The Cosmic Race?

Watching the Sotomayor confirmation hearings I cannot help but react to the "two wise Latinas" testifying. Clearly there was a somewhat radical Chicana that sat on the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund and that the La Raza group is salivating to see seated. Remarkably, there is also a stoic judge here that purports to be an impartial strict legal constructionist. It's that dichotomy that is driving the right-wing Repubs crazy. Sotomayor is tap dancing as fast as she can to distance herself from any radical comments she might have made while inspiring young Latino legal wannabes.

I find it kind of amusing. Italian and Irish Americans got their "come-uppin's" years ago. It was not politically astute to be an angry Irishman (or woman). We had to amalgamate into the American melting pot and like a well-trained dog accept our Anglo label (which still gets my Irish ire up.) A good-looking, clean, calm, affluent Irish American John F Kennedy was acceptable to be elected president in 1960. My dad, who had to change his name from O'Hagan to Hagans (in the early 1900's) was amazed. Nearly fifty years later, a good-looking, calm, affluent, well-spoken black man was acceptable material for President. The obvious question that is veiled in these politically-correct hearings, is whether the Senate is ready to confirm a card-carrying La Razan to the Supreme Court.

Let's be honest -- a lot of Americans are as intimidated by a La Raza/Chicana/Puerta Rican radical as they were a fist pumping black man named Obama. But if the real goal of La Raza Cosmica (One Race) is to be realized, we're all gonna have to stew in that U.S. melting pot that is "us." America has more minorities than "white" people (whatever that means). The One Race is not going to be Aryan the way Nazi's or the Klan wanted, nor Hispanic of the Iberian Pennisula variety. It's going to be a big mish-mash of everyone. So, with Hispanics or more correctly Latinos the largest growing population group, just confirm her. I just wish she would embrace her heritage rather than act like the milk-toast namby-pamby politicians interrogating her. Political pandering sucks!

Zen Battles

After nearly two weeks of non-stop MJ coverage on TV, I decided today I would not turn on the tube. This would be a day for reflection and spiritual practice. In reading Thich Nhat Hahn, the Vietnamese Zen Master I so love, I read one of the lessons and commentaries. In this one, a reluctant "Zen Master" asks the gathered monks, "Is there any Warrior willing to step out onto the Battlefield?"

I realized that's what was so special about MJ -- he did step out on the battlefield. All the greats do. Jesus, Gandhi, and the current Dalai Lama had to. But, so have artists and performers. Those who offer a different view, that try to shake things up and make us SEE are always persecuted.

Coming back to the Zen lesson, the master was hesitant to teach the monks by lecturing. He knew that what they were seeking (Enlightenment) could not be realized through words and concepts. But, he also knew if he simply sat and smiled, that would not work either. This is how Zen Battles came about. The great master hoped that through confrontation a spark might burn through the Veil of Ignorance and reveal the true Buddhist Dharma. Through Koans (riddles and puzzles) and sometimes shouting ("Do you really need yet another definition of Zen?") the master hoped the monks might Awaken.

We can put all our thoughtful explanations in books or blogs, but does it benefit anyone? You may listen to a teaching or read the words but was anything conveyed that is truly useful? Something you can apply to your life? If I say that Mindfulness practice really can relieve craving and suffering does it convince you to try? Probably not, especially if I still have weeds in my own garden. Perhaps if a more perfect person, like the Dalai Lama, speaks more people will believe his words. But often, only through witnessing death are we shocked into the realization that happiness is here within us.

Romans thought Jesus was a freak. Uptight Americans have persecuted a host of artists, writers, musicians and anyone who looks or acts "differently." At the Zen monastery when the monk asks where is Buddha, the master slaps him. When you find yourself and inner peace, you know that answer -- the Buddha is within. Everything else, including MJ's rhythms and dance moves, are just fingers pointing to the Moon.

This is it...

First I was in shock, and for several hours I've been sad. It's really hard to believe Michael Jackson is dead. I wanted to believe he could perform one last tour and restore his tarnished image. But, this really is it... it's over now. We have what we have. Fabulous music videos, amazing CD's and I have three books about him -- "Unauthorized" the controversial 1994 biography; "Dancing the Dream" a beautiful 1992 full color pictorial of his life, and the 1991 "Magic and Madness" first edition of the "scandal" biography (it was updated in 2003, I believe.)

