I'd Walk a Mile for Tile Asian Editions.
I had considered that it would be possible to do an "I'd Walk a Mile for Tile." Asian Tsunami Edition type of thing including around the anniversary starting around 12-26-04 and an "I'd Walk a Mile for Tile." Cyclone Nargis Edition including around the anniversary starting around 5-2-08, etc.
Weather and Fire Links
One could do a google.com search for hurricanes typing in as I have done "hurricane" so and so, possibly adding a location of concern. One could look thru a number of things that come up including online newspaper copies about the current situation.
A similar type of thing could be done with Tropical Storms. Good luck with Hurricane season.
gulfcoasthurricanecenter.com has phone numbers for some gulf coast states in case there is an evacuation and you do not own a vehicle.
Emergency Shelter General Advisement:
One of the things we get to practice as monks is being a good guest. If evacuations do take place please be good guests and help keep a watch on your brothers and sisters. There may be many things you can help with, but if you do find yourself with some extra time may I recommend meditation including for the young people which may help keep them calm, easy to watch, less tiring out, and using up less calories. Hosts, I appreciate you keeping a watch on things for no problems for the variety of peoples that could potentially be evacuated.
In my experience don't panic is good advice. If you find yourselves with people you did not have much experience try to find what you have in common in keeping a watch on things. Even if your individual styles are a little different, try to stay under control. If you look for the dhamma, the disciplinarian aspects you have in common, in agreement it will help you adjust even if their style is different from anything you previously encountered or encountered for a long time before.
Just as the highest, the most comprehensive part of a peaked roof is the peak itself. So too of the 6 memorable qualities found in Discourse #48 from the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha(free online from vipassana.info Majjhima Nikaya collection of 152 discourses) the highest is that view which is Noble and emancipating and leads the one who practices in accordance with it to the complete exhaustion of suffering.
Faithful givers, do not be afraid of deeds of merit. They are equivalent to happiness, these deeds of merit.
With regards to wildfires one computer site that features listings of fire locations and percentages of containment is inciweb.org.
Underground Religion helping under rubble China.
Another earthquake has been reported in China. I did a google.com search for China earthquake adding August 2008 to get the recent. Timely search and rescue after the earthquake can make a difference. Sometimes people have been trapped under rubble. Sometimes they are in need of medical attention. Try to be organized and know what houses and areas have been checked and what needs to be checked. It is in times of adversity that one's fortitude is to be known and now is a time when knowing people can make a difference.
Plastic to Cover Umbrella
I understand that an Ajaan may mention to his family about going on Tudong and they may be very keen to go with him. I am confident that there are people in the world who are seriously prepared for this type of thing. I do not doubt that. Of course even when it is not the rainy season it is a good idea to bring something to cover such as an umbrella and I do not doubt that there are monastics with lay people who are prepared to take with them what supplies they would basically need to cover even if they were planning to visit another country.
But suppose someone did leave home without an umbrella and simply because he wanted to spend his allowance on doing meritorious deeds for the Sangha that it was not very convenient for him to return home then to get his umbrella. If there is a monk, nun, male layfollower, or female layfollower who finds themselves on such or such a Tudong situation and in need of an umbrella they could email me at Principle7For@yahoo.com or Pri7@live.com(extra coverage email) and with plastic I would be willing to cover an umbrella or by check. I understand on top of that some like to have mosquito netting and someone could email me about that too.
Also let you share information about other meritorious opportunities with the Sangha including the opportunity to provide food including such as Mahanama the Sakyan and his Koliyan lady counterpart did. I would be glad to see your success, but in particular if there would be something lacking please feel free to communicate with me.
Also those who share an interest in Tudong as monastic or lay follower and/or local lay support including, but not limited to, North America and South America may feel very free to email at principle7for@yahoo.com or pri7@live.com.
"I'd Walk a Mile for Tile."
"I'd Walk a Mile for Tile."
(with consideration of Storm, Search and Rescue, etc Stories)
First Annual "I'd Walk a Mile for Tile," a mindful success.
