vol 7 issue 1 - final

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Volume 7, Issue January-March 2011 Just as, of all trees, the balsam is foremost in terms of softness and pliancy, in the same way I don't envision a single thing that, when developed & cultivated, is as soft & pliant as the mind. Mudu Sutta buddhist correspondence course newsletter INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Articles BCC Annual Report, Revs. Baksa Losing My Hat, Losing My Attachment, James Davie Guided Meditation James Halbirt The Practice, James L. Halbirt What Makes You Not a Buddhist: A Brief Book Report Angie Oakes Life Is So Much Better Now, Dwight Parker Don't Forget to Breathe, Tenshin Hyon Sek Am I in hell to benefit sentient beings, or just another sentient being in hell?, Paul Stavenjord Let Me Create, Terrell Taylor Dealing With Distractions on the Inside, Robert Thiem Poetry Rivers of Time, Travis L. Adams Afraid of What the Storm Will Bring, Brian Alberer Alone in Here, James Bettis Butterfly, James Bettis Walk With i, Howard Cosby The Middle Way, Eric Fite Congratulations to Kalen: Ode to a Teacher Dear, Z. L. King Islamic Center and Mosque, Z. L. King Expedition, Jock Lyle Art Zen Training, Travis L. Adams Mandala, Brian Alberer Second Hand, Zachariah de la Torre Peace, Andre R. Marzetta Dragon, Tenshin Hyon Sek Letters James Davie Andre R. Marzetta Angie Oakes Am I in hell to benefit sentient beings, or just another sentient being in hell? Paul Stavenjord (Seward, AK) D oes it matter? It’s probably not something you’ve pondered much. Probably not on your list of profounds. Someone in hell. If you have meditated on that subject, you more than likely thank your lucky stars it’s not you. But you can bet your mala that it is real, and not necessarily something that only happens after death. Prison is a hell. There might be worse, who knows? But prison is also a monastery. It all depends on the point of view. How it works is that I am reaping what I have sown. The actions of my past (the seeds) have germinated. It took quite some time to “get it”: “If I plant ragweed, I can’t expect to harvest watermelon”. And, after planting ragweed, my action(s) to- ward that result is the cause of future effects (Karma). So, my realizing how it works, makes change possible. A monastery? How can that be possible? Just the other side of the coin. Samsara or Nirvana is ultimately the point of view. I would never have had these realiza- tions had I not come to hell. That’s my lesson. Of course, I could say that I would have attained the same or better insight had I studied in a retreat setting or in a “real” monastery. That is nothing but speculation and daydreaming. Things are exactly the way they are. Not what they should have been or could have been. What they are now. An excellent teaching of interdependent origination. All of the steps, decisions, and choices led me to this moment. Exactly now. My choice now is to plant watermelon, not ragweed. How I respond to the effects of my past karma, determines my future karma (action). Maybe what really matters is that once the light comes on, hell or no hell, prison or no prison, it’s all relative to all other things. My choice on how that is viewed. ("All Dharmas are marked with emptiness, they are neither produced nor des- troyed, ….") “Many are the chasms and abysses of existence, where the truth of suchness is not found. All is contradiction, all denial, suchness in this world is not like this.” Bod- hicharyavatara To all those in hell, change your point of view. We are in the chasms and abysses where suchness is not found. Plant watermelon.

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Page 1: Vol 7 issue 1 - final

page 1 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

Volume 7, Issue 1January-March 2011 Just as, of all trees, the balsam is foremost in terms of softness and pliancy,in the same way I don't envision a single thing that,when developed & cultivated, is as soft & pliant as the mind.Mudu Sutta

buddhist correspondence coursenewsletterINSIDE THIS ISSUE...ArticlesBCC Annual Report, Revs. BaksaLosing My Hat, Losing My Attachment,James DavieGuided Meditation, James HalbirtThe Practice, James L. HalbirtWhat Makes You Not a Buddhist:A Brief Book Report, Angie OakesLife Is So Much Better Now,Dwight ParkerDon't Forget to Breathe,Tenshin Hyon SekAm I in hell to benefit sentient beings,or just another sentient being in hell?,Paul StavenjordLet Me Create, Terrell TaylorDealing With Distractions on the Inside,Robert ThiemPoetryRivers of Time, Travis L. AdamsAfraid of What the Storm Will Bring,Brian AlbererAlone in Here, James BettisButterfly, James BettisWalk With i, Howard CosbyThe Middle Way, Eric FiteCongratulations to Kalen:Ode to a Teacher Dear, Z. L. KingIslamic Center and Mosque, Z. L. KingExpedition, Jock LyleArtZen Training, Travis L. AdamsMandala, Brian AlbererSecond Hand, Zachariah de la TorrePeace, Andre R. MarzettaDragon, Tenshin Hyon SekLettersJames Davie, Andre R. Marzetta,Angie Oakes

