Massive earthquakes strike Venezuela

(Chaos of Nature) Venezuela destroyed after by 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes: many buildings collapse in Caracas, people trapped

(Xtreme TV) Tsunami threat and chaos after 7.5 earthquake hits with massive destruction

(Times Now World) Venezuela Earthquake LIVE | 7.5 magnitude doublet strikes Caracas, buildings collapse, casualties

(Mr. Weatherman) Double earthquake with major damage HITS northern Venezuela

Buildings collapse after powerful earthquake hits Venezuela | ABC NEWS

7.1-magnitude earthquake hits northern Venezuela - Multiple severe earthquakes rock Venezuela

Humans did NOT build Great Tartaria

Were the "Tartarians" giants compared to us?

(Tartarian Atlas) Why humans couldn't have built these Tartarian cathedrals

• Greater Tartaria, Tartary?
• On January 6, 1858, The Raftsman Journal published an intriguing article called Antiquities in America, discussing many of the ruins and structures [found] around this continent that have not been discussed by official history... Source: onenewspage.com

There are real "giants" living in Dubai, Middle East?

Regrow Altadena workshops (9/13-14)

Episode 2: Regrow Altadena

It's FREE and live and full of music

(Frankie Norstad) April 22, 2025: Frankie Norstad sits down with Laurie Scott, founder of Regrow Altadena—a grassroots project literally rooted in healing. What began with a rescued pothos [popular houseplant] and a shelf of propagated succulents has blossomed into a powerful community effort to re-green the landscape of Altadena, one plant at a time. Scott shares how this initiative grew from personal loss and a deep love of gardening into a broader mission to reconnect neighbors with nature, hope, and each other. Together, they talk about everything from soil remediation and native plants to the quiet grief of losing more than just a house—like the beloved garden pots passed down from family or the fig tree that somehow survived. It's a conversation about rebuilding not just structures, but ecosystems, memory, and meaning. For anyone looking for tangible ways to nurture resilience and re-root themselves, this episode is a beautiful place to begin.

Saturday workshops

Community Assets - Saturday 9/13 at 5:00 pm

Heidi Adams, CEO BASEstud.io

Focus: This panel looks at how communities can strengthen resilience by building and sharing assets—whether it’s local knowledge, renewable solar power, water cisterns, public gardens, or neighborhood fire detection systems. We’ll explore how these shared resources not only improve safety and sustainability but can also generate new streams of community revenue. Panelists will discuss models that turn community-owned assets into long-term economic drivers, keeping value circulating locally while protecting against climate and infrastructure risks.

People-Focused Mobility – Saturday 9/13 at 6:00 pm

My mobility is more important than my marriage

Focus: How we move shapes how we live. This session explores the future of mobility in Altadena, from safer walking and biking infrastructure to accessible public transit and EV adoption. Panelists will share visions for reducing traffic, improving safety, and creating people-first streets that connect neighborhoods, support local businesses, and reduce emissions. The discussion will highlight how mobility can be both sustainable and deeply rooted in community needs.

Building Better – Saturday 9/13 at 6:30 pm

How tiny is big enough? Love of natural wood

Focus: This panel highlights innovations in resilient and affordable building design. From modular homes and ADUs to climate-ready retrofits, panelists will share strategies for rebuilding smarter, faster, and with long-term sustainability in mind. We’ll explore how fire-resistant materials, energy-efficient systems, and equity-centered planning can create housing that not only shelters families but also supports healthier, stronger neighborhoods.

Light Equity – Saturday 9/13 at 6:45 pm

Taming urban light pollution is very important.

Focus: Street lighting is more than infrastructure—it’s about safety, connectivity, and community well-being. This panel will look at how next-generation lighting can reduce energy costs, improve public safety, and expand access to digital connectivity. Panelists will discuss how “light equity” ensures that all neighborhoods, regardless of income or geography, benefit from resilient infrastructure—empowering communities through solar-powered lights, Wi-Fi hotspots, and adaptive lighting that protects people and ecosystems.

