Shinjo Ito...exquisite art exhibit in Westwood. Buddhist founded Shinnyo-en!

Recently, I stopped in to a Westwood Gallery to catch an exhibition of art by celebrated spiritual leader - Shinjo Ito.

Ito was considered to be the foremost 20th Century Buddhist Master and artist.

Shinjo Ito (1906-1989), founder of the Shinnyo-en stream of Buddhism, was one of Japan's most versatile Buddhist sculptors and an accomplished artist in fields as diverse as calligraphy and photography.

On exhibit are a handful of significant works he created which "...give form to his deeply-held faith."

A centerpiece of the exhibit is the "Great Parinirvana Image". The dazzling sculpture of a reclining "Buddha Shakyamuni" - about to enter nirvana - is a detailed monumental work of art sixteen feet long. (pictured above)

The breathtaking display titled - "The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito" - began touring the world in 2006.

To complement the exhibit there is an accompanying art book with the same title.

According to scholars, the materials reveal for the first time Shinjo's unique capacity to "meld spirituality and artistry as well as realism and interpretation."

In sum, the collection is an inspirational testimony to one of Japan's most significant modern religious artists.

Shinjo was born into a religious Buddhist family in 1906.

Shinjo's mother was a follower of a faith derived from Japan's native religion, Shinto; while his father was a Zen Buddhist. But for the young Shinjo, it was the realms of science, art and mechanics that held most appeal.

Ito entered Kyoto's Daigoli monastery in 1936, the head temple of the Daigo School of Shingon Buddhism.

Shinjo proceeded to learn the Shingon esoteric teachings; then later on, became a Great Master (acharya).

Later, he incorporated his own spiritual leanings to make the path to enlightenment as accessible to lay trainees as their monastic leaders - and subsequently - created an offshoot by melding the teachings of the Nirvana Sutra (which emphasizes Buddhism for lay practitioners) with the esoteric Shingon canon he had mastered.

The Nirvana Sutra is one of the most seminal texts of Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism.

The heart of the message is that the essence of the Buddha is present in our time as well as a cosmic reality that knows no beginning and no end. Another key doctrine is that all sentient beings (humans) - even the most spiritually depraved - are endowed with the ability to reach enlightenment. It also stresses the dynamic blissful aspect of enlightenment in contrast to earlier teachings such as the emptiness of all phenomena.

Shinnyo devotees, therefore, welcome all practitioners on the path - without any distinction between lay disciples and monastic trainees - all-the-while encouraging a cultivation of the four infinite virtues of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

At the Westwood gallery I was delighted to have the opportunity to also "sit" in meditation in the midst of the spiritual environs of this uplifting thought-provoking exhibit.

In fact, throughout the duration of the show, there will be a number of formal services for guests to actively participate in: meditation, yoga, chanting, shared personal experiences of practice, and dharma talks with mentors.

Info: www.westwoodartforum.com

May 8th - June 29th
Westwood Art Forum
1028 Westwood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
90024

Spiritual Warrior...author John-Roger rips-off teachings of Masters. Odd pairing with Fine Arts Theatre!

Rinpoche true Spiritual Warrior...

Normally, a screening at the Fine Arts Theatre tends to be an entertaining experience - occasionally thought-provoking - depending on bill-of-fare.

When I arrived for a sneak preview of - "Spiritual Warrior" - a table was set up in the lobby and a rep from a publisher was touting the book of the same name by author John-Roger.

A pretty blond woman noted that the concepts in the book were used by the character in the movie to achieve his goals; hence, the promo to push the publication.

Curiously, there was a large can sitting on the table with a sign taped on it which read "Donations".

As theatre-goers arrived, they were informed that the book was free, but donations were required to take in the film.

This is where it got tricky.

If anyone was inclined to pop a dollar or two into the can, the staff at the door firmly noted that a "donation" was required.

Then, if you can believe it, patrons were advised that the offering for an adult was $10.00 and $5.00 for a child.

Golly! What kind of chicanery was this?

I always thought that a donation was just that: cash given "freely".

The Webster Dictionary defines the term as follows:

Main Entry: do·na·tion
Pronunciation: \dō-ˈnā-shən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English donatyowne, from Latin donation-, donatio, from donare to present, from donum gift; akin to Latin dare to give — more at date
Date: 15th century
: the act or an instance of donating: as a: the making of a gift especially to a charity or public institution b: a free contribution : gift

Once an actual value is set, the entrance fee would then be defined as the "ticket price", wouldn't it?

Screwy, if 'ya ask me!

When I picked up the book and thumbed through it, I noticed right off the bat that the slim volume - from some oddball publisher I never heard of - appeared to be a total "rip-off".

For starters - the term "Spiritual Warrior" - was one coined by well-known Master Trungpa Rinpoche.

Rinpoche is widely acknowledged as a pivotal figure in introducing Buddhadharma to the Western world.

In fact, he developed a revolutionary approach to teaching the "dharma" to the North American culture, in a bold contemporary way.

The Eastern Master was known for his fearless stance on an approach which he taught should be free from hesitation, true to the purity of the tradition, and utterly fresh in approach to the scriptural texts.

In 1974, Rinpoche founded the Naropa Institute (Naropa University), which became the first and only accredited Buddhist‑inspired University in North America.

