New Growth

Today as I searched I was drawn into researching the Buddha. While reading his biography on wikipedia I kept coming into phrases and words that I had no idea what they were. Wikipedia makes them links so I would follow them and discover what the phrase was. To say the least I found some wonderful information. It dawned on me that I hadnt been able to look at buddhism and buddhist teachings because of my feelings toward religions. I still dont think someone should dedicate their lives to a religion but I do agree with dedicating ones life to spiritual growth and enlightenment. If its found in religions then it makes sense why many choose that path. Now I see myself more as Buddha himself in reflection. To some this may sound delusional but its true that we can connect to others states of being. The teachings of Buddha are an extension of that being. I plan to study them more.

Something else came up tonight that I found rather interesting. I often think of lions and eagles and this brought me to the idea of a spirit animal. Ive wondered for some time what mine would be so I did a quick google search on "How to find your spirit animal". They suggested meditating then asking your animal to make itself present to you. I find the more present you are to your moment the more you can get from it. It dawned on me that I may think of lions and eagles often, which are spirit guides, but there is also the real animals that are present to your life." The lion represents feminine energies. It means taking the easy way to meet your goals, by not confronting them head on." I know in my life I am using this specific state often. Fighting problems head on is not the way to being awake. I let them be as they will. "Those with an Eagle totem need to have an involvement with creation; a willingness to experience extremes; a willingness to use your ability even if it means getting "scorched" a little as you fly high; a willingness to seek out your true emotions." I can see why these two show up to me often and why I regularly grow my hair out (Lions Mane). The one that I found surprising was the Guinea Pig.

I recently received a guinea pig for Christmas. Since he has been with me I have been nurturing him. I feel what he feels, feed him, clean his cage, hang out with him, talk to him, and generally give him what he needs to be healthy, best I can. He feels like a child to me because he depends on me to be there for him. This is a live spirit totem that I have attracted into my life. "You can have several animal guides through out your life. Sometimes an animal guide will come into your life for a short period of time, and then be replaced by another depending on the journey or direction you are headed toward." Guinea Pigs specifically are said to bring in like minded people into your life. When this totem appears, it signals a time to explore new possibilities, a time to open (or reopen) spiritual doors. It also brings a cautionary message: are you being too solitary in your spiritual practices? Do you need to seek out groups to help with your healing work? The nature of the animal is what is meant to be seen in yourself.

I thought about what animals I had thought of recently or that came to me in a story and realized how relevant they were. Even my friends have a large dog, known to be a great protector. This is their spirit animal and it represents to a T their lives and who they are. Its quite amazing to see. We had a cat once, and I try to remember all those who have cats and what they are like.

Ive listened to Terrance Mckenna speak about the I-Ching and his Well known Timewave theory is based on the 64 grid hexagram of the iching. I decided to do some researching on the I-Ching. The I-Ching is an ancient Chinese divination system which is used to gain insight into a question or situation by way of a standardized process. They say on the wikipedia page that diviners ascertain their interpretations by reading signs, events, or omens, or through alleged contact with a supernatural agency. I already know we all have this contact but I also know most people tend not to attempt to read what reality is saying. The way the original I-Ching is performed is a long mathematical system. It takes about 15 minutes to come out with the Hexagram that has a special meaning. I suspect that long process was used in order to look more official or scientific. The reality is you dont need that. You can actually do it however you like. I decided to try my own method. I took some long sticks and some that I broke in half. I would play with them while focusing on my intention, or on nothing at all. When I would drop a stick I would leave it till enough fall to form the whole hexagram. When I didn't focus on anything the divination told me where I am currently in my life. I found that rather interesting. When I focused on the question "Where do I go from here" the divination proceeded to explain exactly what I needed to hear. Each set of sticks in the hexagram have a specific meaning. When you put them all together they mean something specific.

I think the idea behind the I-Ching is the same as the animal totem and Buddha. They are all guides. They are living mirrors to your soul. Just as thoughts are and just as everything is. One perspective is that we are a living hologram. Your body is included in the exterior world and so it is a great indicator of the nature of your soul. When your thoughts are nothing but frustration, anger, and pain, then that is a direct message to you about the state of your nature. You are meant to observe this and grow. My friend Joe, the Guinea pig, will serve me well on my journey. I will repay him and honor him for this gift. I think from now I will wake up more to these same relationships with people and life. What their current nature is meant to show me for myself and what I am meant to show them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha Here is the page on buddha I referred to

http://www.linsdomain.com/totems.htm Heres the link to the animal totem page. There is a list at the bottom with a lot of them. click them to read a bit about what they represent from a spiritual perspective.

http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html Here is a link to a page on the I Ching. You can use your own divination system or try mine. youtube has a few videos of people explaining their own way. I would drop 3 sticks. The order they fall in is the order of the first row. Then drop 3 more. This is the order of the second. This will give you the proper hex and an explanation of it. Read the whole explanation because, like I said, each still means something specific.