Showing posts with label practice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label practice. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2026

K-pop dance practice: 'Iconic by Mistake'


Seokguram Gautama Buddha
KOREAN BUDDHISM
began in the 4th century CE during the Three Kingdoms Period. Centuries after Buddhism originated in India, the Mahayana (Hinduism as Buddhism's "Great Vehicle") tradition arrived in China through the Silk Road in the 1st century CE, then entered the Korean peninsula in the 4th century, from where it was transmitted to Japan.

In Korea, it was adopted as the state religion of three constituent polities of the Three Kingdoms Period, first by the Goguryeo (Goryeo) in 372 CE, by the Silla (Gaya) in 528 CE, and by the Baekje in 552 C [1].

Korean Buddhism is distinguished from other forms of Buddhism by its attempt to resolve what its early practitioners saw as inconsistencies within the Mahayana Buddhist traditions that they received from foreign countries. More

Blame aging culture or youth music?
Cultural hegemony: Is white Western culture ruining the lives of South Koreans in the East?
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OMG, we're not gay! We're K-pop boy idols.
K-pop (Korean 케이팝, RR Keipap, an abbreviation of "Korean popular music" [1]) is a form of popular music originating in South Korea [2]. The music genre that the term is used to refer to colloquially emerged in the 1990s as a form of youth subculture, with Korean musicians influenced by Western dance music, rap, hip-hop, R&B, and rock [3, 4, 5]. Today, K-pop commonly refers to the musical output of teen idol acts, chiefly all-girl groups and androgynous boy-bands, who emphasize visual appeal and performance [6] over substance and individual expression.

It's OK to be angry, but keep the hits coming.
They represent a corporate approach to profit making and an illusory bigger-than-life persona and emphasis on PR (public relations). As a music genre, K-pop is characterized by its melodic quality and cultural hybridity [7, 8, 9]. K-pop can trace its origins to "rap dance," a fusion of hip-hop, techno, and rock popularized by the group Seo Taiji and Boys, whose experimentation helped to modernize South Korea's contemporary music scene in the early 1990s [10, 11, 12]. Their popularity with teenagers led the music industry to start to focus on this demographic. More


Meanwhile, in neighboring Russia

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Who is the Buddhist Goddess Cundi?



Goddess Cundi in Buddhism
Cundī
(Sanskrit, Chinese 準提, Pinyin Zhǔntí, Japanese Juntei, Tibetan ལྷ་མོ་སྐུལ་བྱེད་མ།, Wylie lha mo skul byed ma, THL lha-mo kül-jé-ma) or Cundā (Chinese 羅馬化) is a female Indian Buddhist deity who remains popular in East Asian Buddhism.

In Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, she is associated with the practice of the well-known Cundī dharani, which is performed along with a specific mudra (hand gesture), as well as the use of a circular mirror [1, 2].

She is considered to be able to purify negative karma, provide protection, support spiritual practice that allows one to quickly attain Buddhahood [3].


This deity is also called by various other names and epithets, including:
Cundi in the China monumentis 1667
Some depictions of Cundī share many iconographic and symbolic elements with another female Buddhist deity, Prajñāpāramitā Devi [Buddhism's Sophia, the anthropomorphic representation of the "Perfection of Wisdom" as a female deva].

As such, some images of these goddesses are difficult to identify [4, 5]. In Tibetan Buddhism she is known by the name Lhamo Cunda, Chunde, or Cundi ("Lhamo" in Tibetan is devi in Sanskrit, a term of veneration meaning "goddess") [6, 7]. More

Friday, May 30, 2025

Putting Zen into practice (SLICE)



Daitoku-ji: A Glimpse into the Life and Practice of Zen Buddhism | SLICE
(SLICE) Daitoku-ji is a Zen monastery that embodies the most radical path of Buddhism [mixed with Taoism, Hinduism, and Shinto] — a return to the pure teachings of the Buddha. [These teachings are so far from the Dharma of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni as to be preposterous, mixing instead Brahmanism, Taoism, and Japanese Chan Buddhism]. Here, practice takes precedence, leading to self-discovery in perfect harmony with nature and the divine. At the heart of Zen practice lies a deep connection to nature, reflected in the design of the monastery’s gardens. These gardens are more than just a backdrop; they are an essential part of the temple’s architecture, serving as constant tools for meditation. For Zen monastics, the garden is a microcosm of the universe:
  • gravel symbolizes the vast sea, rocks represent towering mountains, sand swirled in spiraling lines...
Through its serene spaces and profound symbolism, Daitoku-ji invites visitors to find peace, balance, and enlightenment (or satori rather than what the historical Buddha called bodhi) by connecting deeply with the natural world.


