Bon Dancing

August 13, 2009 Will Simpson

"Bon Dancing", number 134 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

"... the "Appalachia effect" - folk culture that has died out at home flourishes in the diaspora."

Yes, how interesting. As someone who is a convert to Zen, my enthusiasm for practice flourishes. Not sure that wold be the case if I grew up in the Orient.

Moods and energy go up and down. This is a sign that life is alive. Why does this sadden me when my energy is down?

I may write the book "Miniatures of a Zen Klutz" but then again I may take the infinity wise advice and "DON'T BOTHER".

Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.

FDR

August 11, 2009 Will Simpson

"FDR", number 133 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

We have entered the last section of the book . So far this section seems to be more ordinary and this miniature seems autobiographical and a bit odd.

FDR was a president that lead the US out of the depression of the early 1930's. Aitken has fond memories of FDR. I wonder what this has to do with "Miniatures of a Zen Master"?

The ordinariness of life is Zen. Feed the dog, go to work and smile. This is Zen. Not everything can be like Health Care Reform (HCR). Big, important and contentious. Yet even the challenges of HCR are made up of 'feeding the dog, going to work and smiling'.

For some reason I sense that in FDR's time there was a lot more unity in the country. Maybe this is just nature human mind, wishing things were different, recasting the past in a positive light. I feel torn apart by all the greed, fear, anger surrounding HCR.

Will a leader emerge to unite the country before implosion?

Optimum Hole Sizes (Inches) for Common Birdhouse Nesting Species

American Kestrel	3
Ash-Throated Flycatcher	1 1/2
Barn Owl	6
Black-Capped Chickadee	1 1/8
Carolina Wren	1 1/2
Downy Woodpecker	1 1/4
Eastern Bluebird	1 1/2
House Finch	2
House Wren	1 1/4
Northern Flicker	2 1/2
Prothonotary Warbler	1 1/8
Purple Martin	2 1/2
Tufted Titmouse	1 1/4
Violet-Green Swallow	1 1/2
White-Breasted Nuthatch	1 1/4

Saint Andrew

August 10, 2009 Will Simpson

"Saint Andrew", number 132 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Completely amazing the world we live in. Robert Aitken, who lives in Hawaii, talks about a statue of St. Andrew that he enjoys and 5 minutes on the internets and I have a picture, a very detailed description a map on how to get there and even a clear aerial photograph. (No google maps street view yet.)

What an amazing world!

St. Andrew being preached to by the fish!

St. Andrew statue

The sculpture was donated by Robbins Battell, Mary Morris Anderson and their children. Carlton Winslow, architect of the Cathedral, designed the fountain, constructed by Mario Valdastri and Son. Ivan Mestrovic designed the statue of St. Andrew the Apostle; Robert Laurent sculpted the fish.

That is the statue in the lower part of the image.

The Empty Space

August 8, 2009 Will Simpson

"The Empty Space", number 131 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Rufus Hummingbird
From WoodenZen

Today seems like a good day for some reflection on this book and my treatment of it.

Like these miniatures, my treatment has been up and down. The quality of my attention to the topics is uneven. "The Empty Space" is about how by creating an empty space of no expectations, we create an unencumbered life. Or "The Empty Space" is about how we can not hide our true nature from the the universe.

Either way, I would have said it differently. And that is the point isn't it. This is Robert Aitken's book not mine. I am so happy to have found Robert even though I've never met him. I've only known him through is writing. That is enough.

This miniature turns out to have a happy ending. But that is not the point. Life ends how it ends. Happy or not is not the point. In the end what matters is moment to moment presence.

Here are some questions I'll ask myself at the end.

Am I awake?
Did I love?
Who is it that is ending?
Was I kind?

Here we go! Why wait! Question everything, especially your preparation for the end.

Go create 'the empty space' life lives in!

The Eight Fold Path

August 8, 2009 Will Simpson

"The Eight Fold Path", number 130 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

The fundamentals.

The Palaka Shirt

August 7, 2009 Will Simpson

"The Palaka Shirt", number 129 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

The Palaka shirt is a traditional Hawaiian shirt. It had a purpose in the past and is still warn by old-timers.

Some things connect us with the past and we often are unaware of the true nature of those connections. Is affinity with one's past, part of one's character? Does poor affinity equal poor character?

What would affinity with one's future be called? Does affinity for one's future equal healthy character?

When I was young I didn't know a past to have affinity for. I only had a future. Now that I'm older the equation is reversed. Lots of past and not so much future. As I get as old as Aitken Roshi, I'll have eons of past and little future.

Or is all this the trick time plays on us?

Forever returning to the question, "Who hears?".

The Mountain Stream

August 6, 2009 Will Simpson

"The Mountain Stream", number 128 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

Today starts "Book IV". The mountain stream in this miniature refers to a comforting talisman the Roshi conjures up. How, why and even the specifics are unimportant.

Let's take this matter up intimately. I carry a snake in my spine. It sure enjoys when I give it attention and stretch it. Usually curled a bit. Loves straightening. During the day and on the zafu. I'm surprised just how intimate this is.