Am I in hell to benefit sentient beings, orjust another sentient being in hell?Paul Stavenjord (Seward, AK)

Does it matter? It’s probably not something you’ve pondered much. Probablynot on your list of profounds. Someone in hell. If you have meditated on thatsubject, you more than likely thank your lucky stars it’s not you. But you can betyour mala that it is real, and not necessarily something that only happens afterdeath. Prison is a hell. There might be worse, who knows? But prison is also amonastery. It all depends on the point of view.How it works is that I am reaping what I have sown. The actions of my past (theseeds) have germinated. It took quite some time to “get it”: “If I plant ragweed, Ican’t expect to harvest watermelon”. And, after planting ragweed, my action(s) to-ward that result is the cause of future effects (Karma). So, my realizing how itworks, makes change possible.A monastery? How can that be possible? Just the other side of the coin. Samsaraor Nirvana is ultimately the point of view. I would never have had these realiza-tions had I not come to hell. That’s my lesson. Of course, I could say that I wouldhave attained the same or better insight had I studied in a retreat setting or in a“real” monastery. That is nothing but speculation and daydreaming. Things areexactly the way they are. Not what they should have been or could have been.What they are now. An excellent teaching of interdependent origination. All ofthe steps, decisions, and choices led me to this moment. Exactly now. My choicenow is to plant watermelon, not ragweed. How I respond to the effects of my pastkarma, determines my future karma (action).Maybe what really matters is that once the light comes on, hell or no hell, prisonor no prison, it’s all relative to all other things. My choice on how that is viewed.("All Dharmas are marked with emptiness, they are neither produced nor des-troyed, ….")“Many are the chasms and abysses of existence, where the truth of suchness is notfound. All is contradiction, all denial, suchness in this world is not like this.” Bod-hicharyavataraTo all those in hell, change your point of view. We are in the chasms and abysseswhere suchness is not found. Plant watermelon.

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ANNUAL REPORTBuddhist Correspondence CourseRevs. Adrienne and Richard BaksaThe Buddhist Correspondence Course has now been in existence for six years.Its growth in those six years has been phenomenal--from 192 students at theend of 2005 to over 500 students at the end of 2010--thanks to the many dedic-ated volunteers who serve as mentors in the Course.The Course has students in over 300 prisons in 42 different states with one stu-dent in Japan and 18 students continuing the program after their release. Over44% of the students in the Course enrolled as a result of it being recommendedby a fellow inmate. Fourteen people have graduated from the Course.The Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter (BCCN) has been published ona quarterly basis since the beginning of the Course, January of 2005. It startedas a modest two-page edition and now, thanks to a new editor, it is a profession-al-looking publication of 10 to 14 pages.We welcome any suggestions you may have for this Course and/or the BCCN.

The BCCN is distributed at nocharge to those taking the

Buddhist Correspondence Course.This is your newsletter–by you,about you, and for you. You are

the major contributors, so send usyour questions, problems, solu­

tions you've found to difficulties inpractice, thoughts you have on

practice, artwork, poetry, etc. Dueto limited space, some editing may

be necessary. We also welcomeyour comments on the newsletterand suggestions of ways to im­

prove it to serve you better.Please mail all correspondence to:Buddhist Correspondence Course

c/o Rev. Richard Baksa2020 Route 301

Carmel, NY 10512Let us know if we may use your

full name or just initials.

To receive copies of any of theresources listed below, pleasewrite to Rev. Richard Baksa atthe address above.• A listing by state of Buddhistgroups that may be able to sendvolunteers to your prison toconduct Buddhist activities.• The "Religious Land Use andInstitutionalized Persons Act of2000." This guarantees equalaccess for all religions to prisonfacilities for the purpose of reli­gious meetings.• “What is the Religious LandUse and Institutionalized Per­sons Act?” This explains the Actand how it is to be applied.

