November 2006 Vision Magazine
A lesson in Zen: A Conversation
with Spiritual Teacher Adyashanti
by Jill DeDominicis
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When Adyashanti first read the word “enlightenment” in a book at the age of 19, something within him woke up. He didn't know it then, but he had felt a calling and would go on to study the ways of Zen from that moment on. He studied under Arvis Justi, a great Zen master who would in turn persuade Adyashanti to enter the role of teacher himself. Since 1996, Adyashanti has been teaching, offering satsangs, weekend intensives and silent retreats, and has authored books on Zen, including his latest, True Meditation. I had the pleasure of speaking with Adyashanti about this new book, as well as his teachings, which push spiritual seekers to question who and what they are at their very core, to see the ultimate Truth and oneness of all things. It may sound like quite a lofty goal, but Adyashanti will tell you that's just another one of our misconceptions about the path of Zen... Read more on our conversation with Adyashanti here.
The Last of the Inuit Shamans
by Bente Mirow
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Nobody can explain indigenous shamanism, inherently engulfed in secrecy as it has always been and still is, whether in the Americas, Brazil, Siberia, Africa, Indonesia, the Arctic, or elsewhere. What we know is that great knowledge and healing comes from special individuals, known as shamans, living in remote areas around the world, and presumed to possess powers not available to every man.
Recently new material has been presented about shamanism in Greenland, which allows us a rare glimpse into their world.
Danish filmmaker Karen Littauer, who's father was a medical doctor in Greenland and who has had close ties to these people since her childhood, set out in 2000 and 2001 to interview various elder Inuit and trace their stories. For two years she interviewed and filmed more than 40 elders, who offered to tell their stories of growing up with parents or grandparents who were shamans... Read more about the Inuit Shamans here.
Artist of the Month
Eleonora Ghioldi
When I take a portrait photograph I try to add my own personal touch to the individual character of the sitter in order to create an original work of art. I try to express my own personality through the uniqueness of my subjects. Enhancing what I find original in them is part of what makes me who I am. Thus, each photograph is a personal revelation, a fragment of my own identity... See more of our Artist of the month here.
Greek to Me
Looking for the I in Me
by Michael Raysses
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As a transplanted Midwesterner living in Southern California, I have made the drive across the country on numerous occasions. As I traversed the varied and majestic expanse between Los Angeles and Chicago, I was left with one inescapable conclusion: It's a good thing this country wasn't dependent on me to settle the untamed west–we would never have made it past New Jersey. This really hit home whenever I was proceeding westward across the impossibly flat Midwest, and off in the distance I would see those snow-capped sentinels, the Rockies, jutting up, seemingly out of nowhere. Clearly, some divine power wanted a little privacy, I reasoned. Who I am to question that unambiguous expression of virulent territoriality? Despite that, though, I continued on, however reluctantly... Read more of Michael Raysses here.
Art of Living
Keys to the Kingdom: Creating Powerful Relationships Between Men and Women
by Leanne Tibiatowski
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Creating peace in the world can seem out of reach these days with the disharmony, violence and battles so often present in our families, communities and countries. Where do we begin and how can the actions of one impact many? When contemplating how to be a peacemaker in the world a powerful starting point is to look within... Read about the keys to the kingdom here.
Astrology
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22): If it felt like you were cheated out of your moment in the sun last month–like a kid ready to take a big lick of a triple-decker ice cream cone, only to have a seagull swoop down at the last minute and steal the whole thing–you get your chance to shine this month. Pull together those final strings of new projects–this is the month to decide which ones to push forward on and which ones to discard... Read your horoscope here.
Books and Listening
Talking to God
Portrait of a World At Prayer
Edited by John Gattuso | Stone Creek Publication
In a time where religious beliefs and faith can be polarizing, collections like Talking to God are more relevant and inspiring than ever. Editor John Gattuso put together this thoughtful collection of photographs and essays with the intention of demonstrating the universality of prayer among people of all spiritual traditions... Read more of the Talking to God review here.
Vision Cafe
How to Really Become a Miracle Maker
Over the last 25 years scientific research has clearly shown that most every person has the potential to be a healer and intuit information. Studies have proven the validity of higher human function such as qigong, remote viewing, clairvoyance, telepathy and precognition. Even though these truths should be self-evident to all they are still widely rejected by much of mass media, academia and many religions... Read How to Become a Miracle Worker here.
Food
Spiritual Vegetarianism: the Newest
(and Oldest) Grounds for Eating Green
by Sarah Gallop
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From our newspapers to our doctor's offices, we are surrounded by arguments that both support and denounce vegetarianism. Indeed, the varied physical, ecological, moral and economic contentions inundate us each day. Seldom are these arguments made in a spiritual context... More on spiritual vegetarianism here.
Holistic Living
Home & Soul: An Oasis That
Supports Peace and Well-being
East county San Diego is a rapidly evolving Southern California community. A strong and healthful presence in this area are the two community centers that Home & Soul provides with locations in El Cajon and La Mesa. When you walk in the door you enter an environment that makes space for your body and your spirit to breathe, where you can receive support on your journey with services and products that center around physical and spiritual well-being... Continue to Home and Soul.
Inner Art
Stuck on Our Labels:
How We Limit Our Identities
by Elizabeth H. Florio
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When we say we are a doctor, feminist, mother, or student, what exactly does that mean? Certainly for many of us, it means that we identify with our roles in life or work. We enjoy talking about ourselves and quantifying how we feel and who we think we are. However, when do our actions cease being simply activities and begin eclipsing the other elements of our personalities?... Read more Inner Art here.
Los Angeles
Cultural Fusion: A Template for Identity
by Sarojni Mehta-Lissak
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Growing up in Southern California, I have always been surrounded by people of many cultures, and voices of many languages. In my own bicultural home, India and America blended as one, creating a template that guided me on my ventures into the world. From this perspective, I have continually viewed life through a wide lens, and in the process, gained immeasurable riches... Read more about Cultural Fusion here.
Mind and Spirit
The Value of Opposition
by Jessica Paden
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There is a cardinal rule that, when drinking, one should never talk money or politics. Money is an easy enough topic for me to avoid, having none to speak of, but politics? That can get a bit tricky. With a current job on a political campaign, an article due on the topic of political identity, and an occasional craving for Sapphire martinis after work, it's safe to say that the strict “no politics” clause flies quickly out the window... More of Jessica Paden's article here.
Natural Health
Who Are You? Getting to the Core
with Medical Qigong
by Christina Romo, MMQ
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We are in a Medical QiGong session and my therapist is removing blockages in my body resulting from years of accumulated anger, fear, grief, worry and guilt. As she flows through the five elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood and the associated organs, I begin to feel shifts in my body... Read more about Medical Qigong here.
San Francisco
3rd I: The San Francisco International
South Asian Film Festival
by Ana Yoerg
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Put together the collection of beautiful historic theaters and a rather politically minded and artistically appreciative audience, and it is no wonder that San Francisco's independent movie scene is as strong as it is. It seems that every week there is some kind of film festival going on, from New Italian Cinema to LGBT to Arab, Jewish, Asian-American–a wide representation of the Bay Area's diverse demographic... Find out more about the San Francisco International South Asian Film Fesitival.
Viewpoint
Time for Time Away
by Michael Cervin
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We all need time away. Time to rest, relax and rejuvenate. That's what vacations are for, right? Though vacations are built into the work year, few people come away from them truly refreshed and centered. Often my vacations have actually been exhausting. After all, there's so much to see and do. What might be needed instead is a sabbatical or retreat time... Read more of Michael Cervin's viewpoint here.