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hadeschan · 2 years ago

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item # K18C22

RARE Pra Somdej Lang Chao Mae Kuan Im, Nua Pong Pasom Wan. A Buddha amulet with Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion in the back. Made from various types of powder of mystical plants, holy powder, minerals. Lek Lai powder and earth from many holy places. Luang Phor Pina collected all sacred materials while Luang Phor Pina was on his pilgrimage to the north of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and India .It was painted with gold metallic acrylic paint in the front, and silver in the back to preserve the conditions of the amulet. Made by Luang Phor Pina of Wat Sanomlao after BE 2530 (CE 1987).

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“Kuan Yin Bodhisattva will instantly perceive the sound of your cry, and you, the suffering one will be liberated”….

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BEST FOR: Kuan Yin, a Goddess of mercy and compassion, and a protector and a celestial mother to all who helps those in need. Kuan Yin helps you to cultivate loving kindness and compassion with abundance. Kuan Yin brings positive energy to you and your family. Kuan Yin helps shift your career, wealth and business opportunity. Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Kongkraphan (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Maha Larp (it brings Lucky Wealth / wealth fetching), and Kaa Kaai Dee (it helps tempt your customers to buy whatever you are selling, and it helps attract new customers and then keep them coming back. And Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse and black magic, and poisonous animals). This amulet helps protect you from manipulators, backstabbers, and toxic people.

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Kuan Yin

Kuan Yin, Guan Yin or Guanyin the Buddhist bodhisattva, a Goddess of mercy and compassion who helps those in need. She is the East Asian equivalent of Avalokiteśvara, and has been adopted by other Eastern religions including Chinese folk religion. She was first given the appellation of “goddess of mercy” or the mercy goddess by Jesuit missionaries in China. The Chinese name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means “the one who perceives the cries of the world”.

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Contents of the amulet

- Pong Wan Roi Padd, powder crushed from fresh mystical plants.

- Pong Lek Lai, powder of legendary iron ore that has magic power of Kongkraphan Chatrie (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), and Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse and black magic, and poisonous animals).

- Pong Din Saksit, sacred earth taken from many holy places in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and India.

- Pong Din Gon Gru Gao, earth taken from chambers in the stupa that stored ancient Buddha amulets.

- Pong Viset, the Holy Powder made by Luang Phor Pina himself.

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Luang Phor Pina, the Abbot of Wat Sanomlao, Saraburi Province, living between BE 2456 (CE 1913) to BE 2545 (CE 2002)

Luang Phor Pina, born Tawai Hansarikit on March 1, BE 2456 (CE 1913) at Ban Hua Lamphong, Uthai Thani Province. Tawai was diagnosed with epilepsy, and his parents had no hope of curing Tawai. One day his parents took him to see Luang Phor Sin, the Abbot of Wat Nong Tao, Non Kilek, Uthai Thani Province. Luang Phor Sin advised that his name “Tawai” was not good for him, then Luang Phor Sin changed his name to “Pina” which means “without a care in the world or without worrying about anything”, and months later Luang Phor Pina recovered from epilepsy. In BE 2481 (CE 1938), Pina’s father passed away, and Pina became a novice for a merit to his dead father. Then Pina ordained as Buddhist monk at Wat Nong Tao, Uthai Thani Province. Luang Phor Pina moved to stay at Wat Koh Taypho, Chai Nat Province, and studied A-sup-pha Kammathān, contemplation on loathsomeness of human body from Luang Ta Kam of Wat Taypho, then Luang Phor Pina traveled to Wat Tham Tako, Lopburi Province to practice "Kammaṭṭhāna tradition", the Thai Forest Tradition. Luang Phor Pina was later on his pilgrimage to the Northern Provinces of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and India. After coming back, Luang Phor Pina went to learn Kammaṭṭhāna tradition from Pra Archan Mun Bhuridatta Thera the Masters of Kammaṭṭhāna tradition at Wat Pha Suttawas, Sakon Nakhon Province, and Pra Archan Fund Archaro of Wat Pa Udom Somphon, Sakon Nakhon Province, Luang Ta Maha Bua Yanna Sampanno of Wat Pa Ban Tat, Udon Thani Province, and many Guru Monks of School of Pra Archan Mun. In BE 2527 (CE 1984), Luang Phor Pina was on his pilgrimage to Ban Sanomlao Khao Bot, Khok Yae, Nong Khae District, Saraburi, and found a ruin of an ancient temple building, then Luang Phor Pina decided to stay here for the last chapter of his life, and developed this abandoned “Wat Sanomlao” temple. Luang Phor Pina passed away in BE 2545 (CE 2002). Luang Phor Pina entered into the rare spiritual meditative state of “Thukdam” after death. The Thukdam is a Buddhist phenomenon in which realized master's consciousness dies in meditation, and remains in the body despite its physical death. Though they are declared clinically dead, their bodies show no signs of decay and are found to remain fresh for days or weeks without preservation.

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DIMENSION: 2.90 cm high / 2.10 cm wide / 0.50 cm thick

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item # K18C22

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us [email protected]

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS FULL REFUND WARRANTY

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

Ships to: Worldwide

Delivery: Estimated 7 days handling time after receipt of cleared payment. Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing.

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i-ship-therefore-i-am · 3 years ago

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I’ve grown up with American media for the most part, and it’s interesting to watch The Untamed from that perspective in a million different ways. But one thing that is sticking with me right now is around body image. Like, I think about how this genre of Chinese drama is in some ways the super hero or Arthurian legend or ancient Greece genre equivalent in the west. And the aesthetics and approaches to fight scenes and male heroes and all that is of course different, as these things are defined by culture and time and place, being built upon very specific gender ideologies and such.

But it occurred to me as I saw some random images of the main actors in other shows and photoshoots and such that these two guys are pretty built. And, like, even the characters within CQL would understandably be very strong, with the focus on physical strength both for sword-fighting and any cultivation practices. There is so little nudity in the show, the bare flash of a partial torso or a back as someone pulls a robe on or checks a wound or whatever. (Which in itself is very different from what I am used to.) But it occurs to me how little the physicality of these characters’ muscles are focused on. Especially when I saw a still of Xiao Zhan in Jade Dynasty which makes it clear he’s pretty ripped. Which makes my brain wonder all sorts of things.

I mean, cultural differences and all of course, and what it means to consume media from cultures that are not your own, or what it means to create media in a culture that is not your own. And what it means to think about and interpret characters from cultures that are not your own. (Not the least of which is the way Asian men are treated in American culture, often desexualized or seen as un-masculine, and the ways American viewers might bring that into the space. And how this is balanced with swinging the other direction into pure sexual objectification which is just as harmful in a different way.)

