Rev. Harvey Sodaiho Hilbert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Zen Living April, 2005 Please accept this issue of Zen Living. This issue contains articles on Zen Cooking, Poetry, Activities, Humor, and Practice. ____________ Guest Editorial The following is a guest editorial. What is the Value of a Life? By A.V. Batista What is the value of a life? Was Terri Schiavo a sentient being at the moment her life was terminated? Isn't a dog a sentient being? Aren't plants and vegetables also sentient beings? Don't some Buddhists refuse to kill insects because they are sentient beings? So then wasn't Terri Schiavo a sentient being even if she was mostly or completely brain dead? Didn't Terri Schiavo deserve the same love and respect and care that any other sentient being would receive? Was her life worth less than that of an insect? Does anyone have the right to allow another person to die? For over a hundred years, the U.S. Courts have held that there is no Affirmative Duty to save another person's life. But the Terri Schiavo case was more complicated than that because she was put into her tragic circumstances due in part to Medical Malpractice. She should have recovered from her illness fifteen years ago, and led a normal life. Sadly, that did not happen. Terri Schiavo had a heart attack due to negligent medical care. She died but was resuscitated. Terri Schiavo's brain had been severely damaged by the heart attack. With time, her brain further deteriorated to the point where her cerebral cortex was dissolving and being replaced by spinal fluid. The doctors Michael Schiavo hired said that the deterioration of Terri's brain left her without thoughts or feelings and that the damage was irreversible. Terri's smiles and reactions to her family were the result of involuntary reflexes. An independent doctor appointed by the Court reached the same conclusions. Terri's parents did not dispute the brain damage, but they believed that new therapies could have improved Terri's condition. In two separate trials, the Trial Court concluded that Terri would never improve. Doesn't a butterfly have Buddha Nature? Doesn't a field of grass have Buddha Nature? Isn't a flowing river full of life? In Moon in a Dewdrop The Writings of Zen Master Dogen (p. 35), Dogen wrote "Isn't it apparent that insects and animals nurture their offspring, exhausting themselves with painful labors, yet in the end have no reward when their offspring are grown. In this way the compassion of small creatures for their offspring resembles the thought of all buddhas for sentient beings." So how can any Buddhist support the killing of Terri Schiavo? Was not the soul of Terri Schiavo still inside her body? Is not her essence still what her parents believed in? Isn't that what her parents still saw inside the body? Her parents testified that they could still feel the essence of what made Terri a Sentient Being when they were with her. When Terri Schiavo was born, her mother and father held her in their arms, and they saw her eyes when she first opened them to the world. Aren't a person's eyes the windows of the soul? Who could know the soul of Terri Schiavo better than her parents? They knew the essence of Terri's soul from birth and believed that it was still inside Terri at the time that she died. How can her death be justified from a Buddhist perspective? Sensei Hilbert stated "Does the possession of buddha-nature demand more or less care than anything else?" Yet many people care for their dogs and cats and favorite plants with great love. Terri Schiavo's parents loved her and they were willing and able to continue to care for her. Who is concerned about their Buddha nature? What about her parents' belief that Terri was still a sentient being who could overcome her disability? Was President Bush wrong when he said that we should err on the side of Life? Sensei Hilbert pointed out that "the point is the realization of emptiness. All things are empty. All non-things are empty. Nothing has a permanent existence. Even the sun will transform one day into something else." So perhaps Terri Schiavo could only achieve realization by dying? What about Jihi (Mercy)? In the Kan-Muryoju- Sutra it is stated that "the Buddha's mind is nothing but the great Jihi." In "The Essence of Zen" Masanobu Takahashi wrote that "Wisdom and Jihi are the essence of Buddha. Wisdom is the ability of the mind to understand ku (emptiness). Jihi is that attitude of mind which is drawn to effecting the salvation of all people." The Hannya-Shingyo further elucidates that "he�releases people from all their sufferings and disasters." So compassion is not just to preserve life, but to free others from suffering? Was Terri Shiavo freed from suffering when she died? Practice Corner Sometimes when we see something we feel strongly about we wind ourselves up like a top. Sometimes we just stay wound. We suffer. Sometimes we release the top and we spin and spin and spin. We suffer. What are we to do? It is important to understand our energy is meaningless unless we put it to use. This