Dalia Lama.

My admiration for this man, leader of the Buddhist faith system and a Tibetan Monk is due to his incredible energy for living an exemplary life of peace, love and compassion. His entire ethos seems to be built around respect for each human and sentient being on the planet. He seems to make no differentiation based on any other agenda than that we are spiritual beings having an human experience here on earth.

Despite that his life has been mostly in exile from his homeland of Tibet, that is currently being improperly occupied by the Chinese regime, he remains very positive and cheery. His life has been spent making a difference in the world, sharing spiritual values and teachings with as many western societies and people as he can reach. Tibet has seemingly always been an ambassador of this ethic. Spirituality above other concerns. Possibly why they have been targeted by the Chinese. In my humble view, despite never actually having met the Dalai Lama, I am happy to put him here on my list of Peaceful Warriors. I hope that one day we can share many more experiences he has brought with his faith. I would love to meet him and say a big thank you for all of his strength and positive determination to fill the world with love and light of illumination towards a state of Shambhala. Global peace and harmony without end.

Please read the texts and links below for more detailed information about this great man and his attempts to bring peace into the realms of everyone on the planet.

14th Dalai Lama

Tenzin Gyatso
The 14th Dalai Lama
Reign	17 November 1950 – present
Predecessor	Thubten Gyatso
Prime Ministers	See list[show]
Tibetan	བསྟན་འཛིན་རྒྱ་མཚོ་
Wylie	bstan ‘dzin rgya mtsho
Pronunciation	[tɛ̃ ́tsĩ càtsʰo]
THDL	Tenzin Gyatso
Pinyin	Dānzēng Jiācuò
Father	Choekyong Tsering
Mother	Diki Tsering
Born	6 July 1935 (age 77) Taktser, Tsinghai, China[1]
Signature

The 14th Dalai Lama (religious name: Tenzin Gyatso, shortened from Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, born Lhamo Dondrub,^[2] 6 July 1935) is the 14th and current Dalai Lama, as well as the longest lived incumbent. Dalai Lamas are the head monks of the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, and is also well known for his lifelong advocacy for Tibetans inside and outside Tibet.

The Dalai Lama was born in Taktser, Qinghai (also known to Tibetans as Amdo),^[3] and was selected as the rebirth of the 13th Dalai Lama two years later, although he was only formally recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama on 17 November 1950, at the age of 15. The Gelug school’s government administered an area roughly corresponding to the Tibet Autonomous Region just as the nascent People’s Republic of China wished to assert central control over it. There is a dispute over whether the respective governments reached an agreement for a joint Chinese-Tibetan administration.

During the 1959 Tibetan uprising, which China regards as an uprising of feudal landlords, the Dalai Lama, who regards the uprising as an expression of widespread discontent, fled to India, where he denounced the People’s Republic and established a Tibetan government in exile. He has since traveled the world, advocating for the welfare of Tibetans, teaching Tibetan Buddhism and talking about the importance of compassion as the source of a happy life. Around the world, institutions face pressure from China not to accept him. He has spoken about the environment, economics, women’s rights, non-violence, interfaith dialog, physics, astronomy, reproductive health, sexuality along with various Mahayana and Vajrayana topics.

Early life and background

The Dalai Lama as a boy

Lhamo Döndrub (or Thondup) was born on 6 July 1935 to a farming and horse trading family in the small hamlet of Taktser,^[1] in the eastern border of the former Tibetan region of Amdo, then already assimilated into the Chinese province of Qinghai.^[4][5] He was one of seven siblings to survive childhood. The eldest was his sister Tsering Dolma, eighteen years older. His eldest brother, Thupten Jigme Norbu, had been recognised at the age of eight as the reincarnation of the high Lama Taktser Rinpoche. His sister, Jetsun Pema, spent most of her adult life on the Tibetan Children’s Villages project. The Dalai Lama’s first language was, in his own words, “a broken Xining language which was (a dialect of) the Chinese language” as his family did not speak the Tibetan language.^[6][7]

A search party was sent to locate the new incarnation when the boy who was to become the 14th was about two years old.^[8] It is said that, amongst other omens, the head of the embalmed body of the thirteenth Dalai Lama, at first facing south-east, had mysteriously turned to face the northeast—indicating the direction in which his successor would be found. The Regent, Reting Rinpoche, shortly afterwards had a vision at the sacred lake of Lhamo La-tso indicating Amdo as the region to search—specifically a one-story house with distinctive guttering and tiling. After extensive searching, the Thondup house, with its features resembling those in Reting’s vision, was finally found.