I was happening to think about reactive weather relief like in the second discourse from Sutta Nipata in which Dhaniya went for refuge to the Blessed One when the flood came and Discourse #17 from the Long Discourses(M. Walsh translator- Wisdom Publications) which I find encouraging including for proactive flood relief. This discourse which I find to include things inspiring for Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Construction describes lotus ponds and lotus lakes and the "place" of Dhamma constructed with tiles. I find this relevant for mindfulness of dikes[or levees from the French word levee from the feminine past participle of the French verb lever to raise]. Of course, I understand that a levee has to be made to a sufficient height and strength with materials of specific qualities and specific strengths as taught with Civil Engineering specific to a levee and specific to the area that it is in to withstand a potential flood on the worst days in order to accomplish what a levee(or dike) is obliged to accomplish as part of accomplishing what a flood prevention system is obliged to accomplish. With regards to Tsunami and Hurricane Flood relief including, but not limited to a situation such as in New Orleans with Katrina, I understand that good Civil Engineering may be very inspiring for proactive weather protection. [I find the idea of tiles up to 3 times a man's height inspiring although I suppose that including in areas prone to flooding like New Orleans the tile on a building up to 3 times a very tall person's height who looked ready to do construction type work might arouse a particularly fitting mindfulness for that specific area.]
You may also note other uses of tile including lotus pond and lotus lake type situations.
The tile etc. has in fact started to prove to be inspiring and research has revealed that the Netherlands tried moving back their water restraining system further from the water. If we were to apply it to the New Orleans levee system, we would move the levee further back from the river. Then if the Mississippi River were to overflow it would take longer for the height of the water to build up. I use the simile of a wide pitcher, compared to a small pitcher. If we were to pore water, milk, Welch's Grape Juice, or Dr. Pepper into the wider pitcher it would take longer for the height of the liquid to increase. So too if the levee was moved further back from the Mississippi River and the river started to overflow it would take longer for the water to overflow such a height of a levee. A lawyer in a DVD I watched said that the levee system should be 4 wide for every 1 high. But a graphic representation of the levee there indicated that the levee was not nearly as wide as it should be which would be consistent with the levee being breached as much as it was.
I understand someone had an article published in a magazine prior to Katrina that the levee system in New Orleans should be better. Not every elected politician is actually a Civil Engineer, nor Architect, nor a Construction expert. So if we as a public, including the politicians can learn some more about such and such things, then if there are different opinions about what should be done, I believe it would conduce to making better decisions in general.
If a flood prevention system is not achieved however people in such a place may find themselves in a situation in some ways like Tudong situation(with regard to some respects although monks and nuns normally take a rainy residence during the rainy season). Of course this might not only involve walking but navigating water perhaps at least a little similar to the Great Section from the Vinaya between the 5th wonder and the Discourse on Burning(also commonly referred to as the Fire Sermon) with the Kassapa brothers(also Pariyatti.com in North America). Personally having done a little Tudong myself and some "Tithedong". I believe some experience with "Tdong" or similar enough to Tudong could be potentially very helpful both for those needing to leave a particularly distressed area and for those who perhaps finding inspiration from who Brahma Sahampati in Brahma Samyutta(Connected Discourses Chapter 6- basically same availability as Long Discourses)addressed in Pali translated into English thus
"Arise O Hero, victor in battle(like with the Striving Discourse from Sutta Nipata)leader of the caravan...and traverse the world.
Teach the Dhamma, O Blessed One
There will be those who understand", his choice of words with reference to the Blessed One with the 32(100%) Marks of a Great Person.
[For free excerpts of Marks Discourse let see the reviews page at principle7.org/reviews.html]. Such inspired people I understand would transport themselves in a variety of ways to go help in such a situation. The Blessed One replied,
"Open for them are the doors to the Deathless
Let those who have ears now show their faith..."
Then Brahma Sahampati thinking I have created the opportunity for the Blessed One to teach the Dhamma paid homage to the Blessed One and keeping the Blessed One on the right he thereupon departed at once. This gaining of the unsurpassed supreme full enlightenment by the Blessed One is recollected on the Moon Day(Full Moon) called Vesak along with the birth and Paranibbana of the Blessed One.
I think it is possible that a variety of sizes and colors of tile may become available. In considering the utilization of those tile I have found inspiration from the Venerable Mogharaja who was the foremost of the Blessed One's disciple in the wearing of rag robes. With this type of clothing inspired eclectic architectural design potential and considering that some people might otherwise get rid of extra tile they have left over, let potential donors be aware that what others might think of as trash may be something that I could use. What others might think of as trash might be something that I could get some use out of.
If a flood prevention system is not achieved however people in such a place may find themselves in a situation in some ways like Tudong situation(with regard to some respects although monks and nuns normally take a rainy residence during the rainy season). Of course this might not only involve walking but navigating water perhaps at least a little similar to the Great Section from the Vinaya between the 5th wonder and the Discourse on Burning(also commonly referred to as the Fire Sermon) with the Kassapa brothers(also Pariyatti.com in North America). Personally having done a little Tudong myself and some "Tithedong". I believe some experience with "Tdong" or similar enough to Tudong could be potentially very helpful both for those needing to leave a particularly distressed area and for those who perhaps finding inspiration from who Brahma Sahampati in Brahma Samyutta(Connected Discourses Chapter 6- basically same availability as Long Discourses)addressed in Pali translated into English thus
"Arise O Hero, victor in battle(like with the Striving Discourse from Sutta Nipata)leader of the caravan...and traverse the world.
