9 line toast

here's a toast that came to me for my birthday celebration last night (@ blackstar.coop). the chorus is said loudly, in rhythm, by everyone, then an individual shouts the in between phrases, also in rhythm.

(CHORUS:) ENLIGHTENMENT & LIBERATION!!!

(individual shouts): by the path you choose!

ENLIGHTENMENT & LIBERATION!!!

that there may be peace!

ENLIGHTENMENT & LIBERATION!!!

full awareness and freedom!

ENLIGHTENMENT & LIBERATION!!!

for ALL without exception!

ENLIGHTENMENT & LIBERATION!!!
(then everyone cheers!)

this was the toast we said this evening--great fun!

another 9: 3 leos, 3 RNs, 3 publishers (folks who work in publishing). my birthdays often have interesting 9 phenomena. it's also the 9th anniversary of the WV wreck (that could have killed me). so 3 9s. sweet!

Appamada

sweet zen center in austin (appamada.org) named for Buddha's last words, interpretted as "wakeful caring." LOVE sitting with them!

also love their 4 principles:

Caught in the self-centered dream, only suffering;
holding to self-centered thoughts, exactly the dream;
each moment, life as it is, the only teacher;
being just this moment, compassion’s way.


-.-

so clean, so empty, so restful. a wonderful place to dwell, full of potential.

labeling myself zen gnostic now :)