Greetings brothers & sisters of Earth,
Wow. This is harder than I remember. I
was hoping to get this to you earlier, but
even the list software wouldn't work.
As most of you know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
For those interested, you can read more
about that and how it relates to my
"ambitionz az a writer" if you follow this link
So, now that stressed-out negotiators and mailing
list software troubleshooters have prevailed we
can all go back to... to... well, I hope it was good.
But, first, I want you to know.
I love you.
And, I want you to be safe.
So, here's two highly recommended, and FREE,
protection programs to help keep your computer
and you from battling Internet VD.
The first, SpyBot, is anti-spyware, the other
AVG is anti-virus. They are among the best, if
not the best, tools Microsoft Windows users
can use. That includes well-known and non-free
heavyweights like Norton & McAffee Anti-Virus
Mac users... smiling, aren't you. Well,
here's a tip, the most up-to-date source of
OSX software is at Version Tracker.
Windows users, without further ado.
SpyBot Search & Destroy anti-spyware
There is other good anti-spyware, like Spyware
Blaster, & Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, but
you only need one.
AVG Free edition anti-virus:
Windows Defender, which is made by Microsoft,
is also another highly recommended free option.
If you're willing to shell out $40 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0
is the best anti-virus software available according to
Consumer research
By running these applications you might find that some of
your software programs are mysteriously disabled.
That's because it had some secrets.
Even RealPlayer, one-time pioneer, has been called out for
it's use of spyware. Check this link to get spyware-free
RealPlayer.
The quarantine option lets you store suspect files in a safe
place in case you notice software that is no longer working.
You can also re-install software if it's disabled, and you need it.
I hope this helps some of you,
love and light,
SG
p.s. And when you're done, windows users, here's the
windows software link:
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
[The Random Factor #42a] The WGA Strikes Back
Greetings brothers & sisters of Earth,
As most subscribers know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
Now, it is true, I'm not actually a member of
the WGA and clearly I'm not getting any
professional help with The Random Factor, or
otherwise.
And, that's what makes this so difficult.
Long ago I heard this quote
"If you want to be a knight, act like a knight."
That mind-over-matter, decide-your-own-reality
sort of attitude really resonated with me.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to
be a knight.
Instead, I write.
More thoughts on being a knight
Now, imagine my dismay when I discovered some
time ago that the WGA does not consider writing
to be the sole condition for membership.
I can't find it, but I know somebody worthwhile
once said something along the lines of,
"To be a writer one need only write."
Oh semantics, how you soothe.
Unfortunately, the WGA has a more strict
criteria, 24 "units" and $2,500.
Sure, 2,500 people will make their way to
www.Some-Guy.com and www.RandomFacts.org
this very day and they will spend 125 hours
viewing around 15,000 pages of gems like ...
----------------------------------------
"Why do we create the things we create?"
"To be fulfilled."
"Is it fulfilling us?"
"No."
"Are we still chasing it?"
"Yes."
Prem Rawat, Adi Magazine
----------------------------------------
That's nearly one million visitors, 42,000 hours,
and 26 million "hits" a year exploring riddles
and facts and quotes, oh my!
But, these sites clearly were not intended to
be a place for my writing. Which is why I
decided to kick it up a notch with this
newsletter.
However, even while the WGA fought for a piece
of online revenue, receiving millions of web
visitors and thousands of subscribers does
not count as even 1 "unit" towards memebership
apparently as it's not for movies, radio, or
television... or paid. Hey, that just makes it
more challenging!
I guess I have to accept that this medium, while
clearly the future of entertainment, is too easy.
8% of people blog, which makes for at
least 10% of the population who write online.
Tough competition... but, has The Random
Factor been worth reading?
I decided to take a poll.
I guess I thought if I wrote a great newsletter
I'd get published or something. What a dreamer
I am. It occurs to me now I could write a hundred
newsletters, some even good, and not get a lick of
credibility amongst what I understand is a reputable
affiliation of real writers with actual writing jobs.
Now that would be sweet.
And so it was when it dawned on me the first day
of the strike... I've been acting like a writer
this whole time, surely I should take the logical
next step and start acting like a real writer!
Apparently, real writers write books and
screenplays too. It's not as easy as
striking, in fact it's very difficult.
It won't make me happy, but it would seem to
be the natural progression.
I truly appreciate your support, you have
given me confidence to try my best to ramp it
up a notch.
SG
As most subscribers know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
Now, it is true, I'm not actually a member of
the WGA and clearly I'm not getting any
professional help with The Random Factor, or
otherwise.
And, that's what makes this so difficult.
Long ago I heard this quote
"If you want to be a knight, act like a knight."
That mind-over-matter, decide-your-own-reality
sort of attitude really resonated with me.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to
be a knight.
Instead, I write.
More thoughts on being a knight
Now, imagine my dismay when I discovered some
time ago that the WGA does not consider writing
to be the sole condition for membership.
I can't find it, but I know somebody worthwhile
once said something along the lines of,
"To be a writer one need only write."
Oh semantics, how you soothe.
Unfortunately, the WGA has a more strict
criteria, 24 "units" and $2,500.
Sure, 2,500 people will make their way to
www.Some-Guy.com and www.RandomFacts.org
this very day and they will spend 125 hours
viewing around 15,000 pages of gems like ...
----------------------------------------
"Why do we create the things we create?"
"To be fulfilled."
"Is it fulfilling us?"
"No."
"Are we still chasing it?"
"Yes."
Prem Rawat, Adi Magazine
----------------------------------------
That's nearly one million visitors, 42,000 hours,
and 26 million "hits" a year exploring riddles
and facts and quotes, oh my!
But, these sites clearly were not intended to
be a place for my writing. Which is why I
decided to kick it up a notch with this
newsletter.
However, even while the WGA fought for a piece
of online revenue, receiving millions of web
visitors and thousands of subscribers does
not count as even 1 "unit" towards memebership
apparently as it's not for movies, radio, or
television... or paid. Hey, that just makes it
more challenging!
I guess I have to accept that this medium, while
clearly the future of entertainment, is too easy.
8% of people blog, which makes for at
least 10% of the population who write online.
Tough competition... but, has The Random
Factor been worth reading?
I decided to take a poll.
I guess I thought if I wrote a great newsletter
I'd get published or something. What a dreamer
I am. It occurs to me now I could write a hundred
newsletters, some even good, and not get a lick of
credibility amongst what I understand is a reputable
affiliation of real writers with actual writing jobs.