Thondup was presented with various relics, including toys, some of which had belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama and some of which had not. It was reported that he had correctly identified all the items owned by the previous Dalai Lama, exclaiming, “That’s mine! That’s mine!”^[9]

House where the 14th Dalai Lama was born

The Chinese Muslim General Ma Bufang did not want the 14th Dalai Lama to succeed his predecessor. Ma Bufang stationed his men to place the Dalai Lama under effective house arrest, saying it was needed for “protection”, refusing to permit his leaving to Tibet.^[10] He did all he could to delay the transport of the Dalai Lama from Qinghai to Tibet, by demanding massive sums of money in silver.^[11] The demanded payment by Ma Bufang was 100,000 Chinese silver dollars.^[12]

Lhamo Thondup was recognised formally as the reincarnated Dalai Lama and renamed Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate, Defender of the Faith, Ocean of Wisdom) although he was not formally enthroned as the Dalai Lama until the age of 15; instead, the regent acted as the head of the Kashag until that time. Tibetan Buddhists normally refer to him as Yishin Norbu (Wish-Fulfilling Gem), Kyabgon (Saviour), or just Kundun (Presence). His devotees, as well as much of the Western world, often call him His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the style employed on the Dalai Lama’s website.

Monastic education commenced at the age of six years, his principal teachers being Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche (senior tutor) and Yongdzin Trijang Rinpoche (junior tutor). At the age of 11 he met the Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, who became his videographer and tutor about the world outside Lhasa. The two remained friends until Harrer’s death in 2006.^[13]

In 1959, at the age of 23, he took his final examination at Lhasa‘s Jokhang Temple during the annual Monlam or prayer Festival. He passed with honours and was awarded the Lharampa degree, the highest-level geshe degree, roughly equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy.^[8][14]

He is reported to wash his feet every six months in accordance to his beliefs where, “a dirty foot is a pure foot.”

Life as the Dalai Lama

Lhasa’s Potala Palace, today a UNESCO world heritage site, pictured in 2006

Historically the Dalai Lamas had political and religious influence in the Western Tibetan area of Ü-Tsang around Lhasa, where the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism was popular and the Dalai Lamas held land under their jurisdiction. In 1939, at the age of four, the present Dalai Lama was taken in a procession of lamas to Lhasa.

The Dalai Lama’s childhood was spent between the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, his summer residence, both of which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

China asserts that the Kuomintang government ratified the 14th Dalai Lama and that a Kuomintang representative, General Wu Zhongxin, presided over the ceremony. It cites a ratification order dated February 1940, and a documentary film of the ceremony.^[15] According to Tsering Shakya, Wu Zhongxin along with other foreign representatives was present at the ceremony, but there is no evidence that he presided over it.^[16] He also wrote:

“On 8 July 1949, the Kashag [Tibetan Parliament] called Chen Xizhang, the acting director of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission office in Lhasa. He was informed that the Tibetan Government had decided to expel all Chinese connected with the Guomingdang Government. Fearing that the Chinese might organize protests in the streets of Lhasa, the Kashag imposed a curfew until all the Chinese had left. This they did on 14, 17 and 20 July 1949. At the same time the Tibetan Government sent a telegram to General Chiang Kai-shek and to President Li Zongren informing them of the decision.”^[17]
During his reign, a border crisis erupted with the Republic of China in 1942. Under orders from the Kuomintang government of Chiang Kai-shek, Ma Bufang repaired Yushu airport to prevent Tibetan separatists from seeking independence.^{[citation needed]} Chiang also ordered Ma Bufang to put his Muslim soldiers on alert for an invasion of Tibet in 1942.^[18] Ma Bufang complied, and moved several thousand troops to the border with Tibet.^[19] Chiang also threatened the Tibetans with aerial bombardment if they worked with the Japanese. Ma Bufang attacked the Tibetan Buddhist Tsang monastery in 1941.^[20] He also constantly attacked the Labrang monastery.^[21]

In October 1950 the army of the People’s Republic of China marched to the edge of the Dalai Lama’s territory and sent a delegation after defeating a legion of the Tibetan army in warlord-controlled Kham. On 17 November 1950, at the age of 15, the 14th Dalai Lama was enthroned formally as the temporal ruler of Tibet.

