Meditation & Health

FREE
Summer/Autumn 2012 Vol.2No.2
1 Meditation & Health
Editors Letter
Set to the soothing sound of soulful music, Master JinBodhi's empowering guidance will transport you to the infinite Universe of ultimate illumination. As accessible as it is profound, this meditation is cherished by millions as a remedy for illness, a secret to lasting health, a portal to wisdom and higher consciousness, and a pathway to enlightenment. For complimentary downloading, please visit www.puti.ca. To purchase a copy of this DVD/CD, please contact a Bodhi Meditation Center. 2 Meditation & Health See Global Bodhi Meditation Centers on page 96.
Meditation Master JinBodhi's Dharma Practices
Insight
We are in the midst of it 2012. And while some may have a vision of doom, countless souls are celebrating their commitment to walking a path of ascension, of higher consciousness, and those who practice Bodhi Meditation are certainly among them. What this year represents to many is an intensification of their spiritual journey, a more profound listening to the rhythm and messages of the Universe. Master JinBodhi lends his wise words to the idea of listening more deeply, not only to the people in our lives, but to every animal, plant, stone and grain of sand that make our world. The secrets of the Universe, the energy that exists in everything, are available to those who hold themselves in a state of quiet receptivity. Such a state also reveals the secrets of our own body, the wisdom that is everpresent in the Divine temple animated by the soul, ready and willing to lead us to perfect health. Helping ones children to walk an authentic path of well-being is also made possible by profoundly tuning in to their unique truth. In the words of Master JinBodhi, We need to feel the world, to listen to the world and to make use of the world out of love.Listening with ones heart is a principle that can be applied to all areas of life, from relationships to careers. An open heart receives limitless knowledge, energy and assistance from Nature. We at Bodhi Meditation continue to work to broaden our view of the Universe, and in keeping with that aim have decided to rename our magazine Meditation & Health in order to better reflect the expansive and diverse nature of the publication. In that spirit, and to assist you on your intensifying journey into an ascended consciousness, we call upon the wisdom of the ancient Mayans, aided by a modern authority on their mysterious calendar. We also stop by the pyramids of Egypt and the Dunhuang Caves of China for inspirational and resplendent examples of ancient communication between people and the unseen forces of the Universe. And in the here and now, we examine consciousness from a scientific standpoint, and the relevance of prostration to a happy and healthy life. As ever, Bodhi Meditation practitioners of all ages and life paths, from Vancouver to Taiwan, Singapore to New York and beyond, share their stories of physical, mental, and spiritual healing and transformation. Their realization of renewed health and perspective represents those possibilities within us all, for as we awaken to oneness we understand that the illumination of a single being represents our collective illumination, a spark that is the unified flame. It begins when we listen to the world with love. Melia McClure Editor
Please pass your copy on to friends or a local library.
20 46 72 76
Fe atu re s
16 22
LISTEN TO THE WORLD WITH LOVE
Master JinBodhi lends his wisdom to the idea of profoundly listening to the voice of the Universe
Meditation & Health

Publisher Puti Meditation College (Canada) Ltd. www.puti.ca (604) 276-2883 editor.engmag@puti.ca 150-7740 Alderbridge Way Richmond, BC V6X 2A3 Canada Printed in Taiwan. Statement of Purpose Meditation & Health is dedicated to the in-depth understanding and sharing of a spiritually conscious way of living a healthy and happy life. We believe that the practices and attitudes introduced in the articles serve as stepping stones on the spiritual path to ultimate enlightenment. Advisory Committee Dannia Hu, Alberta Lee, Joseph Lin, Momo, Lotus Seed Editors Melia McClure, Lotus Seed Graphic Designer Kennis Qin Copy Editor Rhona Schwartz Photographers Hunter Gu, Dannia Hu, John Young, Dawn T., Michael Tatyana, Nicolas Zhang, Elisa Zhou Additional Photography iStockphoto.com Back Cover Calligraphy by Master JinBodhi A variety of artwork by Master JinBodhi is available in limitededition prints. For purchasing information, please contact your local Bodhi Center.
All material copyright2012 Puti Meditation College (Canada) Ltd., or other copyright holders as indicated. All rights reserved. Meditation & Health is not responsible for opinions or statements expressed by authors or for advertisers' claims. The health content in Meditation & Health is intended only to inform, not prescribe, and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
WEIGHT LOSS WISDOM: THE BODY KNOWS BEST

Tuning in deeply to the true needs of your body yields amazing results
26
PROSTRATION: A SIMPLE WAY TO A BETTER LIFE

An ancient practice with a global history brings remarkable benefits to modern life in minutes a day
46 50 58
EAST MEETS WEST
A young man finds healing by implementing Eastern wisdom into his Western lifestyle
HEAVEN IS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW
An East Coast dynamo shines her light on the world through the lens of Bodhi Meditation
SUNLIGHT
Freedom from the prison of migraine headaches
72 MAGNIFICENT MYSTERY:
EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS
The ancient pyramids are majestic examples of communion between people and the Universe
76 2012: DISASTER OR GIFT?

Reflections on the implications of our current spiritual epoch
Co nt e nt s
1
INSIGHT
22
44
56 62 64 66 68 70 87
62
92
80
TAKE-HOME HELP
Guided meditations, music and more to assist you on your path of self-cultivation
MEDITATION AND SCIENCE 6 Happiness Habits 9 The Science of Consciousness MEDITATION WORLDWIDE 12 Red-Carpet Meditators FROM MASTER JINBODHI 20 Zen Musings 1-2 38 Meditation Master JinBodhi Talks About Raising Children
Master JinBodhi addresses how to nurture the development of children with gentle, loving, egoless guidance
MEDITATION JOURNAL The Miracle of a Good Nights Sleep Embraced by the Medicine Buddha A Blessed Life: Health and Family Joy Fly High, Fly Free Gifts Within and Without Back to Health Monica: A Young, Selfless Heart
CONTACTS 96 Global Bodhi Meditation Centers
SPIRITUAL LANDMARKS 80 Mogao Caves of Dunhuang

Caves of Unshakable Faith and Transcendent Art
ZEN LIVING 32 How to Make Kimchi 34 Heaven and Hell 36 Tempering the Nails
MEDITATION BASICS 84 Do I Need to Practice Bodhi Meditation? 86 Virtual Meditation Room 87 Certified Instructors CLASS SCHEDULE 88 Bodhi Meditation Classes and Activities in North America, July to December 2012
Meditation and Science
Happiness Habits
By Wendy Sterndale
Positive psychology is the scientific study of happiness. Psychologists have generated studies and analyzed the data to learn what people do and think to stay happy, to increase their happiness, and to thrive in spite of negative circumstances. Rigorous academic research gathered over the last half-century has more recently been getting translated for people outside academia. Some habits, when practiced over time, are likely to make you feel happier. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is an author of internationally bestselling books about happiness and a former Harvard University professor whose classes on the study of positive psychology were among the universitys most popular. Here is Dr. BenShahar's philosophy in a nutshell: "When you learn how to live for today and for tomorrow at the same time, you learn how to balance your immediate personal needs with long-term goals and enjoy life as you never have before." The field of psychology has a long history of studying
mental illness with the intention of easing psychological pain. However, researchers were learning all about illness only, and not enough about inner wellness. In the 1940s, psychologists began to study people who thrived in spite of negative circumstances. Those people were observed adapting in positive ways by learning from what doesnt work, developing their strengths, becoming more involved in their social networks through giving and receiving help, having a role model, and maintaining a bigger life purpose. Dr. Ben-Shahar described examining the tip of the stem of a growing plant. The part undergoing the most growth is undergoing the most change, biologically and in other ways. He was referring to studying people who thrive and succeed regardless of their circumstances. Sean Achor, who studied with Dr. Ben-Shahar at Harvard, said in a recent TED talk, If we study what is merely average, we will remain merely average. Martin Seligman, the former head of the American Psychological Association, and Karen Reivich, both researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, discovered that smiles are contagious. When you smile, you feel better as certain micro muscles in your face move. When you see someone smile, even if you don't smile in return, those micro muscles in your face move anyway, and you tend to feel better. If you smile to three people, and each of those three people smile to three other people, and each of those nine people smile to three other people, in twenty cycles, the entire world will be smiling. Resilience is very important in order for any person to succeed regardless of the circumstances in which they seek that success. Dr. Ben-Shahar described resilience as consistently having a target within a greater sense of purpose. He noted that people who are the most successful have also failed the most times. Failure can lead to learning and growth when we look back on the failure to learn about what happened, and then make changes based upon what weve learned. Dr. Seligman said, "Attaining lasting happiness requires that we enjoy the journey on our way toward a destination we deem valuable. Happiness, therefore, is
not about making it to the peak of the mountain, nor is it about climbing aimlessly around the mountain: Happiness is the experience of climbing toward the peak." There are financial and professional benefits to increasing happiness as well. People who start out happy, and keep themselves happy, display the following traits according to a 2005 study by psychologist and author Sonja Lyubomirsky:
Better securing jobs Better keeping jobs Superior productivity More resilient Less burnout Less turnover Greater sales
Taking Action
Dr. Ben-Shahar said, I don't believe that things necessarily happen for the best, but I know that some people are able to make the best of things that happen. He advises making a commitment to do the following things regularly. When you take responsibility in these ways, you can rewire your brain to work more optimistically and successfully.
1. Spend quality time with people you care about and who care about you. This is the number one predictor of happy people. Time affluence is time spent sitting down with friends. In this modern world, we often get interrupted by our phones and are accustomed to monitoring electronic devices while socializing. Rather than more, do less. Turn the phone off for three hours when you get home and ignore email for periods of time.
2. Accept and feel painful emotions. Only

psychopaths and the dead do not experience painful emotions. After a tragedy, when we allow ourselves to break down and feel the pain, we are more likely to pull through and begin to experience positive emotions again.
Research has shown that the people who do this recover more quickly than people who try to control and suppress difficult feelings.
3. Exercise three times a week, thirty to forty minutes each session. This is equivalent
to taking some of the most powerful psychiatric drugs. Researcher Michael Babyak noted, Exercise teaches the body that it matters. Although exercise decreased depression among all populations studied, it was most effective in decreasing depression for those most physically and/or psychologically unhealthy at the start of the exercise program. And even though exercise significantly decreased depression across all age categories (the ages ranged from eleven to fifty-five), the older people were, the greater the decrease in depression through exercise. Exercise was an equally effective antidepressant for both genders.
twenty-one days in a row, to create lasting positive change: Keep a journal of three recent things you are grateful for. After twenty-one days, research conducted by leading gratitude expert Robert Emmons and psychologist Mike McCullough in 2003 showed that the brain starts to retain a pattern of scanning the world for what is positive. Research conducted by Richard B. Slatcher and James W. Pennebaker from the University of Texas showed that the act of journaling allows the brain to relive the positive experience. And research conducted by Sonja Lyubomirsky shows that sending one supportive email each day will create ripples of happiness through your social group.
5. Spend time in quiet reflection. Practice

meditation. Embrace stillness. An excerpt from a study by David Foster and Matthew Wilson at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Rat brains were scanned while in a maze and after going through the maze. Some rats were sent through a maze repeatedly with no break and compared to rats that were sent through and then given time to reflect before doing it again. The rats that had time to reflect did much better. Actual learning happens during quiet wakeful reflection. Quiet reflection is useful from preschool and on into the business world. People need time to think about what theyve just done, or reflect on a question in their lives. Carol Dweck, a researcher at Stanford University, found that meditation fosters single-pointed concentration, training the meditator to focus on one thing at a time. Doing meditation literally transforms the brain, making us more susceptible to positive emotions and more resilient in the face of painful emotions, said Dr. Ben-Shahar during a lecture on positive psychology delivered in 2006 at Harvard. If we do not see our strengths and virtues, we are not as likely to experience self-respect, selfconfidence and happiness. When we ask ourselves questions about how we can improve, we also need to ask ourselves about what is going well, and about our strengths. We can take responsibility for our happiness by doing things to increase our confidence levels, hope and optimism.
4. Express gratitude and appreciation.

It is through appreciation that we cultivate resilience. "Appreciate" means to regard highly and to increase in value. People who keep a gratitude journal are happier, physically healthier, and more generous and benevolent. Try this practice for two minutes a day,
The Science of Consciousness

By Melia McClure
The science of consciousness essentially, the study of how thoughts, emotions and beliefs affect the human body and the planet is flourishing, and in so doing is ushering humankind into a staggering new definition of what it means to experience the self and the world. Quantum physics and neuroscience now support and continue to explore the idea that every thought sends out an electromagnetic wave that has a measurable effect on our environment. Indeed, our greatest
consciousness pioneers agree that consciousness is millions of times more powerful than nuclear force. One such pioneer, visionary author Gregg Braden, said, The human heart is now documented as the strongest generator of both electrical and magnetic fields in the body. This is important because weve always been taught that the brain is where the action is. The brain has an electrical field and it has a magnetic field but theyre relatively weak compared to the heart. The
heart is about a hundred times stronger electrically and up to five thousand times stronger magnetically than the brain and the reason this is important is because the physical world as we know it is made of those two fields of energy. Our own physics books now tell us if we can change either the magnetic field of an atom or the electrical field of an atom, by doing that we change, we literally change, the stuff our bodies and this world are made of. Because the emotions and thoughts generated by the heart and brain are so powerfully interactive with the world around us or, to put it more precisely, actually create the world around us, it is a recognized truth that collective negativity can spawn natural disasters and other detrimental occurrences. If the collective mind is turbulent, then Nature is turbulent, said Deepak Chopra, famed for being at the forefront of combining science with spirituality. The Institute of HeartMath has conducted extensive research that supports this view. One of the things we identified in our research is the state we now call coherence, said Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., Executive Vice-President and Director of Research. What we found was that when we are feeling positive emotions, like when were really appreciating the sunset, or really feeling love or compassion or care for someone, that the heart beats out a very different message. Emotional information is actually encoded.into [the electromagnetic fields produced by the heart]. Learning to shift those emotions and thus changing the information were encoding into the magnetic fields were radiatingcan impact those around us. Were deeply connected with each other and
the planet itself. What we do individually really does count. It matters. Practitioners of meditation are well aware of the power of the practice to create harmony in heart and mind and therefore in the world around them as well. One of the most startling scientific experiments demonstrating the far-ranging impact of group meditation occurred in 1993. In June and July of that year, four thousand study participants from eighty-one countries were assembled in Washington, D.C., to test the hypothesis that meditation would significantly reduce violent crime in the American capital by increasing coherence and reducing stress. Sociologists and criminologists from leading universities, along with civic leaders and representatives from the police department and government of the District of Columbia, approved the research protocol for, and monitored the progress of, what was termed the National Demonstration Project to Reduce Violent Crime and Improve Governmental Effectiveness. The dependent variable in the research was weekly violent crime including homicide, rape, aggravated assault and robbery as measured by the Uniform Crime Report program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1993 and in the preceding five years. Additional control data included weather variables (temperature, precipitation and humidity), daylight hours, alterations to police and community anti-crime activities, previous crime trends in the relevant metropolitan area and concurrent crime patterns in neighboring metropolises. Unsurprisingly to devotees of meditation, the study revealed a substantial decrease in crime associated with increases in the number of meditators. The size of the
group was largest during the final week, at which point the maximum decrease of 23.3 percent was achieved. The statistical probability that this reduction could have simply been reflecting chance variance in crime levels is less than 2 in 1 billion. The maximum decrease rose to 24.6 percent when a longer baseline (1988-1993 data) was used. Through additional analyses, it was determined that the crime reduction effect was not due to police staffing changes or to the specific time of year. It was further revealed that the effect was not only cumulative in association with an increase in the number of participants, but also continued for a significant period of time after the Demonstration Project concluded. Based on the studys findings, the long-term effect of having a permanent group of four thousand meditators in the District of Columbia was calculated as a 48 percent reduction in violent crime. Eminent physicist and lead author of the study Dr. John Hagelin drew on terminology from quantum field theories to describe his phenomenal results. Its analogous to the way that a magnet creates an invisible field that causes iron filings to organize themselves into an orderly pattern. Similarly, these meditation techniques [in this study, Transcendental Meditation was used] have been shown to create high levels of coherence in EEG brainwave patterns of individual practitioners. This increased coherence and orderliness in individual consciousness appears to spill over into society and can be measured indirectly via changes in social indices, such as reductions in the rate of violent crime. We call this phenomenon a 'field effect of consciousness.'
This experiment has since been repeated in many places around the world, with results equaling or bettering those achieved in Washington, D.C. The implications for peace on the planet are dramatic, and out of the success of these experiments of peace was born World Meditation Day. It takes place on the first Sunday of every month, as well as on each New Moon, between 7 and 8 p.m. local time throughout all of the worlds time zones, which means that a mass meditation occurs during every hour of that day. As Dr. Hagelin said, Once people began to understand the electromagnetic field and its enormous applications, conventional methods, like using candles for lighting and carrier pigeons for communication, quickly became outdated. [These]research findings, which demonstrate the potential for creating order and coherence in society through the field effects of consciousness, [suggest that] guns and other weapons and war will very soon become obsolete. Meditation is without a doubt an integral cornerstone of the science of consciousness. A plethora of compelling evidence exists that supports its transformative impact both on the individual and on the world at large which, as science has discovered, are really one and the same.
Meditation Worldwide
studied meditation. Lynch advocates the teaching of TM techniques in schools as part of the standard curriculum.
Deepak Chopra, M.D. (inspirational speaker, author, New Age health guru)
Red-Carpet Meditators
By Patrick Miller
Perhaps Americas best-known advocate of alternative medicine, Deepak Chopra has not only discussed his daily meditation practice in numerous interviews, but also many of the thirty-five or so books he has authored provide meditation instruction. Several of those have been simultaneous bestsellers. High-profile and ubiquitous, Chopra now has more than a hundred audio and video programs on the market. His works have been published around the world and translated into twelve languages. With regard to his English writings alone, close to ten million copies of his books have been sold (double that when other-language sales are taken into account). He has also produced programs with PBS. Whats more, Chopra is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Seeking a red-carpet guru? No longer exclusive to yak-herding nomads and emperors of the Orient, meditation practices have gone mainstream. Transcendental Meditation (TM), Yoga and Buddhism-based techniques are all being applauded for their health-giving powers. Offering liberation from emotional baggage, meditation also provides relief from physical pain. Historically, it has had a powerful appeal to the poor and destitute; however, even the most affluent and celebrated have taken notice. After achieving great success and fame, high-profile celebrities are often noted as saying that they still struggle with loneliness and misery. As such, it isnt surprising that the arts of self-cultivation would attract the sparkle of celebrated eyes! Check out the list below.
Gwyneth Paltrow (actor)
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight correspondent Jann Carl, Gwyneth Paltrow offered words regarding what she had learned about yoga: Well, the primary thing is you cant look to get anything out of it. You just have to go and humbly do your practice every day. You dont do it so you can have a good body. The whole reason that you do it is to be able to sit in meditation for three hours. About meditation specifically, she said: Its a process of learning to detach from the way you perceive yourself. And by doing that, you start to detach from all the things that make you suffer in life.
Hugh Jackman (actor) George Harrison (musician)
Hugh Jackman knows firsthand that meditation can help quell anxiety. It helped him heal his obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and he considers the practice life-transforming.
Adrien Brody (actor) Howard Stern (radio personality) Julia Roberts (actor)
To prepare for a film role, Adrien Brody secluded himself in a jungle hut and studied meditation techniques.
George Harrison, the quiet member of the iconic Beatles, was an avid meditator, and introduced the practice to his fellow bandmates. He considered meditation a method that enabled one to obtain God perception.
After beginning his TM practice close to forty years ago, Howard Stern quit smoking almost instantaneously.
Photography by iStockphoto.com
Christy Turlington (supermodel)
Christy Turlington is an extremely devoted practitioner of yoga and yoga-based meditation. Meditation, mantras (sacred sound chanting) and mudras (hand gestures) are all part of her personal practice. Turlington told Shape magazine about her spiritural journey: Once you make time to do whatever it is that you want to do, breathing, meditation, exercise, it becomes second nature. The key is practice.
Julia Roberts is reported to use meditation to refresh and energize herself. She is rumored to have benefited from its effects most after the birth of her twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel. Exhausted by her mothering and professional responsibilities, Roberts has said that meditation is her salvation, providing her with energy and calmness.
David Lynch (film director)
Since the 1970s, David Lynch has practiced meditation and been an active advocate of Transcendental Meditation, the movement founded in 1957 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Maharishi is the same controversial yogi with whom The Beatles and The Beach Boys
Herbie Hancock (jazz musician)
Herbie Hancock is a practitioner of a style of meditation that places strong emphasis on chanting. One of the greats of modern jazz, Hancock was inspired to try meditation after witnessing its effect on the performing abilities of
fellow jazz players. A cornerstone of his artistic development, meditation facilitates his courage to try new things.
Orlando Bloom (actor)
Kate Hudson (actor) Keanu Reeves (actor)
Kate, Goldie Hawns daughter, picked up meditation techniques from her mother, whom she describes as a Jewish Buddhist.
Meditation and its accompanying philosophies have helped Orlando Bloom, the star of such films as Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings, avoid the self-destructive path common to those who find success in Hollywood. Bloom has found greater strength and peace by incorporating meditation into his daily life in a practical, workable way.
Keanu Reeves does not claim spiritual adherence to any one path. But he was introduced to Buddhism during the making of the movie Little Buddha, in which he played Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Through that experience, he developed an interest in meditation. Though publicly low-key about his spirituality, Reeves narrated the introduction for a video series called Discovering Buddhism.
Ricky Martin (musician, actor)
Kirsan llyumzhinov (President of FIDE; former president of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia)
Definitely a different kind of celebrity, Kirsan IIyumzhinov is President of FIDE (World Chess Federation) and formerly President of the Republic of Kalmykia, an autonomous Russian republic. Located in southern Russia on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Kalmykia is Europes only Buddhist republic. Forty-six percent of the population is Buddhist, a figure that corresponds almost exactly with the number of ethnic Kalmyks.
Ricky Martin no longer lives his life hiding behind his bodyguards. He feels that his practices of yoga and meditation provide him with all he needs to live securely and at peace. He has been quoted as saying that he works diligently for internal peace through his self-cultivation practices. During a visit to India, this non-smoking, non-drinking vegetarian even shaved his head as part of his learning process. Martin has said that he is inspired by Gandhis writings and has discussed his spiritual pursuits extensively with the media.
Steven Seagal (actor)
Ever since moving to Japan at the age of seventeen to study Zen, acupuncture and martial arts, Steven Seagal has been a devotee of meditation.
Madonna (musician, actor)
Madonna is a practitioner of Ashtanga, a form of flowing and physically demanding yoga. She also chants, meditates and reads sutras. There have been various media reports of Madonna requesting a sound-proof meditation area to use before her concerts.
Sharon Stone (actor)
Sharon Stone has been involved with a number of Buddhist projects. She narrated an eighty-three-minute DVD on Buddhism, as well as an acclaimed documentary titled Jews and Buddhism. Stone has said: My practice is Buddhism, but I believe in God. I dont believe in Buddha as my God. I believe in the practical ways of Buddhism as a way to live.
Meg Ryan (actor)
Meg Ryan considers herself a seeker; it is that facet of her personality that has led her to explore traditional Eastern thought. In US Weekly, she commented: Ive had meditation experiences that were kind of outrageous and fun. Enough to whet my appetite Basically, its the experience of oneness, a visceral rather than intellectual experience. And the deep knowing that everything is OK. Everything matters. And theres no separation between anything. But this kind of stuff all sounds weird when you read someone else talking about it.
Sting (musician, actor)
Sting is deeply taken with the practice of yoga. He views it as a spiritual practice, and spirituality is a concept he claims to be gradually growing more in touch with. In a Yoga Journal interview, Sting is quoted as saying that the breathing aspects of yoga bring it very close to meditation.
Tina Turner (musician)
Russell Simmons (entrepreneur/ impresario/author)
Russell Simmons has been meditating for approximately fifteen years, and credits the practice with bearing the gifts of joy and success. It has given me energy, strength, health, wisdom, and access to my own inner stillness, inner silence, inner bliss, he commented. It is my connection to myself. It is my connection to the Universe.
Tina Turner may very well be the Western worlds best-known female Buddhist (a facet of her life that was little recognized until the release of the movie Whats Love Got to Do With It). She credits Buddhist-style meditation with life-affecting change.
So look to the stars for inspiration to walk the path of meditation, a path increasingly populated by diverse luminaries. From enhancing creativity to reducing stress and connecting with inner bliss, the famous effects of meditative practice are clearly valued by many of the famous among us.
From Master JinBodhi
Communicate With Everything