MandalaBrian Alberer (Smyrna, DE)

Let Me CreateTerrell Taylor (Pittsburgh, PA)Let me make what’s wrong right and take away all insecurities afflictions,and wrongdoings. Let me create a universe where everything is in its nat­ural order, and destroy the one that exists in any other way than this.Let me create a heaven where even the smallest deity always appears inthe form of its fullest potential and brings about the fullest potential inanything, anyone, or any other deity it may interact with. Let me createthe absence of all confusion, Let me create …

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Guided Meditation:SensationsJames Halbirt (San Luis Obispo, CA)Sit as solidly as a mountain and asspaciously as an ocean.First pay attention to sensations in andaround your head—on your scalp andyour face, inside your skull.How does it feel to have a head? Donot imagine or visualize sensations.Just observe what is there.Move your focus gently to the neckand shoulders. Watch any sensationsyou may have without grasping atthem or rejecting them.Now, move your attention to yourtorso, front and back. Notice the feelof your clothes against your skin.Next, take the awareness to the armsand hands. Feel the contact of yourhands with each other or with yourknees.Expand the focus to the pelvic area,front and back. Experience the contactof your buttocks with the chair or cush-ion.At the level of sensation, where doesbuttock stop and the chair or cushionstart? Feel the seamlessness of this ex-perience.Move the awareness to the thighs andthe knees. If there is any painful sensa-tion, look deeply into the bare experi-ence of it.Now focus your attention on the lowerpart of the legs—the ankles and feet.Notice how sensations do not do notremain exactly the same from momentto moment.Finally, be aware of your whole body.Let a warm light surround your body.Let it sink to your body. Let all thepainful sensations leave your body.What is the immediate experience ofhaving a body? Feel the actual physic-

ality of it, not what you might imagineit is like.Come back to sensation. Come backto awareness. Recognize and appreci-ate your ability to feel, to sense.As you end the meditation, rest inquietness and clarity. After you get up,pay gentle attention to sensations asyou move and go about your day.

Rivers of TimeTravis L. Adams (Mujin) (Raiford, FL)Sitting on a cliffLooking down upon the Rivers of TimeDeep are the Valleys of Red FlowersThe waterdrop falls between Heavenand EarthWind blows upon the cliff's sharp edgeAs the sword of ManjushriFeel the Thunder!Smell the Earth,"Time"Movement - Impermanence - LifeShuuuu....Close your eyes, now you seeBe still!!Feel the ancient Earth within youSee the impermanence of LifeFlash of lightning!!The sword of Manjushri lances yourmind!Sittingon the cliffs of TimeBack to the originThe Rivers flow, and the flowers are redNothing else can be said.

The Middle WayEric Fite (Draper, UT)There’s a tree, there’s a road

Should I walk or sit?There’s a pasture, there’s an orchard

Should I sleep or eat?There’s a plant, there’s soil

Should I consume or cultivate?There’s issues, there’s opinions

Shall I hypothesize or demonstrate?

There’s a hunger, there’s virtueShould I starve or steal?

There’s a war, there’s a reasonShould I die or kill?

There’s politics, there’s excusesShould I judge or help heal?

There’s a mountain, there’s a canyonShall I climb or help fill it?

There’s an elder, there’s a baby.Should I talk or touch?

There’s loneliness, there’s a needWhich one? Which one?

There’s a debt, there’s a principleShall I forgive or budget?

There’s a bug, there’s a bugShould I release or crush it?

There’s myself, there’s humanityShould I indulge or contribute?

There’s my reflectionAm I a hedonist or an altruist?

There are noble truths, there are jewelsWhich shine clarification!

There’s a path, there’s a waytoward your elucidation.

Zen TrainingTravis L. Adams (Mujin (Raiford, FL)

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Afraid of What the Storm Will BringBrian Alberer (Smyrna, DE)I walk along this Road of LifeI see so many different thingsAs I travel among the little birds of springI walk, a solitary traveler, but I’m part of everythingWhen I experience the clouds roll in and darken my bright blue skiesI’m afraid of what the storms will bring as the rain falls from the skyOn I travel this road of life, afraid of these rough stormsI ask myself: Why greed, anger, and ignorance?Why enemies hate and war?Why lives of full of inner strife that constantly hide from the rain?Why sit and wait for the storms to pass?Why be afraid of what storms will bring?No longer afraid of what the storms will bring, I dance along the Road of Life asthe rain beads down my faceI learned that life is not waiting for the storms to pass or bring afraid when thestorms beginLife is about dancing in the rainstorms, grace, and getting soaked to the skin.