Cooperation and conflicts with the PRC

The Dalai Lama’s formal rule was brief. He sent a delegation to Beijing, which ratified the Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.^[22][23] He worked with the Chinese government: in September 1954, together with the 10th Panchen Lama he went to the Chinese capital to meet Mao Zedong and attend the first session of the National People’s Congress as a delegate, primarily discussing China’s constitution.^[24][25] On 27 September 1954, the Dalai Lama was selected as a deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress,^[26][27] a post he officially held until 1964.^[28]

In 1956, on a trip to India to celebrate the Buddha’s Birthday, the Dalai Lama asked the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, if he would allow him political asylum should he choose to stay. Nehru discouraged this as a provocation against peace, and reminded him of the Indian Government’s non-interventionist stance agreed upon with its 1954 treaty with China.^[14] The CIA, with the Korean War only recently over, offered the Dalai Lama assistance. In 1956, a large rebellion broke out in eastern Kham, an ethnically Tibetan region in Sichuan province. To support the rebels, the CIA launched a covert action campaign against the Communist Chinese. A secret military training camp for the Khampa guerrillas was established at Camp Hale near Leadville, Colorado, in the U.S.^[29] The guerrillas attacked Communist forces in Amdo and Kham but were gradually pushed into Central Tibet.

Exile to India

At the outset of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, fearing for his life, the Dalai Lama and his retinue fled Tibet with the help of the CIA’s Special Activities Division,^[30] crossing into India on 30 March 1959, reaching Tezpur in Assam on 18 April.^[31] Some time later he set up the Government of Tibet in Exile in Dharamshala, India,^[32] which is often referred to as “Little Lhasa“. After the founding of the government in exile he re-established the approximately 80,000 Tibetan refugees who followed him into exile in agricultural settlements.^[8] He created a Tibetan educational system in order to teach the Tibetan children the language, history, religion, and culture. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts was established^[8] in 1959 and the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies^[8] became the primary university for Tibetans in India. He supported the refounding of 200 monasteries and nunneries in an attempt to preserve Tibetan Buddhist teachings and the Tibetan way of life.

The Dalai Lama appealed to the United Nations on the rights of Tibetans. This appeal resulted in three resolutions adopted by the General Assembly in 1959, 1961, and 1965,^[8] all before the People’s Republic was allowed representation at the United Nations.^[33] The resolutions called on China to respect the human rights of Tibetans.^[8] In 1963, he promulgated a democratic constitution which is based upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, creating an elected parliament and an administration to champion his cause. In 1970, he opened the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala which houses over 80,000 manuscripts and important knowledge resources related to Tibetan history, politics and culture. It is considered one of the most important institutions for Tibetology in the world.^[34]

Abandoned former quarters of the Dalai Lama at the Potala. The empty vestment placed on the throne symbolises his absence

International advocacy

At the Congressional Human Rights Caucus in 1987 in Washington, D.C., the Dalai Lama gave a speech outlining his ideas for the future status of Tibet. The plan called for Tibet to become a democratic “zone of peace” without nuclear weapons, and with support for human rights, that barred the entry of Han Chinese. The plan would come to be known as the “Strasbourg proposal”, because the Dalai Lama expanded on the plan at Strasbourg on 15 June 1988. There, he proposed the creation of a self-governing Tibet “in association with the People’s Republic of China.” This would have been pursued by negotiations with the PRC government, but the plan was rejected by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in 1991. The Dalai Lama has indicated that he wishes to return to Tibet only if the People’s Republic of China agrees not to make any precondition for his return.^[35] In the 1970s, the then-Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping set China’s sole return requirement to the Dalai Lama as that he “must [come back] as a Chinese citizen…. that is, patriotism”.^[36]

The Dalai Lama celebrated his seventieth birthday on 6 July 2005. About 10,000 Tibetan refugees, monks and foreign tourists gathered outside his home. Patriarch Alexius II of the Russian Orthodox Church affirmed positive relations with Buddhists.^{[citation needed]} Then President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Chen Shui-bian, attended an evening celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei.^[37] In October 2008 in Japan, the Dalai Lama addressed the 2008 Tibetan violence that had erupted and that the Chinese government accused him of fomenting. He responded that he had “lost faith” in efforts to negotiate with the Chinese government, and that it was “up to the Tibetan people” to decide what to do.^[38]

Teaching activities

The Dalai Lama’s main teaching room at Dharamshala

The Dalai Lama has conducted numerous public initiations in the Kalachakra, and is the author of many books, including books on the topic of Dzogchen, a practice in which he is accomplished. His teaching activities in the U.S. include the following:

