the mirror before you
If you come across a true sage who has realized his true nature, you will not be required to do anything in the way of spiritual disciplines.
This is because through his teachings, he will reveal your true nature, as by placing a mirror before you.
“Nisargadatta Maharaj /ˌnɪsərɡəˈdɑːtə ˌmæhəˈrɑːdʒ/ (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian Guru of Shiva Advaita (Nondualism), belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism,” according to Wikipedia. “The publication in 1973 of I Am That, an English translation of his talks in Marathi by Maurice Frydman, brought him worldwide recognition and followers, especially from North America and Europe.[1]“
As we move full steam ahead toward 2016, remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Be not the slave of your own past – plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep, and swim far, so you shall come back with new self-respect, with new power, and with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old.
Artwork above by Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, trained in the rare Buddhist art of silk applique thangkas from the Tibetan cultural tradition. His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave his blessings to Leslie’s work and encouraged her to make images that speak to the spiritual aspirations of people across religions and cultures. Her Weekly Wake-ups provide a thread of inspiration to set the week on the path to awakening
#COP21 and climate change: drowning in info, starving for wisdom, lacking in action
Where we are at COP21? Stay tuned!
The 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21/CMP11), otherwise known as #COP21 or “Paris 2015”, held from the 30th of November to 11th of December 2015, is coming to a close.
shoes in Paris represent protesters
plant in soil of contemplation, reap in harvest of action
What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action, advises Meister Eckhart.
What have you planted in the soil of contemplation this year? What actions have led to the harvest you are reaping? Finding any poems?
love: the dark matter that connects everything
“This love is actually part of you; it is always flowing through you,” reminds Ram Dass. Read more…
It’s KRAMPUS Night! The book, the movie, the event, THE LEGEND!
In the new movie, Krampus, which opened Dec. 4, a family lacking the holiday spirit, accidentally summons a creature out of ancient folklore, Krampus, who wreaks havoc on their holiday.Adam Scott, Toni Collette, and Emjay Anthony star in this black-comedy horror film from director Michael Dougherty.
Who?
According to Wikipedia, “The Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated in parts of Europe on 6 December. In Alpine countries, Saint Nicholas has a devilish companion named Krampus[13] On the preceding evening of December 5th, Krampus Night or Krampusnacht, the wicked hairy devil appears on the streets.
Today?
Sometimes accompanying St Nicholas and sometimes on his own, Krampus visits Read more…
Let it snow! Santa Paws is coming to town!
Will it be a white Christmas for you? While we may get snow dusting the mountains above town for a few days here and there each winter, and it has been unseasonably cold this past week (with freeze warnings for the citrus farmers in Ojai!), it is very rare for it to snow in coastal Ventura county where most people live.
However, it will be snowing on Main Street at the annual Downtown Ventura Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Dec. 4 at 5pm. Meet in front of the Mission Trees at 211 E. Main St. There will be pre-ceremony fun including an interactive snow globe photo booth and dancing! The ceremony includes local choirs and dancers leading up to the arrival of Santa via firetruck at 6pm. When the trees are lit, snow will fall!
It will snow again Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6:15-8pm as part of the holiday festivities planned for the Street Fair and Winter Wine Walk! Rain or shine, the snow will blow!
Clear skies are predicted with temps in the low 60s and sightings of Santa expected.
Keep track of Santa’s progress this Christmas eve here with help from NORAD. The site also has a countdown and music.
Santa will be busy Saturday night guaranteed but another great way to get some Santa time in for you is a visit with Santa Paws!
Yes, Santa Paws is coming to town! Read more…
See “Spotlight”: movie review by Ron Wells
artists unite in LA to call attention to climate change 11/30 – 12/11/15
http://visionlafest.org/calendar
The Los Angeles climate action arts festival coincides with:
• United Nations 21st Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris
• ArtCOP21, a Paris-wide arts festival
+ over 290 events across Paris and around the world – 34 countries & counting
According to a press release,
VisionLA ’15 offers 80 events at 32 venues: main “hubs” of activity include
• Armory Center for the Arts [Pasadena] film & performance events
• First Congregational Church of Los Angeles [Koreatown/Westlake] music events
• Helms Design Center [Culver City] film & performance events
• VisionLA Home Gallery [Bergamot Station/Santa Monica] festival opening event and fine art exhibit
See Facebook page for various event pages (more to come) and follow @VisionLAFest #COP21 #VisionLAFest #AllUnited #ArtCOP21 #ArtMakesChange #Community #FutureIsNow
Most events are free.
Note: yes it’s snowing on my blog! Let it snow on your blog! go to settings — general — snow !
Read more…
Thanksgiving 2015: World’s role in our liberation
It is my experience that the world itself has a role to play in our liberation.
Its very pressures, pains, and risks can wake us up — release us from the bonds of ego and guide us home to our vast, true nature.
For some of us, our love of the world is so passionate that we cannot ask it to wait until we are enlightened.
— Joanna Macy
Today my students bring in their “up” drafts Read more…
Hitler and Springsteen’s The River Box Set
by Ron Wells
As I’ve stated previously, I’m not all that excited about Bruce Springsteen’s The River box set which is about to be released in December 2015, but the video of the show from Tempe in 1980 will be worth every penny. Read more…
art predator 