Life Is So Much Better NowDwight Parker (Milton, FL)I’ve been wanting to write something to the BCCN and give back a little becauseso much has been given to me from it. This morning watching the news I sawwhere Bernie Madoff’s son took his life because of how his father’s actions af-fected his life. This news item gave me the reason to write.Through my studies and experiences, I’ve been taught that we are responsible forour lives and how they turn out. I’ve also learned we are responsible for the af-fects of how we live our lives have on others.Most of my life has been spent thinking it was all about me, that what I did wasmy business and wouldn’t affect anyone else. How wrong I was.I’ve witnessed the horrible results of my actions on others whether directly or indir-ectly. I can’t undo anything I’ve done in the past, but I can be mindful of what Ido now, and do what I can to not cause any more harm.Not too long ago someone asked me why now that I’m in prison for life would Icare and try to do right. The first thing that came to mind was that I had peopleout there that I loved and I didn’t want to cause them any more pain. He didn’tseem to understand and I saw a reflection of how I used to think.Life is so much better now that I think of others instead of just myself.

Zachariah de la Torre(Okeechobee, FL)

Photo courtesy Peter Curtis

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What Makes You Not a Buddhist: A Brief Book ReportAngie Oakes (Lincoln, IL)I have recently read a book called, What Makes You Not a Buddhist, by Dzong-sar Jamyang Khyentse. One of the ladies in the Sangha here and I trade booksa lot. She came across this one and thought I would like it. As of now, it is by farthe best book I have ever read. If any of you reading this BCCN have not read it,please find it and read it. It is a great book.For years I have had people ask me why I’m a Buddhist when they find out. Mymain answer was always that this was the one spiritual teaching that spoke to myheart. I’ve always had trouble explaining to people why I prefer Buddhism overChristianity. It normally results in my being called names like “atheist” and a lot ofI’ll-pray-for-your-soul and you’ll-see-the-light. The longer I practice Buddhism, theless it bothers me. I just smile and say thank you.If a breakdown of all the major religions were done, it would show how similarthey are. Instead of always pointing out the differ-ences of beliefs—the negat- ives—how aboutpointing out the similarit- ies—the positives. Allpoint out that we should love each other as ourselves.Care and tend to the sick and disabled. Be generousand compassionate to others. Do not practice violenceon oneself or others. Do not speak ill of or tell lies onothers. Be respectful.After reading this book, I know in my heart that Ihave truly found my path. Buddhism is the path Iwas meant to walk. To know if this is truly your path,see if you can answer “yes” to these four truths. Oneis a Buddhist if he or she accepts the four following truths:1/ All compounded things are impermanent. (Nothing stays as it is or lastsforever.)2/ All emotions are pain. (The emotions are impermanent and when they fade,clinging begins and it causes pain.)3/ All things have no inherent existence. (We label things and/or phenomena as“true” when they are not. Nothing is as it seems. It’s impermanent and out of ourcontrol.)4/ Nirvana is beyond concept. (No one can truly conceive what Nirvana is like.)I find that explaining what a Buddhist is not easier than explaining what aBuddhist is. After reading this book and taking from it what I hold to be true,when I’m asked what makes me a Buddhist, I can reply with what would make menot a Buddhist!Please, don’t take my word for it. If you can find this book by all means, read it foryourself. As the Buddha taught, don’t blindly believe what I teach or read as truthuntil you have investigated it and you can truly hold as truth for you. Hopefully,you’ll be encouraged to find this book. [Ed.: The book is available fromShambhala Publications, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.]

I am glad to say that I’ve heardthat some Buddhist centers arebeginning to apply Buddhist prin­ciples socially. For example, I haveheard of Buddhist centers in­volved in some form of spiritualeducation in prisons, where theygive talks and other counseling. Ithink this is a great example. It isof course deeply unfortunate whensuch people, particularly prison­ers, feel rejected by society. Notonly is it deeply painful for them,but also, from a broader point ofview, it is a loss for society. We arenot providing the opportunity forthese people to make a construct­ive social contribution when theyhave the potential to do so. Itherefore think it is important forsociety as a whole not to rejectsuch individuals, but to embracethem and acknowledge the poten­tial contribution they can make.In this way they will feel they havea place in society, and will beginto think thank they might perhapshave something to offer.

(The Dalai Lama’s Little Bookof Wisdom (2002), pages 249­250)

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continued on p. 7

Islamic Center and MosqueZ. L. King (Galesburg, IL)Great and noble MuslimsAnd people of good willDesire to build an Islamic centerIn New York CityTo help educateAnd heal the peopleNear and far away too.Yet, hate mongersContinue to fan the flames of hate.Each day people with television programsUse their power and influenceTo push and spread the flames of hateImam Abdul Rauf has taught pure IslamFor well over 30 years.All good Muslims practice charity.The sum of $100,000,000.00To build a mosque and Islamic centerIn New York CityIs a rather small sum of money.People of good will should welcome MuslimsThat want to build in their midst.Building is an indication of peopleTaking roots for the goodAnd well being of societyImam Abdul Rauf is a noble MuslimAnd bridge builder.Mayor Blumberg is a noble JewAnd bridge builder.It is only a form of ignoranceTo oppose people seeking to plant good seeds.

