buddhist correspondence course
newsletter
Volume 7, Issue
January-March 2011
1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
Articles
BCC Annual Report, Revs. Baksa
Losing My Hat, Losing My Attachment,
James Davie
Guided Meditation James Halbirt
The Practice, James L. Halbirt
,
What Makes You Not a Buddhist:
A Brief Book Report Angie Oakes
Life Is So Much Better Now,
,
Dwight Parker
Don't Forget to Breathe,
Tenshin Hyon Sek
Am I in hell to benefit sentient beings,
or just another sentient being in hell?,
Paul Stavenjord
Let Me Create, Terrell Taylor
Dealing With Distractions on the Inside,
Robert Thiem
Poetry
Rivers of Time, Travis L. Adams
Afraid of What the Storm Will Bring,
Brian Alberer
Alone in Here, James Bettis
Butterfly, James Bettis
Walk With i, Howard Cosby
The Middle Way, Eric Fite
Congratulations to Kalen:
Ode to a Teacher Dear, Z. L. King
Islamic Center and Mosque, Z. L. King
Expedition, Jock Lyle
Art
Zen Training, Travis L. Adams
Mandala, Brian Alberer
Second Hand, Zachariah de la Torre
Peace, Andre R. Marzetta
Dragon, Tenshin Hyon Sek
Letters
James Davie Andre R. Marzetta
Angie Oakes
, ,
page 1
Just as, of all trees, the balsam is foremost in terms of softness and pliancy,
in the same way I don't envision a single thing that,
when developed & cultivated, is as soft & pliant as the mind.
Mudu Sutta
Am I in hell to benefit sentient beings, or
just another sentient being in hell?
D
Paul Stavenjord (Seward, AK)
oes it matter? It’s probably not something you’ve pondered much. Probably
not on your list of profounds. Someone in hell. If you have meditated on that
subject, you more than likely thank your lucky stars it’s not you. But you can bet
your mala that it is real, and not necessarily something that only happens after
death. Prison is a hell. There might be worse, who knows? But prison is also a
monastery. It all depends on the point of view.
How it works is that I am reaping what I have sown. The actions of my past (the
seeds) have germinated. It took quite some time to “get it”: “If I plant ragweed, I
can’t expect to harvest watermelon”. And, after planting ragweed, my action(s) to-
ward that result is the cause of future effects (Karma). So, my realizing how it
works, makes change possible.
A monastery? How can that be possible? Just the other side of the coin. Samsara
or Nirvana is ultimately the point of view. I would never have had these realiza-
tions had I not come to hell. That’s my lesson. Of course, I could say that I would
have attained the same or better insight had I studied in a retreat setting or in a
“real” monastery. That is nothing but speculation and daydreaming. Things are
exactly the way they are. Not what they should have been or could have been.
What they are now. An excellent teaching of interdependent origination. All of
the steps, decisions, and choices led me to this moment. Exactly now. My choice
now is to plant watermelon, not ragweed. How I respond to the effects of my past
karma, determines my future karma (action).
Maybe what really matters is that once the light comes on, hell or no hell, prison
or no prison, it’s all relative to all other things. My choice on how that is viewed.
("All Dharmas are marked with emptiness, they are neither produced nor des-
troyed, ….")
“Many are the chasms and abysses of existence, where the truth of suchness is not
found. All is contradiction, all denial, suchness in this world is not like this.” Bod-
hicharyavatara
To all those in hell, change your point of view. We are in the chasms and abysses
where suchness is not found. Plant watermelon. 
Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter
 ANNUAL REPORT