implies that we have the capacity to direct our energy. Often we don't feel this is so. We feel powerless or we feel slave to our energy, our feelings. There are things that really piss me off, like war. Or self-righteousness. I have a ton of both: feelings that lead to the rage that could kill and righteousness about it. Lets suppose I feel greatly for those around me who are hungry, beaten, intimidated, incarcerated, about to be killed, etc....you get the picture, then what? What is our practice? What will our practice do for us? If our practice is to just sit, then, for what? To what end? If our practice is to engage in the world as a catalyst for change, then how? For what, in what direction? To what end? Sometimes the questions are far more important than the answers. Answers are easy. Its the questions that are a challenge.. In point of truth, our practice will do little or nothing. Our practice is essentially pointless. It is an expression of the breath within the breath, as Kabir points out, an expression of the Infinate in our lives. In this case, the ends and the means are one thing, not seperate. And this must be our practice: to recognize this truth. When we come to this whatever we do will be just fine. Whatever we are is perfect just as it is. We see there is no point because there is no end, no means, no goal, no objective. There is just this, just this key I press. Just this breath I take. Just the noise in my head. Just the need to go to the bathroom or run or walk or sit... So here it is. When you are angry, be angry. When you are hurt, be hurt. When you are sad, be sad, happy, be happy. Be each of these things fully and completely. Be them directly and without apology. As our practice deepens, our lives become seamless. Sodaiho A Poem or Two (your poems are welcome. Please submit them to the editor backchannel for the next issue) Sitting quietly in a living room chair I fade away. The stink of Zen Smells to high heaven: Snow squishes under foot. Sodaiho Another Point of View "What Democracy Means to Me" by Johnny Carson To me, democracy means placing trust in the little guy, giving the fruits of nationhood to those who built the nation. Democracy means anyone can grow up to be president, and anyone who doesn't grow up can be vice president. Democracy is people of all races, colors, and creeds united by a single dream: to get rich and move to the suburbs away from people of all races, colors, and creeds. Democracy is having time set aside to worship 18 years if you're Jim Bakker. Democracy is buying a big house you can't afford with money you don't have to impress people you wish were dead. And, unlike communism, democracy does not mean having just one ineffective political party; it means having two ineffective political parties. Democracy means freedom of sexual choice between any two consenting adults; Utopia means freedom of choice between three or more consenting adults. But I digress. Democracy is welcoming people from other lands, and giving them something to hold onto usually a mop or a leaf blower. It means that with proper timing and scrupulous bookkeeping, anyone can die owing the government a huge amount of money. Democracy means a thriving heartland with rolling fields of Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Spanky, and Wheezer. Democracy means our elected officials bow to the will of the people, but more often they bow to the big butts of campaign contributors. Yes, democracy means fighting every day for what you deserve, and fighting even harder to keep other weaker people from getting what they deserve. Democracy means never having the Secret Police show up at your door. Of course, it also means never having the cable guy show up at your door. It's a tradeoff. Democracy means free television. Not good television, but free. Democracy is being able to pick up the phone and, within a minute, be talking to anyone in the country, and, within two minutes, be interrupted by call waiting. Democracy means no taxation without representation, and god knows, we've just about had the hell represented out of us. It means the freedom to bear arms so you can blow the "o" out of any rural stop sign you want. And finally, democracy is the eagle on the back of a dollar bill, with 13 arrows in one claw, 13 leaves on a branch, 13 tail feathers, and 13 stars over its head. This signifies that when the white man came to this country, it was bad luck for the Indians, bad luck for the trees, bad luck for the wildlife, and lights out for the American eagle. I thank you. Daihoji T-Shirt Fundraiser by Sodaiho Daihoji, a long dreamed of training center to be built on the grounds of Rocky Top Reguge in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, announces a Founder's T-Shirt Fund-raising drive in association with Team Zen. The t- shirts will be short sleeved, gray, with the pine tree and brushed circle emblem on the breast. Under the emblem is imprinted "Daihoji Zen Temple" under this, "Founder." On the reverse side will be printed "Stillness in Motion...Peace in Every Step" under