And I guess I don’t really have a point here other than it’s made me realize just how bizarre and unrealistic the images of masculinity I have grown up with are? I mean, I’ve always been aware of that on some level, but seeing it done differently really makes it more obvious. Like, huh, I guess not all cultures starve and dehydrate their male actors to make them fit some overbearing male power fantasy of ripped muscles and then make them take off their shirts all the time? But also, how does my brain deal with that difference? How do I bring that into things in ways I am not aware of?

Just something I’ve been thinking about.

#the untamed #body image #gender #western bias #cross-cultural consumption of media #CQL #masculinity

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rosethornewrites · 4 years ago

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Fic: the thing with feathers, ch. 10

Additional Tags: Transmigration, Alternate Universe - Time Travel, Time Travel Fix-It, Illnesses, Family, Scars, Memory Loss, Angst, Crying, Music, Nosebleed, Fear, Recovery, Nightmares, Sharing a Bed, Flirting, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Summary: A day in the market turns into a philosophical challenge for Lan XiChen.

Notes: Ren is a Confucian concept involving the virtue of altruism and humanity/humaneness. XiChen is lost in his teachings and how what he’s learning at Lotus Pier connect to those teachings at the end here, so we have reference to many ancient Chinese philosophers. I almost had this chapter in Madam Yu’s perspective, but I realized XiChen’s would be better. He’s changing too—particularly important because (at least imo) canon XiChen was very passive because of the rules he felt he needed to abide by. He’s being challenged by this experience. So are all the other characters, as we can see with Madam Yu in this chapter. The Chinese suffix -men is a way to turn certain words plural, often general words rather than specific. Thus, referring to the fact that they will have many martial brothers and sisters (younger and older) would justify the use. I know this only because of the wonderful @merakilyy, who has on multiple occasions been kind enough to answer my questions about Chinese language usage. Also, xingan literally means heart and liver and is kind of the equivalent of “my heart and soul.”

AO3 link

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

---------------

Living at Lotus Pier had been strange for XiChen for many reasons, not the least of which was spending so much less time with WangJi. He knew he wasn’t unwelcome by any means—Wei WuXian always greeted him with a smile and was happy to include him in lunch and their afternoon music sessions when he stopped by. But XiChen had always been friendly with his fellow disciples and had his friendship with Nie MingJue; Wei WuXian was WangJi’s first friend, the first person he’d allowed close enough, the first person who didn’t seem intimidated by what had often been interpreted as coldness.

He was afraid, during the weeks Wei WuXian was unconscious, that whatever WangJi had seen in the boy that had led him to give him their mother’s rattle drum all those years ago would lead him to grieve just as hard for this boy as he had their mother if he died. But he had woken, and despite the amnesia had glommed onto WangJi, as though by virtue of being the first person he remembered, he had imprinted, for lack of a better word. And WangJi seemed happy with their friendship.

So XiChen joined them for lessons each morning with shufu, often finding himself fascinated by the questions Wei WuXian asked, questions no Lan would think of. Though it isn’t clear how much was memory loss and how much was a freer upbringing, he could tell those questions sometimes challenged shufu, though he never lost his temper.

The most fascinating one so far was “Who decided what’s right and what’s wrong? What if they’re wrong?”

Shufu had asked for an example, and clearly hadn’t expected the boy to come up with one, but he had, a far-away look in his eyes.

“Like one part of a clan does something really evil, and people decide to wipe out the whole clan so it can never happen again. And everyone says it’s justified, but they let kids and civilians get killed. But if anyone tries to stop it people say they’re bad.”

XiChen had just stared, glancing finally at his uncle, who looked nonplussed. Shufu even asked if Wei WuXian heard of this occurring, and the boy just shrugged.

“The cultivation world can be wrong,” shufu finally answered, “and can fail in our obligations to the people. No human is infallible.”

Wei WuXian sometimes seemed to be far away during lessons, head tilted as though deep in thought, but shufu was quite tolerant of this given that he was still recovering, and given that he still seemed to take in what they were learning.

Overall, XiChen found Wei WuXian fascinating, and thought he was the right person to bring WangJi out of his shell. Already his brother was trying new things: foods, music, swimming lessons. Sect Leader Jiang had asked if both of them would like training in the Jiang style sword forms, even, and WangJi had nodded. WangJi smiled, even tiny ones most people didn’t notice, more in the last few weeks since Wei WuXian woke than he had since their mother died.

Even shufu seemed impacted by Lotus Pier. XiChen was able to help teach Jiang YanLi to read music and adjust to playing the konghou, the first time he was allowed to teach. He had never played one himself, but teaching her to read music had been fun, and he found her company pleasing—they were never unaccompanied as it would be inappropriate, generally with shufu overseeing or one of Madam Yu’s maids in the room. She had already gotten blisters from playing her beginner konghou but seemed unbothered by them.

“I had to get used to developing callouses from chopping vegetables,” she confessed to him. “I know this is part of the process.

He had the opportunity during lunches with her, WangJi, and Wei WuXian in the infirmary to enjoy her cooking—her talent in that regard was unmistakable. She was also a quick learner, and he admired her commitment to becoming a healer, particularly after learning she had to commit to improving her weak cultivation to do so. XiChen had actually learned several techniques from listening to shufu advise her.

He found her quite admirable.

But more, shufu just today invited XiChen and WangJi to be open with their emotions with him, where he’d previously lectured them on excessive emotion. And he had cancelled lessons for the first time since XiChen could remember!

They were sent off with the Jiangs and Wei WuXian to enjoy the town, the first time circumstances had allowed it. Madam Yu’s somewhat scary personal maids and a couple disciples accompanied them, all carrying baskets for purchases.

This excursion was significantly different from the one he and WangJi had undertaken shortly after Wei WuXian woke. For one, they had no clear goal, the pace leisurely. For another, it was the first time Wei WuXian had left Lotus Cove since the attack and his illness. He carried his sword as he had not in Lotus Cove, his recovery having exempted him from the custom. In many ways, this was him rejoining the world as a cultivator.

Immediately, townspeople reacted to seeing him, and the younger boy was clearly a little overwhelmed, clinging to WangJi’s arm and attempting polite smiles. WangJi, for his part, frowned at people who got too close. Jiang WanYin flanked Wei WuXian’s other side, a bit like a bodyguard. Jiang YanLi walked in front of him, greeting the people kindly and letting them know her brother was still recovering. When gifts were given, she placed the parcel in one of the baskets carried by a disciple or maid.

Sect Leader Jiang and Madam Yu were at Jiang WanYin’s side, arm in arm, politely greeting the people as well.

XiChen walked beside WangJi, watching the proceedings with interest; the people of Lotus Pier clearly had great affection for the Jiangs. It was a relationship that differed greatly from that of Cloud Recesses and Caiyi, the nearest town. But Lotus Cove was nestled aside the city and aided most of the commerce in town. It was a symbiotic relationship, and the gifts represented the esteem the town held for their role in its success.

