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The other day I awoke with the line "The world is frosted in icing sugar" running through my head (Could it be from A Child's Christmas in Wales or from something by Richard Brautigan?). Any way, we've had plenty of snow and Cleveland looks like a postcard.
Happy Bodhi Day! Apparently tomorrow is the anniversary of the Buddha's enlightenment. In the sixth century BCE, Siddhartha Gautama emerged a changed man after 49 days of deep meditation under a large tree in Bodh Gaya, India. (I'd certainly be a changed man after 49 days of continuous meditation, but not necessarily changed for the better) Cleveland Buddhists will be marking the anniversary with meditation and retreats.
Meanwhile, conservative Christians have been calling for us to stop saying "Happy Holidays" and say "Merry Christmas" instead, arguing that we should put the Christ back in Christmas. In fact, we should boycott Target because they are alleged to have a corporate policy of saying "Happy Holidays." I haven't heard whether they want us to say "Happy Hanukkah," "Happy Kwanza," "Merry Bodhi Day," etc. or not. Perhaps we should just pretend that everyone in the world is Christian.
Last weekend as I was walking the dogs, some nice Jehovah's Witnesses handed me a pamphlet entitled "Comfort for the Depressed" (they also thought the dogs were really cute). It's nice to know that depression has a long biblical history (Job, Jacob, King David) and that the world-wide increase in the incidence of depression is a sign of the last days. Until the arrival of the Appocalypse, we should speak consolingly to the depressed, listen understandingly, reassure them that they'll be all right, and let them know that they're worthwile in God's eyes. Exercise, wholesome food, fresh air, sufficient rest, and cutting down on TV are also recommended. The good news is that when the Second Coming occurs (and it's close at hand), no one will be depressed any more.
Happy Bodhi Day! Apparently tomorrow is the anniversary of the Buddha's enlightenment. In the sixth century BCE, Siddhartha Gautama emerged a changed man after 49 days of deep meditation under a large tree in Bodh Gaya, India. (I'd certainly be a changed man after 49 days of continuous meditation, but not necessarily changed for the better) Cleveland Buddhists will be marking the anniversary with meditation and retreats.
Meanwhile, conservative Christians have been calling for us to stop saying "Happy Holidays" and say "Merry Christmas" instead, arguing that we should put the Christ back in Christmas. In fact, we should boycott Target because they are alleged to have a corporate policy of saying "Happy Holidays." I haven't heard whether they want us to say "Happy Hanukkah," "Happy Kwanza," "Merry Bodhi Day," etc. or not. Perhaps we should just pretend that everyone in the world is Christian.
Last weekend as I was walking the dogs, some nice Jehovah's Witnesses handed me a pamphlet entitled "Comfort for the Depressed" (they also thought the dogs were really cute). It's nice to know that depression has a long biblical history (Job, Jacob, King David) and that the world-wide increase in the incidence of depression is a sign of the last days. Until the arrival of the Appocalypse, we should speak consolingly to the depressed, listen understandingly, reassure them that they'll be all right, and let them know that they're worthwile in God's eyes. Exercise, wholesome food, fresh air, sufficient rest, and cutting down on TV are also recommended. The good news is that when the Second Coming occurs (and it's close at hand), no one will be depressed any more.