Documentary: Sacred Spaces – Asian temples. Humans, Nature and Gods, directed by Véronique Legendre. Production: ZED, ARTE FRANCE, CuriosityStream We fully own the rights to the use of the published content. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action. SLICE wants to fill up viewers' curiosity! Accessible to anyone from anywhere at any time, this channel is a weekly dose of short docs about curious facts, discoveries, astounding info, unusual stories, weird, fun, and instructive. Be smart, have a slice! Subscribe now ► @slicedocumentary. Become a fan: @slicedocumentary Follow 👇 In French: slicefr. Facebook: slicedocs. Instagram: slicedocs. #documentary #slice #fulldocumentary #freedocumentary #Japan #zen #buddhism #sacred #enlightenment #religion #monk #temple #tea #teahouse #nature #harmony
  • SLICE, Dec. 26, 2024; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Buddhism: Rebirth not Reincarnation


Buddhism on Rebirth and Reincarnation: Rebirth is NOT reincarnation
(Buddhism Podcast) Jan. 15, 2025: The Buddhist understanding of rebirth is not about becoming something else in the future. It is about transforming who we are right now. 
  • [WARNING: The AI voiceover mispronounces every Pali term, pronouncing it without consideration to what language it is but rather treating it like it were following English pronunciation rules.]
  • 00:00 - Intro
  • 00:11 - Understanding Rebirth in Buddhism
  • 04:32 - Reincarnation in Other Traditions
  • 08:40 - Key Differences Between Rebirth and Reincarnation
  • 12:50 - Understanding the Process of Death and Rebirth
  • 18:33 - Modern Understanding and Daily Practice
Uncover how understanding rebirth as distinct from ideas about "reincarnation" illuminates the true nature of existence, the cycles of suffering, and the underlying mechanisms of cause and effect (or how one cause has many effects, and each effect is itself a cause).

Grasp how comprehending the Buddha's teachings offers essential insight into the true nature of reality, the path to final liberation from all suffering, and the cultivation of profound wisdom and boundless compassion.

See how these ancient teachings offer practical guidance for living a more meaningful life, free from clinging to attachments, and in accordance with ethical principles that benefit all.

This knowledge changes how we see our lives. #rebirth #reincarnation #buddhismpodcast #buddhist

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 p𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 c𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
"At our channel, we are committed to sharing the beauty and wisdom of Buddhist teachings with the purpose of education and inspiration. All our content is created with deep respect for the Buddha’s teachings, aiming to promote understanding, mindfulness, and compassion in everyday life. Our goal is to present the values and practices of Buddhism in a way that is accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. We do not seek to influence or alter anyone’s faith but simply to offer insights into the timeless wisdom of Buddhism as a source of guidance and positivity. This channel is a space for learning, reflection, and connection, guided by the principles of respect, kindness, and truth. If you have any feedback or concerns, we welcome open and respectful dialogue. Thank you for supporting our mission to share the meaningful messages of Buddhism with the world."

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Ludwig van B. Mozart Vivaldi (guitar)


The Buddha's sister Sundari Nanda
Why kill (when you can overkill)? What's the fun of being a guitar heroine unless you can rub it in their face and say, "Hey, look, Men, you may think you're all that, but you can't hold a candle to girls. So step aside and let some ladies in the band already. It's a tale as old as Shakespeare's sister. Did Shakespeare have sister? We'd never know it! If she'd existed and had been more talented than he, we'd still never know it due to implicit bias and sexism ingrained in us. We're losing more than half the talent pool to discrimination. What females never arise to tower in virtuosity, mathematics, STEM in general, to say nothing of all the agonizing loss of creativity in better fields? Don't believe it? Just look at this:

Ludwig van Beethoven "Moonlight Sonata"
(Tina S) It was the summer of 2016 when Tina S decided it was time to record and show people. Ah, what might have been if her brother, Willy, hadn't told her to turn it down and then given her an atomic wedgie and smashed her guitar and sold the broken pieces for cigarettes to smoke with his friends in the backyard knowing that she was sensitive to the smoke and would have to get a better air filter? No, just kidding, little Shakespeare would never do that to his little sis.

