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Bodhi Meditation Journal

Oct 2013

Bodhi

for health, for life

Meditation

Zen Wisdom
What I would like to tell you is this: we need to love this world with a compassionate heart. We must begin with the clothes we wear, t he utensils we use, and the pets we live with. If we treat everything with compassionate love, we will benefit tremendously.
Under the auspices of Meditation Master JinBodhi, Bodhi Meditation has been offering meditation materials, retreats and drop-in sessions to students from erived from ancient Buddhist all corners of the globe since its 2004 theory, Bodhi Meditation offers global inauguration. unique methodology that stimulates physical renewal and promotes general Master JinBodhi developed Bodhi health. Acclaimed as a natural stress methodology after eighteen years relief system, it further revitalizes the studying traditional philosophy and mind and frees the spirit, facilitating meditation on the QingHai-Tibetan improvements in both mental clarity Plateau of China. In 1991, he emerged and physical well-being. from this period of intensive training Bodhi Meditation applies traditional practices to the challenges of modern living. The result is a uniquely effective meditation system that holistically enhances immunity, stamina and state of mind. The techniques are accessible and practical, yielding results quickly. As such, they are particularly well-suited to the pressures of urban life and the health issues that result from them. In its mere 20 years of availability to the public, Bodhi Meditation has already benefited millions sentient beings, all of whom are welcome, irrespective of age, ethnicity or cultural background.

What is Bodhi MEDITATION?

Meditation Master JinBodhi

Motivated by his beliefs and experience, the Master continues to teach meditation, author written works and release multimedia material. Due to his efforts, Bodhi Meditation has spread to over twenty different countries and regions worldwide. As a result, courses are offered in various languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, English,, Japanese and Korean.

From Our Students:

to great acclaim as a meditation master. From then on, he has taught and inspired vast multitudes of people throughout Asia. Master JinBodhis methodology is based on the ancient Eastern philosophy of compassion, an understanding of humanitys interconnectivity and its inseparability from the natural world. Mind-body awareness is an essential component of the Bodhi Meditation approach. According to meditative tradition, the mind has the ability to broaden and to heal, correcting physical and mental illness.

Bodhi Meditation relies on this fundamental objective in the teaching of select and effective meditation techniques.

ALANA, San Diego Before, I couldnt hold my arms up for very long. Yesterday was so powerful for me because I stood up doing everything, and that was the first time. I was so incredibly grateful.

The organization pursues these educational goals in order to promote greater mental and physical health FRO, Whittier within individuals and society It is very hard for me I never see miracles, at large. its not I am unwilling to believe it. along

the way, things started to happen to me. as well as to my friends. (Continued on Page 2)

Oct 2013

Real People Real Story

Bodhi Meditation Journal

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Live Report from Bodhi Meditations Healing Event

Transcribed by Jenny Chen, Edited by Ying Lee
me to the churches I never really found anything. Nothing really hit me. The closest I ever felt of spirituality is in the past I was involved in doing the human rights work, and I always organize in the community and I loved working around people who are struggling for their dignity or humanity, which is great. I love being around people. Thats the closest I have had for spirituality. Once I started coming here, I started hearing stories about all these just anything. If my back hurts, that miracles that are happening; people means the Master is working on it, who know me like he is a very rational I dont have to worry. I love you all, person, he is very skeptical. Its not I each of you! dont want to believe things, but I rather observe and make a rational decision. Good afternoon! I was talking to Carol I have always been open to it. When I yesterday, and she was mentioning how told some body you know when I first I seemed to be very sincere when I was started coming here you got to come doing the chanting. I guess for me it has here, because I have been to many been a journey. places and the thing is miracles do happen here. its very hard for me to When I came here the second believe that they happen. person I met was Jenny outside. The reason I thought about doing meditation It is very hard for me I never is because I work lots of hours and see miracles, its not I am unwilling under lots of stress. I heard meditation to believe it. Along the way, things helps. I asked Jenny about the Chinese started to happen to me as well as clinic next door. Jenny said, come here to my friends. I have been working and have some tea, and you wont need around the human rights issues anything like that. I did not know what with different groups, and I am well she was talking aboutits completely respected because I was very sincere over my head. So when I came here I with them, trying to be as truthful as started to do Level One in June. I got possible. I become friends with them everything I expected, such as to get rid and at first its hard for me to talk to of my stress. But what I didnt expect is them, if I found out something is that I got more than that. What I found wrong--I have this credibility. If I tell here is the spiritualism, which in the them something, they are going to past I have never found. think I am crazy. I guess along the way, its Froilan Mercado being truthful and sincere. I have had friends, the most recent one, she had a baby this year. For the last month she has been bleeding everyday, I guess from uterus. The doctor told her it is either she has cancer or problem with uterus. Since she is so young, it is probably not cancer. She is someone I work with for human rights. I gave her a napkin blessed by Master GuanHai, I told her to put it under her back. It was on a Sunday night. The next evening as I driving home from work I got a call from her. She was all excited, you know what, I dont know how to say this, my bleeding stopped Of course I know, I said, because thats how I was, so I know how you feel. You dont have to say anything; you dont have to tell me. It works! She became a believer. I dropped her some more napkins and water blessed by Master GuanHai last night. Its very hard to me with certain people I dont know well to have such respect. Even I only saw Master JinBodhi once, I never had such kind of admiration. I have invited my friends to come to the healing event on Oct. 27th Where my sincerity comes from? From everything I see and experience. There are other friends that have similar situations with the napkins. I have no choice but to offer my sincerity not only to Master GuanHai, but to all the volunteers who are here whether I talked to them or not. I really admire what they have done and everything to me is special here. Thank you!