Buddhist Correspondence Course

T
Revs. Adrienne and Richard Baksa

he Buddhist Correspondence Course has now been in existence for six years.
Its growth in those six years has been phenomenal--from 192 students at the
end of 2005 to over 500 students at the end of 2010--thanks to the many dedic-
ated volunteers who serve as mentors in the Course.
The BCCN is distributed at no The Course has students in over 300 prisons in 42 different states with one stu-
charge to those taking the dent in Japan and 18 students continuing the program after their release. Over
Buddhist Correspondence Course.
44% of the students in the Course enrolled as a result of it being recommended
This is your newsletter–by you,
by a fellow inmate. Fourteen people have graduated from the Course.
about you, and for you. You are
the major contributors, so send us The Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter (BCCN) has been published on
your questions, problems, solu­ a quarterly basis since the beginning of the Course, January of 2005. It started
tions you've found to difficulties in as a modest two-page edition and now, thanks to a new editor, it is a profession-
practice, thoughts you have on al-looking publication of 10 to 14 pages.
practice, artwork, poetry, etc. Due
to limited space, some editing may We welcome any suggestions you may have for this Course and/or the BCCN. 
be necessary. We also welcome
your comments on the newsletter
and suggestions of ways to im­
prove it to serve you better.
Please mail all correspondence to:

Buddhist Correspondence Course

c/o Rev. Richard Baksa
2020 Route 301
Carmel, NY 10512

Let us know if we may use your

full name or just initials.

To receive copies of any of the

resources listed below, please
write to Rev. Richard Baksa at
the address above. Mandala
• A listing by state of Buddhist Brian Alberer (Smyrna, DE)
groups that may be able to send
volunteers to your prison to
conduct Buddhist activities.
Let Me Create
• The "Religious Land Use and Terrell Taylor (Pittsburgh, PA)
Institutionalized Persons Act of
2000." This guarantees equal
Let me make what’s wrong right and take away all insecurities afflictions,
access for all religions to prison
and wrongdoings. Let me create a universe where everything is in its nat­
facilities for the purpose of reli­
ural order, and destroy the one that exists in any other way than this.
gious meetings.
Let me create a heaven where even the smallest deity always appears in
• “What is the Religious Land the form of its fullest potential and brings about the fullest potential in
Use and Institutionalized Per­ anything, anyone, or any other deity it may interact with. Let me create
sons Act?” This explains the Act the absence of all confusion, Let me create …
and how it is to be applied.

page 2 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

Guided Meditation: ality of it, not what you might imagine
Sensations it is like.

S
James Halbirt (San Luis Obispo, CA)
it as solidly as a mountain and as
spaciously as an ocean.
First pay attention to sensations in and
around your head—on your scalp and
your face, inside your skull.
Come back to sensation. Come back
to awareness. Recognize and appreci-
ate your ability to feel, to sense.
As you end the meditation, rest in
quietness and clarity. After you get up,
The Middle Way
pay gentle attention to sensations as
you move and go about your day.  Eric Fite (Draper, UT)

How does it feel to have a head? Do

not imagine or visualize sensations.
Just observe what is there.
Move your focus gently to the neck
and shoulders. Watch any sensations
you may have without grasping at
them or rejecting them.
Now, move your attention to your
torso, front and back. Notice the feel
of your clothes against your skin.
Next, take the awareness to the arms
and hands. Feel the contact of your
There’s a tree, there’s a road
Should I walk or sit?
There’s a pasture, there’s an orchard
Should I sleep or eat?
There’s a plant, there’s soil
Should I consume or cultivate?
There’s issues, there’s opinions
Zen Training Shall I hypothesize or demonstrate?
Travis L. Adams (Mujin (Raiford, FL)
There’s a hunger, there’s virtue
Rivers of Time Should I starve or steal?

hands with each other or with your Travis L. Adams (Mujin) (Raiford, FL) There’s a war, there’s a reason

knees. Should I die or kill?