Now that would be sweet.
And so it was when it dawned on me the first day
of the strike... I've been acting like a writer
this whole time, surely I should take the logical
next step and start acting like a real writer!
Apparently, real writers write books and
screenplays too. It's not as easy as
striking, in fact it's very difficult.
It won't make me happy, but it would seem to
be the natural progression.
I truly appreciate your support, you have
given me confidence to try my best to ramp it
up a notch.
SG
[A Random Factor #41] Hope Agreement
Hello 2008, may you experience many good wishes to come true!
Too bad is still news how my oh my writers still not showing up to work to word Random Factor. Hope writer's guild of America happy soon and all be happy.
Some guy so far solidarity because wanting to great screenwriter very much... also a writer not so well by self need help badly for good stuff.
Good luck with writers back soon so until next time with hope this not make writers unhappy because we love them and need them.
SG
Too bad is still news how my oh my writers still not showing up to work to word Random Factor. Hope writer's guild of America happy soon and all be happy.
Some guy so far solidarity because wanting to great screenwriter very much... also a writer not so well by self need help badly for good stuff.
Good luck with writers back soon so until next time with hope this not make writers unhappy because we love them and need them.
SG
Thursday, October 18, 2007
[ The Random Factor#40 (1 of 5)] A closer look at the Dalai Lama's teachings
Greetings brothers and sisters of Earth!
Some guy took a lot of notes when attending
teachings of the Dalai Lama in Hamburg Germany,
July 2007. Discussed more in issue #39.
These notes inspired the following 5 part
series.
Part 1: Emptiness
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 1 Emptiness
The Buddhist term Emptiness describes the
belief that objects have no independent or
"inherent existence." Instead, it's existence
is dependent on other things, your perception
primary among them.
2000 years ago this was no doubt met with
ridicule. "Well, if the pot doesn't exist,
then why don't YOU clean it."
Yet, thousands of years later, science too
realized that it's more accurate to say
the world we perceive is a product of our
mind, not "out there" as our senses would
have us believe.
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity shows
us that the "actual" characteristics of an
object depend on the relative motion of the
observer measuring it.
And, Werner Heisenberg of "Heisenberg's
Uncertainty Principle" said, "The path [of
an electron] comes into existence only when
we observe it."
Richard Feynman showed us that an object
exists as a wave of probability, or energy
with a certain likelihood of appearing
here, or there. This probability wave only
collapses into matter in "reality" when
it is perceived by the mind.
So, at long odds, these monks of 2000 years
ago appear to have been proven correct.
But, if it's true things do not "exist" in
the way we are used to what is the purpose
of focusing on emptiness or anything at all
for that matter?
Since all suffering is caused by ignorant
grasping of the mind to things which are
impermanent and not truly existent, the
recognition that natural phenomenon is
inherently empty is fundamental to the
Buddhist path for freeing the mind and
eliminating suffering.
With this understanding we can release
the mind from grasping at illusions.
The phases to accomplish this are
1) elimination of non-virtuous actions
2) eliminate the mind/ego
3) eliminate everything
Emptiness is not to be confused with
nihilism or nothingness. There is a true
nature of self behind this world and
outside the mind, which is ultimate reality.
see you there,
Some Guy
p.s. Click here to continue reading
about the Dalai Lama's teachings.
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
Some guy took a lot of notes when attending
teachings of the Dalai Lama in Hamburg Germany,
July 2007. Discussed more in issue #39.
These notes inspired the following 5 part
series.
Part 1: Emptiness
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 1 Emptiness
The Buddhist term Emptiness describes the
belief that objects have no independent or
"inherent existence." Instead, it's existence
is dependent on other things, your perception
primary among them.
2000 years ago this was no doubt met with
ridicule. "Well, if the pot doesn't exist,
then why don't YOU clean it."
Yet, thousands of years later, science too
realized that it's more accurate to say
the world we perceive is a product of our
mind, not "out there" as our senses would
have us believe.
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity shows
us that the "actual" characteristics of an
object depend on the relative motion of the
observer measuring it.
And, Werner Heisenberg of "Heisenberg's
Uncertainty Principle" said, "The path [of
an electron] comes into existence only when
we observe it."
Richard Feynman showed us that an object
exists as a wave of probability, or energy
with a certain likelihood of appearing
here, or there. This probability wave only
collapses into matter in "reality" when
it is perceived by the mind.
So, at long odds, these monks of 2000 years
ago appear to have been proven correct.
But, if it's true things do not "exist" in
the way we are used to what is the purpose
of focusing on emptiness or anything at all
for that matter?
Since all suffering is caused by ignorant
grasping of the mind to things which are
impermanent and not truly existent, the
recognition that natural phenomenon is
inherently empty is fundamental to the
Buddhist path for freeing the mind and
eliminating suffering.
With this understanding we can release
the mind from grasping at illusions.
The phases to accomplish this are
1) elimination of non-virtuous actions
2) eliminate the mind/ego
3) eliminate everything
Emptiness is not to be confused with
nihilism or nothingness. There is a true
nature of self behind this world and
outside the mind, which is ultimate reality.
see you there,
Some Guy
p.s. Click here to continue reading
about the Dalai Lama's teachings.
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
[#39 The Random Factor] Teachings of the Dalai Lama
Greetings brothers and sisters of Earth!
For those who do not know, I was fortunate
enough to attend 5 days of teachings with
the Dalai Lama in Hamburg Germany in July.
The topic was Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas, also
known as Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic
Deeds of Bodhisattvas, a text at the heart
of Tibetan Buddhism.
The goal of these writings is to explore
the nature of suffering, and to illuminate
the wisdom that dissolves this suffering
and awakens the Buddha in each of us.
The DL also spent time discussing more
general Buddhist concepts such as:
The three poisons: aggression, passion,
and ignorance.
Right Actions: meditation, insight,
discipline, patience, generosity, and
exertion.
Also discussed, but not fully covered,
were the 37 practices of Bodhisattva's.
Check out this great site for more info
on that. http://sealevel.ns.ca/bodhi/
For today, I will focus, just as the DL
did, on the first eight chapters, pulling
my favorite quotes from each and share
the lessons I took from these teachings.
