the kongdan foundation

It was Tashi, our tour guide in Lhasa, who had a superb knowledge of “connecting the dots” for our benefit as it relates to seeing Tibetan Buddhism first-hand and the key to the benevolence within each of us (the nature found in the ten thousand things – as the Chinese would say).

Keeping pace with the drum beat of both heart and soul. Asking what if we saw our lives as though we were on a sabbatical of sorts? Paying attention but still looking for direction.  

One can only imagine to efforts of the over one hundred thousand Buddha carvings at the Longman Grottoes took to carve along the silk road between Luoyang and Xian over a thousand years ago.

Reciting Om Mani Padme Hum with every strike of the hammer. A Sanskrit mantra that symbolizes the enlightenment and compassion of a Buddha and a powerful mantra that can help release negative karma and achieve enlightenment.  

Looking to our more recent heritage half-way around the world and recalling the Aramaic Lord’s Prayer described in a previous entry and asking why there is so much separation in the world. It is like we cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world need all the good we can do.  

Here this time only to tie together loose strings. With the sole purpose to challenge what we think we know finetuning our way to the cosmos and eternity. 

 It is as if this “sabbatical” in life has taken on more than I thought might be possible. Just as it is said to be careful as you open yourself to the universe – what comes forth to fill you may be more than you are ready for.

Thinking back to Lhasa, Toshi was leading the group I was with onto the base camp in the Himalayas – I did not go – but we exchanged WeChat and email, and he will help me fill in the blanks to my knowledge and blog… We have already begun. 

Instead of having a limited vision of what our role in the universe should, or can be, we are to expand our vision to our highest endeavor. It is as if we are here to come to know who we are and to become this – unafraid as to where it may take us.

As if flying at 30,000 feet… above the clouds and seeing below the steps that are needed are easy to see and coming down to enable others to do the same.

Not by trying to do all by myself, as I follow Lao Tzu’s model of “doing nothing,” looking to the virtue of Confucius, and the original Lord’s Prayer, but to show others by our virtue the way to proceed.

Anchored in virtue and benevolence, with commonality with all, we find good paths to follow, including the bodhisattva vow. All serving the purpose of carrying our immortal spirit to an awakening and what is deemed as eternal.  

While focusing on mindfulness… 

• We become Buddha/Christ mind when we become present – in the moment – with the mindset of the universe, and in turn universal truth. 
• We become one with where we are as a sanctuary to our highest self – in Chengdu, Qufu, or our own backyard.
• It is not so much where we are physically – but from where are we doing it from as we live from our heart inside out. 
• It is what inspires our highest aspiration from within – and we convey this with love, compassion, sincerity, and energy for all, especially family and friends.
• Once we reside in this moment, we convey this to all we meet and especially to who we are yet to become. 
• Our personal attributes not in keeping with our highest selves we diminish and leave behind, become a reason for focus, meditation, and contemplation. For myself, it begins with lack of discipline and patience and working to enhance both. 
• My visit to Lhasa was not just for pictures, but to expose myself to aspects of mindfulness, spiritual growth, and much more. 
• Finally, that our own authenticity becomes ever present through our thoughts and actions. That we are to do no harm leaving no tracks so that whatever good that may occur is seen as the good done by others through their own actions. As we see ourselves as though simply traveling on or with the wind once again.