Expand the focus to the pelvic area,
front and back. Experience the contact
of your buttocks with the chair or cush-
ion.
At the level of sensation, where does
buttock stop and the chair or cushion
start? Feel the seamlessness of this ex-
perience.
Move the awareness to the thighs and
the knees. If there is any painful sensa-
tion, look deeply into the bare experi-
ence of it.
Now focus your attention on the lower
part of the legs—the ankles and feet.
Notice how sensations do not do not
remain exactly the same from moment
to moment.
Finally, be aware of your whole body.
Let a warm light surround your body.
Let it sink to your body. Let all the
painful sensations leave your body.
What is the immediate experience of
having a body? Feel the actual physic-
Sitting on a cliff
Looking down upon the Rivers of Time
Deep are the Valleys of Red Flowers
The waterdrop falls between Heaven
and Earth
Wind blows upon the cliff's sharp edge
As the sword of Manjushri
Feel the Thunder!
Smell the Earth,
"Time"
Movement - Impermanence - Life
Shuuuu....
Close your eyes, now you see
Be still!!
Feel the ancient Earth within you
See the impermanence of Life
Flash of lightning!!
The sword of Manjushri lances your
mind!
Sittingon the cliffs of Time
Back to the origin
The Rivers flow, and the flowers are red
Nothing else can be said. 
There’s politics, there’s excuses
Should I judge or help heal?
There’s a mountain, there’s a canyon
Shall I climb or help fill it?
There’s an elder, there’s a baby.
Should I talk or touch?
There’s loneliness, there’s a need
Which one? Which one?
There’s a debt, there’s a principle
Shall I forgive or budget?
There’s a bug, there’s a bug
Should I release or crush it?
There’s myself, there’s humanity
Should I indulge or contribute?
There’s my reflection
Am I a hedonist or an altruist?
There are noble truths, there are jewels
Which shine clarification!
There’s a path, there’s a way
toward your elucidation.

page 3 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

Afraid of What the Storm Will Bring
Brian Alberer (Smyrna, DE)

I walk along this Road of Life

I see so many different things
As I travel among the little birds of spring
I walk, a solitary traveler, but I’m part of everything
When I experience the clouds roll in and darken my bright blue skies
I’m afraid of what the storms will bring as the rain falls from the sky
On I travel this road of life, afraid of these rough storms
I ask myself: Why greed, anger, and ignorance?
Why enemies hate and war?
Why lives of full of inner strife that constantly hide from the rain?
Why sit and wait for the storms to pass?
Why be afraid of what storms will bring?
No longer afraid of what the storms will bring, I dance along the Road of Life as
the rain beads down my face
I learned that life is not waiting for the storms to pass or bring afraid when the
storms begin
Life is about dancing in the rainstorms, grace, and getting soaked to the skin.
Photo courtesy Peter Curtis

Life Is So Much Better Now

Dwight Parker (Milton, FL)

I’ve been wanting to write something to the BCCN and give back a little because
so much has been given to me from it. This morning watching the news I saw
where Bernie Madoff’s son took his life because of how his father’s actions af-
fected his life. This news item gave me the reason to write.

Through my studies and experiences, I’ve been taught that we are responsible for
our lives and how they turn out. I’ve also learned we are responsible for the af-
fects of how we live our lives have on others.

Most of my life has been spent thinking it was all about me, that what I did was
my business and wouldn’t affect anyone else. How wrong I was.

I’ve witnessed the horrible results of my actions on others whether directly or indir-
ectly. I can’t undo anything I’ve done in the past, but I can be mindful of what I
do now, and do what I can to not cause any more harm.

Not too long ago someone asked me why now that I’m in prison for life would I
care and try to do right. The first thing that came to mind was that I had people
out there that I loved and I didn’t want to cause them any more pain. He didn’t
seem to understand and I saw a reflection of how I used to think.

Life is so much better now that I think of others instead of just myself. 

Zachariah de la Torre
(Okeechobee, FL)

page 4 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

What Makes You Not a Buddhist: A Brief Book Report

I
Angie Oakes (Lincoln, IL)

have recently read a book called, What Makes You Not a Buddhist, by Dzong-
sar Jamyang Khyentse. One of the ladies in the Sangha here and I trade books
a lot. She came across this one and thought I would like it. As of now, it is by far
the best book I have ever read. If any of you reading this BCCN have not read it,
please find it and read it. It is a great book.

For years I have had people ask me why I’m a Buddhist when they find out. My
main answer was always that this was the one spiritual teaching that spoke to my
heart. I’ve always had trouble explaining to people why I prefer Buddhism over
Christianity. It normally results in my being called names like “atheist” and a lot of
I’ll-pray-for-your-soul and you’ll-see-the-light. The longer I practice Buddhism, the
less it bothers me. I just smile and say thank you.

