Jade Buddha is here!

I posted a while back that the Jade Buddha would be in Huntington Beach until November 15th.  You can get more of the details here. The Buddha has arrived!

The Jade Buddha which is now on display at the Sangha Center for Spiritual Living in Huntington Beach, which I am a member of, is on a world tour and will eventually end up in Australia.  It was carved out of pure jade and weighs about 4 tons, stands about 2.7 meters high and is estimated to be worth around 5 million. 

There will be events all week long including lectures by Buddhist Monks.

According to a dedicated website: "The purpose of exhibiting the Jade Buddha around the world is for everyone, irrespective of their religion, to take a moment to reflect upon peace; peace for the world; peace in their relationships; peace for their families and friends; peace at work; peace in their mind. We hope that such positive inspiration will bring joy and motivation in the lives of those who are able to see the Jade Buddha."

Here are some images from yesterday.

They had 3 flags there.  A Vietnamese flag, a Buddha flag and a US flag.

 

 

 

Most people would kneel and bow in prayer then place incense here.

A monk giving a lecture (not in English so I couldn't tell you what it was about).

These are the stops for the Jade Buddha.

I even got a Monk to bless me (or maybe he was just hamming it up for the camera).

Namaste!

Turkey Vulture Rivalry

I visited the Bolsa Chica Reserve a few days ago and got some good shots of these two Turkey Vultures fighting over perches.  I think they were jockeying for position near a dead rabbit. 

More to come...

Andy Irons Dies

I heard the bad news that Andy Irons, three time world surfing champion, passed away today.  The 32 year old native of Hawaii reportedly died of complications from Dengue Fever.  He leaves behind his wife and unborn son.  You can read the whole news story here. 

I had the privilege of photographing him surf earlier this year at the US Open in Huntington Beach,Ca. and wanted to re-post those pictures of the event.

Jade Buddha world tour comes to Huntington Beach

If your interested in the Buddha, or simply curious, then you might want to check this out.  The Jade Buddha will be making an appearance in Huntington Beach, Ca. at Sangha Center For Spiritual Living from November 5th - 15th.

http://sa.buddhistcouncil.org.au/xoops/modules/news/article.php?storyid=47

Here is an excerpt from The Jade Buddha's web site.

"The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world. The Jade Buddha is 2.7 metres high and sits on an alabaster throne of 1.4 high. The Jade Buddha itself weighs around 4 tonne and has been valued at $5 million. Its size and beauty make it a wonder of the world. The Buddha inside the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya (India) is the model for the Great Jade Buddha. This Buddha was chosen because it is universally recognised by all Buddhists.

The purpose of exhibiting the Jade Buddha around the world is for everyone, irrespective of their religion, to take a moment to reflect upon peace; peace for the world; peace in their relationships; peace for their families and friends; peace at work; peace in their mind. We hope that such positive inspiration will bring joy and motivation in the lives of those who are able to see the Jade Buddha.

The Jade Buddha is on tour throughout major cities in Asia and Australia before being set up at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia."

Come check it out!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I'm not a fan of "fighting" breast cancer or any other cancer for that matter.  Before you throw tomatoes at me let me explain.  I believe that the body and mind know how to heal itself, yes without drugs.  I believe that our cluttered minds get in the way of our health, lowering our immune system.  I believe that stress is the cause of all cancers.  What I believe is also backed up by studies and science (although I regrettably don't have any links for you, you can do a simple search and come up with some info).

So not to tread on anyone's cancer fighting parade I'll leave it at how I believe we already have the cure to cancer...and it's within us - not out there in some elusive drug with side effects (we should be making friends with cancer instead of fighting it, which fuels stress, which causes the cancer). 

On some level there is a great need for what the cancer fighting community does.  I just wish it focused less on looking for a cure (because we already have it) and more on prevention.  Dr. Christiane Northrup, Women's Health & Wellness Expert said, "I'd rather focus on breast health and ways to prevent breast cancer at the cellular level than put the emphasis on testing and retesting until you finally do find something to poke, prod, cut out or radiate."

Here is a link to a great article by Christiane Northrup with some great wisdom.  I hope you enjoy it.

Some high lights from a recent Avon walk

 

Heal yourself tonight!

Sorry this is so last minute but Tom Stone of Great Life Technologies is hosting a workshop tonight at Sangha in Huntington Beach on a love offering basis. If you are free tonight you won't want to miss this!  Tom will walk you through a meditation that deals with the underlying feelings that cause physical issues.  If you have some physical issue that's been bothering you then come check it out tonight!  I can't even do it justice explaining his method but check out the testimonials.

7PM in Huntington Beach near Beach and Talbert.  Click on the Sangha link for the address.

Rusty & Cody slideshow - wedding