of USAWKF
The Joy of Flourishing
I am awed by the power of flourishing inherent in our lives. Your breakthrough
is of unforgettable magnitude. Please keep this joy in you memory to draw
from in future moments of doubt. This is the process of awakening. Once
realized, there is no more powerful proof of the innateness of our Buddha
nature and the clarity it brings. Our ultimate goal is to remain in this
awakened state throughout our lives. An almost unfathomable ecstasy. Words
cannot begin to describe my pride, my appreciation, my joy, and my fulfillment
at your epiphany.
Our futures look extremely bright and filled with more awakenings. Remember
that all phenomena are our teachers. As you apply your awakened state
to your future activities, know that this is still the beginning. Have
confidence that the future will bring with it more challenges to enable
more and greater doors to be opened and cleansed. And also, please spend
time in the here and now, absorb and be absorbed in the scents, tastes,
sounds, and touches of this great joy. Whenever you seek it, simply relax,
breathe, and never hesitate to recall awakening with Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Even if only as a thought, you will never be without it.
With profound joy,
Reverend Sylvain Chamberland
BACKGROUND
This most dedicated of the Reverend's students, James has struggled for most of his life looking for a deep message from within himself of the mission or path he should be on. Now in his early thirties, having achieved a four-year degree several years ago, he has traveled the world and worked at many technical jobs without satisfaction. Indeed, James had been in the precarious place of seeing the entire world and the lives upon it as futile and amounting to very little other than annoyance and pathetic.
Through the practice of Yoga and latter introduced to Quantum Life, Qigong, Taijiquan and Lotus Sutra Buddhism as elucidated by Reverend Sylvain in his book "The Way", James began to see an entirely new world view. No stranger to focused effort, James began an intensely self-programmed search through the teachings of Eastern thought, and the guidance of those he respected.
The letter included below is of a recent breakthrough in James' life experience. His confidence, and his higher life condition radiate through this letter. The reverends response is validating and joyful as well as slightly cautioning. Life can be as a roller coaster, and there often occur quick downslides after great summits. While sharing in the accomplishments of his dear friend the reverend reminds James to hold onto the joy of this experience to buoy him through future challenges and assures him that his awakening will never leave him and that there are many more to come.
----- Original Message -----
From: James Todaro
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 10:26 AM
Subject: a breath of fresh spring air
Sifu...
Spring comes and with it a new fresh new air. Your guidance and words
have not fallen on deaf ears. I am certainly in a period of great transition.
These last couple weeks I have been meditating and pondering my path.
I have been focusing on the sanctuary and trying to connect the future
with the present, and I have decided that the path that most clearly facilitates
this objective, and which in turn I think will provide me with the greatest
long-term happiness. I have decided to go back to school and get my masters
in teaching. I will be teaching high school math this fall in Baltimore
city. I think that this experience will not only validate my life, but
also give me significant credentials. The masters will be from Johns Hopkins.
I am very excited at this opportunity. It was a difficult decision considering
the alternatives, and money that loomed at another IT job programming
again. It also means that I won't be starting until the end of June so
I am planning on coming down to tupelo for a little visit. I checked greyhound
and 7day advance notice roundtrip is ~$150. I am looking forward to the
sun's re-emergence as a dominant daily force. It is time to bloom :) Be
well and strong my friend. And in good spirits :)
Much love and respect
James
When the doors of perception are cleansed, man will see things, as they
truly are, infinite.
- William Blake