Many years ago I wrote an article in which I said that a person should live in a state that is constantly open to love. I still say the same today. Walking out of the house, you breathe in the fresh air, and the air fills you with joy; your heart says hello to the sky, to the air, and to everything the air holds. A tree comes into your sight and so you say hello, as naturally as if to a human friend. Do plants have feelings? Do they feel hurt if harmed? There is a plant called mimosa: If you touch its leaf, the leaf will curl up, like a shy maiden. How should we interpret this? Do plants have feelings and emotions? Yes. Perhaps they have different ways of expressing feelings, so different from ours that we dont recognize them. Even though plants dont have feelings in the same way that we do, we should treat them with respect and love. Humans possess the intelligence to recognize our own feelings as well as the sentience of other beings. In our life, we often need to look at things from a new perspective. Suppose you dont like the bowl in your hand and you simply throw it away after a meal what would you use to contain your meal next time? Suppose you dont like your dining table and so you simply kick one of the legs until it's broken then what would you rest your dishes on? And havent you noticed that when you dont like a table, you bang into it often and end up bruised? So that's why I say: Treat everything with respect and love. Yes, respect and love everything as it is even those things that appear to be lifeless, such as rocks. Some people don't perceive a simple rock's perfection and wouldnt hesitate to smash one rock against another until both are chipped. Such action is indicative of a destructive mentality. For everyone, its necessary to love everything in the world. We can start with loving the clothes we wear, loving the meals we eat and loving the pets we keep. We then can expand this love to include everyone and everything on Earth. Youll benefit tremendously from this expansive, all-inclusive love. Some people would ask: Is love useful? Yes, I think it is. I often take a handful of sand or soil, or pick a stone up off the ground, and then I put it close to a nearby person. In my heart, I tell the stone: Hi, friend, please help this person to release his pain. That stone shakes its head: I cant help. So I say: Yes, you can,
In fact, if we hold love and compassion in our hearts for everything we encounter in Nature, we can interact with all of it, and secrets will be revealed to us.
this person needs your help. And the stone says: His disease is too stinky. So what? I say. Just put up with it. After all, youre not going to be harmed by bad smells. Youre a stone. After some persuasion, as a favor to me, the stone draws the illness out of that persons body. He feels better instantly. Believe it or not, thats what I do to help people sometimes. Aside from life-threatening diseases, common ailments such as headaches, toothaches and insomnia bring a lot of discomfort to the person who suffers from them. Yet if we treat everything with respect and love, then all things can help you release such discomfort and even assist you in avoiding catastrophes. I like to drink tea and I use an ordinary cup. Every time I drink tea, I have loving feelings toward both the cup and the beverage inside it. This feeling of love is not expressed in appreciative words, but rather in a natural attitude of affection. Im thinking: "What a good cup of tea!" If someone drinks his tea with disgust What kind of tea is this? Smells terrible! then the tea acts like poison in the body. The person might choke on it. Be loving toward the utensils we use to eat and drink.
Listen to the World With Love

By Meditation Master JinBodhi Translation by Xuemei Li
Photography by John Young
Listen With Heart

An experienced gold miner knows to grab a handful of dirt to smell, or pick up a seemingly ordinary stone to study and feel, and to let the dirt or the stone tell him if theres gold in the area, enough to make it worth his while to mine. His body has become a bio-instrument, enabling that sort of communication. Its true that when we communicate with Nature, we become full of energy and wisdom our senses become finer, sharper, expanded. If you love stones and study them, theyll tell you many things, including how the weather is going to be. You need to pay attention. Pay attention and youll
"Listening with ones heart" is a principle that can be applied to all areas of life, from relationships to careers.
receive the information. Stones are formed by Nature, which gives them their power. Any man-made wares constructed of natural materials can transmit information to us in the same way. Use an object made of clay, and you will find it can tell you a lot. We need to feel the world, to listen to the world and to make use of the world out of love. It's important to put the world to use when conditions permit. If youve followed me so far and you can feel the truth in my words, then your whole being is changing. Youll perceive many more things from now on, things that youve never seen before. Im not saying that youll become a fortune-teller, but you will be more inspired. We need inspiration even in our daily life, dont we? With a little inspiration, youll turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and potential troubles into blessings. Your total being is undergoing a transformation now that you are learning to see and listen to the world with an open heart. Improvements in your relationships are a natural consequence of this. For example, you might stop fighting with your spouse. If he or she continues to try to initiate arguments, youll be able to remain calm and compassionate, to look at them as if watching a child venting their frustration. If your spouse comes home after work and complains about the dinner youve cooked, youll pay attention and listen with an open heart. Listening with an open heart causes you to see beyond the surface of things perhaps his or her complaints have nothing to do with you, but rather are the product of fatigue and stress. Maybe you wonder why your spouse takes their stress out on you, instead of on other people. Well, from now on youll know its because he or she doesn't mask their real feelings in front of the person they truly trust. Your husband or wifes negative behavior is actually a show of their trust in you. If you see this, would you
still want to defend and attack? Instead, youll have compassion for their stress and tiredness and comfort them. Complimenting him or her is another good way to demonstrate your care. Listen, validate, comfort and compliment. Fighting doesn't help. Surely your relationship will go from good to great. If you learn to listen to your children with your heart, you can give timely and adequate guidance at each developmental stage. Youll share your own life experiences with them, knowing that children respond well to true stories. By listening with an open, loving heart, you'll hear what they truly need. "Listening with ones heart" is a principle that can be applied to all areas of life, from relationships to careers. In business, youll consider your colleagues needs carefully, taking care to conduct yourself in a conscientious manner. Regardless of the kind of work you do, you will display a commitment to serving with excellence. When you do business according to your conscience, your business will flourish. Compassion for others is essential to succeeding in every facet of life. Some people misunderstand Buddhism, worrying that following a Buddhist path means that poverty or divorce is inevitable. Quite the contrary. Following Buddhism helps us to live a better life, a life guided by wisdom. And wisdom arises out of compassion. Compassion facilitates a perfect family, healthy children, a successful career and a happy romantic relationship.
The Principles for Lifefe

Using compassion as our guiding principle, well play our roles in life well, both in the family sphere and that of career. A great leader is a compassionate leader. Years ago I watched an old film in China titled The County
Official. In it, the character after whom the film was named spoke a classic maxim: If an official cannot stand up for his people, hed better go home and sell sweet potato. That line encapsulates a high level of consciousness, a heart filled with compassion. It means: Today Im the leader of my people, but if I dont strive for a better life for them, whats the point of having me here? I cannot use my position to gain private benefits that hurt the interest of the public. I will be the guardian of my peoples basic rights at the cost of my own life. People who are protected and guided by a compassionate leader are blessed. Such a leader wont sacrifice the interests of the common people to create superficial prosperity or progress. He or she would never impose unreasonable taxes that only benefit the upper echelon of society. Excessive taxes exist in many countries, especially when the economy is depressed, which hurts people financially and emotionally. Everyone must have a set of principles by which they live. Different principles arise out of different levels of consciousness and lead to different destinies. Today at the Bodhi Meditation Retreat, each person has a unique purpose. Some want to improve their health, some want to be more successful in their career, and so forth. No matter what, I hope everyone understands that they should live by one basic principle at all times: compassion. Out of compassion comes a better way of listening to and understanding the world. If you use compassion as a guiding principle when dealing with various life situations, including negative ones, you will meet with
If you use compassion as a guiding principle when dealing with various life situations, including negative ones, you will meet with positive outcomes.
positive outcomes. Once compassion is awakened, the heart that previously was mired in self-interest begins to open, and an open heart is like an open country it interacts with the world and mingles with everything. An open heart receives limitless knowledge, energy and assistance from Nature. Those who are ready, who listen to these teachings with an open heart, will start to transform immediately. In three years, remarkable growth will be evident. Those who continue to live an uninspired life will see no change in three years, but rather will continue to wear themselves out. A compassionate heart makes a big difference. In three to six years, some will experience transcendence while some will suffer decline. Once you awaken compassion and open your heart, physical diseases will be expelled. The mental knots that caused pain and distress will unravel, and youll become happy and healthy. This speech was given by Meditation Master JinBodhi at the Second Level Bodhi Meditation Retreat held in Vancouver, Canada in August 2011.
Zen Musings
By Meditation Master JinBodhi Translation by Hongqi Yuan Photography by John Young
Zen (Chan) means to hold, embrace, fulfill, feel free, return to Nature and practice self-restraint. Put another way, it is like a human being with enormous capacity and profound wisdom. Zen is a power found in Nature. Existent everywhere and in no place, capable of performing any or no task, it possesses everything and nothing, acting randomly without agenda. Like a great martial artist, Zen carries with it an incomprehensible charisma. A Zen practitioner always thinks deeply before moving forward, acting at will and in due time. He or she behaves naturally regardless of any human rule or principle of logic, making no distinction between sorrow and happiness, success and failure.
Like water, ready to take the shape of whatever it enters, Zen has long lived at low ground, cherishing a spirit that can fly high in the sky and melt into everything soft as a cloud or vapor, hard as rock or ice, furious as flood or tsunami, still and pure as a mirror. I often look beyond the sea, lost in thought. If only I were water, not the ocean, not a lake a dewdrop would be enough. An imaginary comfort, but it is happiness all the same.
Zen Living
Weight Loss Wisdom: The Body Knows Best

By Joyce Hou
Eating the right foods in the right quantities is essential for achieving healthy weight loss. Utilizing gentle, holistic methods helps to ensure a lasting result. Listen to your body to choose the food you need, incorporate the simple tips below, and get inspired by two women who lost extra pounds effectively.
Listening to Your Body

Animals listen to their bodies. They know when to eat and when to stop. Babies are similarly in tune with their physical needs. Humans are born in a natural state of wisdom that is forgotten, but which can be remembered by honing our listening skills. Since November of 2011, I haven't craved meat I've almost become a vegetarian. By almost, I mean that I'd like to eat a vegetarian diet every day but when conditions don't allow it, such as when I travel by air and the meals are either chicken or beef, it is fine for me to have bites of meat.
My move toward a vegetarian lifestyle happened naturally after practicing meditation for six years. I've learned to listen to my body and trust its messages, and so I wasnt concerned when meat lost its prominence in my diet. In hindsight, my body had given me signals for years that some foods didn't serve me well. I was a sensitive child and various food allergy symptoms plagued me during my early years. In my mid-twenties I underwent allergy testing that determined I was allergic to many environmental stimuli, such as dust, cigarette smoke and pollen. I was pleased to be told that the results indicated I was not allergic to any foods. However, those results proved to be misleading. In the summer of 2011, I read a book about allergies. It informed me that the medical definition of allergies excludes a lot of common symptoms of sensitivity, such as those that indicate low-grade food intolerance. Untreated allergy symptoms wage a constant war of attrition with the immune system, reducing its
functionality and thereby inviting disease. I felt the need for allergy testing again in the fall of 2011. Technological advances have made it possible to test 100, 000 different substances using energy frequency. To my complete surprise, I was told that my body didn't like seafood, eggs, beef and pork, all of which had been my main sources of protein throughout my life. Although since receiving treatment my body can tolerate them, my cravings for those foods have disappeared. Its interesting that my daughter claimed at age nine that the smell of eggs and seafood repelled her and stopped eating both. The allergist who tested me said that allergies are hereditary and thus my daughter inherited her sensitivity from me. I grew up in coastal cities and seafood and eggs were convenient protein sources. My family didn't have much choice back then, and because of that I guess I'd ignored my body's messages so much that I couldn't hear them anymore. When my daughter complained about eggs and seafood, I asked Master JinBodhi how to differentiate between children's willful pickiness and the truth of what their body needs. He told me to listen to my daughter without judgment. A child's pure state of body and mind, he said, reveals its truth with ease. I'm happy that I allowed my daughter to listen to her body's wisdom. Sometimes cravings occur because certain nutritional factors in whatever food we are wanting are needed by the body. Different foods have different yin-yang properties. When I travel to Korea during the winter, I want a kimchi noodle soup to warm me up. When I'm stressed and tired, an apple calms me down. Maybe you feel like eating dessert today, but worry that the sugar content is detrimental. If it is a spontaneous, infrequent craving, then don't suppress it. Let your body guide you. However, don't confuse a true call with a false alarm. Be present and honest with yourself and you'll learn to interpret your physical signals. Let your body tell you when to eat and when to stop. Bodily needs and mental desires are totally different, but we often confuse the two. Clear your mind to unveil your bodys messages. A Zen master was asked what Zen is, and he replied, "Eat when you eat, and sleep when you sleep." In other words, be present. Try to chew food with your mind on chewing food, try to drink water with your mind on the feeling of water flowing down your throat. Stay alert in order to be
conscious of when your body has had enough. Be careful not to be misguided by the abundance of conflicting health advice available on the Internet and in books and other publications. Your body is the authority, and its wisdom surpasses all advice from other sources. New diets and health tips appear constantly, and are sometimes eventually proven ineffective or even harmful. Remain open to new information but listen to your body first and foremost. Your innate wisdom, not your vanity, should serve as your guide, because the purpose of weight loss is better health. Choose the right foods, the right quantities and the right timing according to your body's messages.
Tips on Healthy Weight Loss

