Altar Buddha

Statue of Buddha on the main altar at the Empty Hand Zen Center. There is a garland of dogwood flowers around the statue to commemorate Buddha's birthday (see Bathing the Buddha).  Something very comforting and calming about this statue, and it has played a major role in my practice over the last 8 years. It sits, abiding calmly, as I squirm.

To fully actualize the Buddha's golden body with the golden body - to arouse the way-seeking mind, practice, attain enlightenment, and enter nirvana - is nothing but being, nothing but time. 

Eihei Dogen
Uji: The Time Being
Kosho Monastery Period, 1233-1243 
Treasury of the True Dharma Eye (Shobo Genzo)

Shwedagon Buddha

I keep coming across lovely images from my Sunday walks through Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon (see Sunday at Shwedagon). [NOTE: Never noticed that Buddha's hands are depicted with pink fingernails in some representations.]

Right Livelihood

This beautiful Buddha is sitting outside the back door of the main hall at the Garrison Institute (see Dharma Gates are Boundless).  I can't help thinking that the lap full of pennies provides a perfect example of right livelihood, i.e. supporting yourself by the diligent practice of seated meditation.