“Yingying!” rang out across the market, coming from an elderly woman manning a baozi stall. “Come give popo a hug.”

To XiChen’s surprise, the boy brightened and broke away from WangJi’s side to approach the woman, who pulled him into her arms in a gentle but firm embrace.

“Popo was so worried. I heard you were sick.”

Wei WuXian nodded, looking up at her.

“I… Popo, I lost all my memories,” he admitted. “But you sent the baozi and I remembered you.”

The woman looked up at Sect Leader Jiang, who nodded grimly. Tears filled her eyes.

“Oh, you poor child. That must be frightening. Let me wrap up some baozi, extra spicy for you and some mild for your siblings and friends. You can come to popo anytime.”

She released him from her embrace and then handed Wei WuXian a fresh bun. Watching him eat reminded XiChen none of them had breakfast, but the woman handed out buns to each of them.

“You Lan don’t like meat, as I recall, so here are some stuffed with bok choy, mushrooms, and tofu.”

The woman wrapped up more, ignoring her customers, who didn't seem upset, instead chatting with the Jiangs animatedly.

The baozi was delicious, though spicier than XiChen was used to. WangJi and the Jiang children seemed to similarly enjoy theirs. Popo gave Wei WuXian one last hug and then waved them off with an order to come visit more.

Madam Yu and Sect Leader Jiang alternated between talking to townspeople and looking at each other in a way XiChen sometimes saw between courting couples. He tried not to watch, instead paying attention to the people who approached and the wares in the stalls they passed.

Wei WuXian’s admission to popo was spread as quickly as word had spread of WangJi and XiChen’s connection to Wei WuXian the day they bought the rattle drum, and people were gentler in their approach to the boy, offering their names and details to help him.

Largely they were met with blank looks and apologies, which they waved off amiably. But occasionally Wei WuXian smiled widely as a shred of memory returned, and he greeted them as well as he could. These moments were precious, he came to see, both to the townspeople and the Jiangs.

The toy maker they visited greeted him enthusiastically and after a whisper from WangJi, Wei WuXian thanked him for the dizi, bowing properly with his sword.

“I play it every day,” he told the man, who beamed proudly. “Lan Zhan plays the guqin with me.”

“When we heard you were ill, the wife and I made it with you in mind. You’ll want a proper dizi eventually, but we hoped it’d cheer you up.”

Sect Leader Jiang paused at that.

“A proper dizi?” he asked.

The toy maker bowed to the sect leader.

“For musical cultivation, if young master Wei decides to do that,” he clarified. “I’m afraid I don’t have the skill to craft spiritual tools, only toys.”

Jiang FengMian looked thoughtful, and Jiang YanLi spoke up.

“It would be lovely to learn musical cultivation together with a-Xian, a-die.”

She shared a glance with WangJi, and XiChen realized they had been discussing this matter.

“I’m learning to wield a whip, too, so it makes sense for him to learn that,” Jiang WanYin added.

XiChen realized they were glancing at Madam Yu surreptitiously, and he could guess this was a sore spot.

WangJi once, in a rare moment when Wei WuXian was otherwise occupied, had expressed concern over Madam Yu’s occasional hostility, and XiChen had noticed the same. She seemed to be trying to do better, but from what he had heard from disciples while training on the field, she held resentment for Wei WuXian. She had changed since the attack, but old habits were hard to break.

Madam Yu, though, made a thoughtful noise.

“He could potentially learn the songs that have helped with the resentful energy. Could that aid in his further recovery?”

XiChen realized the question was directed at him and scrambled to answer.

“I don’t know, but it would give the Jiang sect a second musical cultivator who could help with such matters,” he said, striving both for diplomacy and to help the Jiang siblings and WangJi with their quest.

“Xingan, what do you think?” Sect Leader Jiang asked, looking at Madam Yu.

She blushed when she realized he was speaking to her. The term of endearment seemed to take her by surprise, and she smiled in a way XiChen hadn’t seen before.

“A spiritual instrument is a good investment in his future cultivation,” she finally said. “I hope to have a-Cheng training with zidian in the next year as well.”

“We’re raising fine children, my lady,” the sect leader said.

Her smile grew, the flush spreading across her face, but she turned to Wei WuXian.

“A-Ying, we’ll find someone to make you a dizi that will serve as a fine spiritual tool.”

The boy smiled up at her, clearly happy with the idea.

“Thank you, shenshen. I’ll work hard.”

“Not too hard until you’re better,” Madam Yu said, patting his head affectionately.

The Jiang siblings shared a triumphant look with WangJi and XiChen caught Jiang FengMian looking at them indulgently—he clearly recognized their plot and had played into it while allowing them to believe they were being sneaky.

XiChen had never seen adults act like that before, but he was certain it instilled confidence in the Jiang siblings and perhaps even WangJi, which wasn’t a bad thing. It was a bit dishonest but with good intentions, an odd grey area.

The adults approached several stalls and purchased gifts for the children—even WangJi and XiChen, to his surprise. Wei WuXian was given a new guan for his crown, an elegant lotus carved of deep purple lavender jade, something that seemed almost a message, Madam Yu picking it out personally.

Jiang WanYin received huwan to protect his wrists during whip training, elegant with purple lacing and metal inlaid for extra protection. Maiden Jiang received mortar and pestle for learning to make medicines, crafted of a light lavender jade that had variation in color ranging from white to deep purple. The gifts were clearly meant to show support for their recent cultivation decisions.

WangJi and XiChen were gifted matching purple and blue tassels with a lovey carved medium-hued lavender jade lotus attached to hang from their belts beside the charms that allowed them in and out Cloud Recesses.

“To remind you of your stay,” Sect Leader Jiang told them.

It seemed he was unaware of the significance of the jade tokens they wore, and of the rule against unnecessary adornments, but XiChen was certain shufu would be fine with them. After all, they were a representation of the connection they had forged to the Jiang sect.

“And to serve as an entry token if you need to revisit Lotus Cove,” Madam Yu added. “Our disciples will recognize the gift.”

He noticed they had purchased more, and that the seller didn’t have them available publicly, and realized perhaps they did know, even if their tokens didn’t have the same properties as the Lan ones. Likely the extra tokens were for shufu and the healers.

XiChen examined his, noting the craftsmanship of the lotus, how real, if miniature, each petal seemed. It was set into a silver disc through which the tassel’s cord threaded, held in place with knots and flat paler purple jade beads carved to resemble the Jiang sect flag’s lotus symbol.

WangJi, he saw, was already affixing the token to his belt to hang beside and behind his Lan token. XiChen did the same, then he and WangJi bowed to Sect Leader Jiang and Madam Yu in thanks for the gifts.