Photo: AP

The PracticeJames L. Halbirt (San Luis Obispo, CA)I am a student of life, a seeker of truth on a journey in life.I have many things to learn, some deep, some superficial. May I learnthem honorably with respect. I have my true self to offer. May I offer itgenerously and with kindness.I am where I need to be, near my true self. I am doing what I need to bedoing and may it be sufficient for repair.May my life be a simple, humble, and kind presence in all I do today.Let tomorrow be just as great as I make it.May my profound actions today reflect humility of my deepest beliefs.May I always be grateful to those who have taught me and who camebefore me, but more importantly, may I make the roads smoother forthose who will travel them after me.May all the purpose of my motivation be to share, to inspire, to help, togive, to learn, and to pass it on for a greater cause.Let me be humbled by today. May I be more consistent tomorrow for myown happiness and the happiness of all beings.May I always handle with confidence the storms that pass within me,and soothe them with the gentle wind of a strong mind, a calm core, anda gentle heart.The most effective way to deal with the world is to be firmly centered inlife’s free, basic, unchanging goodness.When you have shame, it means you’re not truly a bad person, for re-morse is a sign that you have a decent set of values which you have viol-ated, and we need to reconnect with our goodness and decency, andallow ourselves to feel the full impact of how we blew it, so we can re-commit ourselves to a better life.A person who has no wisdom, no understanding of karma or “what goesaround comes around,” would feel no fear of doing wrong. You may feelfear of getting caught. If we do wrong, we will suffer. If we do right, abetter life comes. Fear of wrongdoing is not at all negative fear. It is anexpression of faith and wisdom. Speak to your conscience, apologize forignoring it so many times, and ask it not to give up on you. To open upallows us to recognize and accept the sum total of who we are.A person who is possessive and controlling of others is not sure of him-self. He or she acts on their fear of living in the darkness of his fearfulmind, and really is not aware he or she is wearing blinders. Remove theblinders and reawaken to your true self. Remove the pressure of fear,and you’re open to new insights.

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The Practice, cont'd from p. 6When we are alert, we have a con-sciousness that knows what hurts andwhat helps. We can alleviate sufferingand abuse. We can do this by con-necting to clarity, and the nature of anunbiased mind. Virtuous actions havevirtuous results. We remain flexibleand compatible with others throughour kindness, expanding beyond self-absorption.You cannot expect the world tochange, you have to change, and wealways do. With a biased mind, wecreate unpleasant places with revenge-ful aspiration. We need to wake up toour ignorance and delusions. An alertmind is most vigilant.

PeaceAndre R. Marzetta (Susanville, CA)Peace – who really cares aboutpeace? I tried to pictureMuhammad, the Buddha, and Jesus,with my pen. All full of light and sacri-fice for peace. Three peaces actually –just one peace under creation - some-what similar when it comes to all forone, and one for all. Who gave themtheir ultimate strengths? Why wouldsomething so great give up everythingfor peace? Some of us find peace inthe gospel, some in submission to god,and god alone, while some like mefind peace just sitting. Following thebreath, going in and out of under-standing, sometimes until the mindcomes forth like the daybreak. Maybethese aren’t the best three good reas-ons. What if we asked peace, whatwould be the response? Can you ima-gine peace smiling? What about tearsof peace? What if you found peace intotal submission to god? Well just sitwithout worry, without expectation.You’ll find peace within sitting too.Rising up, falling down, strong andcalm. If you sit firm enough, you’ll feelthe lock and key, along with the fireand glow. You’ll notice the mind travel-ing the world within - the breath of thewind becoming more peaceful. Onethought after another is good, good,good. After you’re done sitting, youmight get the point. Peace.

Two PoemsGregory Howard (Susanville, CA)1/ Buddha explain to

me the world?Why do you sit

and smile, whenthere’s so much suffering?

2/ Men yell out in the middleof the night, haunted bythe nightmares of theirmind, seeking relieffrom the pain andsuffering of the world ….I give you four coinsthat are priceless, andeight bottles of water to drink ….Look into my treasure chestand take any three gems youwant. Believe, understand,dig deep, hear, apply ….

