Dedicated to intelligent voting!

This week's prayers and dedications

This week I'm praying about the elections. I know, no politics on this blog! But I am concerned about what I perceive to be disinterest and complacency on the part of the public about politics and the consequences of our actions. The actions of our elected officials are our actions, because they represent us and act on our behalf.

So I'm hoping that: 1. all eligible folks get out and vote, and 2. they vote intelligently and mindfully.

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to those suffering from depression

This week's prayers and dedications

This week I'm again dedicating prayers to those with depression. Just went through another spell of it myself.

May all those with this difficulty find help and comfort. I find this thought helpful:

As stars, blurred vision, candles,
Illusion, dew and bubbles,
Dreams, lightning and clouds --
thus view all phenomena.

Including oneself! It truly helps to think "lightly" of oneself...

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter and Bodhisattva...

This week's prayers and dedications

Just heard last night about the death of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. His shows were favorites of my boys and me, and I consider him a true Bodhisattva. He dedicated his life to conservation, and in one of his shows, when he and his wife discovered a large number of beached whales on a coast of New Zealand, he was so visibly upset and moved, that one could see how much of his heart went into his work. (Perhaps it was no accident that he died by being pierced through the heart...)

May his family be consoled knowing how much good he did for the world, and may his spirit live on.

Om Ah Hum

For the victims of the terrible slaughter in Darfur 

This week's prayers and dedications

This week I pray about the horrible situation in Darfur. The Newshour had a segment about Darfur on Monday that was very disturbing. I can only pray that the situation improves...

Om Ah Hum

For victims of antisemitism as well as those suffering from this disease

This week's prayers and dedications

Incredible antisemitism this week, with the attack and killing in Seattle, and then Mel Gibson's outrageous (as well as sad) outburst. For whatever reason, I react very strongly to antisemitism, with a gut repulsion and almost overwhelming wrath.

There was an article in the New York Times Book Review a couple of Sundays ago on post-war antisemitism in Poland, recounting the slaughter of Jews by Poles after WWII, that so upset me I couldn't finish the article. (And I have many books about the holocaust, which I greatly value, but cannot finish...)

Anyway, I'm praying for the victims of antisemitism, as well as those who suffer from this bigotry, that they may be healed.

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to all vegetarians! One of the best ways to help end global warming. 

This week's prayers and dedications

Everyone should see Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth. This week I'm praying that all on this planet will do their part to reverse global warming, especially in this country, as the US is behind all industrial nations in being eco-friendly.

Even those of us who consider ourselves "green" can do more, one step at a time. Let's all step up to the plate! (How much do you know about global warming? Take this quiz! :)

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to those who fight for our rights

This week's prayers and dedications

This week I'm praying for my countrymen, that they will wake up and fight against this ignorant, exploitative, repressive government. It's really sad to see that citizens of this country are so complacent and willingly give up their rights and don't speak out against the wrongdoing of those in power. I admire those in other countries (France, Mexico, numerous others) that are willing to speak up for their rights.

May we all wake up!

Om Ah Hum

May all find political, religious and economic freedom

This week's prayers and dedications

The Parade Magazine in this Sunday's paper featured stories from immigrants to the U.S. who were escaping persecution and poverty. The first story was one I was familiar with -- the story of a Tibetan Buddhist nun, Ngawang Sangdrol, whose case was protested by the human rights groups I participate in. She was first imprisoned at age 13, and was kept in prison for 11 years, along with other nuns, five of whom were killed.

I'm praying for all who seek political, religious and economic freedom.

Oh Ah Hum

Praying that we all may burn away our negative karma and end all this suffering

This week's prayers and dedications

Last week I did a ngondro retreat, and at one point was overwhelmed by sorrow over whatever it is that causes all of us to suffer so much. I'm praying that I and others can work through this negative karma, and not create more, causing more suffering, and that we can develop compassion for all living beings.

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to those who tirelessly help those in need of medical assistance

This week's prayers and dedications

This week I'm thinking about how often there is a local fundraiser for a sick child or other family member in this small community. Often, there's a person with a sickness that has a very costly cure, and of course so many folks don't have any medical insurance. So there are jars around at the grocery store and other stores, there are fundraising breakfasts or dinners, etc. It's like the old-fashioned community barn raisings, and people never seem to run out of energy and commitment. It's rather inspiring!

May people never tire of these efforts to help others, and may the health care problem in this country be resolved.

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to missing people, and the friends and family who worry and care for them

This week's prayers and dedications

It was this time last year that Nathan went missing from a meditation retreat he was attending in southern Idaho. It was the first sign that we (James & I) recognized that something was very wrong. He showed up a couple of days later at a friend's house, and told us that he believed the people running the retreat were Nazis, were projecting evil thoughts and images into his mind, and he had to leave without letting anyone know, because that was the only way to escape.

A couple of months later, he left Moscow without letting anyone know, hitchhiked to California, and had a complete breakdown there.

Since last year, I've discovered that we are actually very fortunate. Many people have family members that have this kind of breakdown and completely disappear. The family member leaves (in their minds "escapes") and are never heard from again. Very frightening and sad for those that love and care for them...

So, this week I'm saying prayers for those who having missing family or friends, that they may have a positive resolution to this sad situation.

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to those with mental illnesses and their families

This week's prayers and dedications

This week I'm praying for those with mental illnesses. I know of many young people with these difficulties, including my two oldest sons, who most likely have obsessive compulsive disorder. I know so many families going through pain due to family members with mental disorders. May those with these difficulties find relief, and the stigma society attaches to these disorders be lifted so people can better find a cure.

Om Ah Hum

Dedicated to finding a solution to the health care crisis in this country

This week's prayers and dedications

This week is dedicated to those without medical insurance who are falling between the cracks in this country. While looking for scholarships for returning to school, I came across a story of one such woman, who died because she lacked the $500 for a blood transfusion, and no one would cover it. It's absolutely heartbreaking -- the callousness of the medical system in this country. I pray that a solution is implemented soon.

Om Ah Hum