The tokens didn’t have the Jiang clarity bell the sect wore, but that was unsurprising; unless he or WangJi joined the sect, they would not receive one. Yu ZiYuan had reminded Wei WuXian to don his today, on his first trip out of Lotus Cove, and it hung from his belt.

“I won’t lose it,” he had promised, three fingers raised to make it a vow, that odd far-away quality to his voice.

Sect Leader Jiang and Madam Yu had exchanged concerned looks.

“See to it you don’t,” Madam Yu had finally replied, then stepped forward to fuss over the way his robes hung.

As he had lost weight from his ordeal, they no longer fit properly. Little could be done about that; as the boy recovered, the robes would fit him again, barring a growth spurt.

The sound of barking jolted XiChen back to the present. Wei WuXian went pale, moving closer to WangJi, hiding his face against his back as though it might hide him from the dog. The Jiang children took positions around him, ensuring he was surrounded and protected.

“It’s okay, didi,” Jiang WanYin murmured. “You’re safe. We’ll keep you safe.”

XiChen abruptly remembered that Wei WuXian had been attacked by dogs and had scars. The fear was clearly so deep-seated that his amnesia hadn’t removed it.

The dog came into view, a scraggly cur, and a child dashed out from behind a stall to chase it off with a stick, others similarly armed joining from nearby.

When the dog was gone, the children returned, and XiChen could tell from their appearance they were street kids.

“Wei-xiong, we chased it away,” the oldest-looking boy called softly. “Sorry we let it get so close.”

When they didn’t get an immediate reply from Wei WuXian, the child looked at the others, six of them who could have ranged between four and eight. The youngest was a little girl, and the rest were boys.

“Like Wei-xiong taught us,” he said, his voice authoritative.

The children broke into an approximation of a proper bow.

“Greetings, Jiang-zongzhu and Yu-furen,” the children chanted.

The adults exchanged a look.

“Greetings,” Jiang FengMian returned after what seemed to be a silent conversation between himself and Madam Yu. “You know a-Ying?”

The eldest-looking nodded, clearly having elected to speak for the group.

“Wei-xiong buys us food and taught us to stick together so the dogs and bad people won’t get us and is teaching us to read and other stuff,” the boy explained.

From the way the children were peering at Wei WuXian, still hiding behind WangJi, they were terribly worried about their young friend.

“You’re the ones he plays the dizi to?” XiChen asked gently.

The children nodded.

“What other things was a-Xian teaching you?” Jiang YanLi asked softly.

“Like how to feel qi so we can use it to stay warm in the winter,” the eldest boy replied, then bows quickly and politely. “Jiang-guniang.”

“I miss Wei-xiong,” the little girl said, her voice tremulous. “Is Wei-xiong better now?”

“He might not remember us, a-Lian,” another boy said softly.

The children had clearly heard the news spreading through Lotus Pier of Wei WuXian’s amnesia.

Wei WuXian peered out from where he had hidden his face against WangJi, cautious despite the dog having been driven away.

“A-Lian,” he murmured, pronouncing the name slowly. “I… I found you. By a lotus pond. You were all wet and crying.”

He stepped out from behind WangJi, moving as though in a trance, lost in a newly returned memory.

“You said your name was a-Jī (圾, trash),” and XiChen couldn’t quite hold in a gasp at a child believing such to be their name. “And so, I said you were a gift from the lotuses and should be named a-Lian.”

The little girl rushed forward, crashing into him.

“Wei-xiong,” she sobbed, her little arms around his waist. “You were gone for so long and they said you were sick, and I was scared.”

Wei WuXian looked dazed and overwhelmed, and XiChen realized that a trickle of blood was oozing from his nose—it hadn’t happened in a few days, but he had been overstimulated today with this outing…

WangJi also noticed and put an arm around him as he swayed dangerously, keeping him upright. Wei WuXian’s grip loosened on his sword, and Jiang WanYin took it before he could drop it, murmuring that he’d carry it for him.

To XiChen’s surprise, Madam Yu lifted both Wei WuXian and the urchin girl into her arms. Neither resisted, the boy’s head lolling against her shoulder. She didn’t even bother looking at FengMian.

“It seems we’ll have a few new disciples, then,” she said, huffing as though irritated, but it had less impact with two children in her arms. “We’ll see whether a-Ying has good instincts, but we certainly can’t have homeless children in Lotus Pier.”

XiChen had to avert his eyes at the intensity of Sect Leader Jiang’s adoring look toward Madam Yu. He clearly approved of her decision, but the level of ardor in the way he looked at her was too much.

The locals who had gathered murmured amongst themselves, the words of surprise and admiration carrying. That the Jiangs would see fit to solve the problem of street urchins by adopting them into the sect was almost unheard of—but they had done so with Wei WuXian. Why not the urchins of Lotus Pier?

From what XiChen could hear, it raised the admiration of the people toward Jiang FengMian, and their opinion of Madam Yu, who apparently had up to now had a reputation for being cold. But here she was in the marketplace holding Wei WuXian on one hip and a little girl in tattered clothing on the other. It was softening her image to the people and making them doubt the rumors of an unhappy marriage.

The street children looked confused, uncertain, and Jiang FengMian addressed them more gently.

“Would you become disciples of the YunMengJiang sect? You would live at Lotus Cove, receive an education, and fed and housed and clothed. Even if you do not have the talent to become cultivators, you would not be homeless,” he told them. “A-Ying and a-Cheng and other older male disciples would be your shixiongmen, and a-Li and other older female disciples would be your shijiemen. You’d also have shidimen and a-Lian would be your shimei.”

The children seemed to realize they were being offered adoption, of a sort, into a martial family. Into the Jiang clan. There was a cautious sort of hope spreading among them.

“Really?” the oldest boy asked, his voice almost hollow with awe. “You really want us?”

“Young man, we would not offer if we didn’t,” Madam Yj snorted. “If a-Ying is already teaching you to read and how to circulate your qi, we would be remiss if we didn’t continue your education.”

The children looked at each other, their growing excitement obvious. After a moment the eldest boy bowed deeply, almost a kowtow, and the other children rushed to copy him.

“This one thanks Jiang-zongzhu and Yu-furen for your kindness. We unworthy ones are happy to accept your generous offer.”

“Whether you’re unworthy has yet to be determined,” Madam Yu responded sharply, almost a scold at the boy’s self-effacement. “I expect you’ll prove worthy.”

She handed the little girl to Jiang FengMian, who settled her on his hip, so she could get a better grip on Wei WuXian, who seemed barely awake and unable to hold onto her well. One of her maids stepped forward and gently dabbed at his nosebleed with a cloth.