1. Diet bowl
In a Taiwanese market, I saw artful lacquer bowls labeled "Diet Bowls." At first I was confused, but then I understood the marketing strategy: By calling them Diet Bowls, the seller easily created the illusion that they somehow had magical weight loss powers. The bowls were mid-size, with nothing special about them. The magical power is generated in the buyer's mind. By limiting themselves to eating only what a Diet Bowl can hold, those who own one will shed extra pounds. Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, said, "Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill." Don't stuff yourself. Instead, eat until you are eighty percent full. This is the way to health. If you are accustomed to overeating, you may feel hungry when you begin to scale back portion size. After a week or so, your stomach, which had previously been stretched by large quantities, will begin to acclimate to receiving less.
2. Water bottle
More than seventy percent of the human body is water. Ample and timely water drinking promotes healthy digestive and circulatory systems. First thing in the morning, drink a big cup of water at room temperature. To relieve constipation, have it either ice cold, salted or with vinegar. For weight loss, try to drink a big cup of water ten minutes before every meal. Doing so reduces cravings, helps digestion and causes your nerves to believe that your stomach is not as empty as it actually is. Many diet pills cause people to lose water weight
Zen Living
only, which is unhealthy. Hydration is essential to maintaining a balanced physique.
3. Elastic Belt
Another way to reduce the feeling of hunger and control food intake is to wear an elastic belt. Choose a belt made of breathable material about four inches wide. Don't cinch it too tight. Wearing a belt prevents you from overindulging. It also helps the stomach shrink to normal size.
4. Prostration Mat
Aerobic exercise is a necessary component of the weight loss process. A strong heart and toned muscles are essential to overall health. An easy way to promote fitness is prostration. Do it indoors or out, on a cotton mat or blanket. A practice used by meditators to access Source's energy, prostration is also an exercise that works all the major joints and big muscle groups. It works especially well on belly fat. An hour of prostration generates light perspiration and gently expels toxins.
Disappearing Act: Fifty Pounds in Four Months

Kari Porter is a sales and marketing professional living in New Jersey. Afflicted by ill health for years, she was frustrated by conventional medicine, which in her case had been ineffective. Drugs prescribed by her doctor had only made her sicker. Eighteen years of taking a medication that was supposed to remedy hypothyroidism actually created an illness called Reverse T3. She also had an eye condition called retinal vein occlusion that threatened the vision in her right eye. Debilitating physical pain, nausea, migraines, brain fog, insomnia and difficulty walking made happiness and productivity elusive. Weight gain was another depressing side effect of poor health, and Kari hadnt been able to shed excess pounds despite disciplined attempts at various diets. She was tired of being told by her doctors to eat less, exercise more and take antidepressants. In December of 2010, Kari was introduced to Bodhi Meditation. After weekly practice for a month, her eye condition stopped getting worse and shortly after she began meditating five days a week, it began to improve. The confidence to take control of her health emerged
quickly in response to the holistic nurturing of meditation. Encouraged by the miraculous improvement of her eye, she abandoned the Western medical path and sought a fresh direction. With the help of a holistic practitioner, Kari discovered that she was also suffering from Epstein-Barr virus and adrenal exhaustion. Calling on the inner strength facilitated by her Bodhi practice, she implemented a radical, nontraditional protocol to treat her thyroid condition in February of 2011. The miraculous healing of her eye had fortified her faith in both Bodhi Meditation and the possibility of brighter days, and thus she had the courage to undergo controversial alternative treatment. By mid-May, Karis health had drastically improved she was walking without pain and her blood pressure had fallen fifty points. She felt alive for the first time in years. Excess pounds began to disappear, and Kari added daily exercise something that previously would have been impossible. Continuing to tune in to her bodys needs, Kari embarked on a weight loss program in June of 2011 and within four months, she had lost fifty pounds. The confidence she gained through Bodhi gave her the courage to take on her health conditions in a nontraditional way. She now has a brand-new life of unlimited possibilities. Her newfound confidence has impacted every area of her journey. Kari said joyfully, "Losing fifty pounds has had many benefits. At the top of the list is improved health, both physical and emotional, as well as improved appearance, energy and vitality. Im able to do more and want to do everything! Within a year of beginning my Bodhi practice, my eye was 99.9 percent healed. Most of all, I feel in touch with myself and my family, and am looking forward to a healthy and happy future."
pain vanished instantaneously. Imbued with elated relief, Ana enrolled happily in an 8.5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat. She completed two Retreats, buoyed by newfound peace and happiness. Ana was thrilled to effortlessly shed ten pounds while eating delicious vegetarian food. The surprise change in her figure motivated her to attend a couple more Retreats and deepen her Bodhi knowledge. During the third Retreat, Ana experienced spontaneous fasting and lost fourteen more pounds. Very different from forced fasting, a spontaneous fast occurs automatically, happening more often to meditation practitioners because they are acutely aware of physical needs and listen to them. Some such fasters need no food or drink for days or even months, and some consume a little with a long interval in between times of eating or drinking. It is believed that during fasting, the body, especially the digestive system, is readjusting and energizing itself, and therefore the experience is beneficial to overall health. The first time she fasted, Ana only drank water and tea for seven days and felt energetic and joyful. "It was amazing and exciting to see my weight go down steadily. I lost two pounds a day," she remembered. After the Retreat ended, Ana's appetite changed. She didnt feel particularly hungry and no longer craved fatty or sugary foods. Her body seemed to have been reset, and issued clear messages about what foods were good for her health. Ana listened to those messages and as a result didnt put the weight back on, which is the most important piece of news for everyone challenged by extra pounds. Ana attended a fourth Retreat and lost an additional eleven pounds while in a state of spontaneous fasting. Living on water and tea yet feeling vital, her body again recalibrated itself. It became easier for Ana to listen to her bodys truth. After struggling with her weight for many years, she was able to lose the extra pounds quickly, without medication or any other drugs, for the first time in her life. The weight simply melted away through the natural mind and body tuning facilitated by meditation exercises. Ana is still excited about her new look and new life. "I am very happy with my life now and I have learned to eat better and make better choices. I am very lucky to have found Bodhi Meditation at this time in my life. I am very grateful for all the blessings I have received. I wouldnt change it for anything."
Spontaneous Fasting: Thirty-Five Pounds in Four Retreats

Ana Ruvalcaba is a lab assistant in Los Angeles and was introduced to Bodhi Meditation through a friend at work. Neck and shoulder pain had been plaguing her for over a year, and thus she was keen to find a source of holistic relief. After experiencing Master Guan-Hai's energy healing just once at the Los Angeles Center, her
Zen Living
Prostration: A Simple Way to a Better Life

By Melia McClure
Prostration is a spiritual practice unfamiliar to many Westerners, but one that has a long and significant global history. In both religious and secular contexts around the world, prostration has held an important place for its ability to foster wisdom and physical health, and demonstrate respect and openheartedness qualities that are the fundament of bridges between people. Major faiths including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bahai have all incorporated prostration into their repertoire of spiritual practices at some point. The Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican churches utilize prostration during the Imposition of Holy Orders, Religious Profession and the Consecration of Virgins. The Islamic tradition considers it the most supreme state and spiritual position for a human being. Many Hindus believe that prostration provides sufficient exercise in addition to serving as a valve through which the vital force of the Universe can be received and passed into the reservoir of the body. The practice can also be found in multiple nonreligious settings as a means of spiritual advancement, a pathway to physical health and as a show of deep respect. In ancient Hawaii and Imperial China and Japan, prostration was commonplace. In a contemporary context it appears in some forms of martial arts and in yoga as sun salutations. In the modern world, many people are rediscovering this primordial practice as a means to enrich their spiritual and physical experiences. Poet and prostration advocate John Omniadeos pithy verse encapsulates its power:
Stand up straight into Heaven Throw yourself upon Earth Give em everything you got
Myriad Bodhi Meditation practitioners place high value on prostration because of its transformative effects. In addition to promoting weight loss, the practice is revered for healing constipation, encouraging blood circulation, strengthening the immune system, alleviating allergies, optimizing organ function, improving mental focus, vitalizing meditation, balancing subtle energy currents, freeing energy locked in addictive patterns, developing compassion for the self and others, and facilitating virtue, patience and wisdom. Many Westerners are initially skeptical, perceiving it solely as a ritual of religious worship. Those who have tried it, however,
become enthusiastic advocates. Dedicated Bodhi practitioner Sima Abelev is one such advocate. Ive always seen Buddhism more as a philosophy than a religion. And what we take as religious expression perhaps is simply a show of respect to the teacher, which is an integral part of Eastern culture and a great exercise that helps to conquer your own ego. All the Buddhas started as actual human beings who became enlightened. So we simply show respect. I chose to accept that and Im very happy with my understanding of this practice, she said. When Sima saw Master JinBodhi himself prostrating to Buddha, she found his vulnerability inspiring, and decided, If such a great man can do it, why can't I? Similarly, committed Bodhi practitioner Joseph Ferguson cherishes prostration. Like many Westerners, he was initially taken aback. Prostrating is an everyday part of Masters teachings. To me it was quite exotic, quite foreign. To my Western mind, it was quite alien. I guess I reacted in the way that probably many Westerners do. My sense of democracy was a little irritated and I thought that if you bow or prostrate to a person youre showing defeat or even humiliation. So it was jarring for me to observe this, and it was something that I wasnt sure that I could ever get into. I had heard Master and I wanted to hear more of his teachings, but I wasnt sure I wanted to prostrate myself. And it was only by continuing to listen to Masters teachings and observe Master, by being around him and listening to what he was actually saying, by seeing his own sense of humility about who he is, his own willingness to bow to other peoplehis life is dedicated to other people. That was a very significant part of me opening up to what he was telling me. And of course what he was telling me was that its quite appropriate to bow to each other, to acknowledge and recognize the Divinity in one another. Gradually, Joseph began to embrace the practice, thereby uncovering his true nature. It didnt happen right away, but I became more comfortable with the idea of bowing. I think I started off by doing short little bows to people, and it actually felt good. It felt natural. Acknowledging someone else is a wonderful thing to do. In Tibet and Nepal, people say Namaste and bow to each other. What Master said about prostrating, about having respect for all sentient beings, was what opened that willingness in me. Its a difficult thing to explain intellectually, and I dont even
26 Meditation & & Health Health
Photography by TaiPei Center
Zen Living
think it matters because its really a matter of the heart. Prostration works on the ego in a very direct way, sometimes very suddenly and sometimes incrementally. It does transform one. It reduces self-centeredness, it reduces separation between myself and Divinity, between myself and all sentient beings. My heart really opens when I prostrate. I really feel the connectivity toall of Creation. Sometimes tears will flow during prostration and I think thats because of gratitude for the experience. It is critical for people to realize that spiritual prostration is not about institutional power, but rather about freeing the self from the prison of the ego and harmonizing mental and physical energies with all of Creation. According to Master JinBodhi, it is acceptable to begin a regular prostration practice with ones focus exclusively trained on the physical benefits it offers, such as weight loss and fitness. Everyone must start where theyre at, and if a person has reservations there is no need to add pressure by insisting on large spiritual goals. Moreover, although it is important to prostrate toward something, it need not be a spiritual symbol. Obviously, Buddhists typically prostrate before an image of the Buddha and those of other spiritual persuasions, religious or otherwise, choose images accordingly, but it is entirely acceptable to use a natural object, which is an expression of Divine life-force. Prostration can be done either indoors or out, as long as the environment is quiet, clean and pleasant. Use a cotton mat to protect hands and body synthetic materials and wool can create static electricity when rubbed, which is detrimental to health. Most everyone is suited to the practice. Even people with health challenges such as heart disease and cancer can prostrate, provided their condition is stable. Those with high blood pressure should rest first. Post-surgery patients must wait until their incision heals. A focused, tranquil state of mind is essential, as is using an even rhythm. Refrain from
rushing. The emphasis should not be on achieving a particular number of repetitions, but rather on committing to continuous prostration for a certain length of time for example, half an hour. People who are suffering from bodily weakness should begin with five minutes of practice followed by a rest period, and then resume prostrating for another five minutes, if able. Senior citizens in good physical condition are advised to begin with ten minutes of practice, increasing duration as stamina improves. Prostration can be done in the morning, afternoon or evening, and dividing total practice time into three or four sessions can be a good way to achieve one hour daily. Dont practice when exhausted or right after a meal. Prior to beginning, perform a few warm-up exercises to ensure the body is limber. After practice, rub your hands together and run them over your face. Practitioners often sweat, and if that is true for you, avoid drafts, cold drinks, cold water hand- or face-washing and the use of airconditioning or a fan immediately afterward. Countless prostration practitioners have been astonished at the benefits wrought by regular practice. Many have been delighted by significant weight loss and markedly improved fitness generated by this seemingly simple technique. People suffering from serious illnesses have regained health they had thought permanently lost. Indeed, Master JinBodhi knew a Tibetan woman who survived the liver cancer death sentence pronounced by her doctors and went on to thrive physically and mentally because of her dedication to prostration. An easy practice that has the power to create physical, mental, emotional and spiritual empowerment is a gift. Prostration has proven its effectiveness throughout the ages, and is undergoing a renaissance as a personal, rather than religious, cornerstone of an enriched existence. explore the possibility of greater wellness through adding a few minutes of daily practice to your life. The profound perks may surprise you.
Photography by Vancouver Center
Zen Living
Zen Living
Prostration in Pictures
30 Meditation & Health 31 Meditation & Health
Zen Living
Zen Living
How to Make Kimchi

By Naomi Imatome-Yun
Preparation:
1. In large bowl or pot, mix salt into water. 2. Add cabbage to salt water and if necessary, weigh down with large plate so leaves are all submerged. 3. Soak cabbage for 5-6 hours. 4. Remove cabbage and rinse in cold water, squeezing out excess liquid. 5. In a large bowl, mix garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, sugar and scallions. 6. Add cabbage and coat with seasoning mixture. 7. Pack the seasoned cabbage into a large airtight jar with lid. 8. Let kimchi ferment in a cool place for 2-3 days before serving or putting in refrigerator. (Serves 12)
This pickled and fermented Napa cabbage is the most popular type of kimchi. Baechu kimchi is excellent as a healthful side dish, and can also serve as the foundation of many soups, stews, stirfries and rice dishes. Prep Time: 30 minutes Fermentation Time: 72 hours Total Time: 72 hours, 30 minutes
*There are innumerable ways to make kimchi, but traditional recipes typically include fish sauce, brined tiny shrimp or fresh oysters. Try 2-3 Tbsp of fish sauce or 2 Tbsp of chopped brined shrimp if you would like to experiment. Because each type of fish sauce and brined shrimp varies in its saltiness, use them sparingly if you've never made kimchi before. Kimchi will be good eaten straight for about 3 weeks. After about 4 weeks, when it has become too fermented to be eaten by itself, try using it to make soups, hot pots or fried rice.
Ingredients:
10 cups of water 2 Napa cabbages, washed and cut into 2-inch squares 1 cup coarse salt (or kosher or sea salt) 1 Tbsp finely chopped garlic 1 Tbsp chopped ginger cup red pepper flakes (kochukaru) 2 Tbsp sugar 5 scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces fish sauce, optional*
Photography by Fa Fang
Nutritional Value:
Kimchi contains plenty of dietary fiber while being low in calories. One serving provides more than 50 percent of the daily required amount of vitamin C and beta carotene. It also contains thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), calcium and iron, as well as powerful lactic acid bacteria created by the fermentation process. The lactobacilli content strongly contributes to digestive and overall health. Health magazine named kimchi one of the top five beneficial foods on its Worlds Healthiest Foods list because it is rich in vitamins, promotes excellent digestion and possibly slows cancer growth. From an Eastern standpoint, cabbage provides cooling, downward energy, and red chili provides warming, upward energy, and therefore the combination of the two in kimchi creates a balanced food.
32 Meditation & & Health Health
Zen Living
Zen Living
Heaven and Hell

Illustrations by Caesar Hu
Ha! What makes you think you can understand such deep subjects? You are merely a callous, brutish soldier! Go away and do not waste my time with your foolish questions!
How dare you insult me! I'll kill you!
5
You see? This is Hell.
Hakuin remained calm.
The soldier was taken aback.
8 Humbled by the wisdom of Hakuin, he sheathed

his sword and bowed before the Zen master.
1 Hakuin was a famous Japanese Zen master. Many

people came to him for inspiring teachings.
And this is Heaven.
I want to know about Heaven and Hell. Do they really exist?
Who are you?
I am a samurai.
One day, he was visited by a samurai warrior.
We create our own Heaven and Hell.
Zen Living
Tempering the Nails

By Shanti
There once was a man who had spent much of his life plagued by a bad temper, a trait for which he had paid dearly. After many hard lessons, he became compassionate and tolerant. In order to teach his son, who seemed to have inherited his fiery temperament, to manage his anger, he came up with the following idea. One day, when his son was in a calm, receptive mood, the father said, I know its not always easy for you to control your temper. But when you lose your cool, you really hurt people. I have an idea. Heres a bag of nails. The next time you lose your temper, why dont you hammer a nail into the fence in our backyard? Lose my cool? When have I ever done that? The son was oblivious to his own flaws. One week later, many nails studded the fence. The son still couldnt control his temper, but he did remember to hammer a nail into the fence every time he erupted in anger. Three months later, he was dismayed to see that the fence was covered with myriad nails. I guess I do have a bad temper! The son finally took ownership of his explosive personality, thanks to the evidence facing him in the form of numerous nails. How can I get rid of this bad habit? Its terrible!
The father said, Continue to hammer one nail into the fence every time you lose your cool. But you can only pull out one nail if you manage to control your temper for three consecutive days. He explained the importance of holding oneself to a strict standard of consistent calmness before removing any nails. It is an acknowledgment, he said, of the lasting damage done by losing ones temper. Although it was challenging, the son eventually managed to control his anger most of the time. It took him three years to pull out all the nails that he had hammered into the fence during the initial three months of the experiment. On the day that the son pulled out the last nail, he proudly said to his father, Ive made so much progress in the past few years. All the nails are gone! The father acknowledged his sons success. Terrific job! It took me a lot longer to learn to control my anger when I was young. You have done well, my son. Im still puzzled about one thing, though, the son said. Even though my temper has improved so much, my friends are still very distant with me. Why is that? The father led his son to the fence. He said, "My son, look at the fence. Do you see all the holes left by the nails? When you say things in anger, they leave a permanent scar. The fence will never be the same." Making up for the hurt we have caused can be difficult or impossible. But every day is a chance to begin anew and therefore its a blessing to recognize flaws within ourselves it gives us the chance to move forward in a new and better way.
Zen Living
All parents love their children and all parents want their children to develop into individuals that are healthy, happy and successful. How do we achieve this? What are the pitfalls to avoid? With these questions in mind, Lotus Seed interviewed Master JinBodhi. Read on for the Master's insights on child-raising.
Meditation Master JinBodhi Talks About Raising Children

