Chou Dog of Dis-illusioned Allegory's Page

Bruce and I shared a cabin that was about eight feet square. There was room for two bunks (upper and lower), a small wash-stand with a wall-mounted cupboard above and a built-in cupboard below the (tiny) sink; a floor-to-ceiling cupboard with four shelves for our clothes and other gear (two shelves each); and about two square feet of floor space. For light and ventilation, there was a shaft over the floor space that led up to glass portholes on deck. It was impossible for us both to be standing… Continue

What happens when you really can't do anything for yourself? Then you're a field of merit--others gain merit by their acts of kindness towards you. It's so embarrassing!!! When I sprained my ankle, I couldn't be on my feet for more than a few minutes. People would offer to bring me food and drinks, wouldn't let me even carry my own empty plate from the table to the kitchen for washing. I didn't feel anywhere near as helpless as they apparently thought I was, and I wanted… Continue

>SN 1.38--Sakalika Sutta--The Stone Sliver Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Rajagaha at the Maddakucchi Deer Reserve. Now at that time his foot had been pierced by a stone sliver. Excruciating were the bodily feelings that developed within him — painful, fierce, sharp, wracking, repellent, disagreeable — but he endured them mindful, alert, & unperturbed. Having had his outer robe folded in four and laid o… Continue

I've been reading this wonderful book (Ken recommended it to me). Its Sanskrit name is Bodhicaryavatara, which is translated a number of ways but generally seems to mean something in the nature of 'a guide to the path leading to enlightenment'. It was written in India by a monk called Santideva (or Shantideva) around the 8th century CE, and is revered by all the Mahayana schools, although it has a particular place of importance in Tibetan Buddhism. It's about developing bodhicitta,… Continue

To a pickpocket in Valencia? We were to board the Oosterschelde in Valencia, Spain on March 30; Bruce and I decided to spend a few days in Valencia first. We love Spain and Spanish food! We had a wonderful three days, great weather--we were staying in the old city, where there are beautiful plazas and churches. On March 28 we went down to the harbour to find out where Oosterschelde was moored. We had a lovely day; but on the (crowded) bus back to our hostel, a pickpocket got all… Continue