In the days and weeks to come there will be new revelations -- some insightful treasures, but mostly trash. Neverland will become like Graceland, a Mecca for fans.
How do I feel? Numb. What did MJ mean to me? Yes, he was odd and eccentric, but aren't all great geniuses? Mozart, da Vinci, Tesla, even Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) was odd. I'm not surprised he died young. He was fragile and probably frail. Look what he has been through. Who could endure such scrutiny and constant emotional assault? If it is possible to Rest in Peace, I hope he can. Namaste MJ!

Summer Solstice

I had planned to rant and rave about how the Iranian election scandal isn't much worse than the 2000 U.S. General Election. For the youngins, that was when Bush stole the Presidency from Al Gore. You know, endless Recount, hanging chads...
But, it's the Solstice, so on a lighter note: It's that time of year again when we pay homage to the sun god Rah
Rah! Rah! Rah! Ha, ha ha! I stole that line but it was worth stealing, don't ya think? (sun, light -- good huh?)

Really, on this auspicious occasion (and ALL Solstices and Equinoxes are auspicious in my realm) we should remember to banish negativity and promote creativity.


I need to think up a ritual in a hurry, with only two hours to go, especially since it's the Tropic of Cancer and that's my sun sign. Of course, I will meditate, light a candle, burn some incense (Copal) at the appointed time. And, do Yoga Sun Salutations followed by T'ai Chi Sunday morning. Is that enough? Journal on any insights that come during these times. Maybe a Tarot or I-ching reading. If there was more time, a Chakra Cleansing, find my Tesla Purple engery plate and sit on the serenity pillow (ok, I'm just seeing how far I can go.) Oh Gee, I know... how about WRITING (like on my novel that commemorates the Solstice and various cosmic events??) That might be TOO obvious.

OK, all, Happy Solstice! Seriously, just reflect for a moment on renewing your Spirit and releasing any old negative patterns. In the Light -- Rah Rah!! Go Sun!
Click the title for story on Solstice at Stonehenge!

LGBT/SA

I've added to the label -- Sexually Ambiguous. I think it's sad Adam Lambert felt he had to declare his sexuality in Rolling Stone. Why? Why can't we just accept the Truth about everyone's status -- that we might all be Bi? Shocked?

I disagree with the gals on the View that parents should quiz their kids about their sexuality. WHY? None of us really know where we stand until confronted with the situation. You cannot say whether you would be attracted to a black guy, Asian chick, Native American, young person, or even David Carradine (at 72) because you aren't factoring in the actual person; the mind and soul of the person. Why should we have to declare as children what gender or race we will want for future partners? That seems ridiculous to me. Why not teach our children to focus on the spirit (inner qualities) of a person rather than obsess on gender and race?

I think the Gen X (or whatever letter we're on now) must laugh when they see a bunch of old broads on TV trying to define sexuality. How lost! In a few more years this discussion will be totally passe. Meanwhile, quit torturing your children and trying to make them fit into some stereotype that's a leftover product of the past.

And if you didn't click the title, take five and click now. At least make it halfway through the Youtube video of "A Night in Bangkok" (from 1985!) I've had the tune on my mind since Carradine's demise (at least get to the song!) And finally, speaking of close approaches...

On June 10, 2009 there were 1062 potentially hazardous asteroids. June 2009 Earth-asteroid encounters.

Respect

There's a novel idea. President Obama simply asked that we calm down; listen, learn and respect one another. I suspect the difficulty is the same we have right here in the U.S. Radical extremists refuse to do any of those things. Hot headed radical repubs couldn't wait to condemn the remarks and call it the "US Apology Tour." I have no idea how to communicate with closed-minded people. I used to think I did. I thought for years I was a diplomat -- a communicator. As Dylan says, "things have changed."

For over 30 years I have tried to explain Buddhism. While many people are open minded and willing to consider eastern philosophy, many are not. I wrote a few sarcastic statements just now and then deleted them. I must try, too. I guess I see that foreign equates to threat for many people. Izzi (my dog) protects the house. She doesn't care about the person's intentions -- not initially. Her first reaction is to protect the property. I guess that's how the right-wingers view everything. Shoot first and ask questions later. We tried that (for eight years) and it didn't work. Hate breeds more hate. For now, the Democrats are in control and we must try diplomacy and negotiations over war.

There is nothing wrong with Islam or quoting the Quran. Just like there is nothing wrong with Catholicism, Protestant Christianity or Judaism. It's how any religion is twisted or misused that is the problem. Buddhism is all about personal responsibility, and peace -- not worshipping a deity (but that explanation is for another day.)

Listen, learn and respect one another. Great advice, difficult to practice! Killing an abortion doctor doesn't accomplish a thing other than starting yet another war. I can't advance my cause (or beliefs) by shooting, yelling or spitting on you. Respect? We must all start there. Let's try!!