If a breakdown of all the major religions were done, it would show how similar
they are. Instead of always pointing out the differ-
ences of beliefs—the negat- ives—how about I am glad to say that I’ve heard
pointing out the similarit- ies—the positives. All that some Buddhist centers are
point out that we should love each other as ourselves.
beginning to apply Buddhist prin­
Care and tend to the sick and disabled. Be generous
ciples socially. For example, I have
and compassionate to others. Do not practice violence
heard of Buddhist centers in­
on oneself or others. Do not speak ill of or tell lies on
others. Be respectful. volved in some form of spiritual
education in prisons, where they
After reading this book, I know in my heart that I give talks and other counseling. I
have truly found my path. Buddhism is the path I think this is a great example. It is
was meant to walk. To know if this is truly your path,
of course deeply unfortunate when
see if you can answer “yes” to these four truths. One
such people, particularly prison­
is a Buddhist if he or she accepts the four following truths:
ers, feel rejected by society. Not
1/ All compounded things are impermanent. (Nothing stays as it is or lasts only is it deeply painful for them,
forever.) but also, from a broader point of
2/ All emotions are pain. (The emotions are impermanent and when they fade, view, it is a loss for society. We are
clinging begins and it causes pain.) not providing the opportunity for
these people to make a construct­
3/ All things have no inherent existence. (We label things and/or phenomena as
ive social contribution when they
“true” when they are not. Nothing is as it seems. It’s impermanent and out of our
have the potential to do so. I
control.)
therefore think it is important for
4/ Nirvana is beyond concept. (No one can truly conceive what Nirvana is like.) society as a whole not to reject
such individuals, but to embrace
I find that explaining what a Buddhist is not easier than explaining what a
Buddhist is. After reading this book and taking from it what I hold to be true, them and acknowledge the poten­
when I’m asked what makes me a Buddhist, I can reply with what would make me tial contribution they can make.
not a Buddhist! In this way they will feel they have
a place in society, and will begin
Please, don’t take my word for it. If you can find this book by all means, read it for
to think thank they might perhaps
yourself. As the Buddha taught, don’t blindly believe what I teach or read as truth
have something to offer.
until you have investigated it and you can truly hold as truth for you. Hopefully,
you’ll be encouraged to find this book. [Ed.: The book is available from (The Dalai Lama’s Little Book
Shambhala Publications, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.]  of Wisdom (2002), pages 249­250)