“I think a-Ying has had quite enough excitement for today,” Madam Yu announced, patting his back gently.

“And we have some new disciples to settle in at Lotus Cove,” Jiang FengMian added with a smile. “Time to go home.”

The sect leader offered his free hand to Jiang WanYin, who tried and failed not to look thrilled at his father’s attention as he took it.

Madam Yu’s maids led the way, the children between them, Madam Yu and Jiang FengMian following with the Jiang children in tow. WangJi stayed close to Madam Yu and Wei WuXian, who seemed to have fallen fully asleep, and XiChen focused on following him. The accompanying disciples followed behind him.

XiChen barely noticed the way more people in the market approached to place items in the baskets the disciples carried as they walked back to Lotus Cove, or the way Maiden Jiang thanked each person by name. He was too busy considering what he had witnessed.

He was aware that many in the cultivation world doubted that commoners could be taught to cultivate, but the very fact that Wei WuXian, a mere ten-year-old, had taught them the basics enough to ensure they could circulate their qi to keep warm… He wondered if perhaps that was just an attempt to keep a sort of class or caste system. There was no benefit to society to have children starve in the streets, as Wei WuXian had, without hope.

Ren would seem to dictate the need to better the world through acts of altruism like Wei WuXian had been practicing and which had been demonstrated by Madam Yu and Sect Leader Jiang today. XiChen‘s studies had covered multiple philosophers. Mengzi dictated the need to show compassion to orphans. Mozi, though controversial to the Lan for his rejection of music as frivolous, called for inclusive and universal caring, doing so beyond family boundaries. Laozi saw loving through giving as a necessary virtue.

XiChen was constantly aware of the duties he would eventually take on as clan leader and the rules within the clan he was expected to uphold, but the events of today had him wondering if perhaps he should start thinking about the role of GusuLan in the larger world. Acts of charity, taking in orphans, working to better the world at large.

These thoughts kept him occupied on the walk back, and he was only broken from them by the look on shufu’s face at the unexpected addition to their party—confusion, but also a sort of thoughtfulness as Sect Leader Jiang briefly explained.

Perhaps shufu was also having similar thoughts. Maybe XiChen could speak with him about them at some point.

For now, he followed WangJi as he trailed after Madam Yu toward the infirmary. The voice of Jiang FengMian ordering disciples to help settle in their new peers with baths and clothing and a good meal, organizing the new additions to YunMengJiang, faded behind them.

When Madam Yu left them in the infirmary, Wei WuXian in the care of Healer Kang, the quiet was welcome. The healer settled the boy in his bed after a brief examination.

Eventually, XiChen realized WangJi was watching him in concern and offered a smile he knew was weak.

“A little overwhelmed,” he said, and knew WangJi, who so often was overwhelmed by the noise and furor of the world, understood.

WangJi gestured, settling on a cushion near the table in a meditation pose, and XiChen smiled, mirroring him.

He had time to ruminate on the events of the day and how they might inform his future actions. The best course for the moment was to find grounding and calm while they waited for the chaos that had overtaken Lotus Cove to settle.

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serinakemp · 6 years ago

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Ginger Tea: An Ancient Solution to Today’s Common Ailments

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Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one the oldest cultivated plants currently in existence. Historians believe that ginger has been grown for more 5,000 years, ever since ancient Indians and Chinese discovered and used it as a tonic root to help treat a variety of ailments. The plant was introduced to the Western world when it was exported from India to the Roman Empire.1

Back then, ginger was considered to be an incredibly luxurious spice and was difficult to procure. During the 13th and 14th century A.D., however, Arab traders planted ginger roots throughout their voyage in Africa, causing the plant to spread and prices to go down. Today, ginger can be purchased easily almost anywhere compared to hundreds of years ago, where the price for a single pound of it was equivalent to a single live sheep!2

What Is Ginger Tea and Why Should You Take It?

One easy way of obtaining ginger’s advantages is making your own ginger root tea, and it is one of ginger’s most commonly prepared forms. In its simplest sense, ginger tea is made by boiling sliced ginger root in water.3

Another method for making ginger tea is using powder or teabags bought online or from your local store. If this is your preferred method, make sure that the product you’re buying uses high-quality ingredients from a reputable company. But if you have the time and resources, I strongly suggest growing your own ginger roots because this approach is healthier and safer.

The Potential Benefits of Ginger Tea Are Numerous

What is ginger tea good for, anyway? Throughout history, it has been prescribed by healers and herbalists to help their patients alleviate a variety of conditions. Drinking it regularly may help:4

Relieve nausea: If you feel nauseous due to whatever reason, drinking ginger tea may help you feel better.5

Promote stomach health: Drinking ginger tea may help boost stomach health by reducing the effects of chronic indigestion.6,7

Manage inflammation: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties have been well-known throughout history. Taking it as tea may help you remedy muscle and joint pain after a strenuous workout.8,9

Ease respiratory conditions: Ginger tea may help relieve inflammation related to the respiratory system, such as asthma, allowing you to breathe better.10

Boost brain function: In a study conducted among healthy middle-aged women, researchers discovered that ginger may help improve attention and...

[Read More ...]

Read additional info on N . O . and Cardio fitness.

from Nitric Oxide and Mens Health https://ift.tt/2swvfYP via IFTTT

#Nitric Oxide and Mens Health

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jakehglover · 6 years ago

Text

Ginger Tea: An Ancient Solution to Today’s Common Ailments

What Is Ginger Tea and Why Should You Take It?

The Potential Benefits of Ginger Tea Are Numerous

What is ginger tea good for, anyway? Throughout history, it has been prescribed by healers and herbalists to help their patients alleviate a variety of conditions. Drinking it regularly may help:4

Relieve nausea: If you feel nauseous due to whatever reason, drinking ginger tea may help you feel better.5

Promote stomach health: Drinking ginger tea may help boost stomach health by reducing the effects of chronic indigestion.6,7

Manage inflammation: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties have been well-known throughout history. Taking it as tea may help you remedy muscle and joint pain after a strenuous workout.8,9

Ease respiratory conditions: Ginger tea may help relieve inflammation related to the respiratory system, such as asthma, allowing you to breathe better.10

Boost brain function: In a study conducted among healthy middle-aged women, researchers discovered that ginger may help improve attention and cognitive processing without causing any side effects.11

Relieve menstrual discomfort: The muscle-relaxing properties of ginger may help provide relief for women suffering from menstrual cramps, as evidenced in one study.12

Strengthen the immune system: The numerous antioxidants found in ginger tea may help boost your immune system, thereby helping reduce your risk of contracting infectious diseases.13