Congratulations to Kalen:Ode to a Teacher DearZ. L. King (Galesburg, IL)It is great and nobleWhen the student becomes the teacherPassing through the unknown

to the knownHelping prisoners to overcome

their fearAs we learn and practiceThe noble Buddhist religion.Kalen was always quick to offer

encouragementTo men and women in prison, like meAgain and again she offered

the hand of friendshipTo prisoners, like me, that were filled

with fearKalen pushed us to become BuddhasWhen most people felt

we were worthlessAnd rotten to the core.It is good to know that KalenHas gone from the student to teacherKalen is a dear and sweet teacherThat showers tons of loveTo prisoners near and far away tooShe is a dear of a personThat abounds with kindness and mettaEach day love exudes from herWorking to establish the DharmaAmong prisoners filled with fearKindness, counsel, and considerationThis noble woman is quick to giveTo prisoners all over the countryA few lines for KalenA noble Buddhist priest – Yeah!!!

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Dealing With Distractions on theInsideRobert Thiem (Florence, AZ)Prison is never an ideal setting for any-thing productive, let alone realizing en-lightenment. It is an unlikely place tofind peace. Many hard obstacles andthreatening forces dominate this harshenvironment. Distractions here oftenseem insurmountable. It is a wonderwe inmates all don’t go insane. Sadly,it’s true, some who must experience thisfoul and dysfunctional dungeon of aplace, do. Yet, does this need to be thecase?Those of us who knew a wholesome,beautiful life prior to incarceration findit quite disorienting to be confined andlabeled "prisoner." We desperatelyseek a higher truth than those definedby our prosecutors and jailers, for weknow our hearts are good! Whateverjudgments have been forced upon ustear at our core. With great loss tug-ging at us deeply, we begin to look forways out from our suffering. Sincerequestions start to form. Perhapsquestions like these: 1. How can I de-tach myself from the horrible views andmuddled minds that perceive me as in-tolerable, and a threat to society? 2.Now incarcerated, how can I use thistime to better myself, when the neg-lected system actually isn’t interested inmy success? 3. Is it possible to meta-phorically become the mythical bird offire (the phoenix), rising up from my de-mise? 4. Furthermore, is it necessaryfor all my understanding of who I thinkI am to go up in flames and burn downinto ashes before the ascent toward amore wholesome identity than "prison-er" takes flight? 5. Do I need to destroyeverything, or has enough destructionalready occurred? 6. Honestly, howmany symbolic funerals need to be at-tended before realizing true enlighten-ment?As far as I know, the ultimate death willarrive once I leave this human body. I

am hopeful to leave it well used,passing peacefully. Still, while life con-tinues pulsing within this human shell, Ifeel there are little deaths (some largerthan others) preparing me to acceptthe final departure. I’ve already lost amyriad of things I once cherished andconsidered highly valuable. In a sense,I’ve already died a number of deaths.Sharp accusations, strict prosecutions,enabling incarcerations, and men-acing humiliations killed me in waysdifficult to express. Indeed, much hasbeen taken away. How much moreneeds to be shed before I’m finallyfree? Another interesting way to askthe same question is, how much do Istill cling to my suffering?Confined behind razor wire policiesand stored tightly amongst thousandslittle reprieve to end suffering isoffered. All the adolescent bickeringand thug-life bantering stormingthrough prison politics; all the perversetalk and tormenting violence; all thearrogant egomaniacs I live with andgo to sleep next to; all the stupid of-ficers; all the nasty food…a mere hintof the troubling distractions to a peace-ful life inside prison. Nevertheless,these burdens shrink in comparison tothe maddening distractions poundingin my untrained mind. Inner thoughtswhirl without discipline. An illusionalheart breaks while it cries out pathetic-ally for its lost love. Ironically, I havecarried this hurt with me all day, andat night, I’ve tucked it in, nestling it in-to my dreams. At times, sorry and de-lusional thoughts have unnerved me tothe point of preventing spiritual prac-tice. Frankly, a distracted mind causestremendous suffering. It hides our truenature.Meditation practice given throughBuddhist teachings can open us withclarity and precision. It allows us tosee our small practice as a microcos-mic reflection of a broader, granderscheme. The little we do now affects alarger scope of practice. Personally,

