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Goedendag =^_^= good day everyone!

3012c01dcc3059b4172570c9577826a8In church yesterday, Rev. Tiago spoke of a story he’d heard when he was back in Brazil, studying to be a minister for the Church of PL  (Perfect Liberty) It was about Oshieoya-sama .  (This is the honorific title of the spiritual leader of PL, Rev. Takahito Miki).  He was telling  us that when Oshieoya-sama was younger, (still in high school) he felt that it was important to know about computers, and that the new technology would one day play an important role in the church and society. He focused and studied hard,what he learned he taught to others in his church group. The subject matter was advanced for his age group and academic level, but he applied himself, and eventually  he wanted to take the required exams for certification on this IT technology.   The exams were attended and taken  by students in senior levels he was the only one who was still at the high school level.  When the results were finally posted, of all the students who had taken the tests, only 5  made the grade. 1 of which was Oshieoya-sama.  On being told of his accomplishment, his first reaction was one of concern, on how the others had done.

Because of his achievement at such an early age, he was signaled out to be interviewed.  Always he included his fellow students, always when asked a question, on how he had managed to get such grades and pass the exams, he referred the question to one of the other graduates, by saying ,” thank you, yes WE worked hard,” and then he would turn and ask the other student to explain the complexities of the subject.  He did not accept the attention on himself and his hard work, but on the hard work of the others who had also achieved their goals.  Yes he was the youngest, but he knew that in allowing the others to have their time being interviewed it would help them along their career paths.

I so appreciated hearing Rev. Tiago talk about Oshieoya-sama.  His little story was a reminder for me  to put into practice more, the  21 Principles in PL,  in particular   #4 to live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own little worlds. In PL we are encouraged to pray for the happiness of others and society.   to strive to do things for the sake of other, and pray for their happiness as well.  Many of us will often review the PL 21 Precepts.  How often do we review the 21 Principles?    the PL 21 Principles, are the practical guidelines  for our daily lives as PL members.  They assist us in practicing the PL 21 Precepts, they are specific  guidelines how how to live the PL WAY. (an artistic life) and teach us how to reach a positive state of mind.  Anyone wanting to know more about what Rev. Tiago had to say yesterday, or to consult with him, Rev Tiago de Medeiros Chagas  –   tiago@perfectliberty.ca  or by phone 613-225-1850

flower,pink Chilean bell flower

 Pink Chilean bell flower

Even when we think we have put our best effort into what we are doing, we may have overlooked something. with a humble mind, take a second look, check for that there isn’t something you’ve missed.  Mistakes and oversights happen.  They are just part of life… little hiccups along the way.

Smile…  have a great day….. do your best to spread sunshine and happiness to others.    Blessings be……………..    Oyashikiri

photographs ->Pinterest

 

Top of the morning !

Ireland,druid trees,enchanted forestDruid Forest, Ireland..  What an enchanting photograph. Today being St. Patrick’s day, I’m sure there will be a lot of wearing of the green today.  I know that my experience has been, Irish or not, many people celebrate the day, and share in the ancient traditions.  Did you know that  the ascending  series of  green- white- red-  formed the favourite symbols of the Egyptians and the Celtic druids, Dante who knew his traditional symbology, had Beatrice appear dressed in green,white and red,  which expressed, hope, faith and charity.  Did you know that green is a colour of antithetical tendencies…. it is the colour of life, (growth) and the colour of death.. Similarly green takes the middle place in the every day scale of colours.  LOL  I’m sure that today you will soon loose count of all the different shades of green you see, not to mention the many creative ways green will be shown, or adorned.

Oshieoya-sama (head minister of the Church of PL, Perfect Liberty) wrote an article (May 12, 1984) which was  reproduced for us and distributed in the Perfect Liberty newsletter  volume 7, issue 1, March 2014, in which he talks about the similarity and the differences in PL and other religions.  He talks of how the objectives of religions are all similar , in that they all strive for World Peace, then goes on to talk about how each religion  has its own unique way of  sharing this with their members.  One of the most important things taught in PL is to put the teachings into practice, on a daily and regular basis. For a copy of this article (it is short one page),i n the States, contact Rev. Takashi  Goto     goto@perfectliberty.ca    In Canada   Rev.Eugene Hayashi       ethayashi@perfectliberty.ca  for other countries, either of these ministers will give you contact information.