Caffeine Content and Other Nutrition Facts of Ginger Tea

Ginger is a caffeine- and sugar-free plant that contains a mixture of vitamins and minerals working together to benefit your health. Furthermore, ginger contains gingerol, a unique compound that may help boost cardiovascular circulation.14 Here are some of the nutrients you can get from ginger tea:

Ginger Tea Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 240 ml Amt. Per Serving % Daily Value* Energy 2 Total Lipid (Fat) 0 g 0% Sodium 0 mg 0% Total Carbohydrates 1.01 g 0% Sugar 0 g Protein 0 g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

How to Grow Ginger in Your Garden

Making high-quality ginger tea starts with the plant itself. Make sure your garden has rich, loose soil with lots of shade. Next, choose an organic ginger root from a reputable grower, as this is what you will need to place into the ground. Ideally, it should be around 4 to 5 inches long with several fingers that have greenish tips.15

Plant the root in early spring after the last frost has passed. Next, cut off the fingers and place them in a shallow trench no deeper than 1 inch.16 Once the roots are firmly placed in the ground, water them thoroughly, and leaves will emerge within a week or two. After you’ve reached this phase, continue watering, but sparingly. Overall, it may take 10 months for the plants to completely mature.17

Harvesting the plants is easy, as you only need to lift them gently from the soil. If you want to replant a new batch, simply break off a part of a root that has foliage and then return it into the ground. Wash the remaining bunch thoroughly with running water,18 and then store them in a reusable plastic bag with the air vacuumed, and place into your refrigerator’s crisper.19

How to Make Ginger Tea

Once you have your own ginger plant, you can now proceed to making fresh ginger tea. It’s quite easy to make, ensuring that it’ll be a regular fixture in your diet for years to come. To begin making your tea, you’ll only need around 2 inches of raw ginger, and 1 and a half or 2 cups of water. Afterward, follow this procedure:20

Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 inches of raw ginger

• 1 and a half or 2 cups of filtered water

Procedure:

1. Peel the ginger root and slice it thinly to maximize the amount of the plant you can use.

2. Boil the slices in filtered water for 10 minutes. If you want a stronger and tangier flavor, boil for 20 minutes and add more ginger.

3. Turn off the heat, then let the tea simmer.

4. Add fresh lime juice and/or raw honey if you want to modify the flavor.

5. Enjoy your tea!

You may also create turmeric-ginger tea to give yourself a big boost in antioxidants. Here’s what you will need:21

Turmeric-Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 1 lemon wedge

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Procedure:

To make the tea, simply mix all ingredients together and boil the water on medium low heat for 10 minutes, then strain into a cup.22

Side Effects of Ginger Tea Are Virtually Nonexistent

The great thing about ginger tea is that it is safe to drink, and no serious side effects have been reported. However, there’s an occasional chance that you may develop heartburn, diarrhea or mouth irritation.23

Adding Ginger Tea to Your Regular Diet Can Help You Achieve Optimal Health

Ginger has been around for thousands of years, and it’s safe to say it’s not going anywhere soon. Based on the evidence, taking it as a tea may potentially benefit your well-being. But in order to maximize its effectiveness, I recommend that you grow your own ginger roots so you avoid ingesting pesticides and other harmful chemicals that normally come from conventionally grown herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger Tea

Q: Is ginger tea good for you?

A: Ginger tea may benefit your health, as it is known for managing inflammation, eliminating free radicals and alleviating nausea.24

Q: Is ginger tea safe to take during pregnancy?

A: There’s currently little data about drinking ginger tea during pregnancy, but the American Pregnancy Association considers it possibly safe.25

Q: Where can you buy ginger tea?

A: Ginger tea bags are available at the grocery store, but it is better to make your own tea using ginger roots grown from your garden.26

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/06/02/teas-ginger-tea-mnlseo.aspx

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sherristockman · 6 years ago