the reason I practice sharpening my fo-cus on Buddhanature while not becom-ing troubled with distractions isbecause it works. Dropping emotionalhang-ups, no matter how significant Imay think they are, helps createequanimity. It balances my mind in anopen (empty) space rich with Peace,Compassion, and Wisdom. As I relaxinto that space, instead of feelingdrowsy, I experience a more invigorat-ing source I like to describe as uplift-ing, sprightful, and salubrious. Mypractice deepens when I connect withothers in this way. “My small practicebows to yours, connecting us beyondourselves,” is how I am interacting withpeople, birds, insects, trees, rocks, wa-ter, and oxygen these days.Maintaining a focused mind, distrac-tions don’t distract as much anymore.A few truths have revealed themselveslike colorful petals blossoming from abeautiful flower during my focusedpractice. A greater development of tol-erance allows others to choose theshape and style of their being, even if Ionce thought their form to be grossand unacceptable. Also, I am learningit is not for me to control others’ delu-sions, but to recognize them, andpeacefully go on. That seems to be thecrux of my practice. But, of course, myproblems stem from my own mentalneurosis. Freeing my mind from its at-tachments is the work. ThroughBuddhist study and ongoing medita-tion I’ve come to realize I can be partof the wonderful solution needed onEarth. I can become that Peace we allneed.Finally, although prison is a mightytough place to be, it is merely anotherenvironment along the path of enlight-enment. As one experiences being inthe world, but not of the world, this de-tachment lightens our suffering andweakens our distractions. This pathwe’re on leads to victory. I encourageeveryone to practice more.

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Losing My Hat, Losing My AttachmentJames Davie (Brent, AL)

Awhile back I lost my hat. I remembered going to sleep with it on. Then I wore it to breakfast. After that I just don’t re-member what happened to it. Did I drop it somewhere? Did someone take it off my bed? I looked here. I looked there.No hat! Then I noticed the attachment I had to that hat. The desire to have it. The feeling of loss. It started to repeat itself overand over. Then I thought, “Wait a minute, this is exactly what the Buddha taught about suffering and I’m experiencing it allover a silly hat." So I turned the situation around. I said to myself, “I hope whoever found or stole my hat gets some good useout of it. I truly wish them well.” Instantly the desire for it was gone. Poof! The thought of the hat being gone left my mind andI was able to think of other things again.Later on that evening I sat down in the TV area. Next to my chair was a three-foot high dividing wall. I saw a hat sitting on it.Could it be? Yes, it was! Someone had put it there so the owner might find it. It made me think of the old saying, “If you lovesomething, let it go…” Well, the hat did come back and that got me thinking, “Maybe I’ll lose it again and maybe I’ll find itagain or maybe I won’t, but one thing I do know, it doesn’t matter.

Don't Forget to BreatheTenshin Hyon Sek (Bunker Hill, IN)I often tell my students that learning Chuan Fa (a martial science discipline) is alot like us as toddlers trying to first learn how to walk. We are weak, off bal-ance, mentally unsure of our potential, thinking way too much about each move-ment, and trying to mimic someone simply by sight and verbal encouragement.I just finished reading “Slow-motion Activity” on page 163 in the book Mindful-ness in Plain English, by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. This is what brought theabove analogy into my mind.There is much to be experienced in every activity of our lives. After the childlearns to walk, the motions become second nature, that is to say that walking isdone without thinking. In fact, unless we are walking across a slick patch of ice,we are seldom mindful of our long-mastered skill of stepping. We neglect thetotal experience of such a simple thing as walking.Chuan Fa training is like learning to walk. We learn how to move in and out ofa variety of stances foreign to our current understanding of mobility. Add in thepunches, kicks, blocks, mental mindsets, etc., it can be somewhat overwhelming.However, once we stick with it long enough to reach the stage of second nature,like walking without thought, something magical happens--we go a step further.We enter a stage of simultaneous physical, mental, and spiritual awareness.Our techniques begin to express themselves. We disappear, yet we are still there…now everywhere. The entire universe opens up and we are at that place be-fore thinking. We truly see how beautiful life is.Grasping for a snowflake will melt it every time. Let go of all attempts to obtaina goal and the snow will land naturally upon us and express its true nature in aslow silent dissolve.Walk to the chow hall not as a separate convict, but as a whole unit of human-ity. Even those disrespectful men you find yourself sometimes wanting to go backto your old ways on, are the same as you are. Experience the energy all aroundyou while tapping into the energy within your own body. Then simply smile anddon’t forget to breathe. At this point, all things are as they are.