Sunday workshops

Future Altadena – Sunday, 9/14 at 5:00 pm

How will we get around in the future?

Focus: This panel explores how Altadena’s unique history of neighborhood identity and grassroots organizing shapes its path forward. We’ll discuss the role of micro-communities in building resilience, how thoughtful commercial and economic development can strengthen local identity, and what lessons from Altadena’s past can guide a more equitable and sustainable future. Panelists will share perspectives on housing, small business growth, cultural preservation, and creating opportunities that reflect Altadena’s diverse community fabric.

Clean & Healthy Living – Sunday 9/14 at 5:00 pm

Good food's sustainable food that's healthy for all

Focus: Resilience is not just about surviving disasters—it’s about thriving every day. This conversation will focus on health, wellness, and sustainability in daily community life. Panelists will discuss the links between clean energy, indoor air quality, access to green space, and healthy foods. Together, we’ll imagine how Altadena can ensure all residents benefit from a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future.

• COP28 | Vegan Donut Economics (Plant Based Treaty)

Home Hardening – Sunday 9/14 at 6:00 pm

Can a home survive a high heat brushfire?

Focus: As climate threats intensify, protecting the home has become a frontline strategy for community resilience. This session will examine practical approaches to “hardening” homes against fire, flood, and extreme heat. Panelists will cover everything from defensible space design to roofing, insulation, and retrofits that reduce risk and save money. We’ll also look at programs and funding streams that make these upgrades more accessible for at-risk households.

Fire-Adaptive Vegetation & Heat Islands – Sunday 9/14 at 7:00 pm

Panel hosted by Cassy Aoyagi (FormLA.com)

.

Tongva (Kizh) tribe representation

Focus: Fire risk and rising heat are reshaping how communities manage their landscapes. This panel explores how native vegetation, shaded corridors, and green infrastructure can reduce wildfire risk while lowering urban heat. Panelists will discuss approaches to land stewardship that balance ecological health with public safety, and how residents can turn yards, parks, and public spaces into buffers against fire and extreme temperatures.

Light Equity – Sunday 9/14 at 7:00 pm

What can one person do? Plant seeds?

Focus: Street lighting is more than infrastructure—it’s about safety, connectivity, and community well-being. This panel will look at how next-generation lighting can reduce energy costs, improve public safety, and expand access to digital connectivity. Panelists will discuss how “light equity” ensures that all neighborhoods, regardless of income or geography, benefit from resilient infrastructure—empowering communities through solar-powered lights, Wi-Fi hotspots, and adaptive lighting that protects people and ecosystems.

• Laurie Scott (via Frankie Norstad); Heidi Adams, Founder and CEO BASEstud.io; Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Regrow Altadena: Free Fest (9/13-14)

Regrow Altadena (BASEstud.io)

REGROW ALTADENA: Here's the overview: We are hosting a "FREE Regrow Altadena: Resilient, Sustainable Communities" beginning on Saturday, Sept. 13th.

This FREE two-day event brings together innovation and community, featuring resilient and affordable homebuilding and home hardening solutions, people-focused mobility, community emergency hub concepts, and shared neighborhood resources like solar, fire detectors, and gardens.

The program also features panel conversations (one with Dharma Buddhist Meditation's Seven)—hosted by and centered on Altadena voices—with active audience participation.