Interview by Lotus Seed Compilation by Xuemei Li
Lotus Seed: So many parents have high expectations of their children, wishing them to become highflying and powerful dragons and phoenixes, as the old Chinese idiom puts it. What is your opinion of this kind of expectation? Master: Not every child will become a high-flyer nor is it necessary. I think the best parents are the ones that dont have rigid expectations of their children, but rather are there for them as much as possible to provide support and nurturing. Such parents allow their children to develop naturally, discover their own talents and follow their own destiny, offering gentle guidance and encouragement along the way. No matter where our children are and what they do, if we know that theyre safe, healthy and happy, then we should we feel satisfied and relaxed. L: How can we nurture our children so that they
become healthy and happy? Master: First of all, respect them as independent individuals instead of regarding them as dependents that we can control. Even if your children are still small, you have to respect their individuality. For instance, when you ask your child to close the door, make sure to say please and thank you. When you talk to your little child, it is wise to kneel so that your heads will be at the same height and you can look into each others eyes. By doing so, you make it easier for the child to communicate with you. Secondly, we need to watch what we say. Some parents have an arrogant attitude toward children and often say threatening words to them, like If you dont do such-and-such, you wont find a job in the future, or If you dont eat well, you wont get strong, and so forth. Some kids may take this pressure as motivation to do better; however, lots of kids will feel depressed about the future. It becomes a daunting prospect that they lose confidence in. L: Many parents believe that their children have
to master as many skills as possible in order to succeed in life, and therefore enroll them in extracurricular activities like music, dance, sports, etc. How do you feel about this? Master: If it isnt too much of a stretch in terms of finances, time and energy, I support the idea of letting young kids learn some extra skills outside of the classroom which will be useful and enriching throughout their lives. Parents should observe and listen to their children carefully, and thereby get to know their childrens wants and needs. Parents must be aware of the different physical and psychological phases their children will go through at different ages.
L: How can parents help their children when they encounter challenges or criticism while attempting to learn a skill? Master: This really goes back to a point I made earlier: Adults need to be careful of what they say to children. Each child has a unique learning style: Some learn fast but perhaps superficially, while others learn slowly but perhaps profoundly. If a child doesnt seem to be making adequate progress, some teachers and parents get annoyed. However, its very possible that the child has been absorbing everything quietly without showing it. Adults need to be patient and refrain from jumping to premature judgments. Any negative comment you make might block a young minds confidence about mastering a skill. Here Id like to add another point for parents of very little children: Try to accompany them when they are learning something new. Little children are easily threatened by new people, settings and challenges. Youngsters who are in the early stages of learning a skill feel more at ease if they are accompanied by a parent.
L: Some parents are too insistent that their child

learn a certain skill, or disapprove of their childs choice of hobby. What is your advice to parents in such cases? Master: Allow your children to follow the call of their heart and make their own life path. Guide your childrens energy and attention wisely instead of blocking them. Apropos this guidance, a Buddhist maxim says it well: Go along with the conditions and relevant elements. If a child often gets into fights, he might need to play sports in order to release the strong energy inside of him. Criticism and punishment alone may not stop such a child from fighting. A positive way to channel intense energy would be essential. I strongly suggest all parents read one or two books on childrens development, so that they can have some idea of how children evolve physically, psychologically and spiritually. Looking at a childs behavior from an adults point of view is not always helpful, as it can lead to judging typical behaviors as unreasonable. For instance, little children often ask parents to read the same story repeatedly. An adults mind is always looking for new stimulation and thus repetitive activities are boring to a grown person. But if parents know that they are a normal part of childhood development it is more likely that a youngsters need would take precedence over an adults boredom. Children have different requirements at different developmental stages, and sometimes what they need is not what the parents are ready to give. Parents should step back from their personal judgment and treat their children with compassion. Even if you are starting to lose patience, be aware of your feelings and refrain from saying things like, Stop crying! Otherwise, Ill leave you here by yourself! or You are such an annoying child! Threatening words are damaging to children who dont know that what they are hearing is untrue.
L: Understanding and guiding a child who is entering puberty is a headache for many parents. Children
who were once gentle and placid can suddenly become defiant and moody during adolescence. Serious conflicts have been known to develop between parents and their teenage children. Master: Yes, puberty is a delicate period of growth in a persons life, but parents should be happy that their children are pubescent, as it is an indication of normal development. Hormones drive the physical and psychological changes that occur during adolescence, and these changes can create pressure and anxiety within the child. Curiosity about the opposite sex also contributes to inner turmoil. Emotional outbursts are common to the adolescent experience. Parents need to be compassionate. Even though teenagers may look like adults, they can still be childish psychologically. Be patient and loving, give them space, provide a tolerant environment and offer timely guidance. Do not let a teenager feel oppressed or isolated. Adolescent depression can have serious consequences if left untreated. Boys and girls should mix on a consistent basis from the time theyre small, which will result in teenagers having a realistic rather than mythological view of the opposite sex. Id like to emphasize something here that I think is very important, but may have been overlooked by some parents: Guide your children and young adults to be socially responsible people. A person should not only be responsible for him or her self, but also carry a fair share of responsibility for societys welfare. Im glad to see many universities regard this as an important criterion when admitting new students. One student I know who had an excellent academic record and was popular among fellow students wasn't accepted by Harvard University because he had failed to demonstrate a sense of social responsibility. Apropos civic duty, the dragon in the Chinese idiom about expecting ones child to become a dragon originally symbolized the emperor. Thus the idiom came to mean expecting a child to become powerful and gain
Allow your children to follow the call of their heart and make their own life path.
high social status. However, its crucial to remember that a good emperor kept the well-being of all his people in mind and heart. A good emperor ruled by his merits, by the good things he did for his people, by winning their hearts. Thats what people mean when they call someone a real dragon.
L: How do you think parents can

help their children develop a sense of social responsibility? Master: Encourage them to visit the home of an elderly person, or a senior citizens retirement residence, and offer their help, or provide comfort and joy simply by talking or singing. No matter how small a childs helpful gesture may seem, it plants a seed of love in a young heart. If this seed is nourished continuously, it will grow into a big love. Through one small gesture of compassion at a time, a childs heart expands to include many instead of just him or her self. A youngster with a large, loving heart who combines that heart with knowledge and skills grows up to be powerful. Children are little sponges! A spark of inspiration can ignite a bonfire of positive action. Childrens unpolluted minds know no limits. Give them a drop of water and they will harvest an ocean. Sow a seed of compassion in them, and theyll do big things for humankind.
world. But when you were a child, what were your parents expectations of you? Master: I was in poor health when I was little. I think my parents just hoped that I would survive. When I first started trying long-distance running to strengthen my body, my father told me that if he got a bit of free time he would run with me. He was very sincere about wanting to help me. Whenever I was running and felt tired, I thought of his encouraging words and was inspired to keep going. Then I started to train in the Chinese martial arts. Every evening I had to repeat my exercises. My father would say to me, Ah, youre getting better and better. You look so chivalrous!
get up at 3 a.m. every day, even in the winter. Normally I was still tired when it was time to get out of bed. But my parents required that I demonstrate endurance. So every morning my mother would wake me. Sometimes I really didnt want to move. So she would say, Your body is much stronger than before and your technique has improved a lot. These positive results are due to the physical and meditation exercises youve done in the past. Today is tomorrows past. If you continue with your exercises today, your improvement will continue. If you stay committed to getting up at 3 a.m. for a little longer, waking up early will get easier. Your endurance will pay off. Indeed, Ive developed superb endurance. I dont give up.
L: Later you left home to look for accomplished

masters to follow. Master: Yes, when I was about fifteen I left home to learn from different masters and in so doing improve myself. I had very complex feelings about leaving home, which meant leaving my aging parents who had always been good to me. I felt guilty about going, afraid that if they became sick I wouldnt be able to help them. I was also worried that if I couldnt make something of myself, I would have wasted all of their investment in me. I said to my mother, I might not fulfill your expectations. Please dont be disappointed and look after yourself. To my surprise and relief, she replied, Ive never met a kinder person than you in my life. As long as you stay alive, Ill be happy. Nothing else is important.
L: Your parents were model parents. Master: They never scolded me. Once I dismantled
the only clock in our house, but couldnt put all the loose parts together again. I got scared that I would get in trouble, so I hid the clock under the bed. My father found out what happened and said, If you want to know whats inside a clock, study the parts thoroughly. I can buy a new one. Im so grateful that my parents didnt stop me from exploring, which is how I acquired a diverse set of practical skills. I became good at using my hands and making things. I can sew and cook quite well.
L: Its important that we as parents provide opportunities for our children to explore freely so that they can discover their own interests and develop a wide variety of skills. Master: Yes. Exploring a particular interest can lead to revelations about other aspects of life. Cooking, for example, teaches one about balance and timing, which both apply to relationships as well as many other pursuits and experiences.
L: Master JinBodhi, you are a wellrespected meditation master. Youve done so much to help others and you have millions of followers around the
L: Your mother didnt seem to expect you to achieve anything. Master: No, she didnt. And because of that, I felt even more motivated to do better. They just wanted me to become an ordinary person, to live safely and happily. Although they didnt have high expectations of me, they did set requirements. I remember when I started to learn under my first master, I was instructed to go to a desolate park to do my physical and meditation exercises before dawn. That meant that I had to
L: Your words are so inspiring. Thank you very

much, Master, for sharing your opinions with readers. Master: Youre welcome.
MEDITATION JOURNAL
Health is essential to good living - but illness and stress confront everyone at some point in life. Are there ways to permanently rid ourselves of health concerns? Can holistic well-being be drastically enhanced? The answer to both questions is a resounding "yes," and the techniques needed to achieve lasting healing and tranquility are simple to learn and practice. "Meditation Journal" is a series of interviews conducted with Bodhi Meditation practitioners around the world. In these moving and inspiring stories, they share their struggles and their joyous breakthroughs. One common thread weaves throughout - with the help of Bodhi Meditation, each person interviewed has forged a fuller, healthier, happier life.
Meditation Journal
East Meets West

By Justin Porter as told to Jacqueline Sam Photography by Fa Fang
Justin Porter and his wife, Jade, are ecstatic about his dramatic health improvements.
my journey to wellness. Last summer I became friends with an architect named Cary Tsai Im a contractor and we met while constructing a house in West Vancouver. When I eventually told him about the health challenges I was having, he said, What you have to do, Justin, is meditate. He gave me Greater Illumination and The Meditation of Purity and told me that I would notice an improvement if I practiced them once a day. I didnt get started on my practice immediately. I eventually tried the meditations, and I attended a couple of drop-in classes at Vancouver Center in November. In December I committed to meditating for an hour every day for a week, and at the end of that period I felt great. But during the hectic Christmas season I neglected my practice and the unpleasant symptoms returned. I had heard that a Meditation Retreat for English speakers was being offered in January, and made it my New Years resolution to attend.
properly. Fasting was easy and happened naturally. I never felt hungry, though I did drink a green juice one night because Jade was concerned about me. In fact, several of my family and friends thought I was crazy, but I figured, why fill a gas tank thats already full? The nice thing about being at the Center is that you feel safe. I felt supported throughout my process.
From West to East

According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I had been suffering from blocked qi in my liver, a damp spleen, poor circulation and a lack of oxygen in the blood. When there is an issue with the liver, the thyroid is also affected and the thyroid has a significant influence on the heart. Bodhi Meditation has been essential to unblocking my qi and opening the door to an unprecedented state of relaxation, thereby restoring my health. Since attending the Retreat and making Bodhi a regular part of my life, my blood pressure and blood sugar have normalized, my heart rate has increased to sixty beats a minute, my skin problems have substantially improved, and the numbness has subsided along with the anxiety and indigestion. I can now eat anything without suffering adverse effects. However, even though I have the freedom to eat what I choose, Jade and I have made a commitment to eat organic, local food whenever possible. Weve transitioned to brown rice, which has been a bit of a hurdle for Jade. She is from Korea, where white rice is integral to cuisine and culture. Although she didnt believe in meditation at first, she has tried a class and experienced the resulting tranquility, and has been delighted by my
Illness Without Answers

I had my first panic attack in May of 2011 during a trip to Mexico. To make matters worse, I also woke up with numbness in my leg and a bizarre tingling sensation down my left side. By the time I hit the autumn, I was also suffering from repeated spikes in blood pressure and blood sugar, and extreme sensitivity to various foods. Rice, for example, would send my blood pressure skyrocketing and make me feel terrible. In fact, I felt terrible much of the time, which caused major stress for both me and my wife, Jade. We had only recently begun our married life together, and my health challenges put a lot of pressure on us at a time
when we should have been celebrating. When I talked to my doctor about the problem I was having with anxiety, he essentially told me it was psychological, meaning that it was all in my head and there was no real cause. I went to many doctors but I wasnt getting the help I needed from the Western approach, and my issues expanded to include numbness in my face and hands, severe skin dryness and psoriasis-type symptoms, and a heart that was only beating about forty times a minute. With Jades support, I decided to begin taking matters into my own hands. I connected with an acupuncturist who helped me tremendously. I took a lot of vitamins. And then I encountered Bodhi Meditation, which turned out to be an invaluable part of
Letting My Body Guide Me

During the Retreat, I began spontaneous fasting. On my first night without food, I had vivid nightmares which I believe were symptomatic of the detoxification process I was going through. The following night I woke up about an hour after falling asleep with an intense sensation of heat in my arm. After several minutes it went cold, and the next morning I awoke to discover that the numbness I had been experiencing in my hand was gone. Before I finished fasting the feeling of burning heat returned again, this time concentrated in my stomach and head. It was as though my body was fixing itself energy was flowing
Meditation Journal
Meditation Journal
positive transformation. Ive learned more about Oriental culture through this practice there is no doubt that Bodhi has given our relationship a tremendous boost. Jade no longer has to worry about my health, so we are free to move happily forward.
Transforming the Heart and Mind

The emotional benefits of Bodhi practice have been profound. Not only have the panic attacks disappeared, but the angry outbursts that used to cause me and people around me grief have vanished as well. Jade has noticed a big difference, going so far as to say that I no longer have a bad temper and describing me as really calm. During the Retreat, Master JinBodhi said something that made a major impact on me, something that has helped transform the way that I approach life. He talked about a dam in China that was constructed after a valley had flooded and everything was destroyed. The Master used the story as a metaphor to illustrate the point that you can never block water or energy you can only direct it to where you want it to be. So now, instead of hanging on to the energy of
problems, I try to redirect it in other words, go with the flow. The Giant Mudra in The Meditation of Greater Illumination was also particularly impactful. Initially, I could only picture myself being as big as a house, but the instructors kept urging us to go bigger and pretty soon I was bumping my head on the moon. The idea that we are limitless was a breakthrough for me. I wouldnt say Im a Buddhist but Im definitely interested in learning more. Its a philosophy that makes sense to me. Ive always believed in cause and effect, in karma. I read a few books about Buddhism years ago and the presence of Bodhi in my life has really reinvigorated my interest. Ive been involved in helping to build an addition to a Buddhist monastery in Vancouver, so Ive been able to ask questions of the nuns there on a daily basis. Bodhi Meditation has helped me come to understand joy, which to me is a feeling of lightness and freedom. Entering into joy through meditation has been fundamental to healing my heart problems. I used to have a lot of anger and I now realize its impact on the liver. I wasnt giving my heart joy and I was feeding my liver anger and bitterness. Practicing Bodhi allows me to peel back the layers of the self and gain new awareness. Ive learned to appreciate and enjoy life.
Taking It to the Next Level

I am planning to attend the Second Level Retreat. After my friend Cary the one who introduced me to Bodhi alleviated my back pain using energy healing skills he learned in the Second Level, my interest in cultivating my own healing ability was stoked. It would be wonderful to be able to help others restore their health and equilibrium. There is no doubt that Eastern wisdom has helped to transform my Western lifestyle. Im so grateful to Bodhi for being a gateway to a joy I never knew possible. I will continue to combine East and West as I move through my life.
Meditation Journal
Heaven Is Right Here, Right Now

By Melia McClure
An Unexpected Blessing
Lan Ma has always been a dynamic person, a bubbly leader who devotes herself to helping others. Since being introduced to Bodhi Meditation in 2010, her myriad talents and natural proclivity for serving are manifesting in evermore dazzling ways. This is a pure blessing, said Lan, of her association with Bodhi. All the dreams I didnt know I had just came to me. Originally from Beijing, Lan now resides in New Jersey with her two children. In addition to being a devoted mother, she exercises her keen professional skills and interpersonal gifts through her career with IBM. In October of 2010, Lans longtime friend Linda Wu introduced her to Bodhis Meditation of Greater Illumination on DVD, and Lan was immediately drawn to it. She wasnt motivated to practice by a particular health issue, but simply felt open to trying something new, and trusted the guidance of Linda, who often spoke of the benefits she had reaped from Bodhi Meditation. Lan kept a detailed journal of her experiences during the first several weeks of daily practice, which now serves as an amazing testament to the profound journey that rapidly enfolded her.
The first time I practiced [The Meditation of Greater Illumination] I saw beautiful purple light when I closed my eyes, Lan wrote. When I was practicing the Wheel Mudra, I remembered my dear grandma. I saw a clear image of a womans head surrounded by spokes of white light. She was reaching out to me, trying to embrace me. I was overwhelmed by a feeling of warm acceptance and cried out loud. I felt as if I was talking to her. I cried like a baby. I felt great love. Lans grandmother was a central figure in her life. Grandma raised me while my parents were busy with their work, gave me all the love I needed and cultivated me to become a kind-hearted person, Lan recalled. Grandma was a saint in my eyes, always helping the family, the neighbors and the community. She took care of everybody before herself, and never complained about anything. I miss her and love her.
and Blessing Event held in New York City. She participated in the group practice led by Master Julie, Bodhis preeminent meditation master for the New York area. The two women had met previously and shared an instant bond. Master Julie had recently brought her wisdom and leadership to the eastern United States after having devoted herself to working directly with Master JinBodhi since 1993. As Master Julie facilitated the group healing session, Lan once again saw vivid purple light dancing before her. Somehow [the light] looked really happy and excited. Im in love with the purple light, which carries a positive, loving energy. After the event, Master Julie told Lan that she had been thinking about her ever since their first meeting a couple of weeks earlier. Lan, touched by her teachers care, promised to call, and drove home feeling relaxed and lighthearted, untroubled by traffic for the first time in memory. Lan and Master Julie spoke the following day, the former sharing the profundity of her grandmothers unexpected visitation. Julie told me she felt she already knew me. I shared with her that Buddhas idea that Heaven is right here, right now, really resonated with me. Ive always felt that a person doesnt have to wait to die to go to Heaven, that if one can live in Gods light, then one is in Heaven on Earth. A suffering soul, even if he or she lives in a palace, is confined in Hell. Lans strong bond with Master Julie encouraged her to continue along the Bodhi path. I felt very much encouraged and felt camaraderie with a person who shares the same goals and values, Lan enthused. Receiving validation from someone who also lives to devote her life to better the world was very heartening. Not everyone shares my belief in altruism and my pursuit of spiritual growth.
Grandmas surprise appearance during Greater Illumination was a wondrous gift that proved to be the start of further awe-inspiring occurrences. Two weeks into her practice, Lan attended a Bodhi Meditation Health
Photography by Dannia Hu
Bonding With Master Julie
Transformed by Effortless Fasting

