Deborah Pearce - Living Spaces -'s Blog

head_left_image

Kelowna Buddhist Temple * Yitung * No Talking is Talking * The Lesson That Took A Year

(Master Zhing Ru has now moved on, taking the temple furniture with her. We miss her presence and gathering at this marvelous place.)

 

"No Talking is Talking?" Master Ru had me at her opening statement.

All year she was not giving her teachings during the services at Yitung Temple. She is wonderful to listen to - her wisdom and beauty shines through her speaking dialect. I missed her  simply wise teachings.

 

My aha! came clearly at the opening celebration of the Chinese New Year Jan 20.

Last year she spoke of silence. I didn't expect a year of it! But now I realize that was her intention!

"No Teaching is Teaching"

She wanted us to learn to empty ourselves. She explained how Buddha sat under the Bodhi Tree for six years in silence. At the end he realized we are all enlightened - the divine nature is in us all. He was not, is not, god any more than the rest of us - or any less. The golden statues in the temple are reminders of the golden inner life, not idols of worship.

I find much value in the practices and teachings. Bowing is an expression of honoring the light and life of the divine in humanity, connectedly and collectively.

Even though the lesson went right over my head for the year, it did impact me. I have been learning to become more aware of the sacred inner nature where life truly lives, while emptying out the temporal daily trappings.

My discovery - Being full is being empty - and empty, full.   Then after this disovery, as puzzling as it may sound, is this - there is no emptiness and likewise, no fullness! Life is.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Apparently in Chinese Buddhist tradition there are 3 New Year ceremonies, each 2 weeks apart.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration, Seattle, Washington, USA
Chinese New Year Celebration, Seattle, Washington, USA
Merrill, John &...
Buy Here

Chinese New Year Celebration, Seattle, Washington, USA
Chinese New Year Celebration, Seattle, Washington, USA
Merrill, John &...
Buy Prints Here


CHINESE DRAGON ART

Deborah Pearce of Kelowna BC has over 20 years diversity in Business, Administration, Sales, Retail and Property Styling experiences with locals and internationals.

Find over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors at  http://www.living-spaces-design.com/interiordesign.html

Photo courtesy of Catherine Kennedy 

Visitors may comment or address any enquiries in the comment box below - thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

6 commentsDeborah Pearce • January 22 2008 03:49PM

Comments

Deborah, These places are so beautiful, I love being in them and just spending time there--peaceful!  I remember hearing that simple but profound lesson too, they have wonderful traditions that I also love.
Posted by Laura Cerrano and Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City/Feng Shui Manhattan ) over 4 years ago

Deborah,

Nice post.  I agree... the divine nature is in us all.  I'm just going to read this a few more times and soak it in.

Thanks

Posted by Martin Abeshaus (JAE Commercial Cleaning Services) over 4 years ago
hi Carole - the temples are indeed very peaceful places. When I go, I feel the release of all tensions in the simple act of bowing at the entry to the sanctuary.
Posted by Deborah Pearce (Styling, Staging, Sales and Business. ) over 4 years ago

Martin Thank You for your thoughtful comments

gong xi fa cai

Posted by Deborah Pearce (Styling, Staging, Sales and Business. ) over 4 years ago
Deborah:  This may be what I've been looking for... somewhere to just be at peace with humanity, my inner being; somewhere just to sort of breathe and not have to talk or explain myself.
Posted by Jan Wood (None) over 4 years ago

Hi Jan - I have found the various practices of meditation very valuable for finding that place of peace within.

Your comment is a very beautiful expression - I do hope you establish these things for yourself!

Posted by Deborah Pearce (Styling, Staging, Sales and Business. ) over 4 years ago

This blog does not allow anonymous comments