• REGROW ALTADENA (FREE) (BASEstud.io)
• Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14th 3:30-8:30 pm
• Eagle’s Hall: 455 E. Woodbury Rd., Altadena 91001
• Next to Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rose Ave.)
• Regrow Altadena (@regrow_altadena) • Instagram
• Regrow Altadena | Facebook

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Future Altadena, Community Assets, Building Better, Home Hardening, Fire-Adaptive Vegetation and Heat Islands, Clean and Healthy Living, People-Focused Mobility and Light Equity. Food by Support & Feed, Fair Oaks Burgers
• PARKING: 536 E. Mendocino St., Altadena, CA 91001
• Regrow Altadena: One Plant at a Time
• RSVP (FREE)
• (Disclosure Fest) Regrow Altadena: FREE Festival, live music, food, solar, gardening..., Sat, Sep 13, 2025, 3:00 PM | Meetup
• (PasaDharma) Regrow Altadena: FREE Festival, live music, panels, solar, gardening..., Sat, Sep 13, 2025, 3:00 PM | Meetup
• (Nature Center) Regrow Altadena: FREE Festival: live music, food, gardening, rebuilding..., Sat, Sep 13, 2025, 3:00 PM | Meetup

Main event overview

RESILIENCE and COMMUNITY ASSETS Community + Climate + Culture 🌱 Regrow Altadena is where innovation meets community.

Join R.A. for two days of hands-on climate solutions, resilient home ideas, shared gardens, local food, and music that moves the soul. And all of it is 100% FREE.

Together, we’re building a future where neighborhoods are stronger, greener, and more connected. #RegrowAltadena #ClimateSolutions #CommunityStrong

Hands in the soil, feet on the dance floor

We're here to rock out and move our bums!

From solar powered neighborhoods to thriving community gardens, Regrow Altadena is about solutions all can see, taste, and feel. And yes—it’s free with live music.

Music by Soul Force Project (with Paul Livingstone, Alma Cielo, and band). 🎶 Bring family, ideas, and some dancing shoes! #ClimateAction #LocalLove

Where neighbors become a movement

This isn’t just an event—it’s a blueprint for a resilient Altadena. 🌞 Affordable, fire-hardened homes 🌿 Fresh, local food 🎵 Live music that keeps us inspired Come for the ideas. Stay for the connection. Leave with hope. #Vegan #ResilientCommunities #ClimateFuture

Power in what we share 🌞

The sun will rise again over this city.

From solar panels to shared gardens, Regrow Altadena is about building community assets that keep us strong. Add fire detectors, clean energy, and the wisdom of local voices—and together we’ve got a neighborhood that thrives, no matter what comes our way. FREE and for everyone. #SharedStrength #CommunityPower

Voices + Solar + Safety Altadena’s greatest resource? Its people. 💬 That’s why Regrow Altadena is weaving local voices together with practical tools—solar power, thriving gardens, and fire detection that saves lives. Because resilience isn’t built alone—it’s built together. #ResilientTogether #LocalVoices

BUILD BETTER & HOME HARDENING Safer Homes, Stronger Communities 🏡✨ Regrow Altadena is FREE and open to everyone! Learn how to fire-harden a home and keep our neighborhoods resilient. Add in local food, gardens, and live music—and we’ve got a weekend that’s both fun and future-proof. #FreeEvent #ResilientHomes

Protect what's loved

Wildfires are real—but so are solutions. 💪 At this FREE Regrow Altadena event, discover simple ways to make local homes more fire-resistant, explore resilient community ideas, and celebrate with food, neighbors, and live music. Let’s protect Altadena, together. #FireSafe #CommunityStrong

From Roofs to Roots FREE weekend event → real-world solutions. 🔥 Fire-hardened homes 🌱 Community gardens 🎶 Local music 🌞 Clean energy Regrow Altadena is where resilience meets joy. Bring family, connect with neighbors, and leave with tools to build a safer, greener future. #FreeEvent #ResilientAltadena #ClimateAction

Build homes that stand strong

Learning from Pacific Palisades Fire 2025

🏡 Fire seasons are changing—but our homes can adapt. At Regrow Altadena, explore fire-resilient building ideas: ember-resistant materials, smart design, and landscaping that protects. It’s FREE, it’s practical, and it’s about protecting what we love most—our families and our community. #FireResilientHomes #StrongerTogether

