THE FINAL STAGE SERVICE

THE FINAL STAGE: SERVICE

Ozmo Piedmont, PhD

In the scripture “The Most Excellent Mirror – Samadhi” one reads the following:

The retainer serves his lord the emperor,

His father does the child obey,

Without obedience there is no filial piety,

And if there is no service, no advice.

Such action and most unpretentious work

All foolish seem and dull,

But those who practice thus this law continually

Shall in all worlds,

Be called Lord of Lords unto eternity. 

            To live as if our lives were our own, is to make a big mistake that causes much suffering in the world.  Our lives should be an offering to the Infinite, beginning when we are children serving our parents, then later to our school teachers.  We then enter the stage of service to our spouses, partners and our families.  At the same time we serve our bosses, our employees, all those we share our lives with.  Finally, a very sacred kind of service may emerge, that between a spiritual teacher and a student.  This service is of great importance, and can transform the lives of each in the process of its development. 

            Spiritual practice is the process of learning how to obey the signs and signals from the Infinite, which requires a certain good judgment, humility, and the ability to listen to the wise counsel given in a multitude of ways, whether in the form of the teacher, one’s partner, a friend, and even through our feelings and intuitions of the body and the mind.  When we are able to listen to this advice from the Infinite, we are more effective in helping others in the world.   In fact, this attitude of giving and helping is the fifth and highest stage of spiritual development.  This stage begins after one has directly experienced the Reality and Truth of the Infinite in every aspect of our lives.  Then begins the work, represented by the Bodhisattva, an individual awakened to his or her mission in life of service, symbolized by a return to the market place in the center of town.  To others, this being appears just like any other person.  However, his commitment to serve and guide others to find the Infinite is of paramount importance.

            In order to carry out this commitment, the teacher serves the Cosmic Buddha, listening to His advice of how to best help the student.  In turn, the student begins his or her learning by serving the teacher, dedicating his and her time, attention, questions, and economic support.  Unless the two are ready to serve the Infinite, the teacher to the Cosmic Buddha, and the student to the Infinite in the form of the teacher, neither of the two will be able to access the ultimate treasure.

            The student needs to trust the teacher in order to eliminate the obstructions and obstacles to progress, including self deception and delusion.  Therefore, the student ought to follow the advice and teachings of the teacher, who has more experience on the path of spiritual practice.  The teacher, likewise, should eliminate his own egoism in order to be able to her and serve the Infinite, and so that the teachings may flow through him.  Of course, the student should not force him or herself to accept any teaching which he or she is not ready to believe.  Nevertheless, the student should not be closed minded to the possibility of considering new concepts and recommendations.   

            The challenges that arise in each moment of our lives may seem insignificant and without any special value.  If one thinks, “Even though I know the precepts, for example, ‘Don’t be angry’ or ‘Do not talk badly about others’, I am still going to continue with my old habits, since no one will know or notice these unimportant events.”  But this is sad, since one loses the opportunity to break the chains of suffering which are based on our own self created patterns of delusion and the accompanying poisons of desire and frustration.  No only that, but one loses the opportunity to discover the Buddha Nature inherent in each one of us, which expresses itself in compassion and benevolence, represented by the symbol of the Bodhisattva working in the market place helping others to find the road to Nirvana and the liberation from suffering.  The result, the light of the Infinite shines a little less, and the world is a little poorer.    

            The work of the teacher and the student can seem very strange and foolish to those that do not understand that happiness is not found in momentary things.  Everything changes, everything is impermanent.  At times we ourselves do not value the opportunity that each moment brings to practice spiritually, applying the precepts in our lives, serving humanity, and what is most important, serving the Infinite.  But those who continue in their practice, day after day, in every insignificant moment, serving the Infinite in whatever form they can, will discover the true treasure of joy and peace everlasting.

Bibliography

Morgan, Daishin.  Buddha Recognizes Buddha. Throssel Hole Press: Northumberland, United Kingdom, 2010.

Shasta Abbey.  Zen Training.  A Special Issue of The Journal of Shasta Abbey. Vol. XIII, May-August 1982.  Mt. Shasta, CA., 1983.

CURRICULUM

EDUCACIÓN

1996                CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF INTEGRAL STUDIES, San Francisco

Ph.D. (Doctorado) East-West (Transpersonal) Psychology

1987                THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH,  New York City

                        M.A. (Maestría) Psychology

1984                THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH, New York City

                        B.A.(Licenciatura) Liberal Arts                    

1990                UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE, Madrid, España

                        Diplomado de Estudios Hispanos

EXPERIENCIA LABORAL

*CONSEJERO ESPIRITUAL                                                       Guadalajara, México

            Meditación Budista Zen (MBZ)                                           2007-present

            Director/facilitador: talleres y consultas particulares.            