He lectured extensively at the institute and his book - Journey without Goal (1981) - is based on a course he taught there.

In 1976, he established the Shambhala Training program.

The teachings consisted of seminars that presented a nonsectarian path of spiritual "warriorship" grounded in the practice of sitting meditation.

His book - "Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior" (1984) - gives an overview of the Shambhala teachings

But, Mr. John-Roger (what kind of a name is that anyway?) has not referenced the spiritual leader to my knowledge.

Inside the covers, the quick fix-it Guru has also expounded on a myriad of concepts and ideas with spiritual leanings which appear to have been lifted from Sacred Buddhist texts and Yoga teachings known to have been passed on down (by virtue of documentation) throughout the generations.

If you've studied - Easter Religion, philosophy, and new age spirituality - that becomes apparent from the get-go.

John-Roger hasn't given one credit to the sources; in fact, he appears to be passing off all the spiritual "material" as his own.

That's kind of like reciting a famous quote from Christ and acting like you just coined the little nugget of wisdom on the spot.

Ironic - that a man who claims to be so developed spiritually - would attempt to steal the "wisdom" of the sages in a bold-faced effort to claim it as his own.

At this juncture, a scripture springs to mind:

"Beware of false prophets". (Matthew 7:15)

Mr. Jolly-Roger is obviously one.

Tetsuo...quote. Message for our times!

Zen Master Tetsuo once said,

"Be upright and honest, conscious of the principles of nature, compassionate and generous towards others, free from greed, contented. Carry out your everyday affairs correctly, without error. Take care of things without being attached to them."

Buddhism..."instant enlightenment"; the thought for the day!

In Buddhism, there is a term known as "Instant Enlightenment".

On occasion, an individual may be presented with a set of circumstances - on the street, in a waiting room - which require a direct response to set straight the equilibrium and return the status quo.

Usually, the problem pertains to a person and their inappropriate behavior.

"The subject in question may need to be "shaken" back into their senses and a shock is required to bring about the desired results," according to Buddhist teachers.

I've been handed the reins in a few such moments - and on those uplifting occasions - there was no need to think, or question, or dwell upon the consequence of the actions taken.

After all, a Divine Force was at work - and I was only the instrument of justice (protected by the grace of God) - called upon to act.

In the final analysis, it's good to be compassionate and to show understanding to those of lesser intelligence or lower spiritual development, but in some instances it is best to instantly enlighten the individual when they have overstepped their bounds.

Indeed, that is the natural "order" of things, and the true Master instinctively "knows" this to be a Noble, ultimate truth.

The Secret...strive for a state of beingness!

A book which advocates positive thinking has stirred up a hornet's nest.

"The Secret", labeled a pop culture phenomenon, has irritated some critics who assert that the philosophy expounded within its pages - simply put - amounts to a "blame-the-victim" mentality.

The main thrust of the best-selling book by author Rhonda Byrne is that "like attracts like" - or more succinctly - by virtue of the actual "laws of attraction" we are responsible for the source of our misery or success in life.

For example, the author infers that if you're poor and struggling, you have an inner desire to fail.

According to the new-age thinking expressed in the book, an individual has only to desire something through visualization, to change their lot in life.

Need money?

Think about wealth, and magically, a check will arrive in the mail the following day.

The idea is nothing new; it's just being packaged in a new box for a modern-day era of "dreamers".

The assertion that one has only to ask for something - and focus intently on it - to manifest the "goods" is a sorry commentary on our times.

Today, it appears, many seek quick fixes and short-cuts to fame and fortune; forget about earning something from the sweat of one’s brow.

Of course, it is true that if you are positive and outgoing, you may attract people into your circle - which, in turn - may open up doors to opportunity.

This makes sense.

The truism is practiced by Buddhists, for instance.

The Masters teach that the "Law of Karma' is the underlying force which weaves our destiny on this plane. While an individual may be born into a set of circumstances, through right action, he or she can alter the course of their destiny.

For instance, when encountering another sentient being in daily life, an individual has the opportunity to give alms to a beggar (or turn them away empty-handed), lend a compassionate ear, or engage in altruistic efforts to raise the consciousness on the planet.

The wise man understands the laws of the universe and treats all things living equally and with respect.

It's important to focus on the moment and be in the "now".

After all, the past and the future are both illusions.

How you - act, interact, or react to each situation - will affect your "karma" and your destiny, ultimately. Knowing when to sit "still" is a sign you may be on your way to self-realization and enlightenment.

I read a funny article in the newspaper the other day about a Priest who wandered around in the wilderness for seven years with the aim of attaining enlightenment, suffering all manner of tortures.

It reminded me of an interview I once read on Dustin Hoffman.

When the Oscar-winner was asked how he prepared for his role in the "Marathon Man", he noted that he stayed up all night and deprived himself of sleep, in order to get into the frame of mind for the part.

On the sidelines, celebrated actor - Laurence Olivier - chided him.

"Just act, dear boy".

Similarly, the act of attaining enlightenment is no ordeal either.

After you've reached that plateau, it does not require you sit on a mountaintop - the wise one - passing judgment on those below.

An Old Master once said,

Before Enlightenment
Chopping wood & drawing water

After Enlightenment
Chopping wood & drawing water

Makes sense, doesn't it?