In February 2007, the Dalai Lama was named Presidential Distinguished Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia; it was the first time that he accepted a university appointment.^[39] On his April 2008 U.S. tour, he gave lectures at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and at Colgate University (New York)^[40] Later in July, the Dalai Lama gave a public lecture and conducted a series of teachings at Lehigh University (Pennsylvania).^[41] On May 8, 2011, the University of Minnesota bestowed upon him their highest award, an Honorary Doctor of Letters.^[42]

Interfaith dialogue

The Dalai Lama met with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in 1973. He met with Pope John Paul II in 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1990, and 2003. In 1990, he met in Dharamshala with a delegation of Jewish teachers for an extensive interfaith dialogue.^[43] He has since visited Israel three times and met during 2006 with the Chief Rabbi of Israel. In 2006, he met privately with Pope Benedict XVI. He has met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Robert Runcie, and other leaders of the Anglican Church in London, Gordon B. Hinckley, who at the time was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), as well as senior Eastern Orthodox Church, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and Sikh officials. The Dalai Lama is also currently a member of the Board of World Religious Leaders as part of The Elijah Interfaith Institute^[44] and participated in the Third Meeting of the Board of World Religious Leaders in Amritsar, India, on 26 November 2007 to discuss the topic of Love and Forgiveness.^[45]

On 6 January 2009, at Gujarat‘s Mahuva, the Dalai Lama inaugurated an interfaith “World Religions-Dialogue and Symphony” conference convened by Hindu preacher Morari Bapu. This conference explored “ways and means to deal with the discord among major religions”, according to Morari Bapu.^[46][47] He has stated that modern scientific findings should take precedence where appropriate over disproven religious superstition.^[48]

On 12 May 2010, in Bloomington, Indiana (USA)^[49] the Dalai Lama, joined by a panel of select scholars, officially launched the Common Ground Project,^[50] which he and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan had planned over the course of several years of personal conversations. The project is based on the book Common Ground between Islam and Buddhism.

Quotes by the Dalai Lama.

(Rastafarian, legend, musician and poet)

Iron Lion

R.I.P.

6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981

Bob Marley is a character I have only recently come to discover as a Peaceful Warrior. His life has been stigmatised in the media by his use of  marijuana (Ganja) and portrayed as a Hippy drug abuser more often than not, thus helping me misguidedly, to miss out on an opportunity to understand who Robert Nesta Marley really was and just how important his short life was to the future of peace on our planet. If we were to understand why he smoked a substance that the world considers an illegal narcotic, we could better come to know why he never lifted a finger against anyone in hatred. Despite being shot at in an attempted murder during political tensions in Jamaica on 3 December 1976. he continued to campaign for world peace through his music and actions. Traveling extensively, often on his own money, and to give concerts often for free, he heralded a new era of creative peace, using music as a medium to bring love amongst us all. So many famous songs record his fights for freedom and justice and his passion to share love, one love.

To Rastafarians across the globe and peace lovers he is idolized as a musical Legend.

I have recently seen the film Marley, directed by Kevin Macdonald. It has opened my eyes to a side of Bob Marley that I had never conceived of and possibly it would for you too.

I shall add clip of film trailer here.

Marley the Movie

To read more about the short yet eventful life of the legend from Jamaica then click here to review what is said about him.

]]> http://www.peacefulwarrior.eu/2012/05/robert-nesta-marley-bob-marley/feed/ 0 http://www.peacefulwarrior.eu/2012/04/2nd-installment-of-through-the-mirandoor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2nd-installment-of-through-the-mirandoor http://www.peacefulwarrior.eu/2012/04/2nd-installment-of-through-the-mirandoor/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:46:51 +0000 peaceful http://www.peacefulwarrior.eu/?p=2762 2nd Installment of Through the Mirandoor.

Messages

Chapter 31

   I had met a lovely group of people here, a Russian girl, a trio of French pilgrims and a German lady. The six of us were, at this point joined in the joy of following the ‘way’ into the heart of Castilla y Leon. When I had found the messages on the road yesterday, I had imagined a much younger group of walkers. Joachim had been the author of the messages, leaving indication, primarily for some people whom he had met over the past few days. Joachim, was a French gentleman of some 62 years of age, who clearly behaved as a much younger man in spirit and agility. I made comment to him about my surprise and pleasure at reading his messages of encouragement, the previous day.

   For some time now, I held the feeling that I too was a messenger, and the notion was still strong as I considered the places and people I had reached. I held in high regard my duty to deliver the messages, mainly delivered by my attitude and comportment, more often by my actions and spirit to share new ideas with people. I was working constantly to improve the deliverance of such messages, in the hope that more people would be reached by the message of love. I remembered well, watching for the first time the film, City of Angels. Of particular surprise to me, the message held within that film for me had been very clear then and now. Angels walk amongst us every day, and we only have to believe, to feel the effects of their love and giving.