 

Ireland's Cliffs of MoherThese cliffs in Ireland bring tourists from far and wide.  When I saw them I thought of how majestic and beautiful they were, how nature over time had carved out each and every crevice in her own way as only she can do.. each section is a story all of its own, yet together they present the viewer with a formidable challenge, could they be climbed?  I know myself, I would want to study all the nooks and crannies to discover the secrets that they would hold.  while I gazed at the shear beauty of the cliffs, I wondered if the photographer had taken close up shots of any of the different rock compositions, and plant varieties…….  Guess I’ll never know =^_^=  another puzzle, that brings a smile.. Mysteries are so much a part of life when one has a curious active mind…

Irish Erin go Bragh -Ireland Forever” May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow……………and any trouble avoid you, wherever you go “   

smilePencilphotographs – Pinterest – cliffs of Moher, Ireland

makoto

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One challenge that always seems to reoccur in my life, is recognizing and accepting that I am not perfect!  My type AA personality often gets in my way.As I mature/age I’d say that I’m doing better, at one time I would have been a triple A. I’m working at whittling it down. =^_^=.  A devoted and 100% practicing Taoist, I was overcome with a wonderful emotion of community when I first attended a PL service. (Perfect Liberty)  I was very fortunate that the minister at the time I visited the church was one, Rev. Takashi Goto.  I was never a church goer but over the years I had attended Christian services before and was very interested in finding out that this was nothing like I had ever experienced before.

For the first time ever, I heard and felt my beliefs and connection to God/TAO expressed in a way that spoke to me and said…”The philosophy here is mine”.  I was able to have meaningful and thought provoking conversations with Rev. Goto, that expanded  and nourished my connection to the Universe.  The encounter dusted off some of the forgotten lessons I’d learned in the past, and swept out the dust bunnies in corners of the “room” I was residing int.  He had words in Japanese that were totally unfamiliar to me, but explained, I understood.  I began to revisit places in  my mind that had been forgotten or neglected.  My connection with God/TAO grew stronger, and continues to grow stronger each and every day.  He would say ” we must put “makoto” in everything we do and say”…  he reinforced something I’ve tried to do all my life (not always succeeding)…  No matter how small the task, or light hearted the conversation, when we practice makoto in everything we do and say, when a challenges reappears in our lives, we will handle it with a new perspective.

a02e1753ae4d6670f5d173129e1134fbPL is  non denominational.

Rev. Goto is now Senior Minister with the church in NY City    goto@perfectliberty.ca

 

11th of the month, Ancestor Day

0937d5820779f8bd829694415e8398ddWe are who we are.  No amount of cosmetic surgery, make up or fashion styles we make will change who we are, or where we came from.  What does change is the way we use the skills and  God given talents we have (understanding of life).  This is an old Japanese print that I found, and thought it was a very appropriate visual for today’s greeting.

The clever and subtle messages of the artist are wonderful.  I see so many possibilities of interpretation. He/she has captured the happiness of the cat being worked on, the little claws are  out as it kneads its contentment into the carpet.  How one feels when enjoying a wonderful relaxing massage. =^_^=  the look of face on the “giver” is focused and mindful of what it is doing.  The signer stamp of the artist is an artistic sign of the TAO.. Yin/Yang.  Male/Female, Active/Passive and this is what the picture is a balance .  Harmony of two energies.  TAO – complete ONEness in the moment.

You are here today, thanks to your ancestors.  Their actions, lives were instrumental in your being here at this very moment.  On the 11th of every month, through ceremony, we express our gratitude for the love and virtues of our ancestors and ask for their protection and guidance so we can continue to live the PL WAY. (Perfect Liberty)   Service is at 10 a.m.  today..             Life is Art       ( PL Precept #1 )

Happy Tuesday to you all………. May the sun shine its warmth on you today &, bless your night with the happy twinkling of the brilliant stars that dress the moonlit night.           Oyashikiri

smilePencil

 

 

Good Monday Morning Everyone

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There is a great sense of joy when we are able to express our true selves.   Our environment and the things that happen all around us, are all materials for self expression.  In PL we are taught that with God’s blessing, we will be able to freely express ourselves using these materials.  When  I found this little church tucked away between   a wooded area and the sea, the artist’s build brought a genuine smile and joy to me.  If you are virtual traveler this is the link to ! The Sanctuary ” Our Lady Lourdes of Lourdes”,   the url is  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Excellens/189/209/67

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Always  focus on your true feelings and express yourself honestly.  It was in following where my footsteps led that I found this little sanctuary

By leading  a cheerful, joyful and beautiful life, you will learn to work for the happiness of orders as well as yourself.    PL Precept #21   LIFE IS ART

self responsibility

I first heard that term in a book by Melody Beattie, The language of Letting Go. Its been a lesson that I’ve had to work on for most of my adult life.

