Dona Nobis Pacem - 2014 BlogBlast 4 Peace

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

Buddha

For the BlogBlast 4 Peace, Mom wants to share with you what she and Pop did over the weekend - a traveling tour of relics of Buddha Masters was in Asheville for three days.  Here is the link for the Maitreya Loving Kindness Tour.  (All photos below from this web site except the on of the Buddha statue which is mine).

Minneapolis, MN - Table with the relics

Small and I mean tiny remnants of many Buddha Masters were on display - most were almost like tiny pearls that had been  found in their ashes.  These pieces are believed to embody the master's spiritual qualities of compassion and wisdom and to have been deliberately  produced at his death to be recovered in the ashes.

Relics of the Buddha - offered by HH Dalai Lama

The relics are displayed on a huge table and the visitors walk slowly around the table to view and pray over the relics.  When I walked up to the table initially, I saw the Dalai Lama's photo (he donated many relics) and my eyes filled with tears - not sad but just extremely emotional, yet feeling incredible peace too.  I cried for the whole time I was there in the room. 

A blessing from Australia

After I viewed the relics I went for a blessing. The relics are in a container called a stupa, which was placed on my head while a prayer is said for  me and for all people in the world to be released from all suffering  and to find true happiness.  When the stupa was place on my bowed head as I knelt in front of the monk, I felt a warmth in my crown that spread down to my whole body.  It was wonderful.

Pet blessing in Portugal

The Dalai Lama wanted these relics to tour the world to give  everyone a chance to see and experience their blessings - and to connect with real peace and love.

Before we left, each person was given a bottle of blessed water to take home to drink..  If we never completely empty it, but add more water to it, it will remain blessed for as long as we do that.

One of my Buddha statues

It was a very moving experience to have been able to go to this.  If any of you have the opportunity to view the relics in your city - do go. It is a profound experience.  Wishing you all Peace.

Prayer of Lovingkindness

May all beings be peaceful.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings be safe.
May all beings awaken to
the light of their true nature.
May all beings be free.
 - Metta Prayer

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Snowball's 8th Gotcha Day - Nov. 2

Thank you for stopping by my Gotcha Day - it has been a hectic weekend with Halloween, Callie's Gotcha Day and then mine.  Glad Mom did not forget me like she has in the past.  So many of us - so many days to remember.  I know she means well.

I have enjoyed living with the beans and other whitesters, (except Al).  (To read more about how I got gotted click here.)  I love boxes and nap in them whenever I can.  I am a portly guy but have lost weight and do not have anymore UTI's.  That's a relief cuz I almost didn't make it one time!

My best buddy in the whole world (besides Pop) is Norm even tho I do swat and wrassle with him from time to time.  We are always together and enjoy each others company.  

I hope you enjoyed these tidbits about me.  Now time to party - just a simple fare of tuna pizza and for dessert, nip.  Hope you enjoy our spread.  Thanks for your friendship and support.

Our computer connection is iffy due to the snow and wind we are getting  - Mom is trying her best to return visit everyone but she gets cut off before she can leave a comment sometimes.  She will get there.  One more thing - don't forget Nov 4 is Blog Blast 4 Peace!.   Please join us!