Becoming a Buddha

The Buddha-way is one of respect for self. Towards this goal a vital aspect of our physical, mental and spiritual Health is to take at least twenty minutes or more each day just for self.

As an example, come with me now for a bike ride and enjoy the scenery: the field a massive awaking of bright daisies, the wild canaries and hummingbirds sing the joy of Springs arrival.
A ride through the forest trails, the creeks running fast, the dew on the new green grasses glistening with life. An amazing sight along the "way," seven woodpeckers chattering and working on an old cedar stump. The smell in the air so fresh, the dedication of the woodpeckers with their magnificent colors, the tree tops swaying in the morning breeze. We are going to have light spring rain sprinkles, now the drops fall bothering neither the woodpeckers or this Cyclist out gathering wisdom from nature, a time for self. Hello, Mr. Buck deer enjoying that foliage? Good morning Ms. Heron are there some tasty morsels there in the lovely creek, what are you doing this distance from your ocean side seat? Okay more than twenty minutes, but feel the Joy, the vibrant health, living in the moment of becoming a Buddha, "awakened, enlightened!"

When we study the life of the Buddha, we are told he taught as close to nature as possible, even when he was in the cities. His first Retreat Garden was a beautiful fourteen acre park, given to him as a place for his rest. It is a fact that most people are pushed into the cities for employment, not because they want to live in the suburbs. And it is difficult to remember that 20 Minutes a day for spiritual self development and meditation time. How often do you slow down and just Breath; stop and smell the flowers in the ground, not the cut ones with no smell in the store. The Buddha way is one of living a dynamic, healthy, natural Way, it takes discipline, it takes balance! Here is a major reason we are building the Vancouver Island Retreat Garden, Peace Center and Buddha Temple grounds. A place for all people to come to for self respect and peaceful Being.

Our health, is greatly aided when we hang out with like minded people. When we share our joy with others. The birds and trees have their gifts, but we too are gifted with a mind that when turned on, brings beauty and wisdom. In the Lotus Sutra we find many gatherings and good times within the Sangha Community. In becoming a Buddha we need to ask ourselves, how often do I come to Sangha, take part in the symbolism and the service, make offerings of thanksgiving, to the Buddha and like minded people? It's no trouble to drive to Walmart, everyday we see, hear, read about all the suffering in our society yet too few come to Sangha a couple of times a month and meditate on the change for "awakening" and peaceful means?

In the 27th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, we find a Buddha named Wisdom Adorned with Flowers.
In this Chapter the two sons of the King and Queen, remind their parents "the Buddha is hard to meet, and the time is also hard to encounter." Reminding us, if we don't take the time, it won't appear. Again, we are reminded "in order to plant wholesome roots" we must take time for our faith, practice and study, to become "awakened, a Buddha." Ahh yes a bike ride in the forest helps also.

Thus It Has Been Shared, Respectfully, Henry

Vancouver Island Retreat Garden & Peace Center
Nichiren Buddha Hokkeko Society®

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