Thursday, March 12, 2009, 10:58 AM - General Topic
Just posted some images on the NA Fulong Dharma Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/page ... 0390561217 It looks like they had a wonderful time, wish I was there to help celebrate!You will need to have a Facebook account to see, so get yours today or sign in, if you have one. Help build our meditation community --Click on "Become a Fan" once you are inside the page and all updates will be sent to you automatically through your Facebook.
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Saturday, March 7, 2009, 01:07 PM - General Topic
A good friend (childhood, teen and young adulthood friend)of mine asked me the other day what it is like to meditate for 2-hours straight. I likened it to dancing non-stop on the dance floor, heart beating fast, building up a sweat and lost in the rhythm of the beat. I told him, TWDD meditation technique consists of holding the mudra (totally relaxed stance and fingers connected to maintain an energy circle close to your body), visualizing the teacher (Master Haikong) and reciting rapidly the mantra (Om Mani BeiMei Hung, the relaxed state my body is in guides me through a range of natural flow of activity, whether swaying back and forth, stamping and bouncing up and down, and vibrating to the rhythm of my recitations. You are fully aware of what is going on around you (birds singing, kids playing in the background, cars whizzing by) you just rock to the rhythm in your own little world, always knowing Master Haikong's energy is there to support and guide you.He then asked how can all this movement and activity can bring you to a peaceful state? I explained to him, that since we have received the energy transmission and instruction for the mantra, when we use this method of pre-occupying your three ways to communicate (body, mind and speech), the recitation of the mantra, stimulates the energy flow back into your body, thus helping to work through the blockages built up from years and years of habitual pattern of losing energy. The making of the sound of the recitation stimulates the energy flow, thereby working its way for the energy to flow evenly throughout your meridian channels. Once our body is able to bring all this energy home (back to our body), the meridians become more open, your body starts to naturally heal, and the peacefulness grows within you. With continuous daily practice, the strength builds naturally and your body softens enough to accept the sitting down meditation method most meditators are familiar with. It is at this time, you can go deeper into your heart. But without healing your body first, you just end up fighting with your body senses, rather than coming to a peacefull and more aware state.
I'm not sure if I helped him to understand more, but he certainly was intrigued enough, to consider that possibly this was a natural and safe way to help himself.
For myself who has been taking heavy duty drugs for most of my adult life, believe that chemical drugs may take away the "in your face" symptoms, but it doesn't get to the root cause. I truly believe meditation, is the only natural way without side effects to heal your deep self. Not to mention, the physical effort taken during the meditation, keeps your body toned and in shape.
I was happy to share this with him, and I do hope he will one day find this truth for himself! :)
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 06:58 PM - Share Your Stories
Hi Jemma and WenThank you both for providing this amazing experience on the weekend. That was a first time for me to participate in a silent mediation retreat for a day. I didn't know what to expect in terms of how I would experience it but I did trust the both of you to provide a safe place to experience my newness and concerns with it all.
As I drove away from you home I was filled with gratitude and a profound sense of good luck that you live so close by and that I have available to me your retreat. Right away I felt a sense of relief to not talk all day( although I did wonder if I was capable of that) and to work on focusing inward. Even though I meditate often, I don't practice enough and am feeling the results of that. My head on Saturday was chaotic. I left with less chaos but have a way to go. The day reminded me how important it is that I practice meditation more and enjoy the benefits. I felt like I did myself a very big favour by coming to your home and participating in the retreat.
When I was there I had a sense of "coming home" to a place of warmth, wisdom, safety, compassion and discipline. I saw the retreat as an opportunity to connect with all of those riches. I felt the pacing of the retreat and the timing of the events, just right. The meals were amazing and I was so comforted by what you provided and the generous spirit in which in was offered. It touched my heart deeply. I appreciated being able to support the experience by drying the dishes.
I was physically uncomfortable often during the day but not enough to make it a problem. I had trouble with the meditations but stuck with it and since, at home, I seem more comfortable and capable of meditating. I fully believe in the benefits of everything that you offer and can't thank you enough for sharing your spiritual riches with me and others.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am very, very grateful and look forward to participating in retreats again.
~ Anne
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 06:56 PM - Share Your Stories
First time for me to attend a retreat and I really enjoyed the day. The atmosphere was very soothing and calming. I am not able to attend for a longer period of time due to family responsibilies.Have to mention the food was terrific, I really enjoyed the experience and time away from a busy schedule and hectic life at times.
Till the next time.
Om mani beimei hong,
~ Denise
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 06:46 PM - Share Your Stories
"I had a great time attending the recent three day silent meditation retreat. I found it very beneficial. It provided a relaxed environment to practice the various forms of meditation in a scheduled manner with other participants. A good mix of meditations and other retreat activities were spread out over the course of each day, with delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals provided in between. Each day included a dharma talk as well. The advantage of a silent retreat is that it is an opportunity to stay mindful and focused in whatever it was we were doing, without the everyday distractions we normally have. Participating in a retreat environment is a great way to motivate and cultivate a daily practice. It is wonderful to be able to take time out of our busy schedules for ourselves. Quite refreshing and time well spent! I'm sure many others can benefit from it as I have." "I honestly did have a great time, you two (and everyone for that matter) were excellent and made me feel very welcome and comfortable and I certainly appreciate it. I though the scheduling was just fine, with plenty of time to digest meals before the next meditation or activity. This was really my only curiousity before hand, but it worked out great. I liked the freestyle recitation times in that if one wanted to just relax they could, or if one wanted to get a little active and strech their legs and walk around a bit they could as well. As Wen suggested, I was able to just relax, settle in and be myself. I think assigning tasks at meal time is a good idea as well, as it allows participants to feel they are contributing something as well (Besides, can't let you two do all the work!). Timing was good all around, and walking meditation is another method that people can learn and use as well."
"I think you guys did an excellent job organizing it and I am glad that you invited me along to participate. Thanks. Would love to do it again. I think it was a success also!"
~ Dusty
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