Jasmine Star, we need a talent-and-beauty combo

Instagram: tinasetkicinstagram.com/spintwiceof... TikTok: spintwiceofficial. This version of "Moonlight Sonata (Third Movement)" by Beethoven was arranged for electric guitar by Dr. Viossy and played by guitar phenom and possible karmic child prodigy Tina S. It's the Best of Tina S (Sandris Jansons). Oct. 31, 2014: Here's a medley of Tina's best pieces. I'm amazed at Tina's technique. This girl will definitely make a great future [if only she can] keep on shredding!


Vivaldi's "Winter" (metal edition) Chris Joao, 12/18 written 300+ years ago

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Adventures in Church: Full Moon Day

What is Theravada Buddhism? — Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (squarespace.com)
Marching in front of the temple grounds at the LA consecration (srilankafoundation.org)
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It is good to keep the fasting day
The Buddha commended an ancient practice on the subcontinent (proto-India), and that was the lunar observance days (the Sabbaths which includes the Buddhist "Sabbath").

Just as the Abrahamic faiths keep the "Lord's Day" (which had always been Saturday not Sunday, given the very word Sabbath means "Saturday," like the pagan, pre-Christian, Wiccan, Jewish Shabbat, the holy or rest day for spiritual stuff.

The Buddha could see back in time that this custom was very good and should be continued. He gave it a Buddhist spin -- like previous buddhas, observing the Eight Precepts rather than the ordinary daily Five Precepts, fasting (eating only between dawn and noon), practicing intensive meditation, hearing and studying the Dharma and Discipline, the path to liberation pointed out by the Buddha.

He taught a path-of-practice that includes calm and insight meditation (shamatha, the jhanas, satipatthana, and vipassana). These are the practices of:
Rains Retreat (Vassa) schedule lists weekly Dharma
talks and monthly Poya or Lunar Observance Days.
One need not be a wandering ascetic, an austere monastic, a celibate (anagarika), nor a "little nun or monk" (samaneri/samanera) to practice for insight.

It would be nice and could be very helpful to speed things up to fruition, but it is not necessary. That means a normal, ordinary householder (workaday family person with possessions and worldly obligations) can practice what the Buddha taught and advance in this very life. There's no need to wait.

What are the Four Enlightening Truths, particularly the fourth, which is known as the Enlightening Eightfold Path?

Buddha-Vajrapani-Herakles in art Uposatha
The lunar observance day (Uposatha) is the day to find out. It is observed in Los Angeles at many Theravada Buddhist temples of Southeast Asia. One in particular is the Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara. Instead of practicing weekly, it does so monthly on the full moon day or an approximation of it.

Due to scheduling constraints, September's lunar observance day is being conducted today, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, beginning at 8:00 am with a day of scheduled sitting and walking meditations, Dharma talks, lunch, and question and answer periods.

Lunar observances during the three-month Rains Retreat period

We're spiritual seekers in LA looking for Truth
The Rains Retreat continues in Los Angeles, so we trekked over to visit the Mindfulness Meditation Center of the Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara in the suburbs of LA's San Gabriel Valley:
The Center has a vision. It is to bring people to a depth of realization of the Buddha’s path to liberation through direct experience.

Why would anyone be a monk? We should ask.
The Mindfulness Meditation Center – Covina (LABV) is a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist spiritual center dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhist teachings (Dharma) and meditation (bhavana) and is committed to the possibility of liberation for all beings from pain, disappointment, and unsatisfactoriness (collectively called dukkha or "suffering").

American Col. Henry Olcott in old Sri Lanka
The Center welcomes diverse populations. It supports and encourages the development of compassionate action towards everyone for a community based on the ideals, teachings, and practices in the tradition of Theravada Buddhism.
Mission
The Citadel of Sigiriya atop a massive rock in Sri Lanka, once a Buddhist monastery
Maha Moggallana̞, Sri Lanka
Its mission is to provide practitioners with Buddhist teachings to manifest wisdom and compassion in all aspects of life for the benefit of all beings.

It is a spiritual center and a sanctuary dedicated to the study and practice of mindfulness meditation according to the Theravada Buddhist lineage. It provides Los Angeles and neighboring communities with opportunities to practice meditation, study Buddhist teachings, and apply those teachings in the context of daily life.