Being responsible, owning what you do, and the situations you find yourself in.

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Learning to face situations head on, learning to focus on the moment.  If we do this, and truly believe in our passion, a path will open up.  You will find a way to be comfortable with where you are, and what you are feeling.  Each moment is a new creation to be savored and experienced fully.  Embrace the healing presence of God within us.  Quietly and with a new zest for life, we open our minds to rich new ideas.  ideas, that help us give of ourselves, our talents and our resources.  God is life itself.  Through the presence of God within, the old washes away, everything is new again.  PL Precept #1 – Life is Art..   every day is a new beginning.

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Good morning, good morning

I’m still reading yesterday’s lesson, “Begin each day with a renewed sense of appreciation”  the sun is streaming in my office window… I slept in late, feeling lazy and happy.  Nice way to start the day, don’t you think?  Had a short conversation of sorts with a young woman from Brazil (Rio) who didn’t speak English, and I don’t speak Portuguese, so it was brief, but enjoyable, we both grabbed a dictionary and did our best.  =^_^=

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In doing our best, in putting our heart and soul into what we are doing – being present/focused – we always achieve  a “connection.” In giving our best, we are rewarded with a result, it isn’t always the result we set out for, but it is a result never-the-less.  I’ve learned to appreciate the little detours that the Universe provides, makes learning my “lessons” much more of an adventure … after all…. Life is Art.

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The top photograph was taken in Japan, the magnificent sculptured Tower/building can be found on the Perfect Liberty campus in Tondabayashi, Osaka, Japan. (The PL Peace Tower)  The view from the upper rooms is breathtaking.  The second photo is part of the landscaping on campus.

Make today count!  

May your day be filled with warmth, happiness and love.  Always and forever.  Oyashikiri

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Happy New Year everyone!

Happy New Year everyone!

The New Year’s Day ceremony marks the start of the New Year.
We dedicate ourselves to begin anew,living an artist life according to the teachings of Perfect Liberty.
The world today overflows with problems.
Let’s pray not only for those around us, but for the happiness and peace of the entire world.
World peace starts with Peace at Home.
The 1st step to peace is to respect and honor each other’s differences.

In welcoming 2014 you are wished happiness, good health and prosperity.
Many,Many blessings …. Oyashikiri

Another new year

We seem to hear and ask – Where does the time go? ” Time marches on”, yup, if you don’t live each and every moment of your life to the fullest, you find at the end of the year that there are  holes in your memory quilt, some of the patches lack colour, and others are simply blank.

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We all hope for colour in our lives, and if life was perfect, we would always live in sunshine.

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Making a quilt, we search out the material and patterns like a treasure hunter on the hunt for the elusive hidden  chest of gold.  Most quilters I think will agree with me, it is the hunt, or chase that is the most exciting.  Yes when we find our “prize” its nice, but 9 times out of 10, that prize once it goes into our”Stash”, we are off on the next exciting search for that piece that will just pull it all together.

Life overall is just the same.  it is one constant adventure after the other.  I’ve loved travelling through time with you .. and look forward to our next adventures in 2014.  January 1 is a special day in PL, Perfect Liberty, we celebrate with a special ceremony that marks the start of the New Year.  In this ceremony we dedicate ourselves to begin anew, living an artistic life according to the teachings of Perfect Liberty.

Oyashikiri – Blessings to you all.

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Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm

PL lesson for yesterday was – Act with Enthusiasm – it was something I just couldn’t get enthusiastic about, until I read further, “If you put your whole heart into whatever you do, you will be able to appreciate any task at hand.”
Hmmm – yup I could do that, my objective for the day was to do as little as possible, In the afternoon I actually took a lie down, not to sleep, but to do nothing..
I did doze, but with no telly, no phone,no PC, no radio, I soon drifted into what my mother used to call “daydreaming”
It was nice.
It was rewarding, it was calming and peaceful.
My body rested, and best of all my mind had a holiday away from news,weather and sports. If you get my drift.
My lesson yesterday. enthusiasm = being in the moment and doing it whole-heartedly =^_^=

LOL – I looked at today’s lesson, ‘Just be Yourself”  that’s me…. easy peasy.  What are your plans for today?  Are you making time for yourself during this busy time of the year?           LIFE IS ART.

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photos are from Second Life (SL) -photographer Q

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