The day after her conversation with Master Julie, Lan went to the gym for her regular Pilates class. When I came home I felt hungry but strangely, didnt feel like eating. I usually nibble all the time between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., a bad habit made possible by
working from home. Im a comfort eater. I have a busy, demanding life and not a lot of ways to comfort myself, so food has been what I turn to for emotional sustenance. Typically, Im always hungry and crave all kinds of snacks, especially after exercising. That night, when I didnt feel like eating, I thought maybe something was wrong with me. Little did she know, Lan had embarked on a journey of spontaneous fasting, prompted by her newfound practice of Bodhi Meditation. Her previous experience with fasting was limited to a deliberate fast she had undertaken in 2008. I tried the Master Cleanse and lost fifteen pounds, which I gained back. During that eight-and-a-half day fast, I felt weak and wobbly and had to use willpower to stop myself from eating. Her experience with Bodhi-induced spontaneous fasting was radically different. On the first night, not yet aware of what was happening, she forced down a bowl of diluted congee and a couple of pieces of pineapple. Despite a well-stocked refrigerator and the physical demands of Pilates and several activities with her children, she had no urge to eat. An occasional hunger pang or craving would surface, but she had no real desire to sate them, and Master Julie informed her that they were only due to longtime habit. The following morning she again had no desire for food, and even her favorite dish of stewed pork, which she prepared for her son and daughter, didnt tempt her appetite. She forced herself to eat an apple, but she felt as though the fruit was stuck in her chest. The feeling was terrible, so Lan decided to continue fasting. Her energy level remained high, and her mood peaceful. For fourteen years, Lan had been a dedicated consumer of health supplements, a self-confessed vitamin junkie. However, that changed abruptly on her second night of fasting when she swallowed her customary handful of pills. I took fish oil, a multivitamin plus extra D, calcium and enzymes for years. This time they didnt seem to go down properly, and gave me a terrible choking feeling. I had always believed that the supplements ensured me good health and sound sleep, but after the unexpected, awful sensation they gave me, I knew I needed to find out what would happen if I stopped taking them. Lan continued to keep up with her regular activities,
Meditation Journal
including her fitness routine, and ate only tiny amounts of food on a sporadic basis. In fact, she felt even stronger than usual during exercise class. She lost four pounds early in her fast, and then her weight stabilized. Despite the fact that Lan had given up the calcium supplements that she had always depended on for restful slumber, she was sleeping like a contented baby. Her mood remained positive, and she was imbued with the feeling that she was interacting with lots of spirit or energy each time she practiced Greater Illumination. The purple light that had appeared when Lan commenced her practice continued to visit her, at times moving like liquid silk, and at other times being replaced by blue, green or white light. Whatever the hue, her inner vision was consistently illuminated by an overwhelming outpouring of incandescence. And, during the meditation, when she was instructed to receive white light into her hands, she felt her palms grow warm. Indeed, toward the end of the twelve days that Lan spent in a state of spontaneous fasting, she experienced an overall warming during her meditation sessions, to the extent of sweat forming on her face and back despite the cool temperature of the room. Patches of warmth were generated on her back and legs. Lan became cognizant of being infused with great energy. After nearly two weeks of spontaneous fasting, Lan felt pangs of hunger one night after a busy day without food. She began to eat again with ease, not experiencing the uncomfortable, choking sensation that food had caused when she had begun fasting. The spontaneous fast ended as smoothly and naturally as it had started.
significant and lasting benefits. Its still amazing to me that I suddenly stopped taking my vitamin supplements after fourteen years of depending on them. I feel wonderful, and I dont need them anymore. The supplements had helped me to deal with severe PMS symptoms, but now I dont experience the back pain and other problems that had always caused monthly difficulties for me. Ive also noticed that I no longer experience major blood clotting during my periods. Large blood clots had always been there, but now theyre completely gone. Not only that, but Ive also become free of constipation. It had been an issue for me for much of my life, and I had been taking senna [an herb used to treat constipation] to treat it, but now Ive stopped that, too. Ive become regular. Another great benefit is the improvement in my complexion. My skin tone used to be really dark, and I had multiple sunspots on my face. Its incredible how much lighter my skin has become, and all of the sunspots have disappeared. People are constantly asking me what Ive done to look so much better, and when I tell them its Bodhi Meditation, they want to sign up! And another thing Ive noticed is how much calmer I am while driving. I dont like to drive in busy areas, and before, whenever I had to go to Manhattan, a dark cloud would come over me. Now, I dont have any anxiety about driving, even when my kids are in the car, which is great.
Reaching Out With Helping Hands

Lan has spent her life as a selfless helper and inspiration to others, and she is grateful that her involvement in Bodhi Meditation provides her with the opportunity to reach many.
A Healthy Glow
Lan has continued to be a devoted practitioner of The Meditation of Greater Illumination, experiencing several
Meditation Journal
Ive experienced a lot of difficulty in my life, but I always see the silver lining in everything. The challenges Ive experienced have made me dedicated to walking a compassionate path. I always have both hands extended, helping people. Prior to being introduced to Bodhi, I read several books on the healthcare system and decided that one day I would do a public health degree, so that I could bring greater wellness to people. But now that Bodhi has come into my life, I know that this is the way that I will help people instead. In December of 2010, Lan began to host group meditation practice at her home. Her good friend was suffering a hemorrhagic eye condition, and was desperate for help. After practicing Bodhi Meditation, the womans illness stabilized, and the blood spot in her eye failed to worsen, despite medical predictions to the contrary. Another student in Lans group practice, her piano tuner, no longer needs to wear glasses. And yet another friend that Lan introduced to Bodhi, one of the many people who had noticed the improvement in Lans complexion, was thrilled that a longstanding spine alignment issue and severe allergies were healed after she started meditating. Although Lan considers herself a spiritual person, she believes that addressing peoples physical reality first and foremost is more practical than approaching others from a metaphysical stance. We are in a physical form, which is the house of the spirit. I always start with the physical. When people are in physical pain, they cant connect to an idea of purity or other spiritual concepts. Like Buddha, Master JinBodhi says that his goal is to have everyone living in Heaven, right here, right now. And that starts with good health. What I do is a tiny part of a bigger plan. I enjoy being an instrument and when I do something, I devote 100 percent of myself to it. Its a matter of what God
wants, Buddha, the Universe. To further spread the Bodhi word, Lan created a biweekly meditation newsletter in February of 2011 called Meditation Inspiration, which is widely distributed and available on the New York chapters website (www.bodhimeditationsociety.org). The newsletter is another way of supporting people, and of documenting our progress and the great benefits that people are experiencing. In December of 2011, Lan again experienced the phenomenon of spontaneous fasting. She drank water but ate nothing and lost fourteen pounds. While fasting, she worked fulltime, took a challenging professional examination, and was also kept busy by her childrens piano competition and daughters ballet rehearsals. Despite the frantic pace, she never felt fatigued or deprived and remained in buoyant spirits. Not surprisingly, Lan plans to become a Bodhi Meditation instructor, and has coordinated a Retreat and workshops in New Jersey, in addition to attending a Second Level Retreat in Vancouver. She has created the Vitality Workshop, an eight-week program that has proved so popular it will be held regularly, and the Meditate Toward Joyful Pregnancy Workshop, which is held year-round at an alternative health facility the first wellness class to be hosted there. Another brainchild of hers is the Virtual Bodhi Meditation Room, a virtual community space where practitioners can get the resources and support to keep up a sustained practice. Participants from New York and New Jersey have been joined by people from Texas and Ohio and all have reported benefits. Bodhi Meditation is indeed fortunate to have a dedicated guiding light like Lan Ma furthering its mission of love. As she said with a smile, Bodhi is one of the most wonderful, fulfilling things in my life.
Compelling stories from students who have found vibrant health and lasting happiness through Bodhi Meditation
Meditation Journal
Tatyana Platitsa made her first foray into the beautiful world of the Bodhi Meditation Center in Toronto in August of 2011.
The Miracle of a Good Nights Sleep

By Tatyana Platitsa Photography by Michael Platitsa
Originally from Ukraine, I am kept busy in Canada working in the IT sector as a Senior Systems Analyst. I had been enmeshed in a long period of stress and was unable to sleep without sleeping pills. Reliant on the pills for more than two years, their effectiveness had substantially diminished. Depression and fatigue were unwanted bedfellows in my life. A friend of mine had been introduced to Bodhi by an acupuncturist and herbalist named Catalina Wu, and urged me to try it. I started by attending a three-day class, and eventually went on to attend the Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat. On my first day of class I felt very weak and physically sick, and three times nearly gave up and left. However, Catalina and the other instructors gave me ample care and attention, and thanks to their gentle urging I decided to stay to the end of the session. That night was the first in years that I slept without pills. It was a miracle! Since then, Ive never taken another sleeping aid. I practice The Meditation of Greater Illumination, The Meditation of Purity and Chanting to Avalokitesvara regularly, which helps me to feel more energetic, inspired and balanced. I was introduced to Bodhi Meditation at a time when I needed help. Ive received from Bodhi the kind of transformative assistance that I couldnt get anywhere else. This practice is a powerful tool that really does dispel problems. It promotes physical and mental health as well as spiritual brightness. I cannot adequately express how thankful I am to the instructors and all of the people at the Toronto Center, and to those Ive met from the Center in Vancouver. Everyone is so kind, friendly and generous with their support. My deep appreciation and gratitude also go out to the Master. His mission to bring Bodhi Meditation to people around the world is a mission of love.
Meditation Journal
Sunlight
By Winnie Lee as told to Adrian Chang
I woke up in pain, tossed and turned until sleep overtook me once more. Dreams came one after another. My mind was restless and the slightest sound or movement roused me. It had been twenty years since my last night of undisturbed rest.
I Once Lost Hope
Over the years, Id tried many kinds of sleeping pills, but they didnt work. Each time, I woke up in the morning to a crippling migraine a familiar and terrible visitor. Unfortunately, sleeping pills or no, the migraines were constant, even in spite of doctors prescriptions. As time passed, they had grown steadily worse. When my condition was at its most severe, I suffered from two outbreaks a week. Id take one or two strong painkillers and shut myself inside a completely darkened room. There, Id just lie in bed literally in agony waiting for it to end. With my kids all grown up, I started thinking my time might be done. There seemed to be no point in continuing with the pain. During one mild migraine episode, I was still able to read and flipped through a copy of Meditation & Health magazine that Id picked up a few days before. For obvious reasons, the stories of people overcoming illness spoke to me strongly. Also, an article featuring a meditation master, JinBodhi, raised my curiosity. There was an unnamable quality that radiated from his image, a beauty in his gentle expression. The article claimed that his teachings had helped many people. Quite suddenly, I became excited at the possibility of a new therapy. Still, a moment of improbable hope cant erase years of frustration. I reined in my thoughts and asked myself, What good would meditation do me, when even the most advanced medicine offers no cure? My doctor once said that mine was one of the worst migraine cases hed ever encountered. My father is a famous doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, often invited to give lectures in
Photography by Vancouver Center
Meditation Journal
Meditation Journal
the U.S., but he was unable to cure me, either. In his opinion, though not fatal, my migraines were unlikely to ever allow for a normal life. It may seem ironic that a famous doctor couldnt cure his own daughter, nor could my Western-trained brother, a doctor of conventional medicine, who recommended new medications all the time. I appreciated his help, and yet it saddened me, too, feeling I was a burden to so many people. During a particularly bad episode, I thought again of the meditation master Id read about and made up my mind to try his style of meditation. This is my last chance, I told myself. I was jaded and lost. So much time had passed, and it was the last hope I could muster. My horizon had darkened.
The Sunlight was Beautiful

I registered for the February 2006 Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat. On the second day of the Retreat, I stopped taking my preventive medication. Id tried abstaining before, but the result had always been horrible migraine recurrences of greater strength, frequency and duration. The first and second days passed successfully, as did the third, but on the fourth day things took a bad turn. The pain started at 5 a.m. At first, I didnt want to go to class. Then I decided that since I was there to meditate, maybe that was the best thing for me maybe it would help. I summoned my inner strength and went to the class. While the students were practicing, I covered my
eyes with a cloth to protect them from the light and lay on the floor. Even so, it was torture, so much so that I had to repeatedly fight the impulse to strike my head against the wall. I was taken to a separate room, where I was treated with a form of meditative therapy. To this day, Im unsure of how it worked, but the migraine eased during the treatment. Just before the end of morning class, I was encouraged to remove the cloth from my head. I hesitated, knowing that the pain was likely to last another twentyfour hours, and that exposure to light would only add fuel to the flames. Nonetheless, I committed fully to this new possibility and uncovered my head. The moment I opened my eyes, I started to cry. For the first time light did not worsen the pain. The sunlight was beautiful! From that moment to the last day of the twelve-day Retreat, I was filled with feelings of happiness that were new to me. Everyone commented on my easy laughter. After twenty years of struggle, I was laughing out loud. Though a migraine hit on the tenth day of class, I was sure I could defeat it. I did, too. Unexpectedly, the migraine was gone by noon without any special therapy or meditation. I had taken only a pill-and-a-half of preventive medicine on the first morning and nothing more.
My Life is Bright Again

After the February Retreat, I took another risk. I decided to visit Hong Kong for family reasons.
I love it and I have a home there. However, because of the migraines, I was afraid to go. The hot and humid weather can instigate horrible episodes. Though my health had improved greatly by the end of the Bodhi Retreat, I was still worried about what might happen. I brought all the medicine I could in case things took a turn for the worse. During the month I spent there, I didnt take a single pill. Well aware of how miserable migraines had made my life, my husband was highly sensitive to my state. He was amazed to see me so healthy, particularly without any medicine. It was very difficult for him to accept how much I credited my recovery to meditation, which is understandable. It is incredible that a twelveday meditation retreat can make a crippling illness of twenty years suddenly manageable. Had I not lived this experience myself, I wouldnt take it at face value. I am fully aware of how unbelievable it sounds. My husband encouraged me to continue learning and practicing Bodhi Meditation, and I signed up for an April Retreat in Hong Kong. During the Retreat, I dealt with one migraine episode, but it resolved itself amazingly fast. I was told that outbreaks may still occur every once in a while. Dont worry about the occasional recurrence. As long as you keep practicing meditation, you will get healthier and healthier, the meditation instructors said. My life is now full of sunlight. Day and night, theres a brilliance inside me. Everything has changed! I used to fear the light and was unable to stay in it for long. If I did, a migraine would strike. Even during the occasional episode, light simply isnt my enemy anymore. After witnessing the extent of my recovery, my brother invited me to Hawaii for a vacation in July of 2006, where I enjoyed sun and sand without worry for the first time in ages. In my mid-fifties then, it was as though I was returning to the health and energy of my youth, both physically and mentally. For that, I will always be grateful.
Follow-Up
Two years after Winnie embarked on her Bodhi path at Vancouver Center, she moved to Hong Kong. In November of 2008, she started to organize public drop-in meditation sessions. Many of the attending students also took Bodhi classes in Taiwan. By July of 2009, the number of students was increasing monthly. Winnie became a key member of the team that facilitated the development of Hong Kong Bodhi Center. The inaugural Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat was held in March of 2010. As one of the meditation instructors, Winnie has witnessed the rapid growth of the Center. The first class had fewer than twenty students, and now a class accomodates more than two hundred. In April of 2011, Winnie was interviewed by Vancouver Center and joyfully shared countless stories of students who have reaped radical benefits from the Bodhi path. The Retreats have brought so much health and happiness to students. It's amazing to see it through an instructor's eyes. Many of the Hong Kong Centers students are from out of town, and Winnie and the other teachers make sure to meet them at the train or bus station and escort them to the Center. She not only teaches classes, but also takes care of visiting meditators outside of class. She loves every student and expresses that love in the details of daily contact. Indeed, her students have all become her friends, as evidenced by the holiday greetings and constant outpouring of gratitude that she receives. "I've learned a lot as a Bodhi student, however I've learned more as a Bodhi instructor. From my students, Ive learned sincerity and respect, and their faith strengthens mine," she said, smiling. A new Center is set to open this year in Hong Kong, and its keeping Winnie busy with joyous purpose.
Meditation Journal
Meditation Journal
Embraced by the Medicine Buddha

By Christina Nunez as told to Dawn T. Photography by Dawn T. Christina Nunez journeys within.
During the summer of 2009, I was sitting in the waiting room of one of my many doctors when I came across a large pile of magazines advocating various holistic and alternative medical approaches.
I stumbled upon an article about Bodhi Meditation and the benefits it provides to individuals with back pain, depression and other health challenges. I had been suffering from chronic back pain and depression for a few years and was scheduled for back surgery at the end of the summer, so I was instantly interested. At that point in my life, I had tried various medications, medical procedures, alternative treatments and religious approaches, so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying yet another path. I was hopeful that I would experience some relief from my back pain and depression, but believed any improvement would be minimal. The last few years of my life had consisted of attending various medical appointments, taking my six-year-old daughter to and from school, and lying in bed. A year and two attempts later, I was able to attend the 8.5-Day Meditation and Fitness Retreat at Alhambra Center in September of 2010. On the first day of the Retreat, I was not sure how long I would be able to endure the session and since I had no prior experience with meditation, I had doubts that I would be a good candidate for the practice. But as the days progressed, I found that Bodhi Meditation was extremely easy to learn and to practice, and everyone was so warm and welcoming. I was amazed at how quickly I experienced relief from my pain and how my body was able to sit, stand and bend in ways that it had not been able to do in years. I felt energetic and peaceful, and long-term insomnia melted into sound sleep. My emotional state was transformed in a matter of days. At the conclusion of my second day, I stayed behind to receive a blessing from two Bodhi Meditation teachers, which relieved much of the stress and tension that I had been experiencing. After that, my six-yearold daughter, Natalie, noticed an improvement in my demeanor and temperament. I shared Bodhi Meditation with her and told her that someday I would like her to join me, but was unsure if she could stay focused. I played one of Master JinBodhi's chanting CDs and she said, Look, Mommy, I can do it! She then proceeded to sit silently in the lotus position for fifteen consecutive minutes. I was surprised by, and excited about, her newfound ability. At the end of my fourth day, one of the students who had befriended me acted as my voice when we
humbly asked Master Guan-Hai if he would help me with my back pain. He graciously gave me instructions on what immediate action to take, and what to do that night and the next morning before returning to the Retreat. As I drove home afterward, I had the amazing experience of sensing that my car was being illuminated from a source of light in the sky. Indeed, I felt that everyone around me could see it, too. I followed Master Guan-Hai's instructions and the next day felt an overwhelming sense of peace, tranquility and well-being. On my sixth day, I had an extremely spiritual encounter with the Medicine Buddha. When he appeared to me, I told him that I was sorry for taking so long to come to Bodhi Meditation, and that I was deeply grateful for the physical and emotional healing that I had received in such a short time. I could see a deep compassion in his eyes and could feel his arms embracing me as he said, Dont worry, my child, whats important is that you are here now. Being that I am American of Mexican descent, raised in the Catholic religion, this was a very unexpected, yet powerful experience. Every time I speak about that incredible moment with the Medicine Buddha, I am consumed by the same overwhelming emotion that surfaced when he embraced me. Thanks to Bodhi Meditation, my life has been dramatically transformed. Just two months after participating in the Retreat, I completed an eight-week exercise program something I thought I would never be able to do again. I have found a whole world of opportunities to look forward to. I now know that I can and will be the mother I had previously only dreamed of being. My daughter is extremely happy that we are able to participate in various activities outside the home. In fact, when we stop for a breather now she wonders why, as she knows constant rest is no longer something I need. Words cannot express my profound gratitude to the compassionate Medicine Buddha, to Master JinBodhi for creating Bodhi Meditation and wanting to share it with the world, and to Master Guan-Hai for his compassion and healing energy, and for being open to everyone regardless of religious background or nationality. I would also like to thank all of the wonderful language interpreters. Without their help, my life would not have been so deeply touched. Thanks to all the teachers, disciples and the entire Bodhi family.
63 63 Meditation Meditation & Health
Meditation Journal
Meditation Journal
Annie Zhou radiates happiness during a Second Level Retreat in Vancouver, 2011.
A Blessed Life: Health and Family Joy