Safer by Design 🔥 The future of homebuilding is fire-resilient. From non-combustible, fast, and efficient new build solutions to defensible space, Regrow Altadena is bringing builders, designers, and neighbors together to share the tools and know-how. All free. All for a safer and more connected community. #ClimateReadyHomes #ResilientLiving

Tomorrow’s Homes, Today We don’t just rebuild—we rebuild smarter. 🌿 Join us at Regrow Altadena to learn how homes can be both beautiful and fire-resilient, Free resources, free inspiration, and live music to fuel the spirit. #FireSmart #CommunityStrong

PEOPLE FOCUSED MOBILITY Streets for People FREE event 🚲🚶‍♂️ Regrow Altadena is about people-first mobility: safer streets, green transit, and walkable neighborhoods. Come imagine a future where getting around is healthy, fun, and connected. #MobilityForAll #FreeEvent

Move together

What if streets were built for people, not just cars? 🚦 At FREE Regrow Altadena, explore people-focused mobility solutions, from walkable design to clean transport. Plus food, music, and neighbors. #CommunityStrong #MobilityMatters #FreeEvent

Step Into the Future Resilient streets, safe walking, clean rides. 🚴‍♀️ At Regrow Altadena, we’re reimagining mobility—together. It’s FREE, it’s fun, and it’s for everyone. #PeopleFirst #ClimateSolutions

CLEAN and HEALTHY LIVING Eat Green, Live Clean FREE event! 🥗🌱 Discover plant-powered meals, local gardens, and fresh ways to eat clean and live healthy. Add in music and community—this is food for body + soul. #PlantBasedLiving #EatGreen

Fresh from the garden, straight to the table

Can we grow groves of delicious fruit?

At Regrow Altadena, taste how clean eating and local growing can transform our health. Vegan flavors, fresh ideas, and music that moves us—all FREE. #HealthyEating #VeganVibes

Food That Loves You Back Plant-based. Fresh. Local. 🌿 Join us at FREE Regrow Altadena and explore how clean eating fuels healthy, resilient living. Bring an appetite for change (and good food). #CleanAndGreen #EatLocal #FreeEvent

Rebuilding with native plants panel

FIRE-ADAPTIVE VEGETATION and HEAT ISLANDS Cool the Block, Protect the Home FREE event 🌱☀️ Learn how fire-smart gardens and shade trees can keep our homes safe and our streets cooler. Solutions that grow with us. #FireSmart #BeatTheHeat

• PANEL on Sunday at 7:00 pm focuses on fire risk. Rising temperatures are reshaping how communities manage landscapes. This panel explores how native vegetation, shaded corridors, and green infrastructure can reduce wildfire risk while lowering urban heat. Panelists discuss approaches to land stewardship that balance ecological health with public safety, how residents can turn yards, parks, and public spaces into buffer zones against wildfires and extreme seasonal temperatures.

Green Shields Against Fire + Heat Plant choices matter. The right trees and gardens can protect homes from fire and cut neighborhood heat. 🌿

🔥 Find out how at FREE Regrow Altadena—where solutions grow stronger together. #ClimateReady #ResilientAltadena #FreeEvent

Shade, Safety, and Shared Roots: From cooling tree canopies to fire-hardened yards, we’re building a safer, cooler future—together. 🌳 Join us for FREE workshops, food, and music at Regrow Altadena. #FireResilient #CoolCommunities

FUTURE ALTADENA Future Altadena: Strong roots, bright future

🌄 What does tomorrow look like for Altadena? A community that protects its people, preserves its history, and plans smart for the future. At Regrow Altadena, the Future Altadena panel will explore how neighborhoods can thrive through thoughtful design, resilient infrastructure, and equity-centered growth. FREE, community-driven, and full of inspiration. #FutureAltadena #ResilientCommunities

Imagine Altadena, Reimagined ✨ The future isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we build together. From local identity and grassroots organizing to climate-ready development, the Future Altadena panel brings voices from across the community to shape a stronger, more sustainable tomorrow. And yes—there’s food, music, and connection. All FREE. #AltadenaStrong #CommunityFuture

From Past to Future, Together Altadena’s story is rooted in resilience. 🌳 Now it’s time to write the next chapter. At Regrow Altadena, the Future Altadena panel dives into how housing, small business, culture, and green innovation can create a future where everyone thrives. Join us—free, local, and full of ideas worth sharing. #FutureAltadena #CommunityStrong

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

The BASEstud.io Regrow Altadena Expo is looking for dedicated volunteers to help facilitate our two-day event focused on resilient, sustainable communities. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in event management, network with innovators, and support community-responsive innovation.