Tenshin Hyon Sek(Bunker Hill, IN)

ButterflyJames Bettis (Clarinda, IA)The butterfly soars highFor the precious loving nectarThe precious Dharma

Page 10: Vol 7 issue 1 - final

page 10 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

YOUR LETTERS

Maybe it’s just me or maybe anotherego trip. I think some people miss thepower that lies within the teachings ofBuddhism, like how could somethingjust change your mind with a smilefrom realizing suffering is a part ofnature. A basic core to the truth! I wasrebellious toward religions. Only be-cause most seemed so confusing. Any-way the first time the Buddha

Losing My Hat, Losing My AttachmentJames Davie (Brent, AL)

Awhile back I lost my hat. I remembered going to sleep with it on. Then I wore it to breakfast. After that I just don’t re-member what happened to it. Did I drop it somewhere? Did someone take it off my bed? I looked here. I looked there.No hat! Then I noticed the attachment I had to that hat. The desire to have it. The feeling of loss. It started to repeat itself overand over. Then I thought, “Wait a minute, this is exactly what the Buddha taught about suffering and I’m experiencing it allover a silly hat." So I turned the situation around. I said to myself, “I hope whoever found or stole my hat gets some good useout of it. I truly wish them well.” Instantly the desire for it was gone. Poof! The thought of the hat being gone left my mind andI was able to think of other things again.Later on that evening I sat down in the TV area. Next to my chair was a three-foot high dividing wall. I saw a hat sitting on it.Could it be? Yes, it was! Someone had put it there so the owner might find it. It made me think of the old saying, “If you lovesomething, let it go…” Well, the hat did come back and that got me thinking, “Maybe I’ll lose it again and maybe I’ll find itagain or maybe I won’t, but one thing I do know, it doesn’t matter.

(A response to Mike Gottal's letter [Vol.6, Issue 3] about Angie's article, “MyPath” in Vol. 6, Issue 2.)Thank you for your response to my art-icle. It is good to know at least one per-son out there can relate to andunderstand where I came from.When the man who teaches me comesagain, I will pass your request on tohim. Al (the man who teaches here)goes to Illinois River Correctional Cen-ter in Canton, Logan, and Lincoln herein Lincoln. I was put in contact with himby writing the following address: PrairieZen Center, PO Box 1702, Cham-paign, Illinois 61824. I just asked ifsomeone would be willing to teachhere and Al responded.There is another address you may findhelpful in your search for a teacher. En-gaged Zen Foundation, Rev. KobustuMalone, PO Box 100, Galena, IL61036. They are an independent or-ganization of Buddhist practitioners in-volved with prison ministry. Maybe theycan help with a teacher who is closerto where you are.I hope these addresses help you. It tookme a long time to find someone. Let meknow if I can be of further assistance toyou. I have a lot of addresses for differ-ent Buddhist associations. Much metta,

Angie Oakes Lincoln, IL

(This is a response to Quenton Con-nor’s article, “Coffee Shop Buddhism”in the BCCN, Vol. 6, Issue 2, page 1).Your seven-day Noble Silence retreatwas very inspirational. It inspired me tobe more mindful of my own silenceand encouraged me to stay away fromopinionated/belief types of conversa-tions and the usual idle chatter that fillsthe air in our incarcerated environment.I find that the I put into silence helpsme to place more attention on whatreally matters and what really mattersis this very moment. Thank you.

James Davie Brent, AL

appeared to me was in the process ofa crime. Never thought nothing of it,little gold statue of a little healthy guy.The second time he appeared mademe remember the first time. I couldn’thelp but to think wow, could it be asign. Now I don’t profess to be aBuddhist. Buddha nature, now that’s adifferent story. I started readingdharma books, one after the other atfirst just for something to read. Then Iwanted to understand, it got to thepoint where it just started to grow onme. Literally sometimes I am even in-vited to sitting. Don’t believe I am theauthor of this letter. I tell you the BCCNpeople who wrote in the January-March newsletter we’ll give the creditto them. Which would explain thespark and power spoken of above. MeI only consider Buddhism a religion incertain ways, which could be com-pared to the divine truth. For the mostpart I think it’s the most natural part ofnature, like a rose blossoming or aglass of water after walking throughthe desert. The mind is opened throughthe process. The most powerful part iswhen you can just sit with yourself.And others appear to be sitting too.What’s more powerful than that is justto be content with a smile.Andre R. Marzetta (Delano, CA)

ExpeditionJock Lyle (Florence. AZ)I am going on another expedition,what will I dig up today?

My past is full of many errors,that brought me this way.

I could begin with the obvious,bring those out in the open first …

But finding the NOT in the hiding spot,Is the work that will make me thirst.

Alone in HereJames Bettis (Clarinda, IA)We are alone in hereNo one to hear our criesTo wipe our tearsTo tell us we'll be all rightTo comfort usThen we found the DharmaThat taught us we're not aloneHelped wipe our tearsTell us we'd be all rightTo comfort us

Walk With iHoward Cosby (Somers, CT)Walk with i in nirvana’s garden

Unified once againIn the wisdomOf everlasting peace

And free from the illusion ofseparation

That causes imprisonmentIn a body of flesh.