California Dharma

The ability to manage multiple projects with poise and sustained initiative is an interesting skill to pursue. I think some people might call it multi-tasking, while others might call it neurotic. I sometimes ride the uneasy line between the two.

In the process of writing this blog, and starting to train for the Wildflower Triathlon, I have reopened up interests and passions that had been slipping in my life. Sometimes my obsessive mind becomes terribly focused on the activity that another activity actually enabled, and I neglect the former activity until the other runs out. This, I believe, is the definition of neurosis and is what leads me to spiritual practice. In a state of perfect wisdom, I believe this confusion subsides and pure light shines forth. These are the experiences I have when I am exerting myself on these runs and bike rides, but also in the moments of joyous creation that my overactive imagination fosters like meadows of wildflowers. Aaaah. The joy of creating! It is addictive and can make your soul very very dark if you let it. It must be turned to more expansiveness, more openness, more light. For I truly believe that those who can create beauty must experience some form of suffering.

I have been working on a number of projects, but most recently I have been developing a resource for spiritual explorers from all over the world to explore the dharma of California. It is here at the link below, and slowly but surely moving forward. The integration of this Sadhana and that is the true Sadhana of Gopalswami Ramakrishna.

But the exercise has continued, with another large SF park explored by trail run this past Saturday, three helpings of morning tennis, a 1600 yard swim and a belief that the story of getting to Treasure Island is linked to the pursuit of the great jewel of Eastern thought, the diamond thunderbolt known as the Vajra.

http://californiadharma.blogspot.com

Back in the saddle

Well, my laptop was stolen this weekend, giving me lots more time and reason to train (e.g. to get the horrible feelings of sadness and loss out of my system). I did two excellent runs this weekend, one about 5 miles on the Wildcat Canyon/Meadow Canyon trail from Inspiration Point, down into the canyon, and back up the other side (map coming soon here). Yesterday I did a 7.4 mile run on the Berkeley campus through a region called Strawberry Canyon, along the fire trails, and to the top of campus where the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and Space Sciences Laboratory reside. The run through Strawberry Canyon was really magical, particularly on a clear and crisp Sunday morning -- you wind along the sides of many mighty hills and get views out over the Cal campus and towards the Bay and SF. My favorite part of this run was being able to see the trail ahead of you that skirts along the side of the hills -- it helped contribute to the sense of grandeur and magnitude of the landscape, seeing far ahead the path that would confront you.

I will have pics and maps soon. My cousin Dheepa, herself a triathlete, said that 12 weeks until the Treasure Island triathlon might be enough time for even me to get ready by, so am going to work towards that. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.......