this in smaller letters, "Team Zen." Because this is a fundraiser, I have added a couple of dollars to the purchase price. If you are interested, please send a check for $19.00 plus $3.50 for postage. Send your check to: Rev. Sodaiho Hilbert, Daihoji Zen Temple, 5 Arrow Road, Cloudcroft, NM 88317 New Email Group Available for Runners and Walkers Team Zen now has its own email group: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To join go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/teamzen Or just email me and I'll add you to the list. Team Zen will be a discussion group focusing on the Zen of Running. Mesilla Valley Hospice Memorial Walk by Shoji The Zen Center of Las Cruces will sponsor the inaugural Memorial Walk on April 16, 2005 put on by Mesilla Valley Hospice to remember those patients whom they have had the privilege and honor of serving over the past years. This event is combined with their annual giving campaign to allow the community to join in commemorating loved ones as well as ensure that the Hospice can provide the highest quality of end of life care to the residents of Dona Ana County, regardless of their ability to pay. I suggested that the Zen Center sponsor the event and transform one of the walking lanes of the track (where part of the walk will be held) to a running lane so that individuals may run, including Team Zen. If you are interested in donating to this sponsorship, please do so by sending your contributions directly to Mesilla Valley Hospice. You may include that the donation is part of the contribution from the Zen sangha if you would like. Along the track will be a sign designating the outside lane as a running lane sponsored by the Zen Center of Las Cruces. Make checks out to: "Mesilla Valley Hospice" Send to: Mesilla Valley Hospice 299 E. Montana Las Cruces, NM 88005. On the inside of the track will be names of individuals who are being honored. Please specify names of persons whom you would like us to walk in honor and if you would like your donation to go to the Mesilla Valley Hospice Operations OR the Center for Grief Services (to provide grief services throughout the county). If you have any questions regarding the walk or any other services provided by Mesilla Valley Hospice, please call 505-523-4700 or visit their website: www.mvhospice.org. NMSU Meditation Group Update by Shakti Two new people, in addition to our four regulars, attended the NMSU Meditation Group last night. We practice Zazen according to the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition; anyone from the Zen Center is welcome to participate. I have purchased large pillows so that everyone can be comfortable sitting on the floor. As usual, after meditation I offered everyone an opportunity to share questions, comments, and insights. One new participant, who has visited our Zen Center, commented, "I learned something from my son . . . to walk like a tree. I used it tonight during kinhin." Then I shared a story about Krishna Das, who is featured in a documentary about his chanting devotional songs from the Indian tradition. He is quite well-known and holds chanting events regularly. Chanting is his meditation practice. I quoted Krishna Das as saying, "I do this meditation to be who I really am . . . which is not someone who is thinking about who I am." This simple truth, so eloquently stated by Krishna Das, elicited several chuckles from our participants. REMINDER: There will be no Meditation Group on Wed, April 6, since there is no room available. ANNOUNCEMENT: New Mexico State University Meditation Group ~in the tradition of Soto Zen Buddhism~ on NMSU Campus Meets every Wednesday starting Wed, January 26 until Wed, May 4 7:30 - 8:30 PM 2nd Floor of Corbett Center (Student Union) Room 240 (Valencia Room) We will meet every Wed from 7:30 - 8:30 PM - FREE & open to the public - 10 min. of meditation instruction - Two 20 min. silent meditations - 10 min. of sharing/questions/comments - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - Please wear comfortable clothing Any questions please contact Shakti at 505-646-7830 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please e-mail this message to friends and family! Zen Cooking by Stewart With this month's issue of ZenLiving, we will be bringing you a new feature, a monthly recipe and food discussion section. It is our wish and desire that these recipes will allow you to discover new ways to prepare foods and see just how easy they can be to make as well as fun. As with anything, it is desired that the preparation be a mindful experience. This months recipe is a Thai Curry that I have made for many years and always is a popular one with friends and guests alike. It can be made several days in advance and warmed as needed and served over hot Jasmine Rice or the rice of your choice, however, the Jasmine scent mixing with the curry really adds to the experience. Enjoy! Thai Curry 2 TB Peanut Oil or other Vegetable oil - I use peanut oil because it has a higher flash point and is pretty neutral. 