page 5 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

Islamic Center and Mosque
Z. L. King (Galesburg, IL)
Great and noble Muslims
And people of good will
Desire to build an Islamic center
In New York City
To help educate
And heal the people
Near and far away too.
Yet, hate mongers
Continue to fan the flames of hate.
Each day people with television programs
Use their power and influence
To push and spread the flames of hate
Imam Abdul Rauf has taught pure Islam
For well over 30 years.
All good Muslims practice charity.
The sum of $100,000,000.00
To build a mosque and Islamic center
In New York City
Is a rather small sum of money.
People of good will should welcome Muslims
That want to build in their midst.
Building is an indication of people
Taking roots for the good
And well being of society
Imam Abdul Rauf is a noble Muslim
And bridge builder.
Mayor Blumberg is a noble Jew
And bridge builder.
It is only a form of ignorance
To oppose people seeking to plant good seeds.
Photo: AP
page 6
The Practice
I
James L. Halbirt (San Luis Obispo, CA)
am a student of life, a seeker of truth on a journey in life.
I have many things to learn, some deep, some superficial. May I learn
them honorably with respect. I have my true self to offer. May I offer it
generously and with kindness.
I am where I need to be, near my true self. I am doing what I need to be
doing and may it be sufficient for repair.
May my life be a simple, humble, and kind presence in all I do today.
Let tomorrow be just as great as I make it.
May my profound actions today reflect humility of my deepest beliefs.
May I always be grateful to those who have taught me and who came
before me, but more importantly, may I make the roads smoother for
those who will travel them after me.
May all the purpose of my motivation be to share, to inspire, to help, to
give, to learn, and to pass it on for a greater cause.
Let me be humbled by today. May I be more consistent tomorrow for my
own happiness and the happiness of all beings.
May I always handle with confidence the storms that pass within me,
and soothe them with the gentle wind of a strong mind, a calm core, and
a gentle heart.
The most effective way to deal with the world is to be firmly centered in
life’s free, basic, unchanging goodness.
When you have shame, it means you’re not truly a bad person, for re-
morse is a sign that you have a decent set of values which you have viol-
ated, and we need to reconnect with our goodness and decency, and
allow ourselves to feel the full impact of how we blew it, so we can re-
commit ourselves to a better life.
A person who has no wisdom, no understanding of karma or “what goes
around comes around,” would feel no fear of doing wrong. You may feel
fear of getting caught. If we do wrong, we will suffer. If we do right, a
better life comes. Fear of wrongdoing is not at all negative fear. It is an
expression of faith and wisdom. Speak to your conscience, apologize for
ignoring it so many times, and ask it not to give up on you. To open up
allows us to recognize and accept the sum total of who we are.
A person who is possessive and controlling of others is not sure of him-
self. He or she acts on their fear of living in the darkness of his fearful
mind, and really is not aware he or she is wearing blinders. Remove the
blinders and reawaken to your true self. Remove the pressure of fear,
and you’re open to new insights.
continued on p. 7
Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter
The Practice, cont'd from p. 6
When we are alert, we have a con-
sciousness that knows what hurts and
what helps. We can alleviate suffering
and abuse. We can do this by con-
necting to clarity, and the nature of an
unbiased mind. Virtuous actions have
virtuous results. We remain flexible
and compatible with others through
our kindness, expanding beyond self-
absorption.
You cannot expect the world to
change, you have to change, and we
always do. With a biased mind, we
create unpleasant places with revenge-
ful aspiration. We need to wake up to
our ignorance and delusions. An alert
mind is most vigilant. 
Two Poems
Gregory Howard (Susanville, CA)
1/ Buddha explain to
me the world?
Why do you sit
and smile, when
there’s so much suffering?
2/ Men yell out in the middle
of the night, haunted by
the nightmares of their
mind, seeking relief
from the pain and
suffering of the world ….
I give you four coins
that are priceless, and
eight bottles of water to drink ….
Look into my treasure chest
and take any three gems you
want. Believe, understand,
dig deep, hear, apply ….
page 7
Peace
P
Andre R. Marzetta (Susanville, CA)
eace – who really cares about
peace? I tried to picture
Muhammad, the Buddha, and Jesus,
with my pen. All full of light and sacri-
fice for peace. Three peaces actually –
just one peace under creation - some-
what similar when it comes to all for
one, and one for all. Who gave them
their ultimate strengths? Why would
something so great give up everything
for peace? Some of us find peace in
the gospel, some in submission to god,
and god alone, while some like me
find peace just sitting. Following the
breath, going in and out of under-
standing, sometimes until the mind
comes forth like the daybreak. Maybe
these aren’t the best three good reas-
ons. What if we asked peace, what
would be the response? Can you ima-
gine peace smiling? What about tears
of peace? What if you found peace in
total submission to god? Well just sit
without worry, without expectation.
You’ll find peace within sitting too.
Rising up, falling down, strong and
calm. If you sit firm enough, you’ll feel
the lock and key, along with the fire
and glow. You’ll notice the mind travel-
ing the world within - the breath of the
wind becoming more peaceful. One
thought after another is good, good,
good. After you’re done sitting, you
might get the point. Peace. 
Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter
Congratulations to Kalen:
Ode to a Teacher Dear
Z. L. King (Galesburg, IL)
It is great and noble
When the student becomes the teacher
Passing through the unknown
to the known
Helping prisoners to overcome
their fear
As we learn and practice
The noble Buddhist religion.
Kalen was always quick to offer
encouragement