By Annie Zhou as told to Betty Zheng Translation by Shanti
Since being introduced to Bodhi Meditation, I have been blessed with health and joy. Much of my physical pain has disappeared, along with the sense of estrangement that once existed between myself and my children.
Over ten years of working in a restaurant had resulted in constant aching in both of my arms. The pain became worse after a bad fall at work in 2007. A few months of intense treatment did little to remedy my condition, and I still couldnt lift my arms, reach my back, dress myself or even comb my hair. I would experience excruciating pain after the slightest exertion. Things took a turn for the better after I attended Master JinBodhis New Years Blessing Puja in 2010. I had been drawn there by a flyer bearing the title Health and Happiness. At the Puja, the Master asked us to raise our hands if we were suffering from a headache, a shoulder ache or back pain. I was thrilled by the chance to receive healing from him. Afterward, I was able to lift my arms with ease. What a miracle! I began to practice Bodhi Meditation diligently in April of 2010. After attending a Meditation and Fitness Retreat in August of that year, I could not only lift my arms, but also rotate them freely! With further diligent meditation practice and frequent visits to the Center, where instructors conduct healing sessions, I have overcome many illnesses that had plagued me for years. My health and energy level have greatly improved. In addition to all the health benefits I have received by practicing Bodhi Meditation, Ive also experienced a miraculous improvement in my relationships with my son and daughter. When my children were only two and four, I had to leave my first marriage which meant leaving them also to come to the United States. They had been estranged from me since then. They rarely called. When I tried to talk to them over the phone, their attitude was distant. Our estrangement was a deep wound inside my heart, over which I have
shed many tears over the years. I prayed often that one day, they would let me into their lives even if just a little bit. After talking to Master Jue-Wu about this matter, I was told that Bodhi Meditation would not only give me back my health, but also benefit me in many other aspects of life, including family relationships. Encouraged by her advice, I practiced even more diligently and also started volunteering at the Center. One day out of the blue in June of 2010, I received a phone call from my ex-husband in which he informed me that my son would be coming to the United States to take the exam required to become an airplane mechanic. He asked if I could take care of him. The three days that my son spent with me are probably the happiest days of my life. I was overjoyed that I could cook meals, including his favorite dumplings, for him again. I couldnt help smiling when I watched him enjoying my cooking. During that year, my son had the opportunity to visit twice and our relationship drastically improved. He agreed to try to help open the lines of communication between myself and my daughter. I waited patiently to hear back from her, but as the end of the year approached nothing had changed. In December of 2010 I went to the Center yet again to pray. Shortly afterward, I called my daughter and she actually carried on a fortyminute conversation with me! My heart melted when she gently called me Mom. I wished I could travel through the telephone line to give her a hug. Ive been in close contact with my son and daughter ever since. Im eternally grateful to Bodhi Meditation for giving me back the most precious gifts in my life my beloved children.
Photography by Elisa Zhou
Meditation Journal
Fly High, Fly Free

Contributed by Taipei Center Translation by Austin Yeh
Captain Johnson Zhang has made that announcement countless times as he touches down at Taoyuan International Airport. He has flown to hundreds of destinations all over the world, but finds the most comfort in welcoming travelers to Taipei, as it means he is returning home home to his loved ones and to Taipei Bodhi Meditation Center.
In the spring of 2009, Johnson became ill with the flu, which left him with an intractable cough. While out shopping one day, a special edition of Health magazine caught his eye, as it featured a series of articles about coughing. But after flipping through the magazine, Johnson was most intrigued by an article from Bodhi Meditation that included a picture of Master JinBodhi.
Photography by Nicolas Zhang
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for flying with us and welcome to Taipei.
About ten years earlier, he had been introduced to a different kind of meditation practice through a religious organization. But he didnt stick with the practice and subsequently had found it difficult to find a credible meditation master. But something about the photograph of Master JinBodhi touched him and his intuition told him that he was looking upon a great meditator. Spurred to action, Johnson enrolled in an Introductory Meditation and Chanting Class at Taipei Center. Before setting foot in the Center, he switched to a vegetarian diet in an attempt to purify his body and mind. After completing his first Chanting Class, he noticed that his cough had vanished without medication! Since then, he has practiced Bodhi Meditation on a regular basis. Other unexpected health benefits have delighted the captain. Severe neck injuries suffered years ago had mostly been healed by intensive treatment, but from time to time he was still plagued by neck pain and insomnia. To his relief, after practicing meditation for a period of time, his nagging neck pain is a thing of the past and he sleeps better than ever before. In November of that same year, he participated in the Second Level Bodhi Meditation Retreat. His instant faith in Master JinBodhi made intuitive sense to him, as the Masters radiant appearance conveyed his enlightenment in a way that touched the captains heart. The Master imparted healing skills during the Retreat, and they proved very useful during one of Johnsons flights. In the midst of a red-eye, a flight attendant rushed into the cockpit to alert him to the presence of a very ill passenger. With one-and-a-half hours left to go before reaching the final destination and no doctor on board, he had to make a decision. Prior to Bodhi, the captain would simply have made an emergency landing at the nearest airport and sought medical help. But this time, given his newfound healing skills combined with the fact that they were at a smooth cruising altitude, he decided to hand the controls to his co-pilot and walk to the cabin to see if he could help. The gentleman in distress was in his mid-fifties and holding an oxygen bottle to his chest, his eyes shut tightly. His breathing was labored, his head was shaking, and it was clear that he was too weak to stand on his own. Johnson asked nearby passengers to move so that
the ill man could lie down. One of the flight attendants held the oxygen bottle while the captain began a healing session based on what he had learned from Master JinBodhi. As he worked, Johnson ignored the strange looks that some passengers were throwing his way. I didnt care what people thought, he recalled. Five minutes into the session, Johnson saw that the sick passenger was more relaxed and able to breathe easier. After ten minutes, the mans breathing had stabilized and he appeared to be asleep. After fifteen minutes, the healing session came to an end when the captain saw that the passenger continued to breathe well and sleep soundly. His healing skills were once again called into action at Osaka International Airport in Japan. After almost all the passengers had deplaned, a mother and her young daughter remained onboard, seemingly unable to exit. In answer to his inquiry, the daughter told Johnson that she was suffering from such severe spinal pain that she wasnt able to move. To make matters worse, there were no doctors on duty at the airport. With her mothers permission, the captain began to utilize his healing ability. Five minutes into the session, the daughter could lift her foot. After fifteen minutes had passed, the girl declared that she was fine. After many thanks to Johnson, the mother and daughter were able to exit the plane as though nothing had been amiss. Once again his crew was flabbergasted, some joking that the captain was a hypnotist. But of course hypnotism had nothing to do with it. Rather, the secret and powerful healing techniques Johnson had learned from Master JinBodhi were at work. Word spread throughout the airline that there was a special captain in the company. Its wonderful flying with you, some of his colleagues told him. Even if we have sick passengers, we dont have to make an emergency landing thanks to your ability. The Meditation of Greater Illumination is an integral part of Johnsons daily regimen, regardless of whether he is at home or abroad. Im healthy and happy now, and every day I look forward to serving people and becoming more compassionate, tolerant and alert, the captain said with gratitude. I used to be short-tempered and I didnt have much patience. Now I recognize that I have control over my reactions, and things dont affect me anymore, no matter what happens.
Meditation Journal
Gifts Within and Without

By Joseph Tan as told to Betty Zheng Photography by Singapore Center
I came away from the March 2010 Bodhi Meditation Retreat in Singapore with a terrific sense of achievement. The peace and happiness that had long eluded me were bubbling within.
Various powerful sensations throughout my whole body caught my attention during much of the Retreat, with the sensations being particularly pronounced while I enjoyed the post-lunch rest periods when the healing music was played. Whenever the Master spoke, sang or played instruments, I experienced profound energy in my entire body. There were moments during meditations when I was immersed in light. And there were times when I saw my whole self illuminated, sparkling like the stars in the sky. Those are among the most blissful moments of my life. The mantra chanting sessions were unforgettable. They inspired a peaceful sense of closeness with my family, even those members who are deceased my mother, father, grandmother and father-in-law. Then the real breakthrough came, one of my greatest achievements. During mantra chanting to living loved ones and friends, I saw a smiling image of my daughter, her face warm and open as if she was acknowledging and accepting my apology. She and I were not the best of friends. We routinely had differences that would erupt into heated fights. Yet that night after class, her attitude was vastly changed. She was calm and approachable. From that point forward, Ive been able to connect with her more easily. It has been over three months since that breakthrough. My relationship with my daughter has continued to improve day by day. Although there have still been a few disagreements, weve managed to get along for the most part. We are now, to quote my wife, like brother and sister.
In early 2009, I was suffering from kidney and prostate problems. X-rays revealed that there was a stone in one of my kidneys, and if it persisted surgery was to be the next step. After attending the Retreat, I went for my medical checkup. The doctor told me that the kidney stone had vanished along with my prostate issues. Another remarkable turnaround that I attribute to Bodhi Meditation. I used to have a fiery temper. I would get upset over anything that didnt work out the way I wanted it to. Now I'm substantially more mellow. Admittedly, there have still been occasions when I got irritated and angry, but not nearly to the degree that I used to explode, and I contained myself very quickly. I continue to humbly seek higher guidance, that I may maintain this new, calmer self now and in the time to come. My wife has taken note of the improvement in my behavior and outlook on life. She recently attended the 2-Day Retreat and plans to participate in the 8.5-Day Retreat. Surprisingly, my daughter came to the Center for the Vesak Day (Buddha's birthday) celebration. What a joy it was to see the bonding taking place in my family! All of these gifts I attribute to the positive aspirations Ive gained through Bodhi Meditation, which includes chanting and teachings from Master JinBodhi. I pray that I am able to participate in the Second Level Retreat and steadily advance my progress. Sharing the joys of Bodhi with others and volunteering my humble services are but small tokens of my enormous gratitude for the many wonderful changes in my life that have resulted from this practice.
69 69 Meditation Meditation & Health
Meditation Journal
Back to Health
Contributed by Busan Center Photography by Busan Center
Zen Diary: A Journal of Self-Cultivation

When we walk on the beach, our footprints are erased by the tide; when we walk toward higher consciousness, our impurities are transformed by good deeds. This elegant journal, featuring Master JinBodhi's wise words and Zen art, serves as a written record of your journey to enlightenment. Keep track of your service to others, reflect on your mistakes and breakthroughs, and muse about the profound realizations inherent in the process of selfcultivation. Let your own words guide, inspire and comfort as you walk an illuminated path. For a copy of the Zen Diary, please contact a Bodhi Meditation Center. See page 96.
By July of 2011, Man Sik Kim's health had been declining for years.
He was suffering from reflux esophagitis, chronic bladder infections and lumbar spinal stenosis. Lower back pain and frequent urination caused constant distress and inconvenience. Medication and surgery had failed to remedy his problems, and two years of prayers to Buddha had yet to be answered. But then Mr. Kim's sister happened to catch Master JinBodhi's teachings on Korean TV and her interest in Bodhi Meditation was sparked. She encouraged her brother to try it and a huge transformation began. Mr. Kim was committed to meditation practice from the outset, throwing himself into the First Level Retreat with gusto. In addition to The Meditation of Greater Illumination and The Meditation of Purity, he practiced prostration three to four hours every day, sometimes extending his sessions to the ten-hour mark. "Since I was really focused on every movement, I didn't feel tired. Three hours is not a big deal. I felt peaceful and at ease while prostrating." One month into his practice, Mr. Kim's back and shoulder pain started to improve. A month after that, he didn't need to use the restroom every thirty minutes every three to four hours was enough. His digestive disease and lumbar pain vanished. He couldn't believe his transformation, given that in the recent past he had been a patient without hope. During his years of deteriorating health, Mr. Kim was depressed and shorttempered. But after Bodhi touched his life, he once again became the gentle husband and loving father that his wife and daughter had known. They were astonished at Mr. Kims rapid, radical healing, and needed time to acclimate to the sight of his smiling face and healthy body. Mr. Kims 2012 New Years resolution brimmed with his heartfelt gratitude. "Bodhi Meditation is my home, a home that warmly embraced me when I was sick and exhausted and guided me back to health. Now I have a goal. I'm going to broadcast my testimonial to as many people as possible to let them know that Bodhi Meditation effects profound positive change in peoples lives. Through telling my story, I hope to bring more health and happiness to the world."
Spiritual Landmarks
Under an immense expanse of blue sky, the vast desert stretches to the horizon and the great Nile flows relentlessly. Against this backdrop, the ancient pyramids stand as magnificent giants seemingly unchanged since the world began.
Harmony Between Humanity and Nature
Ma gnificent Mystery: Egyptian Pyramids

By Gufeng and Sharon Translation by Mi Zhe
A human being is not only a part of Nature, but also a selfcontained cosmos, governed by the same natural laws that regulate the outside world. Inspired by this insight, sages of the past employed various methods of self-reflection in order to decipher the Universes secrets. The meditative way of attaining enlightenment has revealed a plethora of wisdom throughout the ages. Keen observation and spontaneous inspiration taught the Ancients about the harmonious synchronicity that exists between humanity and Nature, a symbiosis that transcends mortal thoughts and actions. Ancient Egypts glorious culture showcased this synchronized dance as a result of its people having gained profound insight into the relationship between themselves and the cosmos. Deeply inspired by that relationship, the Ancient Egyptians created not only their famous calendar and written language, but also awe-inspiring pyramids.
Spiritual Landmarks
The Immortality of the Soul

The Ancient Egyptians firmly believed the following: The universe had a beginning but no end; after passing away, people would live forever in a different world; the soul needed a body to live in and thus the corpse must be well-preserved a belief that resulted in the invention of mummification; and the spirit of the pharaoh required a staircase to Heaven consequently the pyramids were built.
A staircase to Heaven
Ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaohs spirit would ascend to Heaven in the afterlife. The shape of the pyramids symbolized a staircase to the stars. The apex points directly to the sky and was intended to represent rays of sunlight in a show of respect to the sun god, Ra.
unchanged. What did Nature reveal to the Ancient Egyptians? The pyramids may be man-made, yet they seem to have been created by the hands of gods. At the north side of the Pyramid of Khufu, thirteen meters above the ground, is a triangular entrance formed by four giant stones that effortlessly dissipate the tremendous pressure resulting from the pyramids own weight. How was such a complex feat of engineering achieved thousands of years ago? Possibly it was the mystical outcome of dialogue between the Ancient Egyptians and Nature. This magnificent pyramid is the only remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Is there truth to the Arabic proverb Man fears time, yet time fears the pyramids?
mirror of the Milky Way. However, the pyramids do not align with the heavens of 2500 BC perfectly. But if the clock is wound back to 10500 BC, the match then becomes perfect. This is one of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting the claim that the pyramids should be dated to 10500 BC instead of the orthodox 2500 BC. Is the perfect mirroring of celestial bodies by earthly structures mere coincidence? It seems that the inquiring minds of human beings have always been inspired by the mysteries of Nature.
Astronomy Above and Geography Below

The pyramids demonstrate the exquisite wisdom of the Ancient Egyptians, including their advanced knowledge of astronomy and geography. The Pyramid of Khufu, for example, is full of numerical significances. Nineteenth-century British mathematician and astronomer John Taylor was the first to make the following discovery: Each base has a length of 9,140 inches, so the perimeter (9,140 x 4) totals 36,560 inches; 36,560 divided by 100 results in 365.6, which is the number of days in a year; the perimeter divided by twice the height turns out to be an accurate value of Pi one of the fundamental building blocks of math, science and engineering. A contemporary of Taylors, Charles Piazzi Smyth the Astronomer Royal for Scotland also discovered many amazing calculations when he personally measured the Pyramid of Khufu. The most famous of his findings was that the height of the pyramid multiplied by 1 billion corresponds to the distance between Earth and the sun. In late 1880, the father of modern archaeology, William Flinders Petrie, discovered that each of the four triangular sides of the pyramids is oriented to a cardinal direction, all within five hundredths of a degree. The precision achieved surpasses modern-day architecture. The Ancients gazed up to study the celestial bodies and looked around and within to comprehend the Earth. By following the Way of Nature, they paid lasting tribute to the perfection of the Universe. We cannot help but be awed by their keen observations, deep wisdom and magical accomplishments.
The mystery of the giant stones

According to British archaeologists, the Pyramid of Khufu was constructed of 2.3 million stones, each the size of a small car with an average weight of 2.5 tons. The largest one weighed over fifteen tons. When Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1789, he estimated that if he used the stones from all three pyramids at Giza, a wall measuring three meters high and one meter thick could be erected to enclose the entirety of France. Some archaeologists have speculated that the Pyramid of Khufu was the result of the hard work of hundreds of thousands of slaves over a period of 20 years. However, if 2.3 million stones were put in place during a 20-year span, that would mean that each giant stone was quarried, transported, cast and lifted into place in about 2 1/2 minutes! This is unthinkable even if modern technologies had been used to execute the construction. French chemist Joseph Davidovits hypothesized that the building blocks were cast directly in their final resting place with concrete. There are people who maintain that the pyramids were built by extraterrestrials. Still others claim that the current human civilization is not the only one that has existed on this planet, and thus the pyramids are the legacy of an advanced civilization that became extinct long ago.
The Art of Architecture

An engineering marvel
The Ancient Egyptians intuitively perceived the perfection of Nature, and the structure of the pyramids exemplifies the glorious fusion of humanity and the natural world. The three pyramids at Giza were constructed with rigorous precision in order to achieve geometric symmetry and reflect cosmic balance. Among them is the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest such structure in existence, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The work of the gods

The Pyramid of Khufu is an architectural masterpiece. The pyramid body was formed entirely by individual stone blocks, stacked from bottom to top, fitted together so tightly that even a razor blade cannot be inserted between them. It has withstood the passing of thousands of years, remaining largely
As above so below
Based on computer simulation of the celestial sky of 2500 BC, the three largest Giza pyramids were arranged in the shape of the Belt of Orion, which crossed the celestial meridian. Interestingly, the Nile is a geometric
Profound Contemplation
2012: Disaster or Gift?

