Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

Distress in Action

I am somewhat distressed with the state of the world, and so called humanity. In fact I have little patience for humans regarding “human” topics. There are so many times when they’d just love to give it all to up to a god, or a higher power and relinquish any control over the situation . . . when in fact it is they that have the power to change the situation.

As I mentioned on another blog, nothing = nothing. If you do nothing, nothing will happen. It is an active world, and you have to active in it. You can meditate; focus your energies . . . whatever you want to call it, and that’s part of the process but it’s not the active part of making anything happen. You have to step up and don that mantle of stewardship, which is an active role in what is going on on this earth! I am including myself in that statement/belief.

When it comes to animals and their welfare, or conservation of the environment I feel a little differently since those entities, however big or small can’t speak for themselves or act in order to change their circumstances which we have imposed upon them. And yes, I am referring to the environment and/or environments as a living entity or entities . . . because they are. We are also connected to those entities, as we are the universe so we really should be paying a little more attention to the impact we as a race are placing upon them. In essence, they need twice the amount of attention/assistance as what we would give to humanity.

Don’t get me wrong though, I haven’t given up on humanity . . . I am trying to bolster my Bodhisattva nature to do good, be compassionate and loving towards all beings and be active about it. It does sometimes get tough to do so when you see and hear so much ignorance, hatred and ruthlessness in the world that is utterly sickening to the soul. I guess that’s part of the process though: “When someone first enters the way of the Bodhisattva, they develop Bodhicitta, or, mind of enlightenment. Even as a person strives towards such an exalted goal, they feel as though they are limited by the fact that they, too, are suffering. So that they can be of aid to others, they decide to become Buddhas for a Buddha is capable of unlimited compassion and wisdom. Also, Buddhas are able to relate to all others at whatever level is needed. To those of lesser intelligence, a Buddha will use simpler words; and to those of great intelligence, a Buddha can explain answers in a more exalted language.”

The work is ongoing . . .

BDM

Quote acquired from: http://www.essortment.com/all/whatisbodhisat_rfld.htm. 11/23/09.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

PETA query

I was surprised on Friday by an email from PETA asking me to go to a designated place in Oklahoma to try and get pictures of horses that were allegedly being abused. I was intrigued, saddened and interested so I responded with a "Yes, please send me more details." Guess what, no response yet and it's Sunday. I find that funny, in a bad way, since the weekend is the best time for me to be able to go to wherever this place is to obtain requested pics.

Copy of email (with protected information extracted):

Your contact information is listed in PETA’s Activist Network as someone who is looking for ways to help animals in your area. Recently, our office has received reports of horses in XXXXXX County, OK, who allegedly aren't receiving proper care. Unfortunately, the parties reporting this to us have been unable to provide documentation of these conditions. Would you be willing to visit this location and take photos of these animals and their conditions from the road or another public place? Visual documentation is vital to our efforts to get help for these animals. If you can help, please respond to this e-mail with a number where I can reach you to discuss specific details about the situation.

Thank you for your compassion. I really hope you can help.

Sincerely,

XXX XXXXX, PETA

---------------------------------

Have no fear . . . I still plan to try and help if they need me too. I just figured that PETA would be a 24/7 operation. Hmmmmm.

Happy Sunday everyone!

BDM

THE METAL DOG 1910 AND 1970

Metal Dogs have extremely high standards and expect a lot of themselves and of others. They are loyal and hold a strong outlook about the direction they want their life to take. They choose their friends and causes with care, as they do not plan to ever not support these people and things again. Once they have committed themselves, there is little to no turning back. They are bold, unafraid to disagree out loud about anything they feel is unjust or unfair. Metal Dogs are easily stressed if a plan does not go accordingly. They find it difficult to relax when there are things to be done.

http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/dog.htm

The qualities associated with metal are unyieldingness, rigidity, persistence, strength and determination. The metal person is controlling, ambitious, forceful and set in their ways as metal is very strong; and they are self-reliant and prefer to handle their problems alone. The metal person is also materialistic, business oriented and good at organization and stability. However the metal person can also appreciate luxury and enjoy the good things in life. Just as metal can conduct electricity, the Metal person has strong impulses and generative powers and can bring about changes and transformations for those who come into contact with them. Metal is believed to govern the lungs, nose and skin. The negative emotion associated with metal is grief, while the positive emotion is courage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_(Wu_Xing)