Often times the communities would send out their elders to greet us and their young school age kids to run in with us, sometimes as many as 40 kids would show up with the elders. We would run into the towns carrying the Aboriginal flag. Occasionally we would get a police escort or a tribal elder’s vehicle to lead the way into town. Sometimes this was seen as a big and important event in some of these Aboriginal communities. Member of the local community were sometimes out on the roadways waving and cheering as we went by.

        Aboriginal community members showing support for the runners.

You have to keep in mind that some of the places we visited were way out in the bush, the longest was 350 KM’s from the nearest town, on a rough dirt road.

Most of the communities would have a meal of some kind for us. They knew that we would be coming on a certain date and sometimes these were quite elaborate events. In several of the communities they had BBQ for us. I suspect that on more than one occasion, I ate kangaroo and other local game. The most exotic thing I ate was stuffed fruit bat. I was hesitant about trying it but this one particular host was quite insistent that I try it, so I did. It wasn’t too bad.

The only thing that I did not try was grubs. We were in one community way out in the bush and they puta plate of baked grubs on the table but I just couldn’t do it. A couple of the runners tried them and said they were “kind of nutty” tasting but I’ll never know.

In some of the communities, especially in the Northern Territory, we got demonstrations of how they make the didjiridoo and how to play it. One elder showed us how he hollows the branches out. He puts sugar in the middle so the ants eat the insides out. It was cool to see.

                     Didjiridoo maker playing one his recent creations.

In other communities they showed us how they make boomerangs, the different types for the different needs and how to throw them properly.

After dinner we always had an evening social where the runners would share stories about their lives and listen to the concerns of the local community. It was a great way to exchange ideas.

After the social we needed our rest, sometimes these events would go on quite late. We had many different types of accommodations but most required our sleeping bags and usually our tents, too. We stayed in community halls, churches, parks, hostels, gymnasiums, schools, etc. When we were traveling to the more remote communities it would take several days to get there so we would sleep wherever our run ended for that day. On rare occasions we would get to sleep in beds. This was especially true when we were near larger towns, it happened in two or three places and when it did, it was a treat!

Having completed the run, I can now take some time to “digest” all the places I’ve been and all the people I’ve met. The only drawback to a run like this is that you are always on the go, never able to spend more than a day or two in any one place.

All in all, I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience first-hand the Aboriginal communities, with their trials and tribulations. I have met elders who are committed to restoring their unique languages. I have met dedicated traditional people who are taking control of their own school systems and restructuring them to better meet their needs. I have met some wonderful community leaders whose vision will successfully take Aboriginal peoples into the next century and beyond!

        Runners Paul & Billy "Turtle Warrior" Ledger with Wadjularbinna. Wadjularbinna is an activist tirelessly working on the preservation of the     various Aboriginal cultures and languages. She is an amazing woman!

Other Peoples Lives

I have been very fortunate in my life thus far and feel blessed to be a part of other people’s lives. For the past 3 ½ years, I have been involved with a family of 4 young men, the Sanchez brothers; Cesar - 22, Miguel - 21, Manuel – 20 & Jesus will be 19 soon. They have all been in the foster care system for most of their lives. I first got involved with the family through the oldest boy, Cesar. He didn't have any place to go so I invited him to stay with me to “figure out what he wanted to do with his life”. I allowed him to stay for a little more than a year. In fact, I have allowed 3 of the Sanchez boys to live with me, for about 1 year each, usually when they got out of the foster care system at age 18. I have helped 3 of them get jobs, I took them on their first plane rides, I helped Manuel learn to drive and get his driver’s license, etc. And as it turns out, I am going to have the fourth brother, Miguel, stay with me starting on March 1st this year, it’s his turn.

It certainly has not always been easy, as you can expect, with four testosterone laden young men trying to figure out their place in life. The most important thing for me to remember is that they are all individuals and have their own personalities. 

                                               Jesus, Manuel & Miguel

While it would be easy to lump them all together, that would not be fair to any of them. They all have special attributes that makes them unique individuals. Cesar is fortunate in that he is always happy, regardless of what is going on in his life. Manuel has aspirations of being a comedian and a rap artist. He has a tough exterior but is very kind and helpful to his brothers. Jesus is still trying to figure out what his niche in life is. He is kind to his friends. We chant together and I can feel that it really helps him to relax and focus. As for Miguel, he wants to be a preacher. When he moves in here with me, I will help him attain any and all goals he may have for himself.

                                            Cesar at La Jolla beach

Cesar & Marie - same person

                                               Marie with Ellen

I consider myself very fortunate to be able to take an active part in these young men's lives. Even with my limited means, I know for sure that I am making a difference in their lives and in mine.

I am truly blessed.

Cesar & Jesus

                                                 Mannie & Miguel

Everyday Compassion

As a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, whose main practice is compassion, often times everyday life throws challenges my way.  While it’s easy to say “oh, just be compassionate to everyone”, the reality is, it takes constant focus and attention. Focus not only on all of my actions but attention to my “state of mind” as well.

Take for example driving.  On my way to work this morning in my car someone cut in front of me to make a quick turn.  They made the dumb move but I noticed I was the one who was “out of my calm self” for a while. It took a few minutes until I realized what was going on and changed myself, again focus and attention. Fortunately for me it takes less time to realize myself when I’m “out of calm”.

 These kinds of situations always arise in the process of living our daily lives. Different things always come up but it’s how quickly I react and “re-set myself” that makes the difference. Thanks again focus and attention.

I am my own harshest critic so I need to remind myself that it’s taking me less time to reset but…I’m still striving to be compassionate to everyone, every time and in every situation. I'm a work in progress…

                 Lama Samten w/ his right hand woman, Kate. My banana car in background.

The 2 Karmapa's

As most people know there is a “controversy” surrounding the Karmapa, the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. To help understand a little better, here’s a brief thumbnail outline.

       The 4 main schools of Tibetan Buddhism are the:

Gelug - founded by Tsongkhapa and headed by HH Dalai Lama. 

Sakyu – founded by Khon Konchog Gyalpo and headed by HH Sakyu Trinzin.

Nyingma – founded by Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche. There never was a single head of the lineage until fairly recently.

Kagyu – founded by Gampopa and headed by HH Karmapa.

Within the Kagyu lineage there are sub groups. The main sub group is the Dagpo Kagyu which includes the Kagyu schools that tract back to Naropa. Within these are the 4 sub-groups of which the Karma Kagyu is the largest. The Karmapa is the head of this lineage.

On Nov. 5, 1981, while on a world-wide tour giving teachings and empowerments, the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, died in Zion, Illinois. It is with the recognition process of the 17th Karmapa that the controversy swirls.

As for me personally, I follow Ogyen Trinley Dorje. I have two “spiritual friends”, Lama Karma Samten & Lama Karma Shedrup. In 1980, they were sent to New Zealand to open a Karma Kagyu center by the 16th Karmapa. I have a very personal connection to them and the Karmapa. I feel very fortunate.

However, there are many people, very nice, intelligent people who follow Trinley Thaye Dorje. There is no right or wrong choice, your Karma will lead you to follow the Karmapa who you have the “connection” with. The most important thing to remember is that we are all practitioners of the Dharma, and that’s beautiful! We need to see each other as Dharma brothers and sisters, all praying with the same goal in mind: to help All beings attain Buddhahood.

I invite you to please leave your comments.

Peace and Happiness to All beings.

 

I invite anyone who is interested in the matter to do research for yourself. A good place to start is to Google “Karmapa controversy”.  You will find many different articles with different points of view.