Link

Ginger Tea: An Ancient Solution to Today’s Common Ailments none Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one the oldest cultivated plants currently in existence. Historians believe that ginger has been grown for more 5,000 years, ever since ancient Indians and Chinese discovered and used it as a tonic root to help treat a variety of ailments. The plant was introduced to the Western world when it was exported from India to the Roman Empire.1 Back then, ginger was considered to be an incredibly luxurious spice and was difficult to procure. During the 13th and 14th century A.D., however, Arab traders planted ginger roots throughout their voyage in Africa, causing the plant to spread and prices to go down. Today, ginger can be purchased easily almost anywhere compared to hundreds of years ago, where the price for a single pound of it was equivalent to a single live sheep!2 What Is Ginger Tea and Why Should You Take It? One easy way of obtaining ginger’s advantages is making your own ginger root tea, and it is one of ginger’s most commonly prepared forms. In its simplest sense, ginger tea is made by boiling sliced ginger root in water.3 Another method for making ginger tea is using powder or teabags bought online or from your local store. If this is your preferred method, make sure that the product you’re buying uses high-quality ingredients from a reputable company. But if you have the time and resources, I strongly suggest growing your own ginger roots because this approach is healthier and safer. The Potential Benefits of Ginger Tea Are Numerous What is ginger tea good for, anyway? Throughout history, it has been prescribed by healers and herbalists to help their patients alleviate a variety of conditions. Drinking it regularly may help:4 Relieve nausea: If you feel nauseous due to whatever reason, drinking ginger tea may help you feel better.5 Promote stomach health: Drinking ginger tea may help boost stomach health by reducing the effects of chronic indigestion.6,7 Manage inflammation: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties have been well-known throughout history. Taking it as tea may help you remedy muscle and joint pain after a strenuous workout.8,9 Ease respiratory conditions: Ginger tea may help relieve inflammation related to the respiratory system, such as asthma, allowing you to breathe better.10 Boost brain function: In a study conducted among healthy middle-aged women, researchers discovered that ginger may help improve attention and cognitive processing without causing any side effects.11 Relieve menstrual discomfort: The muscle-relaxing properties of ginger may help provide relief for women suffering from menstrual cramps, as evidenced in one study.12 Strengthen the immune system: The numerous antioxidants found in ginger tea may help boost your immune system, thereby helping reduce your risk of contracting infectious diseases.13 Caffeine Content and Other Nutrition Facts of Ginger Tea Ginger is a caffeine- and sugar-free plant that contains a mixture of vitamins and minerals working together to benefit your health. Furthermore, ginger contains gingerol, a unique compound that may help boost cardiovascular circulation.14 Here are some of the nutrients you can get from ginger tea: Ginger Tea Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 240 ml Amt. Per Serving % Daily Value* Energy 2 Total Lipid (Fat) 0 g 0% Sodium 0 mg 0% Total Carbohydrates 1.01 g 0% Sugar 0 g Protein 0 g *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. How to Grow Ginger in Your Garden Making high-quality ginger tea starts with the plant itself. Make sure your garden has rich, loose soil with lots of shade. Next, choose an organic ginger root from a reputable grower, as this is what you will need to place into the ground. Ideally, it should be around 4 to 5 inches long with several fingers that have greenish tips.15 Plant the root in early spring after the last frost has passed. Next, cut off the fingers and place them in a shallow trench no deeper than 1 inch.16 Once the roots are firmly placed in the ground, water them thoroughly, and leaves will emerge within a week or two. After you’ve reached this phase, continue watering, but sparingly. Overall, it may take 10 months for the plants to completely mature.17 Harvesting the plants is easy, as you only need to lift them gently from the soil. If you want to replant a new batch, simply break off a part of a root that has foliage and then return it into the ground. Wash the remaining bunch thoroughly with running water,18 and then store them in a reusable plastic bag with the air vacuumed, and place into your refrigerator’s crisper.19 How to Make Ginger Tea Once you have your own ginger plant, you can now proceed to making fresh ginger tea. It’s quite easy to make, ensuring that it’ll be a regular fixture in your diet for years to come. To begin making your tea, you’ll only need around 2 inches of raw ginger, and 1 and a half or 2 cups of water. Afterward, follow this procedure:20 Ginger Tea Ingredients: • 2 inches of raw ginger • 1 and a half or 2 cups of filtered water Procedure: 1. Peel the ginger root and slice it thinly to maximize the amount of the plant you can use. 2. Boil the slices in filtered water for 10 minutes. If you want a stronger and tangier flavor, boil for 20 minutes and add more ginger. 3. Turn off the heat, then let the tea simmer. 4. Add fresh lime juice and/or raw honey if you want to modify the flavor. 5. Enjoy your tea! You may also create turmeric-ginger tea to give yourself a big boost in antioxidants. Here’s what you will need:21 Turmeric-Ginger Tea Ingredients: • 2 cups water • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger • 1 tablespoon raw honey • 1 lemon wedge • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) Procedure: To make the tea, simply mix all ingredients together and boil the water on medium low heat for 10 minutes, then strain into a cup.22 Side Effects of Ginger Tea Are Virtually Nonexistent The great thing about ginger tea is that it is safe to drink, and no serious side effects have been reported. However, there’s an occasional chance that you may develop heartburn, diarrhea or mouth irritation.23 Adding Ginger Tea to Your Regular Diet Can Help You Achieve Optimal Health Ginger has been around for thousands of years, and it’s safe to say it’s not going anywhere soon. Based on the evidence, taking it as a tea may potentially benefit your well-being. But in order to maximize its effectiveness, I recommend that you grow your own ginger roots so you avoid ingesting pesticides and other harmful chemicals that normally come from conventionally grown herbs. Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger Tea Q: Is ginger tea good for you? A: Ginger tea may benefit your health, as it is known for managing inflammation, eliminating free radicals and alleviating nausea.24 Q: Is ginger tea safe to take during pregnancy? A: There’s currently little data about drinking ginger tea during pregnancy, but the American Pregnancy Association considers it possibly safe.25 Q: Where can you buy ginger tea? A: Ginger tea bags are available at the grocery store, but it is better to make your own tea using ginger roots grown from your garden.26

#VitalityPath

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eunsahn · 7 years ago

Text

The Lobster in the Tank

If you go to a seafood restaurant in the Northeastern US (maybe elsewhere), you may encounter what at first looks like an aquarium. But it’s only stocked with lobsters, and there aren't the typical deep sea diver toys, little castles, and fake seaweed as you might find in a common home aquarium. The lobsters are in fact packed really tightly, and sometimes fight leaving one or both without a claw, and maybe whatever other appendage a lobster might have that they can lose. It could be said that it’s just lobsters doing what lobsters naturally do, except lobsters aren’t typically crammed by the dozen into a 20-gallon tank. Maybe that makes them a little more irritable, like when in the evening rush hour on a subway, someone is just a little too close for comfort, and in this case “close” might mean no air gap whatsoever between him and you...and he had garlic for lunch.

The lobster tank always seemed a bit off to me. Seemed like going to a steakhouse and picking the cow you wanted your steak to come from. It seems like in both cases, this would be a really obvious violation of the old precept of not having anything killed specifically for your lunch. But, lest you fear this is going to turn into a pro-vegetarianism screed, it isn't. And likewise I’m also not endorsing omnivorism, so you can’t get any free passes justifying that either. If anything, this will be a rant against the number of “lobster tank-esque” moments we have all too often.

Virya is one of the Six Perfections, and it’s sometimes associated with “Right Effort” in the Noble Eightfold Path as well. It’s usually translated as diligence, effort, perseverance, and so on. The Sanskrit root is the same as the English “virility,” I think “strength” can work just as well. We should practice as if “our hair was on fire,” as an ancient once said. If we extend our practice to beyond the cushion, we should live as if our hair were on fire, treating each day as the only day to do what needs to be done. If You don’t think strength isn’t part of your makeup, diligence, persistence, and effort will be short lived.

Most people think of Zen as a noun, or as a translation of the Sanskrit dhyana,, by way of Chinese Ch’an, by way of Korean Sŏn, and then Japanese Zen. Starting with dhyana, they all refer to seated meditation, but are also inclusive of the entire practice of whichever sect. That still leaves “Zen” as an umbrella noun, which in turn refers to various verbs--seated meditating, chanting, bowing, walking, practicing koans, holding a huatou, and so on. All of these on their own turn are actions. Even the “quiescent” or “silent illumination” end of things actively just sits. When fully done, it can take the fullest concentration and mindfulness as chanting or walking. When not so fully done, it might be the equivalent of lolling in a lounge chair, conceptual thinking, wandering thinking--with generally half-hearted effort.

The reason I prefer to refer to Zen as a verb is because the practice when done fully extends well beyond the edge of the cushion, covering the other 23 hours not spent there. It is active! Zen, being among the Mahayana schools of practice sets the Bodhisattva as a role model for the practitioner in addition to the Buddha(s). The Bodhisattva eschews entering the state of Nirvana until all beings have entered, according to some definitions. Once again depending on what text you refer to, there are stages of Bodhisattvahood (Bhumis), but we’ll go with ten:

State of the joyous (Pramudita)

The stainless (Vimala)

The light maker/the luminous (Prabhakari)

The radiant (Arcismati)

The very hard to conquer/Difficult to cultivate (Sudurjaya)

The turning towards/The manifest (Abhimukhi)

The far going/Gone afar (Durangama)

The unshakeable/The Immovable (Acala)

The good mind/The good intelligence (Sadhumati)

The cloud of Dharma (Dharmamegha)

In the Lankavatara Sutra, the Buddha spends a fair amount of time on the 8th Bhumi. It’s just past the turning point. Up to now, the Bodhisattva could say, “Yep, I’m good, let's bring on that Nirvana thing.” When the Bodhisattva hits #8, there’s no backsliding. There is a full commitment to fulfilling the Bodhisattva vows, entering into, assimilating, living the Dharma, for the sake of all beings. It’s not repeating the words of there being an infinite number of sentient beings and vowing to save them all, it’s gotten to the point where it has become, “I will help all people I come in contact with (throwing in whatever other sentient beings one might come across like lobsters and cows, for example). At this stage, the Bodhisattva is unshakeable in his/her determination only to help. No fame, no fortune, no vilification, no economic distress, nothing. You could call it “no gaining notion,” but also “no losing notion.” The notion of saving infinite beings doesn’t phase him/her any more than there being a notion of there being no beings, no Bodhisattva, nor any saving to be done. It’s just, “How may I help you?” And to do is to take fearless action.