Our exhibitors and speakers will focus on practical solutions for sustainable rebuilding. If you have a passion for climate solutions, green technology, or community impact, we'd love to have you on our team. Volunteer roles offer a behind-the-scenes look at the future of sustainable development. Learn more and apply to volunteer here.

Let's restore the foothills with native plants.

Want to build resilient communities? 💪 Volunteer for the BASEstud.io Regrow Altadena Expo! Help innovators and neighbors on Sept. 13-14th and make a tangible impact. ➡️ Learn more and APPLY TO VOLUNTEER HERE. #RegrowAltadena #Volunteer #CommunityBuilding #Altadena Join the BASEstud.io family!

🌱 Help us create a more sustainable Altadena at our two-day Expo, Sept. 13-14, 2025. Meet awesome people, learn about green innovation, and give back. Sign up. #Altadena #VolunteersNeeded #CommunityImpact #SustainableLiving

Gain behind-the-scenes experience at the BASEstud.io Regrow Altadena Expo, Sept. 13-14. Network with innovators from LACI and help build a greener future. Volunteer with us! #VolunteerOpportunity #CleanTech #EventManagement #LACI #ResilientCommunities

• Heidi Adams (BASEstud.io), Suzan, Laura, Dan; Deanna, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Dhr. Seven, Jen Bradshaw (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Lies and deception about Stonehenge

(Paul Whitwick)

It's Pie Day, Friday (3.14)

What is pie? Who better to ask than a poetess? She is sure to have a numerological opinion she can beautifully articulate. Some may think it's a pizza, but this is not New York or Vicenza, Veneto, Italy with its famous piazzas. Surely the greatest of pies is the blueberry, healthful and delicious.

But, wordsmith, what would that have to do with today of all days?

Well, it may be arbitrary, like most National Days, although my robotic phone seems to indicate that pie has more to do with Pi (3.14159) or Greek π, than the baked variety. Maybe in 1959, no, that doesn't make sense. Let me ask my egghead friendboy; he knows about stuff like this due to his Star Wars obsession and penchant for boring things.... Ah, pi seems to be a reference to math. How boring! I'd rather snack and sip tea, or even pizza or placing a puff of whipped cream in someone's face would be more fun.

Well, that was a wash. Might you produce a poem in honor of pi/pie?

Ode to the Baked

My friendboy likes his films

My friendboy likes his pi

If only he could see

That it's right between my

     Did I mean to say peeps?

     Did he hope digits point

at pants -- like he does when

I show him my flower

     No, it's not a violet

     No, it's not a red rose

But it is quite scarlet

And well known to his nose

COMMENTARY: Eyes, thighs? Rose, nose? You mean this is a sexually tinged iambic tetrameter terse but trite toss off? - No comment. Poetry is poetry, not math.

Young Sheldon was a jerk (The Big Bang Theory) - Oh my, everyone's eating sweet cherry pie

Kaley "Penny" Cuoco is why people watch this show, right, not funny Sheldon?

• PI DAY - March 14, 2025 - National Today
• We did it all for the Penny and the nookie

Pi Day Friday

It's spelled Scarlett, Mr. Jost!

March 14 is commonly referred to as Pi Day, a day that aims to celebrate the ratio of the circumference of a circle [Eggheadspeak for a way of measuring the space inside a wheel.]. The number is known as 3.14 or π and can actually go on forever [or be stopped if we change to Base 3 or something other than Base 10, but numbers are all Greek, so who knows?]