4 Large Onions - Yellow or White 2 TB Curry Powder Such as "CA- RI -NI- AN- DO" by D&D Gold brands in Santa Anna California or any other Curry powder of this type. (See notes) 1 Cup Water 2 Cans of Coconut Milk. (see notes) 1 LB. Extra Firm Tofu � Cut into 3/4 inch cubes, Pressed and drained well. To press tofu, place entire block of tofu between two plates and place a heavy object on the top plate. The Tofu will drain the water onto the bottom plate. Empty the water at least 4 times before removing the Tofu and cubing it. 1 Lb. Mushrooms � Cremeni Chopped Peanuts - optional Peanut Butter - optional Currents, Raisins, other dried fruit diced - optional 2-3 Large Carrots cut into small thin strips about the size of a toothpick or grated using largest opening on the grater. 1 Large Eggplant - Skinned and cubed Assorted Squash (see notes) Assorted Vegetables (see notes) Slice Onions thinly and place in a large stock pot or 5- 6 qt. Dutch oven. Add oil and sweat onions until they are translucent. While the Onions are cooking, mix 2 TB Curry powder in 1 cup of Water and if desired add a bay leaf from the Curry powder container to the mixture and set aside. Quarter Mushrooms and set aside. Prepare the vegetables by cutting them into small to medium chunks and set aside. Prepare the carrots and set aside. When the Onions are ready (about 15 � 20 minutes) add the water/curry powder mixture to the onions and stir in well. If you are using Tofu it may be added after have mixed the Water/Curry powder mixture into the onions. Stir to coat all in pot. Bring heat to high and bring the entire mixture to a boil.You may have to add a bit of water here to thin the mixture. Add 1 can of coconut milk and stir, add � of the mushrooms, � of the vegetables and � of the carrots and reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes stirring occasionally. Check after 45 minutes and add salt to taste, add remaining can of Coconut milk, mushrooms, vegetables and carrots. If the Curry seems too thick at this point, feel free to add a small amount of water to thin the mixture to allow for proper cooking of the just added Items. Continue to simmer uncovered until the vegetables and carrots are done to desired tenderness and the coconut milk is well integrated into the mixture. You may add peanut butter near the last 15 minutes of cooking as desired, making it into a peanut Curry. Be sure to sprinkle some of the chopped Peanuts on each serving if desired. Serve warm over Jasmine rice and have small dishes of currents, raisin, and other dried fruit as desired. You may also like to add chutney mixed in as well. Notes: The Curry powder in this recipe is a brand that is pretty easy to get if you have some sort of Asian Grocery store near you. It is also available on the internet from different sources, here is a link for one place. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001WZV4M/ref% 3Dnosim/dscsite19-20/103-5969084-3951036 It is a mixture of Curry, turmeric, chili, coriander, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, allspice and salt. You can use any Curry Powder of this type, I like this brand because the quality of ingredients is very good and its pretty easy to find and very inexpensive. One other note here, you can adjust the amount of Curry Powder you use to your liking. Start with 2 TB and then adjust as it cooks, as it gets stronger the longer it cooks. Check after 45 minutes and if its still not hot/spicy enough add a TSP and check again in 15 minutes. Coconut milk should be in larger food stores and is normally sold in cans. I have found it in the "Ethnic" foods section and also in the canned milk section of food stores. As to the Vegetables, you may use anything you want to, I like squash and Eggplant. I have used okra and others and there is really no rule as to the amount here. Use enough to balance the flavor and bulk of the Curry. The reason that you are adding 1/2 of things at the start is to develop the flavor of the Curry and to allow the many flavors to mix with each other. The end stage, where the other half are added is to add bulk to the Curry and give it more substance. One last note, if you are preparing this for others or for a large group, go easy on the salt or leave it out completely. Allow each person to add salt to their portions if desired. We would love to hear your comments, please feel free to email your questions. Thank you! Sodaiho May we each have the wisdom to recognize, and the courage to resist, violence in any form. Current Building Fund: $62.00 ___ Subscribe to Zen Living, a discussion and information list at www.yahoogroups.com --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Make Yahoo! your home page --- End forwarded message --- ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Would you Help a Child in need? It is easier than you think. Click Here to meet a Child you can help. http://us.click.yahoo.com/0Z9NuA/I_qJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Noble Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Livelihood Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