By Melia McClure
There has been intense discussion for several years about the significance of 2012 for humankind. Some say there is no significance, that December 21, 2012 the last recorded date on the famed Mayan Calendar will simply be another day. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are people who claim that 2012 heralds the end of the world, a cataclysm that will wipe out most of the living things on our planet. Many of those doomsayers are busy constructing underground bunkers and stockpiling supplies in an attempt to stave off the extinction they are certain is coming. There are still others who also believe a profound change is coming; however, they believe that 2012 is ushering in a radical inner transformation, an important spiritual shift within human beings who are open to new awareness. The reasons that the ancient Mayan Calendar is of such interest to myriad modern people
are worthy of exploration. Some may wonder why a calendar utilized by a vanished civilization continues to hold such sway over contemporary consciousness. However, they fail to realize the importance of the ancient Mayans, who peaked between the Fifth and Ninth Centuries, AD. During that period, their cities were among the largest in the world, and the people developed the most sophisticated mathematics and astronomy of the time. Then and now, the ancient Mayans are bearers of an irreplaceable part of the global consciousness. The Mayan Calendar is much more than a system that denotes the passage of time. It is a prophetic calendar of sorts, providing insight into the consciousness journey of the world. In the years approaching 2012, natural disasters have dominated the headlines, feeding the furor about the possibility of an apocalypse. The tsunami that struck Indonesia and other
parts of Southeast Asia in 2004 wrought heartwrenching destruction, and since then massive earthquakes in China, Chile and New Zealand, as well as a catastrophic tsunami in Japan, have fanned the flames of end-of-the-world prophecy in many a mind. For some who are familiar with the fact that the last date on the Mayan Calendar falls in the closing month of this year, more and greater disasters seem to be distinct possibilities as the Earths fragile life forms appear to hang in the balance. What many people do not realize, however, is that the Mayan system of timekeeping is associated with nine creation cycles that signify nine levels of consciousness as symbolized by the Mayan pyramids. Their ancient calendar does not predict destruction, but rather reflects the transition of humankind from one World Age to the next as consciousness ascends. Master JinBodhis words echo this essential message: Today there are many new diseases, and epidemics are a common problem. Extreme weather patterns and natural disasters such as typhoons, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis and sandstorms happen with increasing frequency. It may seem that the end of the world is approaching, but its not. Since we live in this time and
space, we have to bear the karma here and now. The challenges we face are giving us a message: Wake up. Master JinBodhis call to awaken encapsulates the true significance of 2012, the spiritual transformation of which ancient Mayan culture was keenly aware. The Master went on to say: Fear is useless. Birth and death, and waxing and waning, are natural cycles. The Earth will go on, and so will her people. Those among Earths population who are focused on spiritual growth and on fostering a more expansive awareness of the journey and purpose of humankind are welcoming 2012 as a profound gift, an opportunity to move beyond the materialistic approach that has characterized life for much of the planet and enter into a new World Age characterized by a more awakened consciousness. As the spiritually conscious work to heighten their personal vibration, the world as a whole moves ever closer to total enlightenment as foreseen by the Mayan Calendar. Although the challenges faced by the planet, the onslaught of disasters from the turmoil in the global economy to the environmental woes that dog us, may make the idea of global enlightenment seem fantastical, it is imperative to perceive difficulties
Profound Contemplation
as opportunities for ascension. Indeed, the word apocalypse actually means lifting of the veil or revelation in Greek. So when the collective consciousness senses a coming apocalypse, it is accurate to surmise that the populace is sensing the approach of a profound revelation, a lifting of the veil of falsehood and misconception that has obscured the vision of the majority. Author and speaker Carl Johan Calleman, Ph.D., one of the leading authorities on the Mayan Calendar and its significance, has written, What makes the Mayan Calendar fundamentally different from other calendars in existence in the world is that its various symbols are reflective of the evolution of consciousness in the cosmos. This is in contrast to calendars from other cultures or religions that are based on astronomical cycles in our own solar system, such as the solar year or the moon cycle. It is from this that the Mayan Calendar derives its immense importance at the present time as we have entered the Apocalypse and may want to understand what is happening around us. Although Calleman focuses on the Mayan Calendar as a tool of understanding the shift that many are intuiting, his words apply to anyone seeking to comprehend the journey toward unity consciousness or what most refer to as enlightenment. Since everything that exists is an aspect of consciousness, and the Mayan Calendar describes the evolution of consciousness in all of its
aspects, no stone is left unturned for the serious student of the Mayan Calendar, wrote Calleman. All of science is affected, all of religion is affected, all of life is affected. We are here for a reason. Time is no longer equated with money, but with spirit. Time is inspiration! One does not need to understand the intricacies of Mayan timekeeping nor, indeed, to have any interest in it at all in order to resonate with the idea that global spiritual development is at an important crossroads. Master JinBodhis mission is closely in keeping with the emerging illumination of humanity. As an avatar of necessary positive change, he says, Keep positive intentions and demonstrate compassionate behavior. In so doing, we will create goodness for our future and that of our children. Humankind and Nature need to be cherished and cared for. We cant control the planetary shifts that are occurring, including the shifts happening deep within our own planet, but we can dedicate ourselves to protecting the environment, controlling population growth and treating all sentient beings with love and respect. Lets cherish what we have and treasure the Now. For those who insist on viewing 2012 through the eyes of disaster, it may be difficult to banish visions of giant asteroids in favor of a focus on inner transformation. But our most sophisticated science disputes doomsayer claims of catastrophe, astronomical or otherwise.
NASA scientists and other scientists worldwide know of no credible threat to Earth, pointing out that our planet has been getting along just fine for the last four billion years. According to the NASA website, the prediction that the world will end originated with the fabrication that a supposed planet discovered by the Sumerians called Nibiru is set to collide with Earth. The disaster was predicted to occur in May of 2003, and when it didnt the date was moved to December of 2012 to conveniently fit with the end of one of the cycles on the Mayan Calendar. People who are ruled by fear fail to understand that the end of one cycle necessarily gives birth to the next.
Rather than focusing on destruction, many people would prefer and are actively choosing to focus on the gift of a new beginning. As a people and a planet we have weathered many storms, in all aspects of existence, and it is now time to rise to embrace the emerging Divinity within ourselves. Our spiritual existence depends on it. We have entered an era of unity and compassion, and are being called to leave fear-based survivalist thinking behind. It is through revealing the Divine spark in the self and recognizing it in others that we will ignite the flame of a loving and harmonious new World Age. In the words of the ancient Mayans, In Lakech I am another you.
Spiritual Landmarks
Mogao Caves of Dunhuang

Caves of Unshakable Faith and Transcendent Art
By Mizhe
A lone figure walked purposefully across the countless sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. The occasional tinkling of the rings on his monks staff broke the silence. Looking up to admire the sunset, he stopped and stood transfixed by an unexpected vision. On a distant mountaintop, there appeared thousands of Buddhas encircled in an aura of golden rays. The monk fell to the ground and prostrated, solemnly vowing to make the site a holy shrine. Soon after, the first Mogao Cave was carved out of the face of Echoing-Sand Mountain. It was 366 AD; the monk was Yue Zun.
Buddhism into China and greatly enriched Dunhuang art. Spanning a great distance and time like the Silk Road the architecture, sculpture and murals of the Mogao Caves reflect an evolution of art that readily incorporated the best ideas from different cultures and eras.
To Inform and Inspire

The Mogao Caves are synonymous with the murals. There are Buddha figures preaching dharma; images of donors; decorative paintings; sutra illustrations (Jing Bian) that make abstract sutras easy to understand; and the Jakata (Ben Sheng), stories of previous lives of the Buddha that teach the law of karma and serve as powerful reminders of the importance of moral living. Murals effectively overcome language barriers for people of different cultural and social backgrounds. Through visual storytelling, they convey important Buddhist concepts; by portraying scenes of great beauty, they inspire people to strive for the paradise inherent in the Divine.
World Cultural Heritage

Located twenty-five kilometers southeast of the center of Dunhuang in Gansu Province, China, the five levels of caves that stretch nearly two kilometers along the sandstone cliff were constructed over the course of a thousand years. Of the 735 surviving caves, 492 contain beautiful murals and sculptures, forming the largest and best-preserved collection of Buddhist treasures in existence. Many of the 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals are masterpieces of Buddhist art. The earliest printed book, the Diamond Sutra from 868 AD, was discovered in the Library Cave among 50,000 manuscripts dating from the Fifth to early Eleventh Centuries.
The Dance of Flying Apsaras

Flying Apsaras appear frequently in murals. Belonging to one of the eight sections of the demigods, which originated from ancient Indian mythology and Brahman teachings, they are the singing and dancing deities that make offerings to the Buddhas. The style in which they were drawn evolved over time. The vigorous strokes and bold colors reflect earlier influences from India and the Western Regions. Gradually, the drawings became delicate and detailed; the facial features and figures became more Chinese; their flight became natural and graceful. Beginning in the Tang Dynasty, the Apsaras multiplied; their postures were more varied, and their expressions more lifelike. Portrayed as celestial
A Shining Pearl on the Silk Road

The oasis town of Dunhuang, where three paths of the Silk Road converge, was the vital gateway to the Western Regions. The 11,000-kilometer trail spanned China, Central Asia, Northern India, and the Parthian and Roman Empires. Highly prized silk, tea and porcelain went westward in exchange for gold, spices and horses. However, the most valuable treasures transported on the Silk Road were artistic and religious ideas. Overcoming great peril, monks from India and China spread
Spiritual Landmarks
maidens freely roaming the sky and scattering flower petals, their flowing skirts are like wings enabling them to fly, and their long fluttering sashes make the blowing wind visible. Today, a sculpture of an Apsara playing a lute behind her back stands in the center of Dunhuang. This graceful Goddess symbolizes humanitys admiration of, and aspiration toward, youth, beauty, freedom and happiness.
captures peoples idea of a Divine existence, their pious offerings to the Buddhas, and their yearning for a perfect life.
The Goddess of Mercy

Cave 3 (Yuan Dynasty, 12711386 AD) is known as the Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) cave. On the south and north walls are portraits of the thousand-armed and thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Standing on a lotus platform, Avalokiteshvaras eleven heads have the Third Eye of wisdom watching all directions. On the moonshaped face, the slender and arched eyebrows, the downcast eyes, the thin and upturned nose, and the cherry-like mouth all contribute to an expression of dignity and compassion. The forty larger arms are naturally arranged to form an inner circle around the center of the body. The smaller hands form multiple layers of rings that look like a garland and emit rays of sunlight. Each hand has an eye in the palm showing the omniscient gaze. Light and elegant colors were applied to produce lifelike effects. The strong and smooth strokes create an effect of beautiful fluidity, exemplifying the high achievement of ancient Chinese art. Avalokiteshvara wished for many arms and eyes to fulfill the great vow of delivering sentient beings from suffering. The thousand eyes see all the miseries and the thousand hands hold different dharma instruments so that each being can receive the best help. As the Universal manifestation of compassion, Avalokiteshvara became very popular during the Tang dynasty. It was known that every family invoked the Amitabha Buddha; every household worshipped the Goddess of Mercy.
Music of the Pure Land

The twelve vows of the Medicine Buddha wish not only for spiritual enlightenment, but also for the satisfaction of peoples needs during their lifetime: that those who are starving get fed; those who are sick get cured; and those who are impoverished get care. Not surprisingly, the Medicine Buddhas Eastern Paradise is the focus of the depictions of the Pure Land that make up a quarter of the murals. The finest sutra illustration is located on the north wall of Cave 220 (Early Tang Dynasty, 618705 AD). Seven evocations of the Medicine Buddha, flanked by Bodhisattvas and the twelve yaksa generals, stand on lotus petals that rest on a jeweled terrace. The water in the center pool is crystal-clear and rippled; the floating lotus flowers are in full bloom. Musicians of diverse appearance cheerfully play instruments from different regions of the world. On the stage in the central foreground, beside the multi-tiered candelabras, two pairs of dancers perform the spinning dance of the Western Regions. Their swirling hair and flying sashes hint at their light steps and quick turns. Above the Buddhas, luxuriously decorated canopies and banners swing in the breeze; Apsaras soar freely across the ethereal sky amid auspicious clouds and a shower of flowers. The masterful composition of colors and lines makes the festival scene of the Eastern Paradise come alive with light, motion and music. It
The Artists and the Pilgrims

Most Dunhuang artists were poor and anonymous. Paying meticulous attention to each detail, they poured their faith, devotion and fervent wish
for a better life into each brushstroke, and created the most benevolent, compassionate and breathtaking images. This wonderful Buddhist art served to inform the masses of the Buddhas teachings and to inspire them to reach for Buddhist ideals. The power of unshakable faith created this sublime beauty; transcendent art in turn inspired faith and devotion. As if crossing a threshold, modern pilgrims enter the cool caves and leave behind the scorching desert heat and blinding light. Sacred and colorful images are revealed wherever candlelight shines; Buddhas and Bodhisattvas greet them with infinite love and compassion. The noise of the outside world fades away, replaced by pious chant. With each prostration performed, the delusions of the mind gradually dissolve and the vivid, blissful images of Heaven materialize.
Miraculous Longevity
The art of Dunhuang was primarily composed on a fragile medium mud. Yet it has survived centuries of political turbulence and endured in a hostile desert environment. Even the national tragedy of losing treasures of the famous Library Cave to foreigners had a silver lining: The scattering of the Caves content around the globe has made Dunhuang art world-famous and given birth to Dunhuangology. Nowadays, modern digitization technologies are being employed to preserve and re-create these ancient treasures. Sixteen hundred years ago, long after the last light had disappeared from the mountaintop, monk Yue Zun continued his reverent praying. On that chilly desert night, he was warmed by his vision of a Pure Land on Earth that would forever shine the brilliant beacon of unsurpassed beauty and faith.
82 Bodhi Meditation
Meditation Basics
"Do I Need to Practice Bodhi Meditation?"
to reports from Centers around the world. "Unexpectedly, the migraine was gone by the last day of the Retreat without any special therapy or medication. Everyone commented on my easy laughter. After twenty years of struggle, I was laughing out loud." Winnie Lee, Hong Kong
eventually merge. In California and New England, Bodhi Meditation is a popular addition to several yoga studios.
You are a Buddhist.

Buddhism is taken as a religion by some people, a philosophy by others. If you already believe in Buddhist teachings, then practicing Bodhi Meditation will deepen your understanding of Eastern wisdom and facilitate your realization of enlightenment. Release suffering is not merely a catchphrase at Bodhi, which emphasizes simple, practical healing methods that allow you to help yourself and others achieve demonstrable results. Buddhist monks, nuns and lay people attend classes globally.
You have emotional issues and depend on drugs for relief.

Blocked energy causes emotional knots. Perhaps you are not in touch with your wounds, but whether you are aware of them or not, emotional scars cause frequent turmoil. Suppressing emotion doesn't resolve it; redirecting energy helps release the blockage. When you meditate, the body and mind are readjusting. Pharmaceuticals designed to work on emotional issues only target the symptoms, whereas meditation holistically addresses the causes. "My specialist concluded that I don't need antidepressant medication anymore. My mental state is stable after practicing Bodhi Meditation for six months." Jane Wong, Toronto, ON
You pursue spiritual growth.

Who doesn't want a peaceful mind, an open heart and a present consciousness? Happiness and joy from an awakened state of mind are nondenominational. Whatever your faith background and spiritual training, Bodhi Meditation enhances your insight and the experience of oneness with the Universe. "I completely connected to the world of Buddha, to a multidimensional spiritual world. And it is so different from our intellectual pursuits and our intellectual experiences. You know the old saying, The proof is in the pudding. So [the] same goes for all spiritual pursuits. You have to experience it for yourself." Sima Abelev, Vancouver, BC
You believe in alternative, holistic therapies and counseling.

You may have had positive experiences with acupuncture, sound healing, craniosacral therapy, or any of the vast array of alternative wellness treatments available. Meditation is a wonderful complement to other healing modalities. Alternative therapists and counselors understand that meditation contributes to wellness in profound ways, and many of them meditate regularly. "I'll use the skills I learned from Bodhi Meditation in my counseling sessions. I'll teach [people] how to access the Universal energy." Carol Nack, New York, NY This question is frequently asked of Master JinBodhi, and of Bodhi Meditation instructors and practitioners. Below is a checklist to help you decide for yourself. Modern medicine has cured many diseases and saved numerous lives; however, there are still plenty of illnesses that are not responsive to allopathic treatments and countless patients who are unhappy with their outcomes. Chronic pain, insomnia, migraine headaches and fatigue are just a few of the conditions on the long list that have been resolved by Bodhi Meditation, according
You simply want to love.

Love is natural, but unconditional love needs to be cultivated and practiced. When the heart closes, no love exists for the self or others, and forgiveness and gratitude become blocked. Bodhi Meditation advocates happy living and harmonious relationships at home, at work and in all facets of life. Practitioners get in touch with their compassionate heart and as a result, they radiate love spontaneously. "I have been surrounded by love and joy. It's such an impressive, loving, supportive environment. The class cultivates your understanding of how to use your mind to develop a compassionate heart." Sidney Scholl, Sonoma, CA
You practice yoga.