August's lunar daylong retreat
There are weekly sitting groups, monthly (lunar observance) daylong retreats, and weekly study courses. Invited guest speakers from other Buddhist centers in the United States and around the world supplement the offerings of dedicated local teachers.

The Center supports and encourages compassionate actions locally and globally to help people who are in need of support materially and spiritually around the globe. mindfulnessmeditationcenter.org

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Can Buddhism be summarized in a nutshell?


What is the Buddha-Dharma?
One way to summarize Buddhism, which is vast and varied, broken up into various schools, and differing from country to country is to say that what Buddh-ism ("Awaken-ism") is really a path to enlightenment. Nearly everything else is commentary. Buddhism in a nutshell is the compacted message of the Four Noble Truths. Noble means "enlightened," and the four truths are ennobling = enlightening. Again and again, the Buddha's Teaching (the Doctrine or Dharma of the Awakened One) comes back to this.

Many things are true, but very few lead to bodhi
Students completely misunderstand if they adopt the view that these are four propositions to believe, memorize, repeat, or anything like that. These are not dogmas but fundamental truths about life that lead to the complete end of suffering because all suffering is rooted in ignorance and delusion. Life is an illusion because although things are impermanent, disappointing, and impersonal, we take it to be the exact opposite. Buddhism is not a faith to adopt. It is a path-of-practice to penetrate by calm and insight (samadhi and vipassana or the meditative absorptions and practice of Dependent Origination).

Buddhism is kinda out there, Man
(Exurb1a) In three years this video has garnered 4.1 million views. For those interested in Buddhism, this is some stuff the author certainly got a kick out of over the years: A massive amount of this video comes from a lecture series by Malcolm David Eckel. Listen to it (audible.com/pd/Buddhism...); it's just ace. And no, this is not sponsored.
Geometry for Ocelots
Exurb1a wrote a book, Geometry for Ocelots, where it's the end of history. Humanity transitioned to the era of holy technology. Now humans present as saintly animals, spending their days in meditation and drug-induced euphoria, far from the dark secrets their paradise is founded upon. Then an ancient prophet returns in the form of a troubled young girl. Galactic peace can only last so long. Geometry for Ocelots is the story of two monarch siblings gone to war — a holy empress and an alcoholic dean of a university. With galactic resources dwindling, both believe they hold the answer to the crisis, spiritual salvation
or technological nirvana.

► Other books tinyurl.com/ycnl5bo3.  ► T-shirts, mugs, and sadness ► teespring.com/stores/exurb1a. Exurb1a also makes horrendous music ► exurbia-1exurbia-1 For sending personalized insults ► exurb1a. Help him do this kind of thing full-time for those deranged enough think he should ► patreon.com.
  • Exurb1a, 6/3/21; Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Complete Guide to Buddhism, Mindful Meditation

Seth Auberon, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation) (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Who needs practice when one can just read about it? It's a new year and I want to learn to meditate, be mindful, and reduce stress. I could sit, but that's hard. My mind is curious, and maybe this book writer found something that will make it easier. Could 59 raters be wrong? Yes, but it's better than hitting the cushion too quickly.

Whew, what a title. It's a 3 in 1 bundle in the Kindle Edition by author Harini Anand. It has a 4.4 out of 5 stars with 59 ratings.

Reduce stress while increasing calmness, clarity, and happiness even for complete beginners who are not Buddhists.

Mindfulness and meditation are simple practices available to all... Research over the past two decades by the California State University Department of Psychology broadly supports the claim that the practices have beneficial effects on physical and mental health.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio was quoted as saying, “Meditation more than anything in my life was the biggest ingredient of whatever success I’ve had.”

Plus, one is not required to have "faith" in the Buddha or live secluded in a distant monastery to reap the rewards.

This means anyone can increase wellbeing to deal with stress in a practical way while learning about Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation as one wishes.

This three-in-one bundle includes:
  • Buddhism for Beginners: Ancient Strategies for Lasting Happiness, Overcoming Stress, Anxiety & Developing a Zen Mind in the Modern World
  • Buddhism: Discover Ancient Strategies for Beginners or Advanced to Achieve Lasting Happiness, Mindfulness & Calm Stress in the Modern World
  • How to Meditate: Practicing Mindfulness & Meditation to Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Find Lasting Happiness Even if Your Not Religious, a Beginner or Experienced
[One knows there has to be an editing problem with these books if one of the titles contains a spelling error no one caught, where Your should be You're.]

