Tuesday, December 8, 2009

HAPPY BODHI DAY

Sitting Buddha Statue Thailand

Bodhi Day, traditionally the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, has been observed on December 8 in Japan since the Meiji Restoration (1862-1869). It is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautauma, experienced enlightenment, also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit. According to tradition, Siddhartha had recently forsaken years of extreme ascetic practices and resolved to sit under a Pupul tree and simply meditate until he found the root of suffering, and how to liberate oneself from it.

All traditions agree that as the Morning Star rose in the sky in the early morning, the third watch of the night, Siddhartha finally found the answers he sought and became Enlightened, and experienced Nirvana. Having done so, Siddhartha now became a Buddha or ' Awakened One'.

The Buddha describes his enlightenment in three stages;
  • During the first watch of the night, the Buddha discovered all of his past lives in the cycle of rebirth, realizing that he had been born and reborn countless times before.
  • During the second watch, the Buddha discovered the Law of Karma, and the importance of living by the Eightfold Path.
  • During the third watch, the Buddha discovered the Four Noble Truths, finally reaching Nirvana. In his words : "My heart, thus knowing, thus seeing, was released from the fermentation of sensuality, released from the fermentation of becoming, released from the fermentation of ignorance. With release, there was the knowledge, ' released'. I discerned that birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done. There is nothing further for this world."

Quote

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. - Martin Luther King Jnr

Dream Chef (Dorian Haarhoff)

he travels by sea,by land

with the taste of Asia,

this night conjurer

who comes to cook for me.

loose tops, loose shoes.

recipes in cursive

scribble his pants.

skillet in hand,

wok on the flame

he fills the kitchen

with seeds, greens, bulbs

roots and oils.

he serves a dish

so rich in East

my mouth's an aroma cave.

i lick my fingers

and hug his giant

who feeds me such cuisine.

i rest my cheek

against his ribs, his heart.

my arms embrace

this dream god's roundedness.

i hear food music from within.

Butternut and Potato Roast

  • sliced butternut (unpeeled)
  • potatoes, cut into quarters
  • olive oil
  • chopped thyme
  • garlic, crushed
  • garam masala
  • salt
  • cinnamon, ground
  • soft brown sugar or honey

what to do;

  • combine into a marinade the olive oil, thyme, garlic, garam masala and salt
  • add butternut and potatoes and toss.
  • place into greased ovenproof dish and pour any remaining marinade over.
  • sprinkle the cinnamon over the butternut slices and then drizzle the honey or brown sugar over these.
  • bake until golden and crisp

also delish if you add;

  • halved onions, cloves of garlic in their 'pyjamas', cherry tomatoes.

Today I am grateful for;

  • another purrrfect day
  • by new burglar bars - cheerio Burglars
  • the swim I shall have after work
  • refreshing green iced tea (home-made)
  • the gorgeous spanish lace skirt I am eyeing ..........(I think it's meant for me)
  • thanks for the special pic's Manf
  • the gorgeous butterfly in my garden

This year use the holidays to create a Vision Board or a Vision Book - what you document will become reality. Also, take time out to lie on the grass and photograph the clouds, make a wish and take a moment to just be .............

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

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