   I had seen one of these angels not so many weeks ago, and I could not let go the feelings of love, joy and incredible mystery from within my mind and heart since that occasion. My passions roused in the simplest of actions, the most plain of sincere assistance. The young woman to whom my feeling are directed, possibly does not herself yet know how powerful this contact had been for me. Her angelic eyes had set me in a quandary as to just what significance it held for my secure future. Her image forever etched into my memory and her scent constantly filling my senses.

   Once upon a time, some thirty five plus years ago to be precise, my grandmother Nellie, had told me a story about the significance of the appearance of the little bird called Robin. Robin Redbreast, was a wonderfully colourful sight, and also, (according to old wives tales) was well known to be a messenger. Apparently it was the herald of a message to be delivered, or the bringer of the message, or some important information to come. I had seen and experienced the truth of this myself, many times whilst walking the Camino Frances last year. The Robin had appeared often and I had understood that a message was to follow, relatively soon, to further my experience of largely, ‘things I cannot otherwise explain, rationally’.

   Walking along here now in the fresh morning air, crossing the Salamanca lowlands, I was not at all surprised to hear a Robin, chirp its arrival into my ears, as it sat looking directly at me from atop the stone wall. Hard to miss when its distinctive colouring shone brightly in the otherwise colourless day. Knowing the apparent significance of his arrival, I began to consider his shape and his voice searching for more clues.

   “What are you here to tell me little friend?” I asked.

   Surprisingly I found myself scouring the open landscape, asking what I was meant to see by way of a message that he was bringing. I should have known it would be a surprise of large proportion as not more than 50 metres along the path, certainly before two minutes had passed, I found two messages directed towards me, written in the gravel and dust of the Salamanca Camino. I was still gob-smacked, rendered speachless despite my awareness that something like this was on the cards. Joachim, I presumed had written an encouraging, if not cryptic messages, which made me smile broadly. I was further impressed at the way the Universe continually revealed to me its higher vibrations. The French pilgrim had definitely meant to make me smile, it had worked, and I enjoyed the feelings that came from knowing the part we all play in the grand scheme, were we share this love.

   The morning was still young, and I had a lot of time to reflect and open my heart to the way that the Universe was directing and guiding me to the connections and experiences that where leading me to a greater respect and understanding of the world around me, and the importance of each. The words of my mentor Santiago were always close to my heart, and having met the man who’s adventures, had spurned my own, I could not ignore the way the universe was assisting me, to new and more open hearted experiences of life, in all its glory.

   Valverde de Valdelacasa was the next climb into the hills, and soon the town came into sight. I really hoped for a bar, I had no supplies left at all. No chocolate or fruit, nor water in my pack. Arriving into the village no luck to be had as the bar here was closed too, and the next village was still some 4 kilometres away. Another hour passed and this time I did find a bar open, one of four. The others all closed due to lack of trade presumably. I was pleased to find some food, a few tapas and a welcome cold beer. I was pretty exhausted after having walked for such a long time without anything to eat, but I wanted to set off before I got too sleepy.

  I knew the next village was not incredibly far away, but put some water into my water bottle just in case. Refuelled and feeling full of love, I soon caught up with some of the family on the uphill stretch towards Fuente de Robles. Dominique informed me that there was a very special Albergue in the next village, St Mary’s parish hostel, run by a seemingly remarkable man, Seńor Blas (Don Blas). His reputation proceeded him several of the towns folk, seemed to revere him and his care for the community. The lady that ran the local shop told us of a 300 strong trip with 8 horse drawn carts, on the road to Santiago, with Sńr. Blas. It sounded like it had been a fun trip, she clearly had enjoyed it, and I wondered if I might get to meet this man.

   The Albergue was as heralded!

   A young man by the name of Jesus met us at the door, with such a calm and peaceful manner, that I could easily have believed him to have been the ‘real’ Jesus, the original prophet of God. Himself a pilgrim on his ‘way’, he had felt the peace of the paroquial home and decided to stay a while to recharge his batteries, and also to assist Sńr. Blas in accommodating and welcoming pilgrims. He was it seemed also a keen poet, and so we passed a good time chatting about our thoughts of life, love and the Camino.