Key concepts discussed in this bundle include:
  • Over 9 different ways of meditation, choosing the best way for each practitioner
  • What is Buddhism and what do Buddhists believe?
  • Elite level meditations used daily by superstar basketball player Kobe Bryant
  • Top tips for practicing mindfulness in everyday life
  • The benefits of Moving Meditation plus 3 ways to start practicing them now
  • Manage anxiety, stress, depression and sleep
  • Why chasing success and happiness is making us miserable – and what to do instead
  • The three major Buddhist divisions to know about
  • How karma affects everyone and will catch up with us eventually
  • The fastest way to start the spiritual path without living in a temple
  • The Four Noble Truths and how they can end suffering
  • Buddhism for kids to help children learn from our mistakes and live a happy life
  • and much, much more!
The teachings of Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation are straightforward and can be understood by anyone even if not religious. Begin the journey today towards stress-free, happy living with this bundle.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Develop and practice Reiki skills (10/18)

Kerri Draper, Huntington Beach Reiki, Santa Ana, California; Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist MeditationDisclosure Project), Jen B. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Enjoy an evening of meditation, Reiju ("attunement"), and Reiki energy healing. We start the evening with a very brief meditation then practice Reiki on each other, taking turns on the massage table.

The chakras are energy centers of the body.
The instructor attunes everyone during the healing session and is available to work with anyone who wishes. Groups of three form to alternate hands on healing.

This is a great time to meet others in the group and practice healing skills. For those who are new to Reiki, come enjoy a night of healing.

Friday, March 10, 2023

I want to do Yoga. Where can I Practyce?

Practyce.com: unlimited online yoga classes; Holly Saitta, Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly
Yoga's all about being beautiful in fashion brands, isn't it? Practice at home.
.
Go easy without strain. Pain is a warning.
Practyce [not Practice] classes that move you. START YOUR FREE TRIAL. [How much will it cost after that?] Unlimited online yoga and meditation classes $9.99 per month or $99.95 per year. If you don’t love Practyce, cancel anytime. START YOUR FIRST CLASSPRACTYCE.

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PERKS. For less than the cost of one in-studio yoga class, enjoy:
  • On-demand yoga classes
  • Stream yoga and meditation classes anytime and anywhere
  • Member pricing
  • Best pricing year-round on everyday yoga on top brands
  • Exclusive rewards earn 5% reward credits on everyday yoga
  • Receive exclusive offers
  • Learn more yoga styles
  • Immerse yourself in a total mind-body experience without leaving your living room. More + VIDEO
Can men do yoga? Yes, yoga is for everyone. Uniting flexibility, strength, and balance is yoga, each supporting the other. Effort-ease (sthira-sukha) is the key. Lift into the pose then rest in it (Y7).

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Partner Yoga, Monday nights in L.A.

Holly Saitta (kinshipyoga.com, Highland Park, LA), Dhr. Seven (DBM) (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly
Partner Yoga: online Partner Yoga poses and stretches (glo.com)
How to get started with Partner Yoga: A Quick Guide (DoYou.com)
.
Holly in Partner Yoga with Anthony
Weekly Partner Yoga classes are taught by Holly every Monday night at 7:30 pm at Kinship Yoga in Highland Park.

What would be better to develop skill in yoga than sharing the practice with a partner? Develop balance, enthusiasm, strength, and trust twice as fast as trying to go it alone. Partner yoga goes deeper than a solo practice can get, and with guided Thai yoga massage, each partner will be happy to have participated.

Grab a friend, relative, or even a romantic partner to be introduced to the most intimate of all yoga styles. These modalities help develop awareness, strength, flexibility, and relaxation. Mutual practice also encourages trust and communication.

What is "Partner Yoga" between friends?
Classes begin with light partner stretching, using one another to assist in simple poses. The Partner Yoga naturally progresses into fun exercises, organically evolving into some acrobatics in a fun and safe way.

The session is completed with a cool down of assisted Thai Yoga, diving deep into a full body relaxation with some caring massage techniques.

The session is 90 minutes. Bring a mat, BUT a partner is not required. One will be assigned. Prior sign up online is encouraged:
Restorative Yoga Nidra Sound Bath Workshop, March 4th, Kinship Yoga (mindbodyonline.com)