Alana McFarlance Hello my name is Alana and Im from San Diego. This is my first big retreat. The first couple of days were challenging. I felt weak, my back hurts, and legs were weak. They have some type of muscle weakness and no doctor is able to help. I started to practice Meditation of Greater Illumination two months ago, doing it everyday.

Yesterday I was in the back of the room. It was hard to keep my eyes closed and stand up without falling over. So I kept eyes open a little bit, the room was dark, and all I could see was the beautiful candles and the Buddha, which was just so exquisite and I opened my eyes a little more and I saw master JinBodhi standing blended with the Buddha and he was walking toward me and my mind went crazy. I could feel his energy I grew up catholic and I have had coming toward me and my mind friends with other religions that took said, Oh, its coming to your Crown Chakra, then I heard his voice and he said, Stop thinking! I am coming to your heart That is the most beautiful thing I ever experienced. Also, when I was dong the meditation, my body was full of Buddha light. I did not feel like myself at all. I felt like I could hold my arms forever. Before, I couldnt hold my arms up for very long. Yesterday was so powerful for me because I stood up doing everything, and that was the first time. My legs were very strong I felt strong I was so incredibly grateful. Most importantly, since yesterday, I had a strong and powerful feeling. I am grateful for everything,

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Bodhi Meditation Journal

Oct 2013

nce we learn how to connect with Nature, we will be empowered with energy and wisdom. And our intuitive abilities will be enhanced and expanded. If you like stones, pick one up and take it home. It can tell you many things, such as what sort of weather changes are approaching, if you listen to it with your heart. Please pay attention to the phrase, listening with your heart.

We must learn to listen, to feel, and to use this world with a compassionate heart. Learn to use Nature as it is. Now that youve heard this, be inspired. As you start to change you become able to sense many things that you couldnt sense before. During this human experience, we remain connected to our spirit. We receive inspiration from our spirituality, which makes many ordinary things, even troubling things, better. Once your heart is open, and you use it to listen to and feel the world,

your personality will change, your destiny. Regardless of what brought relationships will improve, and your you to this Retreat perhaps it is career will become successful. your physical health, perhaps it is your need for spiritual exploration Where does wisdom come I would like you to understand how from? It comes from a compassion- important it is to expand your comate heart. Loving-kindness makes passionate heart. Learn to listen, and ones family more harmonious, chil- handle everything, with compassion. dren healthier and business more With a compassionate heart, the successful. It makes everyone happi- small self of yesterday starts to er. No matter who you are and what change, open, and dissolve into the youre doing, follow this basic princi- world. Through your open heart you ple. The principle of compassion de- will receive unlimited knowledge, cides our quality of life as well as our infinite energy and copious assistance from Nature. Compassion facilitates profound comprehension. Only if we open ourselves will the knot in our heart the knot of suffering be untied and resolved, and thereby illness cured and ultimate health and happiness obtained.

Oct 2013

Bodhi Meditation Journal

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Real People & Real Story

Editors Note:
Transalted by Elaine, Corey, Jenny, Edited by Akie, Barbie, Carol
The following tesimonials are true stories told by participants of the Meditation and Fitness Class. We sincerely hope you will be inspired after reading these personal stories, and through which, you will have a better understanding of Bodhi Meditation and start to get on the path to a healthy mind and body, which leads to a happier life. During the eight and a half-day Meditation & Fitness Class, some people may experience spontaneous fasting, also known as, voluntary fasting. This kind of fasting happens naturally during the meditation while receiving blessing and healing energy. During the Meditation & Fitness Class, students will have the opportunity to learn and practice unique meditation techniques created by Meditation Master JinBodhi, including Meditation of Purity and The Meditation of Greater Illumination. Should you have any question, please do not hesitate to email us at PUTILA@GMAIL.COM.