The first 8 Chapters in the Text:
1) Abandon Belief in Permanence
2) Abandon Belief in Pleasure
3) Abandon Belief in Cleanness
4) Abandoning Pride
5) Bodhisattva Deeds
6) Abandoning Disturbing Emotions
7) Abandoning Attachment to Sense Objects
8) Thoroughly Preparing the Student
1) ----- Abandon belief in permanence -----
We look at the past as having gone so
quickly. Why then do we look into the
future and think that we have so far to
go? - paraphrase stanza 3
I found this particularly profound. So far,
this life has gone so quickly, yet when I
look into the future I don't think of it as
being brief.
This chapter reminds us everything is
impermanent. Possessions, creations, and
lives all pass away in the end... an end
which is not far away. Let go of attachment
to this life and invest yourself in
spiritual practice.
2) ----- Abandon Belief in Pleasure -----
"Ordinary people are bent on pleasure; those
who have pleasure are hard to find. Thus it
is as if transitory beings are pursued by
suffering. " - stanza 29
"The high (people with "good fortune") have
mental suffering; for the common ("bad fortune"
e.g. poor) it comes from the body. Day by day
both kinds of suffering overwhelm people of
this world." - stanza 33
This chapter boils down to the notion that
the world provides more pain than pleasure
and that trying to find contentment through
worldly pleasures is futile.
The truth of this is seen when we recognize
that most of us do not experience pleasure
any significant percentage of the time,
despite the fact that we all would choose
to experience pleasure all the time if it
were that easy.
The problem is, one pleasure is not enough,
we always need more. More fun, more money,
more friends, always more. This text argues
that no worldly pleasure, or pleasure of the
physical body can make you content in that
complete and total, once-and-for-all type
of contentment.
A person who is always seeking more will find
on their last day that they have never found
contentment.
3) ----- Abandon Belief in Cleanness -----
"If, except to some people, a pot of filth
is objectionable, Why would one not think
objectionable that from which the filth
comes (your body)." - stanza 68
The theme of this chapter is that you are
dirty. Filthy, in fact... your body is a
"poop machine" (DL's actual words) and so
is that person you want to get naked. If
you recognize that they are a filth factory
your desire will wane.
I guess I had a problem with this chapter
which uses negative associations with the
body to reduce physical attraction and sexual
desire.
I'm not sure what tradition "your body is a
temple" comes from, but apparently it's not
Buddhist.
This chapter made me wonder just how often
they showered back then.
4) ----- Abandon Belief in Pride -----
Even if you become a king with wealth
and power, what good is this when you die.
- paraphrased stanza 94
All beings are interdependent. Even a king
is dependent on his subjects for his wealth
and power.
Even the rich and powerful are dependent on
the poor. Seeing yourself separate from this
web of interdependence is delusional.
5) ----- Bodhisattva Deeds -----
"Not a single movement of Buddhas is
without reason; even their breathing
Is exclusive for the benefit of
sentient beings" - stanza 101
"Without intention, actions like going
are not seen to have merit and so forth.
In all actions, therefore, the mind
should be understood as paramount."
- stanza 104
"In Bodhisattvas, through their intention,
all actions, virtuous and non-virtuous,
become perfect virtue, because they are
in control of their minds." - stanza 105
"Someone may build a precious reliquary
(temple/church) as high as the world; it
is said, training others to generate the
altruistic intention is more excellent."
- stanza 107
"Just as a physician is not upset with
someone who rages while possessed by a
demon, Buddhas see disturbing emotions
as the enemy, not the person who has
them." - stanza 109
"Just as a mother is especially anxious
about a sick child, Buddhas are especially
compassionate toward the unwise." - stanza
111
"When one thinks of giving gifts, now
there will be a great result, receiving
and giving are like trade for the profit,
which will be criticized." - stanza 120
"Even here, nothing harms one with a
powerful mind, and thus, for such a one,
worldly existence and nirvana are no
different." - stanza 122
The lesson here is that actions of the
enlightened are those supporting the
greater good, not just for one's own
benefit.
The DL said that stains (wrong thoughts)
of the mind obscure this highest state.
Stains of the mind, like all things, are
temporary.
And a mind that is clear can be stained
again. It is for this that a "Buddha" does
not refer to one with a pure mind, but a
person who is constantly engaged in the
practice of removing stains of the mind.
Perfect wisdom is the natural state of the
mind. The stains are temporary obstructions
of this perfect mind. By simply focusing
one's wisdom on a stain we see the stain
and can dissolve it with right thought and
right action.
With a powerful mind, and compassion, the
highest path is walked.
6) ----- Abandoning Disturbing Emotions -----
"Desire's activity is acquisition, anger's
activity is conflict. As wind is to all the
elements, confusion's activity is nurture."
- stanza 127
"Desire is painful, because of not getting.
Anger is painful, through lack of might, and
confusion, through not understanding. Because
of this, these are not recognized." - stanza 128
"Desire is no friend, but seems like one, which
is why you do not fear it. But shouldn't people
particularly rid themselves of a harmful friend?"
- stanza 132
"Anger is lasting and certainly makes one do
grave non-virtue. Thus constant awareness of
their distinctions, will bring to an end
disturbing emotions." - stanza 134
"As the tactile sense [pervades] the body,
confusion is present in them all. By overcoming
confusion, one will also overcome disturbing
emotions." - stanza 135
"Buddha told those with desire that food, clothes
and dwellings are all to be avoided and to remain
close to their spiritual guides." -stanza 138
"Whoever is patient with the source of anger
develops meditation. Saying you fear the source
of good qualities is just foolish of you."
- stanza 148
"Who has gone to the next world having ended
all disparagement? Therefore, consider contempt
preferable to ill deeds." -stanza 149
This chapter tells us that wrong action is a
result of disturbing emotions like greed,
hatred, and envy. Wisdom and mindfulness are
the remedy. With our energy focused on these
pursuits our actions will automatically improve.
7)-- Abandoning Attachment to Sense Objects --
"When there is no end at all to this ocean
of suffering, why are you, childish people,
not afraid of drowning in it?" - stanza 151
"On Earth the maturation of ill deeds is seen
to be only deleterious. Thus to the wise the
world appears similar to the slaughterhouse."
- stanza 157
"If 'insane' means that one's mind is unstable,
what wise person would say that those in
worldly existence are not insane?" - stanza 158
"Since all results will not definitely be
achieved, and those that are will certainly
come to an end, why exhaust yourself for
their sake?" - stanza 161
This chapter affirms that objects don't bring
happiness so why waste your energy on such
pursuits?