Bodhi Meditation is more mind-centered than much of the yoga popular in the West, which tends to be more body-focused, but they share common principles. Yoga practitioners say that Bodhi Meditation takes yoga to a higher and deeper level. The two paths cross and then
You have been diagnosed with a medical condition and conventional treatment is not satisfactory.
Meditation Basics
Virtual Meditation Room
Monica: A Young, Selfless Heart

Contributed by Vancouver Center
Innovative technology has become a ubiquitous part of daily life. From video games that help surgeons improve their skills to IPhone apps that measure happiness, our world is constantly being transformed by technological ingenuity. What if you want to practice meditation with others and talk about the benefits afterward, but lack the time to drive to and from a Meditation Center? Problem solved welcome to the Virtual Meditation Room! Lan Ma from New Jersey and Linda Wu from New York launched the Virtual Meditation Room for Bodhi Meditation practitioners in November of 2011. The group meets three times a week for a one-hour meditation practice. Below is a taste of the positive feedback that has been generated so far: 1) After participating in the Virtual Meditation Room for a little more than three weeks, a practitioner from Texas reported that her constipation had lessened significantly. She really likes the virtual practice and is committed to keeping it a regular part of her life. 2) Another practitioner wrote, I started enjoying the meditation more. The first few times, I felt it was difficult for me to quiet down and be focused on the words. My mind always flew away a couple of times during the practice. But lately, I've noticed that I can stay focused for a longer period of time without being distracted by other thoughts, and I felt really relaxed afterward and was very glad I did it. I look forward to practicing more. Thank you for introducing Bodhi Meditation to me. 3) One practitioner from Ohio has joined almost every session since the beginning. He said, My whole body warmed up after the practice. I felt very relaxed and comfortable. When I followed the guided visualization, I felt my hands extend very far into the Universe. While deep breathing I truly felt I pushed illnesses out when I exhaled and let energy in when I inhaled. It is an amazing experience. 4) Another practitioner said she felt very relaxed after the practice. She was surprised that her daughter also enjoyed it. If you are interested in joining the Virtual Meditation Room, please contact Lan Ma at: lanmatx@yahoo.com. You will need a computer, Internet access and speakers. Join your kindred spirits online.
A twenty-one-year-old university student in Vancouver, British Columbia, Monica Fan is an independent woman with a loving heart. Monica has been practicing Bodhi Meditation since 2010. What inspires her most is the altruism. In January of 2012, a charitable auction was held at Vancouver Center. All the objects being auctioned off had been blessed by the Master and thereby infused with auspicious energy. Monica was participating in the bidding alongside a Singaporean mother and her physically challenged teenage daughter. The mothers deep love for her daughter was evident, and it touched Monicas heart. As she watched the mother repeatedly bid and fail, Monicas natural altruism sprang into action. When a beautiful bracelet came up for bidding, Monica doggedly continued raising her hand until at last the lovely
piece was hers. All of the savings she had amassed from her part-time job were exchanged for the bracelet. After looking at it for a moment, Monica presented it to the physically challenged teenager. "It's for you, my sister, she said. I wish you health and happiness." Applause, smiles and tears filled the auction hall, hugs and words of gratitude were given and spoken again and again. Monica has kept in touch with the mother and daughter on whom she bestowed her generosity. Their friendship is a wonderful example of mutual support, and is full of laughter, happy meals and thankfulness. Monica continues to offer her warm guidance to her "spiritual sister," helping the girl gain confidence. See Monica's picture on the cover.
Certified Instructors
Canada
Alberta Lily Zong (780) 298-6188 lily.zong@shaw.ca Mei Qu (780) 718-7936 mqu100@hotmail.com Daphne Chien (603) 425-2380 daphnechien@yahoo.com New Jersey Lan Ma (201) 681-8199 lanmatx@yahoo.com New York Linda Wu (917) 822-1169 lihua.wu@gmail.com Francina Liu (516) 320-0860 snowflakeny@hotmail.com Northern California Rita George (707) 939-8868 ritageorge8@yahoo.com Sidney Scholl (707) 939-9310 sidney_scholl@camcast.net Sophia Ng (650) 576-2790 wamargret@gmail.com Washington State Pam Lo (253) 740-3047 lenglo@yahoo.com
USA
New Hampshire Julia Yeh (603) 437-3239 huichiaoyeh@yahoo.com
Class Schedule
Bodhi Meditation Classes and Activities in North America, July to December 2012
All Classes in Bodhi Meditation Centers are Free
All Drop-In Sessions are held as indicated, unless replaced by a scheduled class or event
LOS ANGELES, CA, AREA

Los Angeles Bodhi Meditation Center 20657 Golden Springs Dr., #111 Diamond Bar, CA 91789 Classes: 1) Summer Camp Aug. 3-5 2) Special Blessing & Healing Session 2:30-5:30 p.m. July 1; July 22; Aug. 19; Sept. 16; Oct. 21; Nov. 25; Dec. 16 3) 8.5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat Aug. 11-19; Sept. 8-16; Oct. 13-21; Nov. 17-25; Dec. 8-16 4) 7-Day Bodhi Chanting Class July 16-22; Dec. 1-7 and 24 - 30 5) 7-Day Bodhi Meditation Retreat Nov. 4-11 Events: Mid-Autumn Outdoor Celebration Sept. 23 For more information, please contact: (626) 457-5316 or (909) 612-5316; putila@gmail.com
SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA, CA

Bailian (White Lotus) Bodhi Meditation Center 1272 S. Abel St. Milpitas, CA 95035 San Francisco Bodhi Meditation Center 2901 Taraval St. San Francisco, CA 94116 Classes, both locations: 1) 1-Day Classes July 1 Energy Healing Session (Joints/Nerves) July 22 Summer Nutrition and Health Workshop Sept. 16 Outdoor Bagua Session Sept. 23 Weight Loss Class Oct. 7; Nov. 4 Immunity Tune-Up Session Dec. 16 Medicine Buddha Energy Blessing Class 2) 2-Day Weekend Class Sept. 1-2 Bodhi Chanting Class Oct. 13-14 Mind Leap Program Oct. 27-28 Bagua Workshop Nov. 17-18 Energy Healing Workshop 3) Bodhi Youth Summer Camp July 14-18 4) 8.5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat Aug. 11-19; Nov. 23-Dec. 1 Drop-In Sessions: 1) White Lotus Bodhi Meditation Center Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (vegetarian lunch included) 2) San Francisco Bodhi Meditation Center Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (vegetarian lunch included) Events: Seasonal Vegetarian Luncheon Series 10 a.m.-1p.m. 1) July 28 Summer Delight 2) Aug. 25 Cozy Autumn 3) Sept. 29 Full Moon Festival 4) Oct. 20 Chong Yang Festival 5) Nov. 24 Winter Warmth 6) Dec. 29 New Year For more information, please contact: White Lotus Center, (480) 956-8662 or San Francisco Center, (650) 576-2790; putisfo@gmail.com Online registration: putisfo.eventbrite.com
Class Schedule
VANCOUVER, BC, AREA
Vancouver Bodhi Meditation Center 150-7740 Alderbridge Way Richmond, BC V6X 2A3 Classes: 1) 8.5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat Aug. 25-Sept. 2; Oct. 20-28; Dec. 1-9 2) 1-Day Bodhi Meditation Introductory Class Oct. 13 3. Bodhi Healing Group Retreat Nov. 2-4 Spinal Health Day Nov. 24 Drop-In Sessions: Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m. For more information, please contact: (778) 551-1068 or englishinfo@putimeditation.com
TORONTO, ON
Toronto Bodhi Meditation Center 31 Passmore Ave., Unit 11 Scarborough, ON M1V 4T8 Classes: 1) 3-Day Bodhi Meditation Introductory Class Aug. 4-6; Nov. 3-5; Nov. 10-12; Dec. 18-20 2) 8.5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat July 1-9; Sept. 1-9; Oct. 6-14 3) 5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Health Class Dec. 1-5 Drop-In Sessions: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. For more information, please contact: (416) 223-1462 or (647) 716-3621; putitor@gmail.com
Irvine Bodhi Meditation Center 9 Truman St. Irvine, CA 92620 Drop-In Sessions: Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Events: Medicine Buddha Great Energy Healing Puja July 7 and Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, please contact: (949) 378-0718 or irvineputi@gmail.com Alhambra Bodhi Meditation Center 240 S. Gareld Ave., #301 Alhambra, CA 91801 Drop-In Sessions: Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, please contact: (626) 457-5336 or putila6@gmail.com
Class Schedule
Class Schedule
Cupertino Senior Center 21251 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Classes: Bodhi Meditation Introductory Workshop Mondays and Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. Free Drop-In Sessions Thursdays, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. City of Los Altos Senior Center 97 Hillview Ave., #12 Los Altos, CA 94022 Classes: Bodhi Meditation Introductory Workshop Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free Drop-In Sessions: Mondays and Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Chinese Performing Arts of America (CPAA) Arts Center 6148 Bollinger Rd. San Jose, CA 95129 Classes: Bodhi Meditation Introductory Workshop Mondays-Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free Drop-In Sessions Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, please contact: (408) 887-4187 or putisfo@gmail.com
NEW YORK, NY, AREA

New York Bodhi Meditation Center 131-27 Fowler Ave., 2nd Floor Flushing, NY 11355 Classes: 1)2-Day Classes 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 21-22 Bodhi Meditation Introductory Class Aug. 11-12 Bagua Class July 7-8; Nov. 25-25 Mind Leap Program 2) Mind Leap Summer Camp July 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 (2 to 5 p.m.) July 16-20 (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) 3)3-Day Class 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 5-7 Guanyin Bodhisattva Retreat Sept. 8-10 Healing Class Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Mid-Autumn Blessing Nov. 11-13 Medicine Buddha Retreat Dec. 8-10 Healthy Weight Loss Class 4)7-Day Chanting Class 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan.1 5)8-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 20-27 Drop-In Sessions: Thursdays and Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Events: Mid-Autumn Festival Chanting and Praying Session Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information, please contact: (516) 320-0860 or (718) 886-1122; putifaNY@gmail.com
The Path is Paved for Your Progress FREE Advanced Retreats!

The Advanced Retreats are twelve-day programs offered for people who want to further enhance their practice, help people to attain freedom from suffering, and ascend toward enlightenment. In addition to intensive meditation practice and in-depth dharma teachings, you will also have the opportunity to learn unique healing methods from Master JinBodhi. This is the first time that a FREE Second Level Retreat is being offered. Out of compassion, Master JinBodhi endeavors to clear every possible obstacle on your path to enlightenment. When you help others, you are repaying the dharma in kind.
The Second Level Bodhi Meditation Retreat

Time: End of September to Early October 2012 Location in North America: To Be Announced Prerequisite: 8.5-Day Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat
The Third Level Bodhi Meditation Retreat

Time: November or December 2012 Location in North America: To Be Announced Prerequisite: The Second Level Bodhi Meditation Retreat
Please visit www.puti.ca or contact your local Center for details.
Global Events
July to December 2012 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 1. Aug. 6 Guanyin Bodhisattva's Enlightenment Day 2. Aug. 31 Ullambana Festival 3. Nov. 13 Medicine Buddha's Birthday Note: Event dates may vary from Center to Center. Please contact your local Center in advance for detailed information. See page 96 for information. To read and download the previous issues, please visit http://www.puti.ca/en/8_Download/magazines.html
Take-Home Help
Take-Home Help
Guided Meditation
The Meditation of Greater Illumination (DVD) $20
The Meditation of Greater Illumination is a comprehensive, dynamic meditation technique, incorporating hand-forms (mudras), visualization and meditative motion. Follow along as Meditation Master JinBodhi, creator of Bodhi Meditation, guides you. Each disc has subtitles in Mandarin, English, Spanish, Korean and Japanese. The Meditation of Greater Illumination can be practiced alone, or combined with The Meditation of Purity for greatest benefit.
Prostration: Introducing Prostration for Better Living $30

Prostration is easy to learn. Its also a gentle aerobic exercise. In Prostration for Better Living, Master JinBodhi teaches this ancient Buddhist practice through stepby-step instructions and explains its many benefits. (Two DVDs are included.)
Meditation Music
The Celestial Chant $10 The Celestial Chant is a musical compilation inspired by the profound meditative journeys of Master JinBodhi. Universal connectivity is expressed through the unique beauty of this music of celestial bodies. Bringing diverse elements into harmony, The Celestial Chant carries something of the primordial its resonance heals body and mind.
The Meditation of Purity (CD) $10

The Meditation of Purity is the static counterpart to The Meditation of Greater Illumination. It is a seated, guided meditation, available in Mandarin-English CD format, or in Mandarin only. The Meditation of Purity can be practiced alone, or together with The Meditation of Greater Illumination for greatest benefit.
The Prajna Mantra $10

Sung in Sanskrit by Master JinBodhi, one of todays greatest meditation masters, The Prajna Mantra carries immense power. The rhythm imparts clarity and wisdom. The music is alive with compassionate, positive energy.
The Amrita Relaxation Meditation (CD) $10

Like amrita, the purest of Divine nectars, Master JinBodhis Amrita Relaxation Meditation bestows a deep, full-body relaxation. Allow the Masters empowering voice and soothing music to guide you into deep peace. You can enjoy this technique before seated meditation or sleep; watch the stress and worries of life dissipate. A Divine comfort awaits.
Natures Return: The Healing Heart $38

The profound energies generated in this series of live musical recordings promote physical recuperation, while also positively affecting the body's circulatory and energy channels. At the request of Bodhi Meditation practitioners and beneficiaries, this special collection has been released in order to support the health and happiness of all.
Book / Audio Book

Illuminating Body and Mind: A Guide to a Deeper Bodhi Meditation Practice
Book $20, Audio Book $30 A collection of lectures by Master JinBodhi, this comprehensive guide helps both new and experienced practitioners to facilitate effective meditation and spiritual living.
Natures Return: Call of the Azure Realm $38

This collection of live musical recordings contains potent energies, soothing heart and mind while effecting positive change in the body. At the request of Bodhi Meditation practitioners and beneficiaries, this special collection has been released in order to support the health and happiness of all.
Take-Home Help
Take-Home Help
The Medicine Buddhas Heart Mantra $38

Chant along with Natures Return, a series of live recordings from the Bodhi Meditation and Fitness Retreat. This particular recording was captured as Master JinBodhi chanted The Medicine Buddha's Heart Mantra - a sincere and potent offering for the well-being of all.
Awakening the Inner Buddha $36

Everyone, regardless of who they are and what they do, wants to enjoy the healthiest and happiest life possible. But no one is exempt from the challenges, obstacles, illness and unhappiness that make life heavy and stressful. Is there a way out of suffering? In this teaching, Master JinBodhi explains the root cause of suffering and offers a fundamental cure for illness. Although the teaching is aimed at people who would like to attain a higher state of mind on the path toward enlightenment, its content and essential message are applicable to everyone who wants to live a better and happier life.
Chanting to Avalokitesvara $10

Sung in Mandarin by Master JinBodhi, Chanting to Avalokitesvara carries boundless respect and gratitude to the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The music expresses Universal love and sacred blessings for a beautiful life filled with happiness, health, abundance, wisdom and success.
The Purpose of Practicing Dharma free copy

The purpose of practicing dharma is not to be a Buddhist; it is to live a happy and successful life. Master JinBodhi teaches the benefits of following this pathway - this dharma - and points out a direct route to growth and achievement.
Why Learn Buddhadharma? free copy

Buddhadharma is extraordinary and abstract; however, in his relaxed style Master JinBodhi explains the nature of a Buddha and tells us how to learn Buddhadharma in the midst of ordinary daily life. This lecture helps guide you toward enlightenment, the state of Buddhahood. "May all beings realize liberation from suffering and attain true happiness." Master JinBodhi
Teachings on DVD
The following discs feature subtitles in English, Mandarin, Korean and Japanese.
The Power of Compassion (DVD)

Compassion is one of the core principles advocated by Bodhi Meditation, and in The Power of Compassion Master JinBodhi focuses on its nature and purpose.
Inspirations from Skiing free download

A skier who practices diligently graduates from the beginner's runs to the more challenging blue, green and black runs respectively. In the same way, a diligent self-cultivator progresses through various developmental stages toward higher consciousness. Master JinBodhi shares his personal experience with skiing and the resultant spiritual inspirations in a relaxed and humorous way. Get inspired while you laugh.
Guidelines for Practicing Meditation (DVD)

Of interest to beginners, Guidelines for Practicing Meditation features Master JinBodhi detailing vital guidance to help novice practitioners establish and maintain a beneficial practice. (Both lectures in one box $30)
Spiritual Sight free download The Zen State of Mind $20

With his simple, direct style, Master JinBodhi makes the concept of Zen understandable to everyone. Through his words, presence and depth of consciousness you will embark on a path of freedom from worry and obstacle....and attain true happiness and peace. "The Zen state of mind is a return to our original nature, to the purity of infancy." Can our eyes see everything in the world? Do some animals have better vision than us? Using a commonsense approach, Master JinBodhi teaches that when your consciousness expands, your vision becomes clearer and that everyone can develop spiritual sight, which allows them to perceive the perfect truth of the Universe. For more meditation materials, please visit www.puti.ca
Global Bodhi Meditation Centers

Canada
Vancouver, BC (778) 551-1068 (English) (604) 276-2885 (Mandarin) englishinfo@puti.ca 150-7740 Alderbridge Way Richmond, BC V6X 2A3 Toronto, ON (416) 223-1462 or (647) 388-5798 putitor@gmail.com 31 Passmore Ave., Unit 11 Scarborough, ON M1V 4T8 San Francisco, CA (650) 576-2790 (English) (415) 665-5136 (Mandarin) putisfo@gmail.com 2901 Taraval St. San Francisco, CA 94116 New York, NY (516) 320-0860 (English) (718) 886-1122(Mandarin) nypt886@gmail.com 131-27 Fowler Ave., 2nd floor Flushing, NY 11355
USA
Los Angeles, CA (626) 457-5316 or (909) 612-9636 putila@gmail.com 20657 Golden Springs Dr., #111 Diamond Bar, CA 91789 Alhambra, CA (626) 457-5336 puti.alhambra@gmail.com 240 S. Garfield Ave., #301 Alhambra, CA 91801 Irvine, CA (949) 378-0718 irvineputi@gmail.com 9 Truman St. Irvine, CA 92602 Milpitas, CA (650) 576-2790 (English) (408) 956-8662 (Mandarin) putisfo@gmail.com 1272 S. Abel St. Milpitas, CA 95035
Asia
Hong Kong (852) 5380-4530 fohomehk@gmail.com Busan, Korea (82) 51-702-7746 yakxa@hanmail.net Seoul, Korea (82) 2-585-6185 tianzhu888@hotmail.com Malaysia (60) 3-7960-8066 putimsia@gmail.com Singapore (65) 6299-1262 putisingapore@gmail.com Taipei, Taiwan (886) 2-2313-1177 info@dharma.org.tw Taichong, Taiwan (886) 4-2238-0617 info.tc@dharma.org.tw
A comprehensive guide for both new and experienced practitioners, this book helps to facilitate effective meditation and spiritual living. Use your heart to feel the messages conveyed in the teachings and embark on the path to an illuminated body and mind. To purchase a copy of this book, please contact your local Center. See Contacts on page 96.
Dragon (Calligraphy)
By Meditation Master JinBodhi 2012 Vivid flowing strokes take flight: a dragon, eager to ascend in service of its mission, that of blessing and protecting all beings and bringing peace and prosperity to the world.

Meditation & Health - 2012 - VOL2 - NO.2 by Bodhi Meditation

Cargado por

Información del documento

Título original

Derechos de autor

Formatos disponibles

Compartir este documento

Compartir o incrustar documentos

Opciones para compartir

¿Le pareció útil este documento?

¿Este contenido es inapropiado?

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Meditation & Health - 2012 - VOL2 - NO.2 by Bodhi Meditation

Cargado por

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

FREE

Summer/Autumn 2012 Vol.2No.2

1 Meditation & Health

Meditation Master JinBodhi's Dharma Practices

1 Meditation & Health

Please pass your copy on to friends or a local library.

WEIGHT LOSS WISDOM: THE BODY KNOWS BEST

PROSTRATION: A SIMPLE WAY TO A BETTER LIFE

EAST MEETS WEST

HEAVEN IS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

Freedom from the prison of migraine headaches

76 2012: DISASTER OR GIFT?

CONTACTS 96 Global Bodhi Meditation Centers

SPIRITUAL LANDMARKS 80 Mogao Caves of Dunhuang

4 Meditation & Health

5 Meditation & Health

Meditation and Science

2. Accept and feel painful emotions. Only

7 Meditation & Health

Meditation and Science

5. Spend time in quiet reflection. Practice

4. Express gratitude and appreciation.

The Science of Consciousness

9 Meditation & Health

Meditation and Science

10 Meditation & Health

Gwyneth Paltrow (actor)

Hugh Jackman (actor) George Harrison (musician)

Christy Turlington (supermodel)

David Lynch (film director)

Herbie Hancock (jazz musician)

12 Meditation & Health

13 Meditation & Health

Orlando Bloom (actor)

Kate Hudson (actor) Keanu Reeves (actor)

Ricky Martin (musician, actor)

Steven Seagal (actor)

Madonna (musician, actor)

Sharon Stone (actor)

Meg Ryan (actor)

Sting (musician, actor)

Tina Turner (musician)

Russell Simmons (entrepreneur/ impresario/author)

14 Meditation & Health

15 Meditation & Health

From Master JinBodhi

Communicate With Everything

Listen to the World With Love

Listen With Heart

16 Meditation & Health

17 Meditation & Health

From Master JinBodhi

The Principles for Lifefe

18 Meditation & Health

19 Meditation & Health

From Master JinBodhi

20 Meditation & Health

21 Meditation & Health

Weight Loss Wisdom: The Body Knows Best

Listening to Your Body

Tips on Healthy Weight Loss

22 Meditation & Health