Monica Han Hello! My name is Monica. At the first blessing ceremony I attended which was held at the Hilton hotel, I smelled a citrus aroma. When I followed the smell, it disappeared. Master Guan Hai was, apparently, giving people Kumquats. I did not manage to detect the smell when Master Guan Hai began his talk, but after a few moments I smelled a hint of the aroma. After a few hours, Master Guan Hai said that he spoke too long and everyone must be hungry. So, he gave us some energy. I did not know what method he used, but I experienced a force pushing my abdomen outwards. This gave me a bloated feeling. I was quite curious about these two incidents. On my first visit to the Bodhi Meditation Center, I believed in Bodhi as well as the stories I heard about the classes. Last year, my father gave me a card with Master Jin Bodhis picture. On the back of the card were Masters wise sayings such as, I am the most compassionate; I

am the most beautiful, etc. I looked at it earnestly and the words touched me deeply.

cold. However, my body seemed to burn even though I only covered a small area of my spine. I told myself that I had the energy from Master I wanted to experience Guan Hais blessed paper and I everything first hand. After would not freeze during the night. attending, a lot of incredible things With this belief, I managed to sleep happened to me. I am now a firm until 6 AM today. I was not able to believer in Bodhi Meditation. I feel move my neck for two months, but that my body is now completely it returned to normal after I attended relaxed. Due to the pressure from the Meditation and Fitness class. work, I have neck and spinal Hence, you should come to the problems. I injured my spine last Center whether you want to benefit year and let an inexperienced person spiritually or physically. Those who try to correct it, which exacerbated come will have to listen to their the injury. hearts to discover their own benefits. I later participated in the Meditation and Fitness class and quite a few unbelievable things happened to me. First is about the blessed paper. Master Guan Hai gave each person two pieces of blessed paper yesterday and I tore one sheet into two smaller pieces before I slept. I placed one piece under my spine, as I have spinal problems, and the other piece on my shoulder, as it was aching. I covered the area with a towel and slept. I usually cover myself with a blanket when I sleep, as I am afraid my spine would become chilly and become painful with the In addition, I am very fortunate to have bought a sheet of paper specially blessed by Master Guan Hai for a bid of 3000 dollars. At that time, when Master Guan Hai asked who wanted to buy the paper, I raised my hand without thinking twice. The first time when I followed Master Jin Bodhis directions on meditation, I could not sit still and had to lie on my side. However, an unknown force suddenly pushed me to a sitting position that I once had trouble with. I was unable to achieve the

cross-legged sitting position during meditation, as I was not able to sit still on the third day of class. Then that day, a miracle happened, which lasted for almost fifteen minutes. It seemed like I was in heaven, out in the universe without anyone; there were stars and tears poured out.

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It is Master Jin Bodhis music and Master Guan Hai who have touched my heart. It is an extremely beautiful feeling. I sincerely wish to do chores for Master Jin Bodhi. Lastly, I have a wish: I wish Bodhi Meditation can spread to every corner of the Earth and have everyone experience Master Jin Bodhis compassion. Thank you Master Jin Bodhi, thank you Master Guan Hai, and a big thank you to everyone who helped to make this class a success. In the end, what astounded me the most was when Master Guan Hai said to me after the auction, I will give you this piece of blessed paper free of charge. I could not believe it then. I am very grateful to Master Guan Hai! Barbie Chien

Bodhi Meditation Journal

to my lungs and the air I exhaled out felt pungent as well. Thus, I recovered from the flu. After my recuperation, I sniffed the beads yet again and this time, I was able to smell the wonderful fragrance of the beads that my fellow practitioner was referring to. JingShan Li I am 74 years old and this is my first time attending the Bodhi Meditation and Fitness class. I suffer mainly from poor sleep I would wake up after a little while and have to go to the toilet once every hour. Upon my return to my bed, I would not be able to fall asleep. After Master Guan Hais healing session, my prostrate issue lessened. I go to the toilet less frequently at night and I only need to go to the toilet twice throughout the day, which is a significant improvement. My sleep has also improved remarkably with longer sleeping duration. I am very grateful to Bodhi Meditation. ZhengFang Wu healing session by Master Guan Hai during these past few days, which extracted the moisture and wetness from my knees, I am able to stand for a while now. I also sleep significantly better now. I used to be unable to sleep after going to the toilet at night. Now I can fall asleep almost instantly afterwards. My condition is much better, and without so much pain, I feel very elated.

Oct 2013

much. I followed her words, and just sat there for the day. Then I found my pains were eased a lot at the end of day. Later on, after taking a class for a couple of days, I felt dramatical differences in my arms and left shoulders.