The most accurate value for Pi, according to Guinness World Records, is more than 62 trillion digits (62,831,853,071,796 to be precise) [because some computer somewhere says so, as if 63 trillion wouldn't be even more precise], calculated in August 2021 by the University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland.

While the day is popular in math circles [among Eggs staring at Star Wars fan fiction], it is also a day for those looking to score great deals on actual pie, pizza pie, and other circular treats. More (like a second gluten-free vegan pizza at Blaze for only $3.24 + tax)

Who cares about pi?

Diagram of circle's diameter and perimeter

Because it relates to a circle, π is found in many formulae in trigonometry and geometry, especially those concerning circles, ellipses and spheres.

It is also found in formulae from other topics in science, such as cosmology, fractals, thermodynamics, mechanics, and electromagnetism. It also appears in areas having little to do with [sacred] geometry, such as number theory and statistics, and in modern mathematical analysis can be defined without any reference to geometry.

The ubiquity of π makes it one of the most widely known mathematical constants inside and outside of science. Several books devoted to π have been published, and record-setting calculations of the digits of π often result in news headlines. What is it?

Definition

Hey, I got you a bookworm cup, Babe.

The circumference (perimeter) of a circle is slightly more than three times as long as its diameter. The exact ratio is called π. This pi (π) is commonly defined as the ratio of a circle's circumference C to its diameter d: π = C/d. The ratio C/d is "constant," regardless of the circle's size.

For example, if a circle has twice the diameter of another circle, it will also have twice the circumference, preserving the ratio C/d.

This definition of π implicitly makes use of flat (Euclidean) geometry; although the notion of a circle can be extended to any curve (non-Euclidean) geometry, these new circles will no longer satisfy the formula π = C/d [10]. We should have paid attention in high school instead of being so worried about makeup and dating. More

Hunter-gathering to empire-building w/ Ali

The most famous Ali in England is Sacha Baron "Borat" Cohen (shown here being ironic, facetious, and satirical with feminist Prof. Naomi R. Wolf and a group of British religionists). But it should probably be Prof. Ali Roberts for her investigations aired by the BBC. She goes to Asia, China and Siberia, to investigate the progress of humankind from primitive to modern.

• Remember, Naomi Wolf isn't Naomi Klein: Doppelganger

The unexpected item that turned hunter-gatherers into empire builders | BBC Timestamp

(BBC Timestamp) Nov. 13, 2024: How did early hunter-gatherers manage to survive in some of the most inhospitable places on Earth, and could pieces of one of the world's oldest pots hold a clue? British Professor Alice Roberts journeys to Asia, the world’s greatest land mass, and attempts to replicate ancient survival techniques (innovations) that appear to have been passed down through many generations.

‘Mysterious’ Ice Age relics fascinate Prof. Alice Roberts (BBC Timestamp)

With little precedent and only the most primitive resources available, our ancestors’ innovation and experimentation were vital for their success. This clip is from Incredible Human Journey (2009).

Who was asked to speak at Harvard?

And who sat with Trump to pitch biz ideas?

ABOUT: Welcome to BBC Timestamp, home for all things history. Shed new light on the past by unveiling hidden worlds throughout time, dig into the fascinating true stories behind legendary myths, and learn about cutting-edge technologies helping to rethink stories from across the ages. This is a channel from BBC Studios who help fund new BBC programs. Service information and feedback: bbcstudios.com. #AliceRoberts #Archaeology #History #Asia #Survival Subscribe: bbc.in/4b7tZxt

How to build a house: 'Dangers' (sutra)

With instructions, I can practice DIY at home ? - Yes, you can do it with these instructions.

90 days to build a wooden house: One woman's admirable build from start to finish

(Wild Novels) Summer 2024: I am a nature lover who loves to experience, venture into, and explore unspoiled forests. That is my great passion.