Rid yourselves of negative thoughts and
recognize delusions in order to break through
the world of illusion and experience the
profound bliss that lies within.
8) ----- Thoroughly Preparing the Student -----
"Just as friendship between people who disagree
does not last long, desire does not last long,
when all things' faults are recognized." -
stanza 176
"While attached to your own position and
disliking others' positions, you will not
approach nirvana. Neither [kind of] conduct
will bring peace." - stanza 185
"Not acting brings about nirvana; acting again
brings worldly existence. Thus, without
complication, nirvana is easy to attain,
but not the latter." - stanza 186
"How can anyone, who has no aversion to this,
take an interest in pacification? Like [leaving]
home, it is also hard to leave worldly
existence behind." - stanza 187
"First prevent the demeritorious, next prevent
[ideas of a coarse] self. Later prevent views
of all kinds. Whoever knows of this is wise."
- stanza 190
"Just as a barbarian cannot be guided in a
foreign language, ordinary people cannot be
guided except by the way of the ordinary."
- stanza 194
"Correct perception [leads to] the supreme
state, some perception to good rebirths. The
wise thus always expand their intelligence to
think about the inner nature." - stanza 196
"Through knowing reality, even if now one does
not attain nirvana, one will certainly gain it
effortlessly in a later life, as it is with
actions." - stanza 197
"On hearing that the body lacks good qualities,
attachment does not last long. Will not all
disturbing attitudes end by means of this
very path?" - stanza 199
This chapter suggests that from a state of
suffering to Nirvana, from darkness to light,
we can break the cycle of suffering and
reincarnation through the cultivation of
wisdom.
Because...
"Desire based on wisdom is ok." - Dalai Lama
Best of luck whatever your endeavor,
Some Guy
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
For those who do not know, I was fortunate
enough to attend 5 days of teachings with
the Dalai Lama in Hamburg Germany in July.
The topic was Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas, also
known as Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic
Deeds of Bodhisattvas, a text at the heart
of Tibetan Buddhism.
The goal of these writings is to explore
the nature of suffering, and to illuminate
the wisdom that dissolves this suffering
and awakens the Buddha in each of us.
The DL also spent time discussing more
general Buddhist concepts such as:
The three poisons: aggression, passion,
and ignorance.
Right Actions: meditation, insight,
discipline, patience, generosity, and
exertion.
Also discussed, but not fully covered,
were the 37 practices of Bodhisattva's.
Check out this great site for more info
on that. http://sealevel.ns.ca/bodhi/
For today, I will focus, just as the DL
did, on the first eight chapters, pulling
my favorite quotes from each and share
the lessons I took from these teachings.
The first 8 Chapters in the Text:
1) Abandon Belief in Permanence
2) Abandon Belief in Pleasure
3) Abandon Belief in Cleanness
4) Abandoning Pride
5) Bodhisattva Deeds
6) Abandoning Disturbing Emotions
7) Abandoning Attachment to Sense Objects
8) Thoroughly Preparing the Student
1) ----- Abandon belief in permanence -----
We look at the past as having gone so
quickly. Why then do we look into the
future and think that we have so far to
go? - paraphrase stanza 3
I found this particularly profound. So far,
this life has gone so quickly, yet when I
look into the future I don't think of it as
being brief.
This chapter reminds us everything is
impermanent. Possessions, creations, and
lives all pass away in the end... an end
which is not far away. Let go of attachment
to this life and invest yourself in
spiritual practice.
2) ----- Abandon Belief in Pleasure -----
"Ordinary people are bent on pleasure; those
who have pleasure are hard to find. Thus it
is as if transitory beings are pursued by
suffering. " - stanza 29
"The high (people with "good fortune") have
mental suffering; for the common ("bad fortune"
e.g. poor) it comes from the body. Day by day
both kinds of suffering overwhelm people of
this world." - stanza 33
This chapter boils down to the notion that
the world provides more pain than pleasure
and that trying to find contentment through
worldly pleasures is futile.
The truth of this is seen when we recognize
that most of us do not experience pleasure
any significant percentage of the time,
despite the fact that we all would choose
to experience pleasure all the time if it
were that easy.
The problem is, one pleasure is not enough,
we always need more. More fun, more money,
more friends, always more. This text argues
that no worldly pleasure, or pleasure of the
physical body can make you content in that
complete and total, once-and-for-all type
of contentment.
A person who is always seeking more will find
on their last day that they have never found
contentment.
3) ----- Abandon Belief in Cleanness -----
"If, except to some people, a pot of filth
is objectionable, Why would one not think
objectionable that from which the filth
comes (your body)." - stanza 68
The theme of this chapter is that you are
dirty. Filthy, in fact... your body is a
"poop machine" (DL's actual words) and so
is that person you want to get naked. If
you recognize that they are a filth factory
your desire will wane.
I guess I had a problem with this chapter
which uses negative associations with the
body to reduce physical attraction and sexual
desire.
I'm not sure what tradition "your body is a
temple" comes from, but apparently it's not
Buddhist.
This chapter made me wonder just how often
they showered back then.
4) ----- Abandon Belief in Pride -----
Even if you become a king with wealth
and power, what good is this when you die.
- paraphrased stanza 94
All beings are interdependent. Even a king
is dependent on his subjects for his wealth
and power.
Even the rich and powerful are dependent on
the poor. Seeing yourself separate from this
web of interdependence is delusional.
5) ----- Bodhisattva Deeds -----
"Not a single movement of Buddhas is
without reason; even their breathing
Is exclusive for the benefit of
sentient beings" - stanza 101
"Without intention, actions like going
are not seen to have merit and so forth.
In all actions, therefore, the mind
should be understood as paramount."
- stanza 104
"In Bodhisattvas, through their intention,
all actions, virtuous and non-virtuous,
become perfect virtue, because they are
in control of their minds." - stanza 105
"Someone may build a precious reliquary
(temple/church) as high as the world; it
is said, training others to generate the
altruistic intention is more excellent."