I am 70 years old. I sprained my back several years ago. I went for I bought three Buddhist prayer beads at the San Diego Puja. physiotherapy and acupuncture regOn that day, a fellow practitioner said ularly but both treatments did not althe beads had a nice smell. I smelled leviate my pain. Upon Master Guan the beads as well; however, I was un- Hais healing on Saturday, the transable to smell anything. It might have mission of such compassionate enerbeen due to the crowd that day, since gy allowed my previously protruded I only managed to smell peoples back to straighten and assuaged the sweat and not the nice smell. Coin- pain. Coupled with Master Guan cidentally, I caught a cold on that day Hais healing on Sunday, I feel much and my nose felt stuffed. It worsened better. Now, I need not get up at night on the second day. Then I pondered every two hours to massage my back. over the words of the practitioner at The pain level has decreased and I the Puja. I could not understand how feel much more relieved. the beads smelled fragrant to her; they smelled pungent to me like SuMei Zhang Japanese wasabi. Despite the different smell, I decided to inhale deeply, hoping to ease my stuffed nose. After This is my first time here with a puff, my nose became unblocked! my husband. Previously, I was unable Even the mucus disappeared! I to stand, mostly due to the intense sniffed the beads again. Interestingly, pain in both of my knees. After the the pungent smell seemed to spread

So, from then on, you could find me in every class. Staring from July, I kept on attending fitness classes every month. Everything turned better after receiving energy healings ShaoJuan Su from Master Guan-Hai. Therefore, I really believe the benefits of joining Bodhi medication programs. Now, if I have time, i still sew. Although I still have some pains in my arms and shoulders, it has been much better than before. When I worked, I placed blessed napkins on my sore spot, and then the pains just vanished away. Great thanks to Master JinBodhi! Great thanks to Master Guan-Hai! The blessed napkins and blessed water are so precious to me I am a tailor. Because of my that I use them very carefully. One heavy workload, my fingers, arms time, I suffered from sore throat. I and left shoulder hurt a lot. It had only drank a little bit of blessed wabeen like this for years. I couldnt ter with some hot water, and then the even cover myself with blanket when discomfort just went away. i slept at night. I could barely do anything right with my sore body because it was really very painful. I Lien Ho went to get acupuncture treatments twice a week. It cost me 50 dollars for 1 session. But my arms and shoul- I delivered my two children ders did not get better. My daughter via C-section. Now, one is 31 years took me to the Korean SPA. I tried old, the other is 27. I have 2 very dark hydrotherapy, sauna, steam bath, scars circling around my belly. After and almost every kind of treatments receiving the healing power from available there, but still not got any Master Guan-Hai, the next morning, improvement. This june, my car those bulged scars became smooth brake failed. In that accident, I not and flatten. The blessings and healonly ruined my own car, but also ings from the Master is amazing! hurt my right leg. I felt aches all over my body. Every time I practice TheMeditation of Greater Illumination, This July, my daughter I can feel the tension released from brought me to this Bodhi Medita- my waist till tailbone, especially the tion Center. Before we came, i asked abdomen area. I feel very comforther,where are you taking me to?, able. Besides, when I do the Infinnity and she said,well, just come with me! Mudra, I can feel the join of my jaw I am not telling you now. When we relax too. entered the center, I filled out a registration form. My daughter said, You just sit here for a while. Dont ask too

Oct 2013

Bodhi Meditation Journal

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Words from Meditation Master JinBodhi

he winter months are rainy season in Vancouver, Canada, when the landscape and its inhabitants experience constant damp. Even in such a season, there are occasionally sunny breaks. Conversely, in my memory, my childhood passed without any sunny days. Born in a small, poor town in the Hebei province of China, my early years coincided with the Cultural Revolution, which was a period of immense social and political turmoil. When my mother was pregnant with me, my parents became the victims of political struggles and were sent to a re-education camp in the countryside. Due to poor living conditions and lack of food, she suffered from severe malnutrition and gave birth to a very sick child. From the time I came into this world, I suffered from all manner of illness that doctors said was a direct result of malnutrition. I spent every single day in pain and misery. Not only did I suffer from my own illnesses, but as I grew up I also had to witness the tragic deaths of my dear family members. My older brother died of starvation and then was followed by my younger brother, who suddenly passed away. I was haunted by my mothers heartbroken crying, my fathers helplessness, the

coldness of relatives and mistreatment at school. All of these miseries were my first taste of what I later came to understand as the suffering of human beings. The grief of losing loved ones at a tender age, combined with the other attendant sorrows and struggles, left a deep scar on my young heart. I watched other kids laughing and playing, but I was not able to join them. My poor health disabled me, and I could not lead a normal life. My entire childhood was full of suffering, hunger, hatred and hopelessness. Looking back, however, Ive come to realize that traumatic early experiences provided me with an understanding of suffering, misery and hopelessness, and an ascertainment of the true nature of life. When I was six years old, our family moved to Qinghai, a plateau region marked by oxygen deficiency. As a result, my already poor health further deteriorated. My parents sought any possible treatments to save my life, but there was little improvement in my physical condition. Finally, they found a former lama (at that particular time there was no religious practice allowed and monks were forced to return to secular life) and asked him to help me. As the wise maxim goes, misfortune may be a blessing in disguise