Teach the Dhamma, O Blessed One
There will be those who understand", his choice of words with reference to the Blessed One with the 32(100%) Marks of a Great Person.
[For free excerpts of Marks Discourse let see the reviews page at principle7.org/reviews.html]. Such inspired people I understand would transport themselves in a variety of ways to go help in such a situation. The Blessed One replied,
"Open for them are the doors to the Deathless
Let those who have ears now show their faith..."
Then Brahma Sahampati thinking I have created the opportunity for the Blessed One to teach the Dhamma paid homage to the Blessed One and keeping the Blessed One on the right he thereupon departed at once. This gaining of the unsurpassed supreme full enlightenment by the Blessed One is recollected on the Moon Day(Full Moon) called Vesak along with the birth and Paranibbana of the Blessed One.
I think it is possible that a variety of sizes and colors of tile may become available. In considering the utilization of those tile I have found inspiration from the Venerable Mogharaja who was the foremost of the Blessed One's disciple in the wearing of rag robes. With this type of clothing inspired eclectic architectural design potential and considering that some people might otherwise get rid of extra tile they have left over, let potential donors be aware that what others might think of as trash may be something that I could use. What others might think of as trash might be something that I could get some use out of.
Those who find themselves inspired to help proactively to protect areas from weather concerns may feel free to communicate through the dedicated Email address principle7for@yahoo.com and pri7@live.com. If you feel Civil, Architectural, or Construction details would be helpful, please feel very free to include them in your communication as I(and apparently a number of others) find these subjects interesting and have found time to read some about these things including from a book which I understand is used in an Architecture type class.
Those who find themselves inspired to train to help or even train to be helped in a reactive way may feel free to communicate through the same dedicated address process.
With Dedication to those who gave to reunite others with great rejoicing.
Those who find themselves inspired to train to help or even train to be helped in a reactive way may feel free to communicate through the same dedicated address process.
With Dedication to those who gave to reunite others with great rejoicing.
I am planning to get in a mile around the August 29 in 2008 to a number of weeks after(around the 3 year anniversary of the noted weather concerns with Hurricane Katrina). In my case I hope the flexibility of the schedule will allow the choice of a probably decent enough weather day.
Tornadoes are a potential concern in a number of other places in the world. If people can get out after the Tornado and do search and rescue, it can potentially make a difference. Sometimes there are people trapped under rubble. Sometimes they are in need of medical attention. So timeliness too can make a difference. Also good communication is helpful for keeping in mind what houses have already been checked and what houses still need to be checked. So this can be a good type of thing to keep in mind while doing "I'd Walk a Mile for Tile,", related activities, walking in general, and just to be mindful about in general.
In case of tornado, the lowest level in the building is recommended. So if there is a basement in the building that is the recommended place to be. The middle of the middle is recommended to give more quote unquote "insulation" from the powerful circling winds. One is advised to stay away from windows in case the glass breaks. Also one is advised to keep the building clean and neat. So if parents are looking for another good reason to explain to their children why it is good to keep their rooms neat and help keep the house neat and clean, it is potentially safer in case a tornado is blowing things around. A person told me she was driving thru a place after a tornado, and the one type of room that tended to weather the best was the restroom, the bathroom. So there seems to be something interesting about bathroom architecture.
The offering has already started to "overflow" not only Buddhist, but with other religions with inspiration from Middle Length Discourse #135 including, but not limited to tile.
Funds may also go towards helping build levees in New Orleans that are high enough and wide enough to not flood(which some people think there is still a need for) and/or pumps and drainage systems to avoid flooding during the time(including) of the rainy season but not limited to the rainy season. To avoid the appearance of impropriety since I understand Great(as I am traditionally accustomed to addressing leaders of countries) former President Bush of the United States has said that New Orleans will be rebuilt, if this is completed by around then, including the fully functional drainage system, those particular funds may be directed to other Weather Relief supported things in conjunction with "I'd walk a mile for tile."
Those who share an interest in "I'd walk a mile for tile" and/or "I'd walk a mile for tile" related activities including but not limited to your local weather area may email principle7for@yahoo.com or pri7@live.com. Please note "I'd walk a mile for tile" includes, but is not limited to Buddhists. Something that can become especially obvious in a rescue situation is the importance of not being divided up. One can realize we can use the all the good help we can get. Since this is possible to realize, how about realizing it even when there is not an obvious disaster. So let one be free from mutual conflict before it even starts.