To men and women in prison, like me
Again and again she offered
the hand of friendship
To prisoners, like me, that were filled
with fear
Kalen pushed us to become Buddhas
When most people felt
we were worthless
And rotten to the core.
It is good to know that Kalen
Has gone from the student to teacher
Kalen is a dear and sweet teacher
That showers tons of love
To prisoners near and far away too
She is a dear of a person
That abounds with kindness and metta
Each day love exudes from her
Working to establish the Dharma
Among prisoners filled with fear
Kindness, counsel, and consideration
This noble woman is quick to give
To prisoners all over the country
A few lines for Kalen
A noble Buddhist priest – Yeah!!!
Dealing With Distractions on the am hopeful to leave it well used, the reason I practice sharpening my fo-
Inside passing peacefully. Still, while life con- cus on Buddhanature while not becom-
Robert Thiem (Florence, AZ) tinues pulsing within this human shell, I ing troubled with distractions is
feel there are little deaths (some larger because it works. Dropping emotional
than others) preparing me to accept hang-ups, no matter how significant I
Prison is never an ideal setting for any-
the final departure. I’ve already lost a may think they are, helps create
thing productive, let alone realizing en-
myriad of things I once cherished and equanimity. It balances my mind in an
lightenment. It is an unlikely place to
considered highly valuable. In a sense, open (empty) space rich with Peace,
find peace. Many hard obstacles and
I’ve already died a number of deaths. Compassion, and Wisdom. As I relax
threatening forces dominate this harsh
Sharp accusations, strict prosecutions, into that space, instead of feeling
environment. Distractions here often
enabling incarcerations, and men- drowsy, I experience a more invigorat-
seem insurmountable. It is a wonder
acing humiliations killed me in ways ing source I like to describe as uplift-
we inmates all don’t go insane. Sadly,
difficult to express. Indeed, much has ing, sprightful, and salubrious. My
it’s true, some who must experience this
been taken away. How much more practice deepens when I connect with
foul and dysfunctional dungeon of a
needs to be shed before I’m finally others in this way. “My small practice
place, do. Yet, does this need to be the
free? Another interesting way to ask bows to yours, connecting us beyond
case?
the same question is, how much do I ourselves,” is how I am interacting with
Those of us who knew a wholesome, still cling to my suffering? people, birds, insects, trees, rocks, wa-
beautiful life prior to incarceration find ter, and oxygen these days.
Confined behind razor wire policies
it quite disorienting to be confined and
and stored tightly amongst thousands Maintaining a focused mind, distrac-
labeled "prisoner." We desperately
little reprieve to end suffering is tions don’t distract as much anymore.
seek a higher truth than those defined
offered. All the adolescent bickering A few truths have revealed themselves
by our prosecutors and jailers, for we
and thug-life bantering storming like colorful petals blossoming from a
know our hearts are good! Whatever
through prison politics; all the perverse beautiful flower during my focused
judgments have been forced upon us
talk and tormenting violence; all the practice. A greater development of tol-
tear at our core. With great loss tug-
arrogant egomaniacs I live with and erance allows others to choose the
ging at us deeply, we begin to look for
go to sleep next to; all the stupid of- shape and style of their being, even if I
ways out from our suffering. Sincere
ficers; all the nasty food…a mere hint once thought their form to be gross
questions start to form. Perhaps
of the troubling distractions to a peace- and unacceptable. Also, I am learning
questions like these: 1. How can I de-
ful life inside prison. Nevertheless, it is not for me to control others’ delu-
tach myself from the horrible views and
these burdens shrink in comparison to sions, but to recognize them, and
muddled minds that perceive me as in-
the maddening distractions pounding peacefully go on. That seems to be the
tolerable, and a threat to society? 2.
in my untrained mind. Inner thoughts crux of my practice. But, of course, my
Now incarcerated, how can I use this
whirl without discipline. An illusional problems stem from my own mental
time to better myself, when the neg-
heart breaks while it cries out pathetic- neurosis. Freeing my mind from its at-
lected system actually isn’t interested in
ally for its lost love. Ironically, I have tachments is the work. Through
my success? 3. Is it possible to meta-
carried this hurt with me all day, and Buddhist study and ongoing medita-
phorically become the mythical bird of
at night, I’ve tucked it in, nestling it in- tion I’ve come to realize I can be part
fire (the phoenix), rising up from my de-
to my dreams. At times, sorry and de- of the wonderful solution needed on
mise? 4. Furthermore, is it necessary
lusional thoughts have unnerved me to Earth. I can become that Peace we all
for all my understanding of who I think
the point of preventing spiritual prac- need.
I am to go up in flames and burn down
tice. Frankly, a distracted mind causes
into ashes before the ascent toward a Finally, although prison is a mighty
tremendous suffering. It hides our true
more wholesome identity than "prison- tough place to be, it is merely another
nature.
er" takes flight? 5. Do I need to destroy environment along the path of enlight-
everything, or has enough destruction Meditation practice given through enment. As one experiences being in
already occurred? 6. Honestly, how Buddhist teachings can open us with the world, but not of the world, this de-
many symbolic funerals need to be at- clarity and precision. It allows us to tachment lightens our suffering and
tended before realizing true enlighten- see our small practice as a microcos- weakens our distractions. This path
ment? mic reflection of a broader, grander we’re on leads to victory. I encourage
scheme. The little we do now affects a everyone to practice more. 
As far as I know, the ultimate death will
larger scope of practice. Personally,
arrive once I leave this human body. I