Indeed it was for me. The lama found by my parents in a desperate bid to heal my body became my first master. He not only treated my illness, but also taught me Buddhist meditation practice. At the time, I did not quite appreciate his unique healing methods. Only years later, after gaining deeper understanding, I realized that the methods my master used to heal my illness were far beyond the ordinary approach. Rather than, for example, using a painkiller to alleviate a headache, he utilized energy to achieve a systematic whole body adjustment and fundamental healing. That was my first encounter with Buddhist dharma, which led me to a lifelong journey of meditation practice. After a few years of study and practice, my master introduced me to his fellow apprentice, and after further study this apprentice sent me to another master. One by one, I studied and practiced with various great masters and traveled from one monastery to another throughout the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. My practice progressed, and a whole new world opened before me. After nearly twenty years of practice and numeroussometimes life-threateningchallenges, my perseverance has been rewarded by an in-depth understanding of Buddhist meditation. Through the realm of

meditation, I realized that the self is tiny and limited, and my view of the Universe was transformed. I no longer desired revenge for the sufferings of my childhood. Meditation altered the fundamental principles of my perception, and the entire world became colorful and warm. The deeper my understanding of the Buddhas teachings grew, the more my life expanded with brightness. I not only completely recovered my health, but also gained special healing power. When I saw other people suffering from disease, I felt pain in my heart as if their illness was happening in my own body. Helping others became essential to my existence. As my meditation practice progressedparticularly when the four-faced golden Buddha appeared to me during deep contemplationI felt an urgency and responsibility to help others free themselves from suffering and regain happiness. My lifelong mission was born. To me, attaining personal liberation and happiness is not my true bliss. I wish to see all people relieved from worries and suffering that is my ultimate happiness. It is my quest to teach others, share the depth of my understanding of the Buddhas teachings and the meditation methods, and see all human beings liberated into health, joy and inner peace.

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Bodhi Meditation Journal

Oct 2013

Greetings everyone! Often, we receive questions from our blogs and e-mails: some are related to healthy living, some are related to meditation, some are related to relationships and marriage, and some are related to the education of children. These questions are all over the place. I will spend

some time to talk about it. These answers are my personal opinion and advice. They do not represent The Buddha or Bodhi Meditation. I hope these answers provide helpful information.

--Master JinBodhi ************************** (Q&A session will be posted in the next issue of Bodhi Meditation Journal. Questions such as what kind of prayer beads to wear are very useful for all of us. Stay tuned!)

Bodhi Meditation is an international non-profit charity organization where wellness and fitness programs are offered on a weekly basis in over ten countries. Its ultimate goal is to help the general public to raise self-awareness and obtain a healthy lifestyle by practicing meditation created by Zen Master Jin Bodhi. He believes that through practicing meditation on a regular basis, everyone can embrace true happiness, connect with their spiritual inner self and have a fulfilling life. Bodhi Meditation has grown rapidly around the world since 2005. Started in Vancouver, Canada, Zen Master Jin Bodhi hopes to plant the seed of happiness in everybody.

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Oct 2013

Self Reflection

Bodhi Meditation Journal

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Forces at Work A Reflection on Buddhas Light.

by Paul Shen Brown

ly told of the great positive energies that come from following the dharma and the miracles they are capable of. This is sometimes called Buddhas Light, sometimes just positive energy. Now I am no dharma master. I cannot say what this is, or that I have seen it, or even that it exists. But there is a mantra of the scientific method that says that, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. That is, just because you do not see it does not mean it is not there. This is an aspect of science that most people do not understand, and that can give people a mistaken impression of arrogance. We cannot see gravity, but we are sure it is real. When we practice the Meditation of Greater Illumination, we are told to receive energy and inspiration from the universe. What I received was this inspiration: my mind reached out to find a plausible explanation for this force, this Buddha energy, and something the astronomers have been saying for many years now came to mind. The people who study outer space say that at least ninety percent of it is invisible to us. They call it Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Though in the West dark is often associated with evil, the name was chosen simply to mean that it does not glow with light like the stars. We only know it is there because of how its gravity affects the stars and galaxies we can see. muni under the Bodhi tree. Maybe he discovered something real, something he could not understand in his age, that we may not be able to fully understand in our own age, but that one day Now whenever we will be known and knowable. discover something, we think it is one thing, then In the religious tralater as we learn more we dition I was taught as a often discover that it is ac- child, compassion is not tually many things. Atoms thought to be part of our nawere once thought to be the ture. Compassion, love and smallest things in the uni- all the feelings that we think verse, then it was discov- of as positive are said to be ered that atoms are made divine gifts, while fierceof smaller parts protons, ness, cruelty and violence neutrons and electrons. Lat- all things we deem bad er still it was discovered that are parts of our nature. these smaller parts are them- selves made of smaller parts, All these bad things called quarks after a word are the nature of animals, invented by a poet to mean a but we humans have been very small thing. No doubt given the gift of goodness. this stuff they call Dark En- Scientists have been finding, ergy is really many different more and more, that comthings. One of those scien- passion is in fact an essentists writes science fiction tial part of human nature, stories on the side, and in and is even to be found in one of his stories he spec- other parts of the animal ulated about a place that is world. Whales, apes, elfilled with a form of energy ephants and others have that responds to thought. been found to show kindHe called it mimetic energy. ness to one another, and Now this idea is just a wild even to other species. Is this speculation that no credible not what Buddha taught? scientist would hang his hat on, but I thought that if such Compassion is our energy exists, how could it nature, and we all have inbe discovered? Only a mind side of ourselves that thing that is very quiet and very which makes us good, focused could perceive such compassionate beings. Scia thing, and that brought to ence, here, is more and my mind the tale of Sakya- more on the side of religion, at least in this respect. When I am told about this great positive energy, the great light of Buddha, I cannot truly say I am certain what it is. Is it really the power of a man who died more than 2000 years ago, or is it just the power of metaphor? Is it some form of dark energy, an unknown force, as electricity was an unknown force a mere few centuries ago? I do not know. Scientists have examined the brains of people who have meditated for many years and they see that the meditation practices have had real effects on how energy flows within their brains. They have never seen energy coming from outside their brains, but then, maybe the energy is a kind we have no machines to detect yet. What are the forces truly at work? Compassion I can see and feel. But as a scientist I cannot even imagine how these hypotheses could be tested. What I can say for sure is it is good.