   Once I was settled in, washed and revived from the hard day, I set out for a quiet stroll around the village. Not a great deal to see by way of magnificent architecture, but the views over the plains bordered by tree topped mountains was incredibly uplifting, as I looked out towards Salamanca. In the church yard alongside the village church, I found a brief explanation as to the construction of the Calzada Romana.(Roman footway) The ancient Roman road passed the church, and a part of it had been excavated, to show the arrangement of the stratas. The subterranean design of this handmade road was very interesting, the technology of the day had used several different layers of stones as well as one with mortar (Cement). The top layer had a convex aspect, which would remove surface water, and gullies running along both sides to transfer the excess rainwater without destroying the roads surface. No wonder they could conquer the world, they had been a very clever civilization. What a pity they liked to murder people for fun!!!

   Jesus had invited all the pilgrims to eat with the household later, though Sńr Blas was not in residence this evening to share with us, so I would probably not meet him. The hour of their evening meal was 9.30pm, which was unfortunate for most of the pilgrims who wanted to retire early to bed. Great, more for me!

   I met up with Nadia in the local bar for a drink before dinner the other pilgrims had come here to eat as it was more convenient. During my conversation with Nadia, it transpired that she spoke English, as well as her mother tongue Russian and Spanish. This made a nice change for me, and made chatting a little easier and I felt able to express myself more clearly. Nadia it seemed was trying to experience solitude on the Camino, as was I, but in a slightly different way. I had observed her reservation to be included with the rest of the group on several occasions. After a while, the conversation becoming more one sided, I sensed I was interfering in her personal space, so suggested that I needed to do something back at the Albergue, and left her to her peace. She may well have just found me boring and was too polite to say, either way I got the message.

   It was soon time to eat, and I met Jesus preparing a wonderfully simple meal. Another of the Hospitaleros Emilio had now returned home and together we began our meal, after giving thanks of course, I respected their Christian backgrounds. They gave me pride of place directly in front of the open hearth fire, which was roaring warmly in the fireplace. Despite the hour, I had been looking forward to sharing this meal and the companionship, the local people were very friendly and the food was delicious, which only made this experience all the more enjoyable. Of course eating so late when you have to sleep on the meal is not always a good idea, but to suffer to have shared this evening was definitely worth any discomfort I might face.

   As I retired for the night after helping with the washing up, few noises could be heard from the resting pilgrims, already fast asleep. I snuck into the dormitory and collected my toothbrush and did the necessary rituals before bed. That and the huge thanks I gave to the universe for yet again looking out for my complete welfare, and my future love interests.

   Sleeping on this much happiness is the price one has to pay for selecting love as the most outward tool for travelling new horizons.

If you have enjoyed this sample chapter please read another, Chapter 62. The book is actually 72 chapters. It may sound a lot but remember I walked a long way and although I didn’t write a separate chapter per day, some are longer than others. The idea is to give you an idea of the time line of walking and writing to help the reader join with me on the walk, understanding to some degree the pace and rhythm of trekking. Hopefully you will see the way my thoughts evolved and developed to help me achieve new understandings.

Peaceful Warrior.

Mick is a shift worker at a bread warehouse in Rugby, and drives a stand on forklift T20.

I observe that it is a pretty mundane job, but it keeps Mick in employment and able to share his time with his nieces nephews and family.

His Hobbies are: TBA
Goals:
Dream Holiday destination:
Age group: 30′s

Please note. This is a brief account, and shall be added to as soon as possible, and serves as a template of what the possible format may be for future walking partners.

This is the website of a young man who took his destiny by the scruff of the neck and persisted in forward movement. I hope that it gives you a sense of courage to continue even when the road seems impossible. Well done Matt, and thank you for being an inspiration to many people. The world needs more like you….

About Me

Lesya Hearst

Filmmaking is the greatest art.

View my complete profile

This is a blog about films and the people in them. A review of films and their actors , and often an acrostic verse or two. Although I have yet to read all the back catalogue, I have enjoyed the articles that Lesya has written with an aplomb akin to the great critics of the past century’s, film industry. Take a look at how she brings the films to life, and records hidden detail as a very well scrutinized admirer.

Tarantino is one of my favourite actors too..

 

 

It’s Always Something…

Lo

Maverick of a weird, but wonderful family. Have managed to stay alive for an astounding 84 years kept alive by a passionate interest in many things and a sense of humor. Have led 2 or 3 separate lives,the first 40 years as a starving artist, ceramist, and graphic designer. At age 40 a matchbook cover that said “Be A Computer Programmer” inspired me to go back to school and emerge as a binary fanatic. Loved my work, had a wonderful 20 year career as programmer and trouble shooter. At the same time I had the chance to meet, befriend and marry Jazz Cornetist Pete Daily,an idol of my youth, whom I had worshipped in my young life. Lost him to cancer after 11 wonderful (and sometimes awful) years. Retired in 1989 and had 20 years of fantastic travel adventures all over the world. Now I crochet afghans, tend my garden, my 3 cats, the neighborhood birds and squirrels, a flock of voracious hummingbirds and assorted wildlife like possums and raccoon families who come nightly to my Porch Buffet. A great life, and it ain’t over yet !….(after all, I have just discovered Blogging….)

View my complete profile

About

 

Just Jane

I’m a 30-something serial blogger, serially single, and addicted to cereal. I live in Colorado with a fabulous partner and 1 adorable guerrilla terrorist cat. Reliable sources tell me I do not have enough cats to qualify as a crazy cat lady but I’m aspiring. I’m all about randomosity, miscellany, and movie quotes. I don’t have any television channels thus this blog will likely not be about television generally speaking and mostly random ramblings of an aspiring cat lady who is cool (uh…my mom says).

And this is what I said to the Drinking Made Easy folks to get them to agree to post my articles:Jane is a 38-year-old singular sensation living in the heart of Denver, CO where the dive bars are plentiful and within walking distance. Founder of the Denver branch of the Church o’ Brunch and the Duck My Puppy Cake and Cocktails Club, Jane is always looking for tasty ways to bake liquor into a cake. When she’s not searching for the bottom of the bottomless mimosa, she’s questing for the ultimate Malbec. She likes her wine dry, her gin dryer, and her scotch neat.

 This is one of many blogs written by a young American woman living in Germany, who is keen to share her writing of life the universe and just about everything to do with the reading/writing experience. Oh and she is quite passionate about everything, which is wonderful to see. Why not take a few minutes to enjoy her blogs too.

Thank you Celeste, and keep blogging your vibrancy for life.

Her blogs

• The Pagan’s Travel Guide to Central Europe
• Notes From the Village Tree
• Tales from the Rhön
• Notes From Middle Germany

Writersrehab

In Amy’s words.

Whilst investigating this blog I found her style of wit rather amusing, and found myself getting carried away laughing, tears rolling down my face. I hope you enjoy it too. Many thanks Amy for a beautiful comical satirical style.

   Amy’s Blog.

My Own Poetry Corner

All about Ruth’s poetry.

As with most great things, I happened upon the blog of another poet whilst surfing the net. I am always keen to read what others write, poetry especially, and here I found a real surprise of creativity. I have no idea if it is a new concept, but it was new to me. I thoroughly enjoy reading her new material, more to be forthcoming she promises, so just have a look and see what you make of her delivery style which I think adds something extra to the poems. I am hoping to perhaps try and emulate her particular prose method as an experiment into newer territory.

Enjoy her poetry @ http://wildernesschicpoem.blogspot.com/

Art-by JAK

Jude Keen

I am a forty-something woman and I have only just decided that my art work is worthy of viewing by other people, not just my family and friends. It’s not that I don’t think of my family and friends as ‘other people’ whose opinions are valid, it’s just that those close to you are not always your best critics and let’s be honest they don’t really want to hurt your feelings do they? I am not arrogant enough to believe that my work is brilliant and I am the next ‘big thing’ but I have now reached an age where I think ‘what the hell’. Well, that and the fact that my ego is no longer as fragile as it used to be in my youth. If what I do is not your cup of tea then I will not be offended. I paint and draw in various styles and although I use visual references for some of my more realistic artwork I do not directly copy anything from a photograph or real life, it all comes from my head and sketches. I have started this blog to share my passion and to share my work with those who I hope will enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoy producing it.

From what I’ve seen so far of her drawings, she has a talent and I hope that you all enjoy it too.

Bang 2 write/write here write now.

Lucy V is an interesting young lady who seems inspired to get more people writing and help them find better success. I love this web site and her blogs, for they are very productive and conducive to helping everyone with tips and techniques for overcoming blockages and potential barriers to success with their writing. Please read for yourselves all about Lucy and her projects, I know you won’t be disappointed.

Girls on Film.

Bang2write Script reading service.

Main Website.

The Domesticated Bohemian.

In Philip’s own words.

I have some stories to tell. Some of them are fact, some of them are fiction. Some might be funny, some might be sad. I’m interested in memory and how we are shaped, how we change, and how we make our way. I’m proud to be part of an informal group of bloggers who support each other and know about the importance of stories.

About Philip’s blog.

I have read so many stories here it’s hard to pick my favourite, but there are plenty of genres and styles to choose from. If you are down and need building up, why not let this lyrical wizard from the Darenth Valley uplift you and set you back on the road to smiling once more.

Keep up the good work Philip…

Philip’s Blog.

A Little Light in London.

I have been reading with mixed emotions about this writers ability. She is indeed a good story teller and a revealer of truths that we all should take review over. But one of the stories was quite sad and yet I wanted to laugh even though I knew the situation she was describing was pretty awful for the person involved in the scenario/story. I guess that it made me reflect on how we get to be in certain situations and how we might have avoided them. I know it is a bit odd, but sometimes we laugh at death as if to say “you don’t frighten me”.

Then I read about the MUG.What a great tale, and what an intuitive boyfriend.!! What a great funny little story.

Well done Lizzie.

Lizzie’s Blog.

Random Acts, Bobby Stevenson

Site addy; http://randomactsstories.blogspot.com/

This is one mans showcase of his talents in screen writing, poetry, and short stories. Please take a look at the diversity of Bobby’s skill set. He is also an actor and has been in some short films, and done a bit of singing from what I can make out. A good all rounder then, and a funny writer.

 Jeremy Vine Page

I really enjoyed looking at the web page for Jeremy Vine. BBC Radio 2 Current affairs topics show page.

Whilst reading I came across this poetry angle, that has surprisingly good coverage and an interesting portrayal of how to create an original work. See what you think of Mr Gee’s Poetry class…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/jeremy-vine/poetry/

Well done Mr Gee.

Well done Jeremy, for your continued commitment to sharing good news items.

One Witch’s Wonderland

http://witchywonderland.blogspot.com/

This is the site and blog of a proud pagan, but don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions based upon fear of that word or what it conjours in your mind. Sabrina is a wonderful person with a balanced mind, a mother, friend, wife, carer for others and a friend of Peaceful Warrior. She has some very good ideas and has done a lot to support the less fortunate and needy. I can assure you that it will be good reading.

Big love to you Sabrina.

A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle.

I am still in the wonderful process of reading this book. It is an amazing look at the way we are and what is controlling our unconscious minds. Much like his other book “The Power of Now”, I am continually captivated by his ability to put down words in a way that opens my mind to truths forgoten, and leave me feeling that I can go on and evolve from my naivety. A brilliant book. A must read for anyone who cares about personal evolution.

The old man and the sea, Ernest Hemingway.

To be perfectly honest, without meaning to be blunt and without so much as a hesitation to get to the point, or bring this comment on the book to your attention, and with no more ado….. where was I?? oh yes, W.T.F. is this all about….???

An old man a small boat, a boy who loves the old man in the small boat and a BIG fish?  A stubborn old bastard who has lost his marbles??

I have yearned for a while now to find and read a moveable feast, (another of Hemingways supposed great works) because Nicholas Cage said (in the film City of Angels) that it was an incredible work and that Hemingway never forgets to describe how things taste. Well he sure as houses forgot to describe it in this piece of crap…. I’m feeling the heat already from your seething glances, at my heresy. After all who the F am I to criticise a master of fiction??? Maybe he will hook me by the second book when I get around to buying it..

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho.

This book is one I have read many times. Like the Dan Millman books, Ekhart Tolle and Neale Donald Walsch works, I find that just picking them up and reading small passages is very helpful in ways of giving me pick me ups. The Alchemist, for those of you yet to discover it, is in my estimation one huge work in one very small and simple tale. It is all about the ‘Journey’ we take through life and what we make of it. Please get hold of a copy and let your eyes and hearts be opened to the greatness of your lives yet to be lived.

The Wisdom teachings of the Dalai Lama, Matthew E Brunson.

A collection of thoughts expressed by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.

A very inspirational look at words and teachings by a man claimed to be Tibet’s spiritual leader. He is indeed a great peaceful soul and an inspiration to millions across the globe, not only Tibetan people, myself included.

If you are in need of some spiritual refreshment, you can do no better than to take a few minutes each day to reflect upon his words and see what effect that they have upon your calmness.

Out of Fashion, Carol Ann Duffy.

This is a compilation of poems on the fashion theme, gathered and sorted by our bard. They are some very lovely and talented works by poets from around the world.

No ordinary Moments, Dan Millman.

This is one of many books I have on the go at the minute. I dip into it now and again to find gems of wisdom that are invaluable to me. Somehow the universe sees to it that little snippets of information find their way to me just as I am in need of their guidance.

Moab is my washpot, Stephen Fry.