On April 7, 2013, I had the privilege and honor to help feed our homeless friends in downtown San Diego. Through generous donations, IBS was able to purchase a large amount of food and drinks. We rolled up our sleeves, or for some, rolled...
It is Blessing
Although I’m not sure how to explain it, life leads me to Buddhism. I grew up in what I believed was a traditional Christian environment, but the person who I looked to develop on understanding of Christianity wasn’t exactly a traditional Christian. I used to watch my mother do yoga and light meditative practices every morning, attempt to learn Tai Chi occasionally and then go to Church on Sunday. Of course, because I knew nothing else, I could only assume that this wa what the Christians were all doing. As I got older and began deciphering the difference between religious path and their practices, the early exposure to different practice prevented me from developing a discriminatory view towards other religions and grew into a desire to study them all to find what they had to offer to mankind. Eventually I found Siddha Yoga which emphasized self-discovery through right understanding and meditation. Around this time I had been incaicflated and sent to prison. Prison gave me an environment that was fasting, meditating, praying and studying extensively. Without the many distraction that come with daily life, I was able to work on myself and with the challenges prison posses the ego, I was able to witness my progress through daily experience. My conduct and behavior naturally drew me toward individuals of similar understandings who informed me about Buddhism. No too long afterward I signed up to attend the Buddhist service.I’ve come to Buddhism seeking knowledge of self, wisdom and understanding of life. Ultimately, I hope to achieve self-mastery and do believe that the practices prescribed by the Buddha can help. Although I am still fairly new to Buddhism, I have been given a clearer understood of what self mastery is and how to reach it.
Brother Rachee
Brother Rachee