have been coming here to meditate for a couple years, now, and while I enjoy it, I am often dismayed when I hear a person make the claim during a testimonial that they did not at first believe in the power of Buddhas light because they did not think it was scientific. I have not yet heard any one of these people profess to have any scientific credentials, so probably they are not properly understanding the science that they claim held back their belief. As a trained scientist myself, I see no reason that my scientific training should stop me from coming here and deriving happiness from the practices taught here. I have a very different perspective than most people, I am sure. Maybe my perspective will be useful, though, to other people who struggle with the false conflict between science and religion. I am the Universe, and the Universe is me. You are, too, so we might as well share what we have. It would be a sad universe that cannot be bothered to communicate with its many selves. As an intellectual egghead, what I have is thoughts, and I offer them to you in the hope that they might build some helpful understanding. We are constant-

For more information on Bodhi Meditations Meditation & Fitness Class, please visit www.puti.ca or call 909-612-9232

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Bodhi Meditation Journal

Oct 2013

Summer Fun: Bodhis Summer Camp

Written By Cindy, Translated by Barbie, Edited by Steve, Ying

o welcome the fun summer, Los Angeles Puti Meditation hosted a youth summer camp for nearly two hundred youths this year. Organized by Youth Leadership Group of Bodhi Meditation Los Angeles, the three days activity took place on August 2, 2013. With Appreciation as the theme of this years summer camp, the participants not only nurtured by meditation, they also learned how to be appreciative. Intertwined with lively activities, all the adorable little participants enjoyed the educational event and had lots of fun. The third day, which was the highlight of the summer camp, was coincidentally the same day as Puti Meditations twenty second birthday anniversary. Los Angeles Puti Meditation broadened the celeration and hosted an outdoor meditation and BBQ. Disciples & participants gathered joyfully to celebrate the anniversary.

On the first morning of the summer camp, parents brought their excited kids to the meditation center for a relaxed and magical journey. The summer camp was divided into five teams, each team leader waited for their members to check in. Lines of different color T-shirts were hung at the check-in station. Each member had to search for their own team color. By selecting different puti patterns,the members painted their own T-shirts.The members fully expressed their colorful imagination on the T-shirts. Some parents also joined in. Everyone had a great time. Breanna and Edmund, the two hosts were conscientious yet with plenty of wits. Laughter filled in the room. After a short break, members started to hand make summer bug dessert by using vegetables and cookies. When the members saw the adorable caterpillars, butterflies,

monkey face, and lollipop mold, they started to scream excitedly. Everyone exerted their strength to knead the dough, and decorated the dessert with cute bug designs. When finished, all the kids were proud of their work. The teachers passed through the thought of appreciation during each segment, to show appreciation to ones own parents, the teachers, and everyone.

how to practice Meditation of Purity and the Meditation of Leap Mind during the meditation process. During snack time, the judge selected the best candy making work. The kids enjoyed eating their own work and playing games.