- stanza 107
"Just as a physician is not upset with
someone who rages while possessed by a
demon, Buddhas see disturbing emotions
as the enemy, not the person who has
them." - stanza 109
"Just as a mother is especially anxious
about a sick child, Buddhas are especially
compassionate toward the unwise." - stanza
111
"When one thinks of giving gifts, now
there will be a great result, receiving
and giving are like trade for the profit,
which will be criticized." - stanza 120
"Even here, nothing harms one with a
powerful mind, and thus, for such a one,
worldly existence and nirvana are no
different." - stanza 122
The lesson here is that actions of the
enlightened are those supporting the
greater good, not just for one's own
benefit.
The DL said that stains (wrong thoughts)
of the mind obscure this highest state.
Stains of the mind, like all things, are
temporary.
And a mind that is clear can be stained
again. It is for this that a "Buddha" does
not refer to one with a pure mind, but a
person who is constantly engaged in the
practice of removing stains of the mind.
Perfect wisdom is the natural state of the
mind. The stains are temporary obstructions
of this perfect mind. By simply focusing
one's wisdom on a stain we see the stain
and can dissolve it with right thought and
right action.
With a powerful mind, and compassion, the
highest path is walked.
6) ----- Abandoning Disturbing Emotions -----
"Desire's activity is acquisition, anger's
activity is conflict. As wind is to all the
elements, confusion's activity is nurture."
- stanza 127
"Desire is painful, because of not getting.
Anger is painful, through lack of might, and
confusion, through not understanding. Because
of this, these are not recognized." - stanza 128
"Desire is no friend, but seems like one, which
is why you do not fear it. But shouldn't people
particularly rid themselves of a harmful friend?"
- stanza 132
"Anger is lasting and certainly makes one do
grave non-virtue. Thus constant awareness of
their distinctions, will bring to an end
disturbing emotions." - stanza 134
"As the tactile sense [pervades] the body,
confusion is present in them all. By overcoming
confusion, one will also overcome disturbing
emotions." - stanza 135
"Buddha told those with desire that food, clothes
and dwellings are all to be avoided and to remain
close to their spiritual guides." -stanza 138
"Whoever is patient with the source of anger
develops meditation. Saying you fear the source
of good qualities is just foolish of you."
- stanza 148
"Who has gone to the next world having ended
all disparagement? Therefore, consider contempt
preferable to ill deeds." -stanza 149
This chapter tells us that wrong action is a
result of disturbing emotions like greed,
hatred, and envy. Wisdom and mindfulness are
the remedy. With our energy focused on these
pursuits our actions will automatically improve.
7)-- Abandoning Attachment to Sense Objects --
"When there is no end at all to this ocean
of suffering, why are you, childish people,
not afraid of drowning in it?" - stanza 151
"On Earth the maturation of ill deeds is seen
to be only deleterious. Thus to the wise the
world appears similar to the slaughterhouse."
- stanza 157
"If 'insane' means that one's mind is unstable,
what wise person would say that those in
worldly existence are not insane?" - stanza 158
"Since all results will not definitely be
achieved, and those that are will certainly
come to an end, why exhaust yourself for
their sake?" - stanza 161
This chapter affirms that objects don't bring
happiness so why waste your energy on such
pursuits?
Rid yourselves of negative thoughts and
recognize delusions in order to break through
the world of illusion and experience the
profound bliss that lies within.
8) ----- Thoroughly Preparing the Student -----
"Just as friendship between people who disagree
does not last long, desire does not last long,
when all things' faults are recognized." -
stanza 176
"While attached to your own position and
disliking others' positions, you will not
approach nirvana. Neither [kind of] conduct
will bring peace." - stanza 185
"Not acting brings about nirvana; acting again
brings worldly existence. Thus, without
complication, nirvana is easy to attain,
but not the latter." - stanza 186
"How can anyone, who has no aversion to this,
take an interest in pacification? Like [leaving]
home, it is also hard to leave worldly
existence behind." - stanza 187
"First prevent the demeritorious, next prevent
[ideas of a coarse] self. Later prevent views
of all kinds. Whoever knows of this is wise."
- stanza 190
"Just as a barbarian cannot be guided in a
foreign language, ordinary people cannot be
guided except by the way of the ordinary."
- stanza 194
"Correct perception [leads to] the supreme
state, some perception to good rebirths. The
wise thus always expand their intelligence to
think about the inner nature." - stanza 196
"Through knowing reality, even if now one does
not attain nirvana, one will certainly gain it
effortlessly in a later life, as it is with
actions." - stanza 197
"On hearing that the body lacks good qualities,
attachment does not last long. Will not all
disturbing attitudes end by means of this
very path?" - stanza 199
This chapter suggests that from a state of
suffering to Nirvana, from darkness to light,
we can break the cycle of suffering and
reincarnation through the cultivation of
wisdom.
Because...
"Desire based on wisdom is ok." - Dalai Lama
Best of luck whatever your endeavor,
Some Guy
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
Sunday, August 26, 2007
[#38 The Random Factor] Return of the Unenlightened Part 1
Greetings brothers and sisters of Earth!
There and back, the whirlwind in Europe
has come to an end. There is much to
share after a week of fun and a week
of teachings with the Dalai Lama in
Hamburg Germany
http://www.dalailama-hamburg.de/
First let me say to those who were hoping
for regular updates on my trip, sorry not
my style. Some people like to chronicle,
I'm after the essence.
This requires my to "ERE" Experience,
Reflect, Express, or maybe "APC", Absorb
Ponder, Create. I took notes throughout
but instead of posting these as they come I
prefer to take a step back and look at all
the moments and see the patterns and find
a way to weave them together in more
interesting ways.
Let's see how it goes...
The Dalai Lama was an absolutely joyous being.
He laughed a lot even at times when it
seemed totally inappropriate, such as when
he was asked to provide insight into solving
problems in the Middle East.
His answer was dialogue and compassion. He
finished by saying that he hopes they
can work out their differences, "but maybe
that is just a dream" [breaks into laughter]
I had the feeling that he sees trying to
answer questions on issues such as the Middle
East about as logical as the events themselves.
Key points of his teachings are that life
is suffering and that physical reality is
in it's essence an illusion which is why
it's ultimately unsatisfying.
Yet everywhere he goes people him for logical
solutions that will transform the world of
suffering into something else.
It's like asking a top football (American
football) coach how we can watch football
without seeing the giant men smashing into
each other all the time.
"Peace can come to be only through inner peace "
- Dalai Lama
Therefore, peace manifests on a heart-by-heart
basis. As my teacher says "There will be peace
on Earth when there is peace in the hearts of
all people." You, however, don't have to wait
that long.