My videos cover camping, bushcraft, survival skills, building log cabins, going off grid, primitive technology, wilderness survival and outdoor skills, bush gear like backpacks, axes, knives, saws, clothing systems, shelters, and cooking gear. 

• 00:00 Part 1: Making a concrete base off grid
• 07:01 Part 2: Wood planing and cleaning process
• 10:25 Part 3: How to assemble and build a wooden cabin frame by yourself
• 17:52 Part 4: Start tiling the roof to completion
• 24:27 Part 5: Process of smoothing wood planks - finishing exterior walls
• 33:56 Part 6: How to make the doors by yourself off grid
• 45:03 Part 7: DIY concrete steps, plant bonsai, and garden planning

Hope everyone will support and subscribe to the "Wild Novels" channel, share videos, and contribute comments. Thanks! ☞ Please help in reaching 100,000 subscribers: @wildnovels. ☞ Copyright by Wild Novels. #WildNovels

Neighbors laughed at the innovative building of our small house, but then they were amazed

(CREATIVE COUPLE) This is a short version of the complete construction of a simple affordable home.

• Full video: Neighbors laughed at building our cheap...

We built this small house for elderly parents. By design the house is simple and consists of light blocks called autoclaved aerated concrete. The total area of the house is 640 square feet, and the exterior dimensions are 18 by 22 feet.

We built it without loans on a small budget of $17,000. This price included the purchase of the land for $2,000. The total budget did not include the cost of labor because we did all the work ourselves.

ABOUT: We are a happy couple, Hena and Vita. We like to create with our own hands, which is how we find ourselves. We love making videos and try to make them useful. This is how we develop ourselves and continue to build the channel. We have many more DIY projects that we will definitely surprise viewers. If you support family values and love to create with your own hands, welcome to our family "CREATIVE COUPLE."

A sutra for householders: "Dangers"

Ven. Sujato (trans.), "Dangers" (AN 10.92) or (Numbered Discourses 10.92) 10. "With Upāli"), suttacentral.org; edited, expanded, and explained by Dhr. Seven, Wisdom Quarterly

.

Then the householder Anāthapiṇḍika [Sudatta, the generous multimillionaire donor to the needy who was already a stream enterer] went to the Buddha, bowed, and sat respectfully to one side. The Buddha said:

“Householder, when a noble [Arya = enlightened] disciple has quelled five dangers and threats, has the four factors of stream entry, and has clearly seen and comprehended the noble system with wisdom, that person may, if one wishes, declare of oneself: ‘I’ve made an end of rebirth in hells, the animal realm, and the ghost realm.

“‘I’ve made an end of [all rebirth in] places of loss, unfortunate destinations, subhuman worlds. I am a stream-enterer! I’m no longer liable to be reborn in the downfall and am bound for full awakening.’

The dangers

“What are the five dangers and threats such a person has quelled?

One can live at home practicing the Path.

1. Anyone who kills living creatures creates dangers and threats both in this present life and in lives to come and experiences mental pain and sadness. Anyone who refrains from killing living creatures creates no dangers and threats either in the present life or in lives to come and doesn’t experience mental pain and sadness. So that danger and threat is quelled for anyone who refrains from killing living creatures.
2. Anyone who steals…
3. Anyone who engages in sexual misconduct…
4. Anyone who lies [engages in wrong speech, which is more than lying]…
5. Anyone who consumes beer, wine, liquor, and intoxicants [that occasion heedlessness] creates dangers and threats both in the present life and in lives to come and experiences mental pain and sadness. Anyone who refrains from consuming beer, wine, liquor, and intoxicants creates no dangers and threats either in the present life or in lives to come and avoids experiencing mental pain and sadness. So that danger and threat is quelled for anyone who refrains from consuming beer, wine, liquor, and intoxicants.

“These are the five dangers and threats one has quelled.

The Four Factors of Stream-Entry.

Why leave household life to practice? No distractions.

“What are the Four Factors of Stream-Entry that one has?