Followed by a surprise activity, Zoo to Me. Two animal trainers brought python, lizard, turtle, parrot, After an abundant meal, and rat to show and tell. The brave Teacher Ru Huai played a western ones went up to touch these animals. mythical animation to encourage How exciting! As long they have the the kids to strive. The movie stated guts, they can hold the python & liza white cloud angel created a lovely ard with both hands. puppy, a lamb, and a baby. The Stork delivered the babies to each home. Soon, the day was going to The touching story taught us that the end. Everyone did not want to destork was like the Bodhisattva. No part. The teachers gave everyone matter how difficult the environment homework: Be appreciative of parwas, it would still protect its master, ents. The kids also made promise to fulfill its historic duty. to give their parents a hug of love. They all look forward to the Summer Intertwining in between the Camp in 2013! playful activities, the kids learned

10 Oct 2013

Self Reflection

Bodhi Meditation Journal

www.puti.ca

he first Bodhi Meditations Meditation and Fitness Program started in July at CRDF. It is facilitated by Los Angeles Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) officer Laura L. Branch, Sgt., sponsored by Bodhi Meditation Los Angeles. This program was initiated by students of Bodhi Meditation, Ms. Ana Ruvalcaba and Ms. Tina Wang. Bodhi Meditations outreach program not only provides meditation program to enhance their overall health, but also feeds the spiritual needs of the inmates incarcerated within the jail system.

Bodhis Outreach Program at Century Regional Detention Facility

Written By Tina Wang, Translated by Akie, Edited by Jacqualine , Steve, Ying

Tina and Anas Experience at CRDF

anger. If all inmates could be able to calm down and behave peacefully, the police officers and sheriffs would have a less stressful job and live a life free from prison riots. If all prisoners were able to walk down a new path toward greater goal, then all of society would benefit from this transformation. At the end of class, the rest of the class and I put our hands together, palm to palm, and thanked our most beloved Meditation Master JinBodhi for his blessings and compassion. After class, many of the students were so happy and came up to thank me. I told them, remembering what Master Guan Hai always says, It is not neccessary to thank me, you should thank Master JinBodhi, I am only a student of him and am here to help complete his mission.

Joy of Zen Painted by Master JinBodhi

No matter how busy I am, there are always things left unfinished. I really wish that I could actually split myself in half to finish these deeds, since time is truly short. Perhaps the mission of our life is truly entrusted to us from the heavens. When someone asks me what some of my favorite songs are, I tell them they are A Thankful Heart and Yu Fo Li Zan. These two songs resonate with my heart. I am forever truly thankful to his holiness Medtation Master JinBodhi! I hope that no matter how many times I am reincarnated into this world, I will always follow your steps, bowing and sending my respects to you as my mentor. It was truly your wish so that I am able to keep living this lifetime. If someone asked me what I enjoying doing the most, it would be spreading the dharma teachings of Master JinBodhi. I would like to spread the compassion of our Grand Master, helping all helpless beings to live their own life happily! If someone asked me, what do you wish for the most? I would answer that I only have one dream. One day, I wish I could have Master Guan Hais ability to heal people, and obtain the wisdom of the Master that is beyond scientific research. It is only because we have foumd my mission for this lifetime, which motivates me to do greater kind deeds for others. Spreading the teachings of Meditation Master Jin Bodhi and getting more students involved in Bodhi Meditation and maintain a Zen lifestyle is my lifelong job!

n July 11th, we officially started the first meditation class at CRDF. This was also the first time in my life when I approached the front of the class to teach. The Meditation Center sent three experienced Dharma sisters with me to help out. However, because they did not complete the background checks in time, they were not allowed to enter through the doors of the prison. In the end, it was only Ana and I. I was surprised. When I stood in front of the class, I did not feel nervous. I introduced some of the important points regarding teachings of Grand Master Jin Bodhi such as the notion of compassion and the benefits of meditation. I also shared my own experiences with meditation. After practicing the Meditation of Greater Illumination for thirty minutes, there were many prisoners who were able to feel the depth and impact of this unique meditation method.

less. My life was really chaotic and stressful. However, after practicing the Meditation of Greater Illumination for the first time, I felt my body become so much lighter. Upon returning to my room, I tried to recall the instruction of the meditation so that I could practice it everyday. I told my lawyer that all I wanted to do now is to practice meditation, that only meditation could help me., she continued, you are the angels sent from heaven to help us! After practicing Meditation of Purity, many of the prisoners expressed that they felt a sense of freedom, imagining that they truly were sitting on the green grass surrounded by nothing but clean air and blue sky. They could hear the sound of water and the sound of fresh air enveloping them. Many of the prisoners also told me that when they are released, they truly wish to become good people and vowed to never be sent back to (prison). Since July 11, there are (now) over 300 hundred prisoners who have learned meditation follow Bodhis method and learned a way to improve their mood. They have written many testimonials to us. Everyday, there are many criminals who enter and leave the jails. One day, my husband asked me, When will you finish teaching these classes? I replied, I will spend my whole life doing this. I will keep teaching until the end of my life. I dont plan on retiring or leaving soon. I also told him that I might spend more time teaching, as we were approached by the Sheriff s department. Therefore, we will come up with a plan to teach meditation class for the police officers.

