Saraswati

Om sarasiddhi hring hring soha!

The name Saraswati came from “Saras” meaning flow and “wati” meaning a women. So, Saraswati is symbol of knowledge, its flow (or growth) is like a river and knowledge is very interesting, like a beautiful woman.

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This morning, my mind is turning towards several directions.  Making an offering of mind, a prayer to the Goddess Saraswati is one of them.  A teacher-friend shared with me to follow my intuition to engage “deities” and form friendships with them, kinda like with Ganesh!

A couple of months ago, I invited a Saraswati statue into the house after seeing her for a bit of time at a local Buddhist imports store.  Finally, conditions came together for me to invite her home.  And today, a strong impression inside arises to honor and celebrate her presence in my life, from the statue at home to the La Virgen rose scented candle that burns, to the classroom wall hanging, and most presently, to the One that I have met, who embodies this energy for me.  To the One I see as Saraswati, as the Friendly Universe’s communication to me about Her true form and presence in this lifetime.

Offerings!

Offerings!

Offerings!

Make devoted, heartful offerings to her always!

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A wonderful article about Saraswati Puja on the Human Flower Project website.

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Reminder to Self:  Please remember all the little details that the Friendly Universe has communicated to you about Maha Saraswati!  She is inside, outside, above and beside you.    Her Beloved Presence Surrounds You Always! Rejoice!

The Highest Blessing…

To support mothers, fathers, and elders,

to cherish partners and children,

to work peacefully and with integrity for the highest good of all,

this is the greatest blessing and the highest protection…

To transform,

this is the ultimate offering…

(from auspiciouspath)

Offer ~ Dharma Work

Dharma work as dharma praktis.

Working mindfully,

working joyfully

for the sake of all beings…

Meeting the teachings of H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche online and having the fortune to visit Kechara House this summer, I got the chance to catch  a glimpse of  “dharma at work” through the many means of  service that Kechara House makes available for the community.   Through prayers, writing, visual/video work, web programming, arts, painting and even retail work at the dharma stores — the Kechara Mandala revealed its creativity and vitality to me in my short visit there.

I left with a clearer impression and understanding of what “dharma in praktis” or “dharma work” is all about.  I find it skillful how Rinpoche uses our modern sensibilities to acquaint our mind into dharma.

In perhaps a different language though similar in effect, Thay might simply call it “mindfulness practice.”  Using every moment where our being sits, to bring the nectar of mindfulness into each precious, present moment.  To stimulate our awakening every moment we are fortunate to be alive, to breath and be in touch with Life.
In the spirit of “working mindfully and joyfully,” and participating by doing “dharma work”, the Plum Village website is seeking assistance if you feel inspired to offer  your “time, energy or resources” to maintain its upkeep.

Can you transcribe talks?  Or share about your practice?  Create animations/visuals to complement songs?  Or any other way you feel like you can contribute to the online community website…

Help the new version of the website to continue to breath and expand and open!

Praktis ~ Offerings

[on praktising joyful giving & receiving during this time closing up, closing down...release, release, release!]

Dana, joyful giving

Praktising offerings

Releasing extending

Universe reflecting

That which is offered

and to you whom the offering is made

they are by nature both equally “empty”

empty?  empty?  empty?

empty of what?

empty of a separate self

that which offered

and to the one whom the offering is made

they are of the nature of interbeing

reflecting the abundance and goodness

of life everywhere

that which has been received

at one time

has been a gift as well

the water, the raincloud

the paper, the tree

the plant, the medicine

and this joyfulness in giving and receiving

is a celebration of the moment

to moment abundance, richness

fullness, interconnected

available, always

in all ways

in this miracle

miracle

miracle

of Life

in this miracle

of Breath cultivated as Energy

Energy applied to Activity

Activity nurturing

celebrating

Life

ANUMODANA, a friend shares!

REJOICE IN THE GOODNESS

OF THIS SHARED EXPERIENCE!

NAMASTE!

EN LA KECH!

ISANGMAHAL!

REJOICE DEAR KALYANAMITRA!

We are alive, we are home…
in the here, and in the now…

Dana, joyful giving

Praktising offerings

Releasing extending

Universe reflecting

That which is offered

and to you whom the offering is made

we are by nature both equally “empty”

empty of what?

empty of a separate self

that which offered

and to you whom the offering is made

we interbe

reflecting all abundance and goodness

everywhere

today’s offering

has
at one time

been received as well

been a gift as well

and this joyfulness in giving

is a celebration of the moment

to moment abundance, richness

fullness available to us

in this miracle

miracle

miracle

of Life
ANUMODANA, a friend shares!

REJOICE IN THE GOODNESS

OF THIS SHARED EXPERIENCE!

NAMASTE!

EN LA KECH!

ISANGMAHAL!

My enlightenment

is inspired by your enlivenment!

danaparami

“i take refuge in the three jewels, the buddha, the dharma and the sangha, until i reach…”

Praktis ~ Offerings

BALI FLOWER OFFERINGS

Beautiful, visually nourishing picture!

Inspired by the Peace & Dignity Celebration at the World Beat Center.

Listened to the runners and took in the visual inspiration of the ceremonial

offerings and prayers which surrounded us throughout the night.

Maybe it’s because I’ve got all these niches and statues and bowls and things which I can use for offerings.  Maybe it’s from Loco Lama’s teachings about the significance of offerings.  Maybe, it’s this beautiful pic above of a Bali Flower Offering.

Whatever it is, I’m looking forward to seeing these altar gateways and portals, receptacles, vortices of energy both inside and out.  In the house as well as outside the house.  And creating them too!  Material offerings, as well as inner-secret offerings.

TRANSFORMATION

IS THE ULTIMATE

OFFERING.

~tsem tulku rinpoche

kechara house in malaysia