“A noble disciple has experiential confidence [proven conviction, confirmed faith] in the Teacher (the Buddha): ‘This Blessed One is indeed perfected, a supremely enlightened teacher, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, full of integrity, a knower of worlds, a supreme guide for those wishing to train, a teacher of devas and human beings, awakened, blessed.’

“One has experiential confidence in the Teaching (Dharma): ‘The teaching is well explained by the Buddha — apparent here and now in the present life, immediately effective, inviting investigation, relevant, so that sensible people can know it for themselves.’

“One has experiential confidence in the Taught (the Noble Saṅgha, the successfully taught): ‘The Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples [the spiritual community of accomplished practitioners, people at the first level of awakening called stream-entry up to full enlightenment or arhatship, which is a category of beings in no way limited to ordained monastics] is practicing the way that is skillful, direct, systematic, and beneficial.

“This community consists of the four pairs, the eight individuals. This is the Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples that is worthy of offerings (gifts) dedicated to the devas, worthy of hospitality, worthy of religious donations, worthy of greetings with joined palms (anjali mudra), and serves as the supreme field of merit for the world.’

“And a noble disciple’s virtue and ethical conduct is loved by the noble ones, unbroken, impeccable, spotless, and unmarred, liberating, praised by the wise (sensible people), unmistaken, and leading to absorption (meditative immersion).

“These are the Four Factors of Stream-Entry that one has.

The Enlightening System

"There's a systematic way to let go and be free," asked Imogen. The Buddha is full of surprises.

.

“And what is the noble [enlightening] system that one has clearly seen and comprehended with wisdom? A noble disciple reflects:

“‘When this exists, that is; due to the arising of this, that arises. When this does not exist, that is not; due to the cessation of this, that ceases. [This is called knowledge of how all things arise: they are "dependently originated," and here is an explanation of how suffering (dukkha, disappointment, ill, woe) comes to be and how to end it completely.] That is:

1. Ignorance is a condition for karmas.
2. Karmas (actions) are a condition for consciousness.
3. Consciousness is a condition for name and form.
4. Name and form are conditions for the six sense fields.
5. The six sense fields are conditions for contact.
6. Contact is a condition for feeling [sensation].
7. Feeling is a condition for craving [lust, thirst, craving].
8. Craving is a condition for grasping.
9. Grasping is a condition for continued becoming.
10. Continued becoming is a condition for rebirth.
11. Rebirth is a condition for old age and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress to come into being.
12. That is how this entire mass of suffering originates.

[What is Dependent Origination?]

1. “When ignorance fades away and ceases without remainder, karmas cease.
2. When karmas cease, [the impersonal process of] consciousness ceases.
3. When consciousness ceases, name and form cease.
4. When name and form cease, the six sense fields cease.
5. When the six sense fields cease, contact ceases.
6. When contact ceases, feeling ceases.
7. When feeling ceases, craving ceases.
8. When craving ceases, grasping ceases.
9. When grasping ceases, continued rebirth ceases.
10. When continued becoming ceases, rebirth ceases.
11. When rebirth ceases, old age and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress cease.
12. That is how this entire mass of suffering ceases.’

I can go home and know-and-see this DIY? - Not DIY

“This is the noble system that one has clearly seen and comprehended with wisdom.

“When a noble disciple has quelled five dangers and threats, has the Four Factors of Stream-Entry, and has clearly seen and comprehended the noble cycle with wisdom [Dependent Origination], one may, if one wishes, declare of oneself:

“‘I’ve made an end of [any possibility of] rebirth in hells, the animal realm, and the ghost realm. I’ve made an end of rebirth in all places of loss, unfortunate destinations, subhuman worlds. I am a stream-enterer. I’m no longer liable to be reborn in the downfall and am bound for full awakening.’” Source: suttacentral.net

• Wild Novels, June 26, 2024; Creative Couple, Aug. 25, 2022; Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Pfc. Sandoval, Jen B., Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly