Cold Days
It is another frosty morning. Frost on the east window is thicker and climbs almost to the top of the top pane. Nonetheless, it does not feel quite so cold. Paradoxically, this may be because objectively it is colder. Yesterday it did not get above zero all day. I did some washing and it all froze to the line like a row of stiff boards. There must now be little or no water left in the air so although the air is colder the chill factor is less. Tara goes out in the morning and it is a new experience for her that the ground is so hard and cold under her paws. It is fascinating watching her learning new experiences. This is as it is with a child, though a cat develops much quicker. When she gets to be one year old she will have mastered most of what a cat needs to know.
While she goes out in the early morning I put twigs on the embers then go and make a cup of tea. Soon there is a welcome roaring noise from the wood burner as I get breakfast organised. Having been to town yesterday there are croissants this morning to add to the feast. I made some blackcurrent jam tarts from jam made from fruit from our own bushes..
Many Nembutsu
The year before last, I think it was, the Amida sangha in Hawaii suggested that we all aim to recite a million nembutsu in the coming year. This got me into the habit. I have just passed a hundred thousand so far this month which probably means I have actually done considerably more as they slip through when you are not paying attention (does that count?). The mind is a strange thing with a life of its own. And beyond the mind, something - what used to be called soul - goes on in an even more secret business. What we identify with seems merely to bob about on the surface.
Namo Amida Bu. Namo Amida Bu, Namo Amida Bu…..
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