A cause does not exist without a result, and
so too a result does not exist without a cause.
Since they are dependent we know that to avoid
a result, avoid the cause. To avoid a cause,
be mindful of the result. To manifest a result,
manifest the cause. - paraphrased
The Dalai Lama started off with a disclaimer.
"If you have a great expectation [for these
talks] big mistake. I have nothing to offer.
No miracle powers, [that's] nonsense."
- Dalai Lama
This was pretty funny considering I went
halfway around the world to attend 5 days of
teachings on a book called "400 verses on the
Practices of Attaining Enlightenment." If
"I have nothing to offer" was in the
promotional material I sure missed it.
But, I was not disappointed mainly since for
me this was a cultural experience and a good
old-fashioned adventure. I never had any
expectation of being enlightened by words.
I've tried it already, if words did the
trick I'd be enlightened already.
This was the motivation for issue #34
http://the-random-factor.blogspot.com/2007/06/thoughts-on-thoughts.html
The Dalai Lama also had a warning. Generally
speaking, people from other traditions should
not become Buddhist because all religions have
some truth in them and switching religions
later in life often leads to confusion, the
exact opposite of the clarity we are seeking.
He said if one does desire to become Buddhist
because their religion does not serve them
it is most important to still respect the
tradition from which we came and not get
negative on it as it still serves other
people. The tendency is to be critical to
justify your change, this is not good. It
is important to respect all traditions and
recognize that they give hope and comfort to
humanity.
I never had any intention of becoming Buddhist.
Truth manifests in all forms and realizing this
I guess I am a Perspectivist. I'm not looking
for a religion to explain the way the world works.
I am looking for a world-view that explains why
all religions work for some people and no religion
works for all. I find I get a much better view of
how the world "really is" by looking from as many
points-of-view as possible.
This is, of course, the motivation behind the
"Random Viewpoint Dispenser" at
http://www.some-guy.com/viewpoints/random.php
Of course, it seems obvious that while all
perspectives might be true to some degree,
some are more true than others.
The Tibetan Buddhist way is very peaceful and
loving and the vibe of the event was really
beautiful. The monks chanting to open each day
was one of the highlights for me. Science is
just beginning to recognize the power of
vibrational therapies in healing. They ought
to be taking classes from these monks.
The week was broken up in two sections, 2 days
of public talk, and 5 days study of the 1800-
2000 (conflicting reports) year old text by
Aryadeva, "The 400 stanzas concerning the
practices on the way to enlightenment"
My impression was people connected very strongly
with the Dalai Lama himself and the public talk,
and not so much with the text itself.
This feeling was shared by the people I went
with, and talked to, and supported by the
massive line of people at the coffee stand
during the teachings of the text.
It had never before been taught in the West.
Certainly much of the meaning of the text was
lost in translation as it was written originally
in Sanskrit, a text which was lost but preserved
(re-written?) in Tibetan, which was then
translated for me in English.
Of course, the Dalai Lama has been studying
this text for over 65 years and he said it
is very complicated, some of it even he doesn't
understand.
In my humble opinion, if something can not be
understood after 65 years of study, it's
probably time to consider that those parts
just don't make sense.
I was just going to ignore most of the text
and give you just the gems but a good friend
has said I really should give you all a taste
of the text and my actual experience.
So, I opened randomly to stanza 378
"If through flaws concerning emptiness
[things] were established as not empty, why
would emptiness not be established through
flaws concerning lack of emptiness?" -
stanza 378
Eventually I began to understand that
"emptiness" refers to a lack of inherent
existence of objects in conventional reality.
Does that help?
Let me try again. Since multiple people
perceive a single object differently, it's
characteristics must be in the mind of the
observer and not the object itself. Objects
in conventional reality then is said to have
no inherent existence.
The fact that all phenomenon share this lack
of inherent existence is the Buddhist meaning
of "emptiness," which is not to be confused
with nothingness.
So, then... stanza 378
"If through flaws concerning emptiness
[things] were established as not empty, why
would emptiness not be established through
flaws concerning lack of emptiness?"
Make sense yet?
Well, you can see my challenge in extracting
the essence from these teachings, but I will
try my best.
There is one sneaky possibility that may be
the real reason for the abstract and "subtle"
nature of this book. Perhaps like the Karate
Kid's wax-on wax-off this text has an
ulterior motive. Instead of training the body
and mind as wax-on wax-off did, this text
pacifies the mind in a sort of philosophical
stupor keeping the mind occupied on harmless
pondering rather than leave it open for more
destructive thoughts of violence, envy, and
greed.
If you find it hard to believe that the mind
should be pacified this way, pay attention to the
final quote I've included, and to the teachings
in general.
My belief is that meditation is either the
only or the fastest path to enlightenment.
Yet, the mind will do what the mind does,
so while students aren't meditating perhaps
these teachers have found a good way to keep
the mind busy... just a thought.
Certainly, meditation doesn't seem so difficult
when compared to understanding this text.
After looking at the nearly 15 pages I've
written so far, I've decided to break this
into, at least, 3 sections.
Part 1: Overview, and some random quotes
Part 2: Dive into the teachings in detail
Part 3: My experiences, my missions
including your(?) awesome gift, and the
really great folks I met on this trip.
-------------Random Quotes--------------
The Dalai Lama told a story about a monk who
escaped after spending 18 years in a Chinese
prison. The monk said "There were times when
I faced danger." The Dalai Lama asked "What
kind of danger?" And the monk responded,
"there were times where I almost lost
compassion for the Chinese."
One attendee asked, "How can we expect to
love our enemies when we often don't love
ourselves." The Dalai Lama laughed and said,
"First you must love yourself, then love your
friends, then love your neighbors, then you
can learn to love your enemy."
"Compassion with wisdom and you are ok,
compassion without wisdom can still be foolish."
- Dalai Lama
"Desire based in wisdom is ok." - Dalai Lama
"Once we practice compassion, understanding
comes." - Dalai Lama
"When one is focused on compassion, what room
is there for anything else?" - Dalai Lama
"The best thing you can do is provide the
maximum affection to your children."
- Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama told stories of monks who at death
did not begin to decay, according to the Dalai
Lama a result of having a most powerful mind.
One monk is said to have simply evaporated into
nothingness... or should I say into emptiness,
wait, he must have disintegrated into
"ultimate reality."
"90% of anger is projection, how we feel about
what has been done, not what has been done."
- Dalai Lama
"Human beings are in doubt thanks to the
powerful ability to think." - Dalai Lama
I love that one...
love and light,
Some Guy
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
There and back, the whirlwind in Europe
has come to an end. There is much to
share after a week of fun and a week
of teachings with the Dalai Lama in
Hamburg Germany
http://www.dalailama-hamburg.de/
First let me say to those who were hoping
for regular updates on my trip, sorry not
my style. Some people like to chronicle,
I'm after the essence.
This requires my to "ERE" Experience,
Reflect, Express, or maybe "APC", Absorb
Ponder, Create. I took notes throughout
but instead of posting these as they come I
prefer to take a step back and look at all
the moments and see the patterns and find
a way to weave them together in more
interesting ways.
Let's see how it goes...
The Dalai Lama was an absolutely joyous being.
He laughed a lot even at times when it
seemed totally inappropriate, such as when
he was asked to provide insight into solving
problems in the Middle East.
His answer was dialogue and compassion. He
finished by saying that he hopes they
can work out their differences, "but maybe
that is just a dream" [breaks into laughter]
I had the feeling that he sees trying to
answer questions on issues such as the Middle
East about as logical as the events themselves.
Key points of his teachings are that life
is suffering and that physical reality is
in it's essence an illusion which is why
it's ultimately unsatisfying.
Yet everywhere he goes people him for logical
solutions that will transform the world of
suffering into something else.
It's like asking a top football (American
football) coach how we can watch football
without seeing the giant men smashing into
each other all the time.
"Peace can come to be only through inner peace "
- Dalai Lama
Therefore, peace manifests on a heart-by-heart
basis. As my teacher says "There will be peace
on Earth when there is peace in the hearts of
all people." You, however, don't have to wait
that long.
A cause does not exist without a result, and
so too a result does not exist without a cause.
Since they are dependent we know that to avoid
a result, avoid the cause. To avoid a cause,
be mindful of the result. To manifest a result,
manifest the cause. - paraphrased
The Dalai Lama started off with a disclaimer.
"If you have a great expectation [for these
talks] big mistake. I have nothing to offer.
No miracle powers, [that's] nonsense."
- Dalai Lama
This was pretty funny considering I went
halfway around the world to attend 5 days of
teachings on a book called "400 verses on the
Practices of Attaining Enlightenment." If
"I have nothing to offer" was in the
promotional material I sure missed it.
But, I was not disappointed mainly since for
me this was a cultural experience and a good
old-fashioned adventure. I never had any
expectation of being enlightened by words.
I've tried it already, if words did the
trick I'd be enlightened already.
This was the motivation for issue #34
http://the-random-factor.blogspot.com/2007/06/thoughts-on-thoughts.html
The Dalai Lama also had a warning. Generally
speaking, people from other traditions should
not become Buddhist because all religions have
some truth in them and switching religions
later in life often leads to confusion, the
exact opposite of the clarity we are seeking.
He said if one does desire to become Buddhist
because their religion does not serve them
it is most important to still respect the
tradition from which we came and not get
negative on it as it still serves other
people. The tendency is to be critical to
justify your change, this is not good. It
is important to respect all traditions and
recognize that they give hope and comfort to
humanity.
I never had any intention of becoming Buddhist.
Truth manifests in all forms and realizing this
I guess I am a Perspectivist. I'm not looking
for a religion to explain the way the world works.
I am looking for a world-view that explains why
all religions work for some people and no religion
works for all. I find I get a much better view of
how the world "really is" by looking from as many
points-of-view as possible.
This is, of course, the motivation behind the
"Random Viewpoint Dispenser" at
http://www.some-guy.com/viewpoints/random.php
Of course, it seems obvious that while all
perspectives might be true to some degree,
some are more true than others.
The Tibetan Buddhist way is very peaceful and
loving and the vibe of the event was really
beautiful. The monks chanting to open each day
was one of the highlights for me. Science is
just beginning to recognize the power of
vibrational therapies in healing. They ought
to be taking classes from these monks.
The week was broken up in two sections, 2 days
of public talk, and 5 days study of the 1800-
2000 (conflicting reports) year old text by
Aryadeva, "The 400 stanzas concerning the
practices on the way to enlightenment"
My impression was people connected very strongly
with the Dalai Lama himself and the public talk,
and not so much with the text itself.
This feeling was shared by the people I went
with, and talked to, and supported by the
massive line of people at the coffee stand
during the teachings of the text.
It had never before been taught in the West.
Certainly much of the meaning of the text was
lost in translation as it was written originally
in Sanskrit, a text which was lost but preserved
(re-written?) in Tibetan, which was then
translated for me in English.
Of course, the Dalai Lama has been studying
this text for over 65 years and he said it
is very complicated, some of it even he doesn't
understand.
In my humble opinion, if something can not be
understood after 65 years of study, it's
probably time to consider that those parts
just don't make sense.
I was just going to ignore most of the text
and give you just the gems but a good friend
has said I really should give you all a taste
of the text and my actual experience.
So, I opened randomly to stanza 378
"If through flaws concerning emptiness
[things] were established as not empty, why
would emptiness not be established through
flaws concerning lack of emptiness?" -
stanza 378
Eventually I began to understand that
"emptiness" refers to a lack of inherent
existence of objects in conventional reality.
Does that help?
Let me try again. Since multiple people
perceive a single object differently, it's
characteristics must be in the mind of the
observer and not the object itself. Objects
in conventional reality then is said to have
no inherent existence.
The fact that all phenomenon share this lack
of inherent existence is the Buddhist meaning
of "emptiness," which is not to be confused
with nothingness.
So, then... stanza 378
"If through flaws concerning emptiness
[things] were established as not empty, why
would emptiness not be established through
flaws concerning lack of emptiness?"
Make sense yet?
Well, you can see my challenge in extracting
the essence from these teachings, but I will
try my best.
There is one sneaky possibility that may be
the real reason for the abstract and "subtle"
nature of this book. Perhaps like the Karate
Kid's wax-on wax-off this text has an
ulterior motive. Instead of training the body
and mind as wax-on wax-off did, this text
pacifies the mind in a sort of philosophical
stupor keeping the mind occupied on harmless
pondering rather than leave it open for more
destructive thoughts of violence, envy, and
greed.
If you find it hard to believe that the mind
should be pacified this way, pay attention to the
final quote I've included, and to the teachings
in general.
My belief is that meditation is either the
only or the fastest path to enlightenment.
Yet, the mind will do what the mind does,
so while students aren't meditating perhaps
these teachers have found a good way to keep
the mind busy... just a thought.
Certainly, meditation doesn't seem so difficult
when compared to understanding this text.
After looking at the nearly 15 pages I've
written so far, I've decided to break this
into, at least, 3 sections.
Part 1: Overview, and some random quotes
Part 2: Dive into the teachings in detail
Part 3: My experiences, my missions
including your(?) awesome gift, and the
really great folks I met on this trip.
-------------Random Quotes--------------
The Dalai Lama told a story about a monk who
escaped after spending 18 years in a Chinese
prison. The monk said "There were times when
I faced danger." The Dalai Lama asked "What
kind of danger?" And the monk responded,
"there were times where I almost lost
compassion for the Chinese."
One attendee asked, "How can we expect to
love our enemies when we often don't love
ourselves." The Dalai Lama laughed and said,
"First you must love yourself, then love your
friends, then love your neighbors, then you
can learn to love your enemy."
"Compassion with wisdom and you are ok,
compassion without wisdom can still be foolish."
- Dalai Lama
"Desire based in wisdom is ok." - Dalai Lama
"Once we practice compassion, understanding
comes." - Dalai Lama
"When one is focused on compassion, what room
is there for anything else?" - Dalai Lama
"The best thing you can do is provide the
maximum affection to your children."
- Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama told stories of monks who at death
did not begin to decay, according to the Dalai
Lama a result of having a most powerful mind.
One monk is said to have simply evaporated into
nothingness... or should I say into emptiness,
wait, he must have disintegrated into
"ultimate reality."
"90% of anger is projection, how we feel about
what has been done, not what has been done."
- Dalai Lama
"Human beings are in doubt thanks to the
powerful ability to think." - Dalai Lama
I love that one...
love and light,
Some Guy
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
[#37] [The Random Factor] Rejuvenative Foods & the Dalai Lama
Greetings brothers and sisters of Earth!
It's been quite a month. My favorite brother
got married on 7/7/07. I love you bro, thanks
for the sister! I guess I owe you one...
Then I spent last weekend at Energy Park a
gathering of individuals, non-profits and
commercial organizations providing expertise,
knowledge, and materials on renewable energy
at the Oregon Country Fair.
There were groups showing off everything from
electric cars and bicycles to green building
and passive solar home design that minimizes
the amount of energy required to heat and cool
homes. Energy Park promoted everything from
wind-power projects for villages in Nicaragua,
to solar (PV) panels, to tons of information
on organic agriculture.
Let me know what you'd like to hear about first,
I'll probably cover a bunch of these topics in
the months to come. Why?
Renewable Energy Is Homeland Security!
However, today I am getting ready for the trip
to see the Dalai Lama in Germany and also attempt
to personally deliver him some Ambrosia...
I want to thank the 5 (out of 2,724) who
made contributions to this trip. For you the
awesome .00183% who showed me some support I
have some good news... and some bad news.
The good news is you have a great chance of
winning a gift from my trip.
The bad news is it will most certainly not be
lavish : )
It's perfectly fine by me it's worked out
this way. I AM GOING! I felt a little like
a tool asking for contributions in the first
place, I learned of the ongoing problems in
Tibet and felt like a machine shop.
Bottom line is it's pretty ridiculous for me
to not be selling ANYTHING after so long...
so I'm working on that. I think I have a pretty
good idea, I'll tell you about it sometime.
In the meanwhile I feel good knowing that those
of you kind enough to support me are probably
supporting
http://www.supportteamtibet.org
http://www.2008-freetibet.org/
Those of you who were in it for the prize,
GOOD LUCK!
By the way, if you want to help the Tibetans,
remember passing on information is hugely valuable
folks! Help me out at the same time by passing on
the last issue of the Random Factor now online
The biggest thanks goes to Rejuvenative foods
which, thanks to a work-trade, helped me to
manifest this incredible experience.
It's a great excuse to look a little closer at
raw food and the fascinating human machine.
Sources (mostly copied) from:
Rejuvenative foods
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Wikipedia
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
I hate spam as much as you do
It's been quite a month. My favorite brother
got married on 7/7/07. I love you bro, thanks
for the sister! I guess I owe you one...
Then I spent last weekend at Energy Park a
gathering of individuals, non-profits and
commercial organizations providing expertise,
knowledge, and materials on renewable energy
at the Oregon Country Fair.
There were groups showing off everything from
electric cars and bicycles to green building
and passive solar home design that minimizes
the amount of energy required to heat and cool
homes. Energy Park promoted everything from
wind-power projects for villages in Nicaragua,
to solar (PV) panels, to tons of information
on organic agriculture.
Let me know what you'd like to hear about first,
I'll probably cover a bunch of these topics in
the months to come. Why?
Renewable Energy Is Homeland Security!
However, today I am getting ready for the trip
to see the Dalai Lama in Germany and also attempt
to personally deliver him some Ambrosia...
I want to thank the 5 (out of 2,724) who
made contributions to this trip. For you the
awesome .00183% who showed me some support I
have some good news... and some bad news.
The good news is you have a great chance of
winning a gift from my trip.
The bad news is it will most certainly not be
lavish : )
It's perfectly fine by me it's worked out
this way. I AM GOING! I felt a little like
a tool asking for contributions in the first
place, I learned of the ongoing problems in
Tibet and felt like a machine shop.
Bottom line is it's pretty ridiculous for me
to not be selling ANYTHING after so long...
so I'm working on that. I think I have a pretty
good idea, I'll tell you about it sometime.
In the meanwhile I feel good knowing that those
of you kind enough to support me are probably
supporting
http://www.supportteamtibet.org
http://www.2008-freetibet.org/
Those of you who were in it for the prize,
GOOD LUCK!
By the way, if you want to help the Tibetans,
remember passing on information is hugely valuable
folks! Help me out at the same time by passing on
the last issue of the Random Factor now online
The biggest thanks goes to Rejuvenative foods
which, thanks to a work-trade, helped me to
manifest this incredible experience.
It's a great excuse to look a little closer at
raw food and the fascinating human machine.
Sources (mostly copied) from:
Rejuvenative foods
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Wikipedia
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
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