That can be really liberating, even if a little daunting. Not being hindered by worry sounds great! Not having to second-guess ourselves because of what others might think--positive or negative--sounds like a pretty good deal. Of course, the “helpee” may be appreciative, may not notice, or may be angry for the “help.” Doesn’t matter. Takes some effort? Don’t care. People may think I’m a jerk? Meh. Likewise, people might think I’m really cool or smart? Likewise meh. If you carefully consider real-life situations where you’ve acted as a Bodhisattva, you’ll probably see that all of these potential outcomes have probably been the result of whatever the action amy have been, maybe by the same person, maybe by many. Considering Bell Curves, there's probably more “Meh” than “Magnificent!”

There’s good news in all this if you’d like a little validation before fully embarking on the path of the Bodhisattva. The 8th stage is also where we are without reservation on the path to Buddhahood. And this means that you are seeing your True Buddha Nature, which is as the Great Sages of the past have said, is indeed “Buddha.” You may think you’re at stage -1, and maybe a lot of the time, your are acting, thinking, and speaking that way. But in this fickle, ever-changing state of being/non-being, it's not out of the realm of possibilities that you are not only at stage 8, 9, or 10, but that you are a Buddha. And for that moment, there’s no backsliding. The next moment? Well, that’s the next moment. That kind of thing doesn’t bother the 8th Bhumi Bodhisattva anyway, so why worry?

What all this entails, whether it be Great Faith, Great Courage, or Great Doubt, practicing the Perfections, having the Immeasurables at the forefront of our minds, is a matter of discerning what the skillful action is at that moment. To be what a Buddha is, do what a Buddha does. We already know what that is. It will take effort, diligence, strength, and action. Can't help all beings without the act of helping, whatever form help may take at the moment. We have our choices though. We can strive to act as Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or we can be lazy and live like the lobster in the tank, waiting for that hungry ghost trying to sate itself on us.

#Zen #Bodhisattva #Seafood

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hadeschan · 3 years ago

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item # K16D22

RARE Rian Chao Mae Kuan-im, Wat Rattanachai, Nua Thong Dang, Pithee Chatura Pitta Pornchai. A copper coin amulet with figure of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva standing on top of a Dragon King. Made by Wat Rattanachai (Wat Cheen), Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province in BE 2517 (CE 1974). With Pithee Chatura Pitta Pornchai Blessing Ceremony held at the temple of Wat Rattanachai in BE 2518 (CE 1975). Such ceremony invited the power and presence of Four Great Heavenly Kings, “Chaturmahārāja”, or “Chaturmahārājikādeva”. They are four Buddhist gods (Vaiśravaṇa of the north direction, Virūḍhaka of the south direction, Dhṛtarāṣṭra of the east direction, and Virūpākṣa of the west direction), which originates from the Indian version of Lokapalas, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world. The Kings and their retinues stand guard to protect Trāyastriṃśa from another attack by the Asuras, which once threatened to destroy the realm of the devas.

……………………………………………………

Kuan Yin

……………………………………………………

Phitee Chatura-pitta-pornchai at Wat Rattanachai was held on June 1, BE 2518 and was attained by 16 Guru Monks, namely;

1)Luang Phor Guay of Wat Kositaram (Wat Ban Khae),

2)Luang Phu Toh of Wat Pradoochimplee

3)Luang Phor Nor of Wat Klang Tarua

4)Luang Phor Pare of Wat Pikulthong

5)Luang Phu Seng of Wat Ganlayanamit

6)Luang Phor Tinn of Wat Pa Rayrai

7)Luang Phor Yai of Wat Sagae

8)Luang Phor Prink of Wat Bodh Ghong Tanuu

9)Luang Phu Ord of Wat Ban Chaang

10)Luang Phor Wai of Wat Bang Saai

11)Luang Phor Naai of Wat Ban Jaeng

12)Pra Racha Suwanna Sophon of Wat Panang Cheung

13)Luang Phor Chalerm of Wat Pra Yatigaram

14)Luang Phor Huan of Wat Putthaisawan

15)Luang Phor Prong of Wat Khun Tip

16)Luang Phor Somboon of Wat Tam Kao Boonnak

……………………………………………………

The Four Heavenly Kings are four Buddhist gods, which originates from the Indian version of Lokapalas, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world. The Kings and their retinues stand guard to protect Trāyastriṃśa from another attack by the Asuras, which once threatened to destroy the realm of the devas. In the ancient language Sanskrit they are called the “Chaturmahārāja”, or “Chaturmahārājikādeva”: “Four Great Heavenly Kings” which are:-

1)Vaiśravaṇa of the north direction, king of yakṣas. The Chief of the four kings and protector of the north. He who hears everything. The chief of the four kings and protector of the north. He is the ruler of rain, he is often associated with the ancient Indian God of wealth, Kubera.

2)Virūḍhaka of the south direction, king of kumbhā��ḍas. King of the south and one who causes good growth of roots. He is the ruler of the wind and the protector of the Dharma and the southern continent.

3)Dhṛtarāṣṭra of the east direction, king of gandharvas. King of the east and God of music. He is harmonious and compassionate and protects all beings. Uses his music to convert others to Buddhism.

4)Virūpākṣa of the west direction, king of nāgas. King of the west and one who sees all. As the eye in the sky, he sees people who do not believe in Buddhism and converts them. His ancient name means “he who has broad objectives”.

……………………………………………………

DIMENSION: 3.70 cm high / 2.10 cm wide / 0.30 cm thick

……………………………………………………

item # K16D22

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us [email protected]

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS FULL REFUND WARRANTY

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

Ships to: Worldwide

Delivery: Estimated 7 days handling time after receipt of cleared payment. Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing.

Shipping: FREE Thailandpost International registered mail. International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Payments: PayPal / Western Union / MoneyGram /maybank2u.com / DBS iBanking / Wechat Pay / Alipay / INSTAREM / PromptPay International

****************************************

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