Following One's Inclinations

Last night I dreamt I walked in a foreign city at night. I was lost and encountered people on the streets, some good, some bad. When the bad ones appeared I silently chanted Amitabha Buddha, which calmed me. 

In my younger years I resisted and feared the demons who appeared in my dreams. If they attacked, I counterattacked. Upon learning new spiritual principles, if I could successfully practice wisdom in a dream, I then became more confident in navigating risky scenarios in the material realm. 

The dream manifestation of Amitabha Buddha encouraged me to practice the meditation called "Following One's Inclinations," and upon leaving bed I bowed forty eight times to Amitabha Buddha, and seven times each to the Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisatva Mahasthamaprapta, and the Ocean-Wide Assembly.

The Gods Must Be Bored

This week I experienced an impression of being trapped inside a construct similar to a video game. 

The controller of the game, consciousness, has its eyes on the character in the game, ego, at all times, so much so that consciousness forgets it is playing a game. 

In this game my character is that of NPC, similar to a piece of anonymous scenery. Most of the time I go unnoticed, and when I am required to act it is anyone's guess as to whether the experience will be helpful or hostile. 

And what of the main characters in the game? No matter how big their role, they too are likely to forget they are playing a game. Their rich, dramatic lives unfold as a deadly serious affair. 

And what of the Gods? Being immortal and omnipotent, did they create the game to escape great boredom? To make certain the game captivates them, do they enter into it with the same restrictions as humans, ensuring that they too forget they are playing a game? 

Miracles

A few days ago I ran seven miles, causing my legs to be stiff and sore. 

I expected to rest, however, the next day, Friday, I woke early and walked to the Wishing Tree. As I stood before the Tree I sensed my legs gaining in strength, so decided to run, offering the experience to the Tree. 

Later in the day my legs once more became stiff and sore. 

On Saturday and Sunday I woke early and walked to the Wishing Tree, experiencing the same phenomenon. 

This morning, as I walked to the Wishing Tree, fresh flowers appeared at my feet three times. 

Last week I began reading a dharma book on Pure Land. I learned about Amitabha Buddha. 

In my younger years I did not practice chanting meditation because I was attempting to clear my mind of language. Now older, with my mind no longer capable of achieving lasting calmness during sitting meditation, it seems correct to begin a practice of silent chanting meditation. 

I find it pleasant to do while walking and running. 

I have not crossed paths with the Pink Angel in more than a week. 

Prophet Dan

Today I woke from a dream as the sun was rising. I lay in bed recalling the melody of the scene and sensed I must walk to the Wishing Tree. 

When I arrived at the Tree the sun was above the horizon and I saw a circle of pink and white flower petals, an offering from the Pink Angel. 

On the way to the track I crossed paths with Prophet Dan, a fine looking man with gray beard and crystal blue eyes. He shared his knowledge and wisdom and departed as quickly as he had arrived.