page 8 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter

 Don't Forget to Breathe

I
Tenshin Hyon Sek (Bunker Hill, IN)

often tell my students that learning Chuan Fa (a martial science discipline) is a

lot like us as toddlers trying to first learn how to walk. We are weak, off bal-
ance, mentally unsure of our potential, thinking way too much about each move-
ment, and trying to mimic someone simply by sight and verbal encouragement.

I just finished reading “Slow-motion Activity” on page 163 in the book Mindful-
ness in Plain English, by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. This is what brought the
above analogy into my mind.

There is much to be experienced in every activity of our lives. After the child
learns to walk, the motions become second nature, that is to say that walking is
done without thinking. In fact, unless we are walking across a slick patch of ice,
we are seldom mindful of our long-mastered skill of stepping. We neglect the
total experience of such a simple thing as walking.

Chuan Fa training is like learning to walk. We learn how to move in and out of
a variety of stances foreign to our current understanding of mobility. Add in the
Tenshin Hyon Sek punches, kicks, blocks, mental mindsets, etc., it can be somewhat overwhelming.
(Bunker Hill, IN) However, once we stick with it long enough to reach the stage of second nature,
like walking without thought, something magical happens--we go a step further.
We enter a stage of simultaneous physical, mental, and spiritual awareness.

Our techniques begin to express themselves. We disappear, yet we are still there
…now everywhere. The entire universe opens up and we are at that place be-
fore thinking. We truly see how beautiful life is.

Grasping for a snowflake will melt it every time. Let go of all attempts to obtain
Butterfly
a goal and the snow will land naturally upon us and express its true nature in a
James Bettis (Clarinda, IA) slow silent dissolve.

The butterfly soars high
For the precious loving nectar
The precious Dharma
Walk to the chow hall not as a separate convict, but as a whole unit of human-
ity. Even those disrespectful men you find yourself sometimes wanting to go back
to your old ways on, are the same as you are. Experience the energy all around
you while tapping into the energy within your own body. Then simply smile and
don’t forget to breathe. At this point, all things are as they are. 

Losing My Hat, Losing My Attachment

A
James Davie (Brent, AL)

while back I lost my hat. I remembered going to sleep with it on. Then I wore it to breakfast. After that I just don’t re-
member what happened to it. Did I drop it somewhere? Did someone take it off my bed? I looked here. I looked there.
No hat! Then I noticed the attachment I had to that hat. The desire to have it. The feeling of loss. It started to repeat itself over
and over. Then I thought, “Wait a minute, this is exactly what the Buddha taught about suffering and I’m experiencing it all
over a silly hat." So I turned the situation around. I said to myself, “I hope whoever found or stole my hat gets some good use
out of it. I truly wish them well.” Instantly the desire for it was gone. Poof! The thought of the hat being gone left my mind and
I was able to think of other things again.

