Joshu´s Washing the Bowl

(From Gateless Gate, Case 7)

A monk told Joshu, "I have just entered the monastery. I beg you to teach me." Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?" The monk replied, "I have." "Then," said Joshu, "Go and wash your bowl." At that moment the monk was enlightened.

Doing what needs to be done, taking care of what is right here, right now: eating breakfast, washing dishes, saying good morning, driving to work... 

Manila, Philippines: Day 2 (Sunday, June 30)

Awoke to rain at 5:00 AM. Rainy season: Lush, green, warm. When I told my Filipino neighbor in Anchorage that I was going to visit the Philippines, he said "Really?...They going to rob you." Perhaps. But yesterday, when working out at a crowded gym near my hotel, I inadvertently left my new Bose headphones and iPod on the treadmill. Realizing my mistake after I'd returned to my room, I rushed back to the gym with his words of warning reverberating in head. To my delight, the headphones and iPod were right where I'd left them. 

Monday Morning in Islamabad

Sitting at a desk in an Islamabad hotel room. It is 5:30 AM, although my body feels it is in the middle of the afternoon. Running through my mind are thoughts of home and family, work in Alaska that continues uninterrupted thanks to internet and a 14 hour time difference, and tasks here for which I traveled halfway around the world to do.

Fresh Snow

Snow is falling. The city is quiet. 

Heisen: "Flowing Peace"

I was recently reading Pema Chodron's book The Wisdom of No Escape and this line caught my attention: "When people take refuge in the formal ceremony of becoming a Buddhist, they receive a name that indicates their main path, how they should work, their main vehicle."

Four years ago this month, I received the name Heisen. Translated it means "Flowing Peace." Although the image is pleasing, a more accurate name would be something like "Exploding Volcano!" Conflict, anger, irritation...these are more reflective of my internal experiences, and what I often see in the world.

Yet I was given the name Heisen. And what I realized when I came across Pema's line is that Heisen is indeed an appropriate name for me because there are constant opportunities to do this work, to take up this path. I don't have to go searching for the "right conditions" to wake up--what I need is right here, right now. And I have been given a name that reminds me of this. For that, I am grateful.

Panama: Visa Renewal

I'm in Panama, Bocas Del Torro, for a few days to renew my visa. Working full-time, thanks to internet connection, I've hardly seen the place. The kids love the TV, something they don't get at home. Yesterday afternoon, I went for a walk with Asa, then with the family, on the road along the beach. Zena got excited when seeing birds, pointing and whispering, "Bird!" Eva fell asleep in the stroller.

Recovery: 6th Month

Six months after hip replacement surgery I am able to hike up and down mountains, sleep, and simply move through the day without pain. An incredible difference!