We finally finished the first round of classes at the zones. When we passed by some past students, they would always ask us to come back to teach another class so they Moddana is of Mexican de- could continue their meditation scent. She said, Before I attended practice. They even sent a petition the class, my right leg was in pain. to the Sheriff s department, requestLatalla is a young African-Ameri- ing that we would come and conduct can, who had stomachache before more classes. They also wrote testipracticing the meditation. Myra also monials to the police officers to show their determination and passion for had pain in her back. taking more classes. Miraculously, after pracOnce, I went to a different ticing the Meditation of Greater Il- lumination, all of their pain were zone to teach. There was an inmate disappeared. A large portion of the who attended the class for her first attendees said that this was the first time. After the class, she told me meditation class they had attended emotionally, I am really so very in their life. There were also people lucky. Right after I was sent here, who told me that after practicing I am able to attend this meditation that they were able to calm their class. When the sheriff sent me here violent inner-self and let go of their for my sentence, I really felt hope-

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Bodhi Meditation Journal

Oct 2013 11

for health, for life

Upcoming Classes and Events at Bodhi Meditation Los Angeles
Meditation & Fitness Program
The 8.5-day retreat offers training in two unique methods of Bodhi Meditation practices: Meditation of Greater Illumination and Meditation of Purity. It is designed to enhance overall physical and mental attributes. Date: Nov 16, 2013 - Nov 24, 2013 Time: 9:30 AM 6:20 PM All Fees Waived & Lunch Provided

Bodhi Meditation Centers in the U.S.

Los Angeles, CA
TEL: (909)612-9232 / (626)457-5316 Add: 20657 Golden Springs Dr. #111 Diamond Bar, CA 91789 Email:putila@gmail.com

Meditation Beginning Class (Healing Sessions)

The 2-day retreat offers training in unique methods of Bodhi Meditation practices. It is designed to enhance overall physical and mental health.
Date: Nov 30, 2013 - Dec 1, 2013 Event Venue: San Diego (TACC) 7838 Wilkerson Court, San Diego, CA 92111 Date: Dec 07, 2013 - Dec 08, 2013

Alhambra, CA
TEL: (626)457-5336 Add: 240 S. Garfield Ave. # 301 Alhambra, CA 91801 Email:puti.alhambra@gmail.com

Blessing & Healing Events

The Blessing and Healing Events will help you find relief from stress, regain health and return to a natural state of tranquality. Dates: Nov 17 & 24, 2013 (Sun) Time: 2:30 PM 6:20 PM Free Admission

1960 South Anaheim Way, Anaheim, CA 92805 Time: 9:30 AM 6:20 PM All Fees Waived & Lunch Provided

Event Venue: Business Expo Center

Irvine, CA

Special Blessing & Healing Event

The Blessing and Healing Event will help you find relief from stress, regain health, and return to a natural state of tranquility, to obtain happiness, success and harmony in life. Date: Nov 30, 2013 (Sat)10:00 AM - 1:00PM Event Venue: San Diego (TACC) 7838 Wilkerson Court, San Diego, CA 92111 Date: Dec 07, 2013 (Sat) 10:00 AM - 1:00PM 1960 South Anaheim Way, Anaheim, CA 92805 Free Admission & Auspicious Gift

TEL: (949)378-0718 Email:irvineputi@gmail.com TEL: (619)587-0288 Email:putisd@gmail.com TEL: (415)665-5136 Email: putisfo@gmail.com Tel: (408)956-8662 Email: putisfo@gmail.com Tel: (718)886-1122 Email: nyputi886@gmail.com

Lunar New Year Healing Event

Bodhi Meditation is holding a ceremony to celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival . Come receive healing and blessing that will benefit you for the rest of the year. Date: Feb 16, 2014 Time: 10:00AM-1:00PM Event Venue: San Gabriel Hilton Hotel 225 W.Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91776 Free Admission & Auspicious Gift

San Diego, CA

San Francisco, CA

Event Venue: Business Expo Center

Milpitas, CA

Progressive Level 2 Program

This intermediate program offers progressive theories and techniques in Bodhi Meditation s practices. Participants study its holistic applications in depth and mental attributes. Additionally, basic techniques healing self and others are demonstrated and instructed. Date: Dec 22, 2013 - Jan 02, 2014 Time: 9:30 AM 6:30 PM Event Venue: Sheraton Fairplex Hotel 601 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 All Fees Waived & Lunch Provided Please contact us in advance if you need assistance with hotel accommodations

Meditation & Mind Leap Program

This meditation program is based on unique techniques specifically developed to enhance the mind performance. Through refined practice and connection with the univeral energy, this program is effective for mental health development, including help enhance concentration and boost memory. Not only children and teens will be benefited from the practice, but seniors can also practice to prevent Alzheimer s disease and enhance phsical health. Date: Jan 11, 2014 Jan 12, 2014 Time: 9:30 AM 6:20 PM All Fees Waived & Lunch Provided

New York, NY

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