Later on that evening I sat down in the TV area. Next to my chair was a three-foot high dividing wall. I saw a hat sitting on it.
Could it be? Yes, it was! Someone had put it there so the owner might find it. It made me think of the old saying, “If you love
something, let it go…” Well, the hat did come back and that got me thinking, “Maybe I’ll lose it again and maybe I’ll find it
again or maybe I won’t, but one thing I do know, it doesn’t matter. 

page 9 Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter


YOUR LETTERS
(A response to Mike Gottal's letter [Vol.
6, Issue 3] about Angie's article, “My
Path” in Vol. 6, Issue 2.)
Thank you for your response to my art-
icle. It is good to know at least one per-
son out there can relate to and
understand where I came from.
When the man who teaches me comes
again, I will pass your request on to
him. Al (the man who teaches here)
goes to Illinois River Correctional Cen-
ter in Canton, Logan, and Lincoln here
in Lincoln. I was put in contact with him
by writing the following address: Prairie
Zen Center, PO Box 1702, Cham-
paign, Illinois 61824. I just asked if
someone would be willing to teach
here and Al responded.
There is another address you may find
helpful in your search for a teacher. En-
gaged Zen Foundation, Rev. Kobustu
Malone, PO Box 100, Galena, IL
61036. They are an independent or-
ganization of Buddhist practitioners in-
volved with prison ministry. Maybe they
can help with a teacher who is closer
to where you are.
I hope these addresses help you. It took
me a long time to find someone. Let me
know if I can be of further assistance to
you. I have a lot of addresses for differ-
ent Buddhist associations. Much metta,
Angie Oakes Lincoln, IL
Maybe it’s just me or maybe another
ego trip. I think some people miss the
power that lies within the teachings of
Buddhism, like how could something
just change your mind with a smile
from realizing suffering is a part of
nature. A basic core to the truth! I was
rebellious toward religions. Only be-
cause most seemed so confusing. Any-
way the first time the Buddha
page 10
appeared to me was in the process of Expedition
a crime. Never thought nothing of it,
little gold statue of a little healthy guy.
Jock Lyle (Florence. AZ)
The second time he appeared made I am going on another expedition,
me remember the first time. I couldn’t
what will I dig up today?
help but to think wow, could it be a
sign. Now I don’t profess to be a
Buddhist. Buddha nature, now that’s a My past is full of many errors,
different story. I started reading that brought me this way.
dharma books, one after the other at
first just for something to read. Then I I could begin with the obvious,
wanted to understand, it got to the
bring those out in the open first …
point where it just started to grow on
me. Literally sometimes I am even in-
vited to sitting. Don’t believe I am the But finding the NOT in the hiding spot,
author of this letter. I tell you the BCCN Is the work that will make me thirst.

people who wrote in the January-
March newsletter we’ll give the credit
to them. Which would explain the
spark and power spoken of above. Me Alone in Here
I only consider Buddhism a religion in James Bettis (Clarinda, IA)
certain ways, which could be com-
pared to the divine truth. For the most
We are alone in here
part I think it’s the most natural part of
nature, like a rose blossoming or a No one to hear our cries
glass of water after walking through To wipe our tears
the desert. The mind is opened through To tell us we'll be all right
the process. The most powerful part is To comfort us
when you can just sit with yourself. Then we found the Dharma
And others appear to be sitting too.
That taught us we're not alone
What’s more powerful than that is just
to be content with a smile. Helped wipe our tears
Tell us we'd be all right
Andre R. Marzetta (Delano, CA)
To comfort us

(This is a response to Quenton Con-
nor’s article, “Coffee Shop Buddhism”
in the BCCN, Vol. 6, Issue 2, page 1). Walk With i
Your seven-day Noble Silence retreat Howard Cosby (Somers, CT)
was very inspirational. It inspired me to
be more mindful of my own silence Walk with i in nirvana’s garden
and encouraged me to stay away from Unified once again
opinionated/belief types of conversa-
tions and the usual idle chatter that fills
In the wisdom
the air in our incarcerated environment.
Of everlasting peace
I find that the I put into silence helps And free from the illusion of
me to place more attention on what separation
really matters and what really matters That causes imprisonment
is this very moment. Thank you. In a body of flesh.
James Davie Brent, AL
Buddhist Correspondence Course Newsletter