Those who share an interest in "I'd walk a mile for tile" and/or "I'd walk a mile for tile" related activities including but not limited to your local weather area may email principle7for@yahoo.com or pri7@live.com. Please note "I'd walk a mile for tile" includes, but is not limited to Buddhists. Something that can become especially obvious in a rescue situation is the importance of not being divided up. One can realize we can use the all the good help we can get. Since this is possible to realize, how about realizing it even when there is not an obvious disaster. So let one be free from mutual conflict before it even starts.
Serendipity is a word that includes the meaning of while doing(helping) with one thing one learns something helpful for something else. Because when it was brought to my attention I had consideration about the Katrina Hurricane and New Orleans flood situation and had studied the situation, then when the Myanmar Cyclone situation happened and was somewhat similar in some ways, I was able to use what I had studied to help advise there. So I was inspired by the idea of the serendipity of loving-kindness for all beings, and the opportunity to apply what I sincerely believe is the unsurpassed teaching by the Blessed One to a variety of situations and fathom how it applies in a variety of circumstances.
Your Storm Stories may also be sent to these 2 addresses. Unless you communicate that you wish that some or all of your Civil, Architectural, Construction and/or Storm Stories are to be held private, your emailing of specifically these types of things to any of these 2 email addresses will be treated as your giving permission that they be publicly posted on the Internet and/or used in other medium including print at the discretion of principle7.org.
Disaster Relief Forum on computer site: sainthood.ownforum.org
A Theravadan Buddhist Version of Mother Theresa:
I have been having fun communicating with people about the idea of a Theravadan Buddhist version of Mother Theresa. Mother Theresa had studied medicine to help give free care, and I think there is something endearing about someone who does not ostracize people for being sick, poor, and/or homeless. Certainly there is a general need in some places in the world for more of this type of thing. I have started to communicate about should I do more to become like a male counterpart of a Theravadan Buddhist version of Mother Theresa? I very much enjoy what I do: study, meditation, service of mankind, including these type of things, and I am not thinking of a good reason not to do more to help do more. So I am thinking what would be easy enough for me to learn to help with the needs out there. Please feel free to communicate with me about these type of things. One thing I feel I have to offer is experience with a discipline that can be applied to a homeless situation. In fact in Theravadan Buddhist countries we can refer to monks and nuns as those gone forth from the household life into homelessness. So it can actually be a compliment. By letting the homeless learn more about these things and "voluntarily" discipline themselves, and letting people in general learn to give respectfully, giving a valuable gift, giving with the view that it is a good kamma(karma) to give, we can begin tomprove the situation more and more. I think getting more people in doors this winter instead of being required to sleep outside during winter is a goal we can agree upon and I would be willing to team up to accomplish this goal. Obviously enough to me this would be very beneficial for society in general.
Grateful English(with appreciation of 5 precepts: abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicating drink and drug causing heedlessness and infatuation as in 129 from Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha(Wisdom Publications[same] which is available free online from the computer site: vipassana.info and Janussonin Sutta(AN:10:177 free online from accesstoinsight.org) There is a full translation of the Numerical Discourses by Pali Text Society. Pariyatti.com now distributes in North America for Pali Text Society. I have one of the full translations of Numerical Discourses by Pali Text Society with the title Gradual Sayings.I understand Bhikkhu Bodhi is working on a full translation of Numerical Discourses.
Having been gratefully fortunate to read DN, MN, SN, AN and Sn in Pali, I am so grateful for more and more opportunity to study Pali. I had the opportunity to help a monk learn English. I am willing and am offering more of this type of thing to the Sangha of monks and nuns and their male and female supporters. Please feel free to email the same dedicated emails for yourself and/or on behalf of another or others.
Having been gratefully fortunate to read DN, MN, SN, AN and Sn in Pali, I am so grateful for more and more opportunity to study Pali. I had the opportunity to help a monk learn English. I am willing and am offering more of this type of thing to the Sangha of monks and nuns and their male and female supporters. Please feel free to email the same dedicated emails for yourself and/or on behalf of another or others.
Those who seek religious advisement for rape, sexual abuse, molestation, aggressive seduction, sexual addiction, lust, domestic violence, and/or related subjects may communicate with the dedicated emails principle7for@yahoo.com and pri7@live.com.
In general, I would prefer that people communicate with me rather than commit suicide. It is rare that an Arahant Samma Sambuddha arises in the world. His unsurpassed teaching of Dhamma has been fortunately preserved, and it is a rare opportunity to have a human life, and therefore a rare opportunity to make a very special type of merit.
Plastic to Cover Umbrella