*CONSEJERO ESPIRITUAL                                                       San Francisco, CA USA

            Meditación y Yoga Integral                                                1996-1999

            Facilitador de talleres en grupo.

* PSICOTERAPEUTA                                                                   San Francisco, CA USA

            Apoyo desamparados, familias, y adolescentes                      1990-1996      

*PSICOTERAPEUTA                                                                    Irvington,  NJ

            Apoyo para familias en crisis                                               1987-1989

*PSICOTERAPEUTA                                                                    New York, NY  USA

            Apoyo a las víctimas de crimen                                             1985-1986

*PROFESOR                                                                                 Gdl/Ag, México

            ITESM, UVM , Educare, American School                            2000-2010

            Filosofía, Religiones Comparadas, Multiculturismo, Psicología, Etica         

PUBLICACIONES

The Journal of Buddhist Contemplatives, “The Gift of Loving Kindness.”  October 2009.

            Lecciones aprendidas durante un retiro de meditación en un monasterio Zen,         
            aplicado a la práctica cotidiana con un papá enfermo con Alzhéimer.

The Journal of Buddhist Contemplatives, “Dancing with the Stars.”  Octubre 2008.

            Principios budistas aplicados al baile y la vida cotidiana.  

White Crane Journal.  “A Hindu God Gives Prasada.”  Spring.  1998.

            Una historia de amistad sagrada en el sur de La India. 

RFD Magazine.  “A Dance of Liberation.”  Summer 1998.  Vol. 24, No. 4; Issue 94.

Un despertar místico por modo de baile, pasando a un descondicionamiento cultural
y libertad particular. 

CONFERENCIAS  PÚBLICAS  

Abril 22, 2011                                                                         Guadalajara, México

            ENTREVISTA: radio programa Terapi-Arte www.radiomorir.com

            Con Berta Alicia Aguirre, casabalam@gmail.com

            “Los Seis Reinos de la Rueda de la Vida del Budismo”

Abril 15, 2011                                                                         Guadalajara, México

            ENTREVISTA: radio programa Terapi-Arte www.radiomorir.com

            Con Berta Alicia Aguirre, casabalam@gmail.com

            “¿Qué es la Meditación Budista Zen?”

Diciembre 13, 2010                                                                 Guadalajara, México

            ENTREVISTA:  radio programa La Miscelánea 58 AM.  2:00 pm

            “Qué es la psicología del Budismo Zen”

Junio 4-12, 2010                                                                     Guadalajara, México

            TALLER: “Rompiendo Las Cadenas del Karma”.

Augusto 15, 2009                                                                   Guadalajara, México

            TALLER: “Fundamentos de la Filosofía Budista”.

Octubre 20, 1997                                                                    San Francisco, CA

TALLER:  “Explorando las tradiciones espirituales del mundo.” 

Diciembre 21, 1997                                                                 San Francisco, CA

TALLER: “Homenaje a la diversidad religiosa en todo el mundo.”

Marzo-Abril 1998                                                                   San Francisco, CA

TALLER: “Hinduismo y sexualidad sagrada: símbolos del andrógino sagrado.”

Septiembre 4-7, 1998                                                              Camp Swig, Saratoga, CA

TALLER:  “El Lingam Hindú”.  Workshop.

Abril 16-18, 1999                                                                    Russian River, Guerneville, CA

TALLER: “Meditación y espiritualidad hindú”.  

AFILIACIONES 

2006                ORDINACIÓN SEGLAR, Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, Canadá

1980                ORDINACIÓN SEGLAR, Spiritual Science Mother Church, New York City

1998                American Academy of Religion (AAR)

Like Two Arrows That Meet In Mid-Air

LIKE TWO ARROWS THAT MEET IN MID-AIR

Ozmo Piedmont, PhD

In the scripture “The Most Excellent Mirror – Samadhi” one reads the following:

A master archer hits a target at a hundred yards because he skill possesses:

But, to make to meet two arrows in mid-air, head on,

Goes far beyond the skill of ordinary man. 

In this superior activity of no-mind,

See! The wooden figure sings – and the stone maiden dances;

This is far beyond all common consciousness,

Beyond all thinking.

            There is a story in the folklore about a master archer.  This master had a very jealous student.  In an effort to show himself superior to the master, the student tried to kill him by shooting an arrow directly at him.  However, the master was very clever, and anticipating the student´s move, he too shot an arrow at the same time.  The two arrows met in mid-air, and then fell to the ground without hurting anyone.  The student regretted what he had done, and bowed his head in reverence to the teacher.

            This story has two meanings.  The first is how the master should treat the student.  It is the master’s responsibility to guide the student to a direct meeting with the Infinite.  Having accomplished this task, the master must move to one side, so that the student can continue becoming one with the Cosmic Buddha.  It is an extraordinary man that has sufficient humility for this to happen, without getting in the way of the student because of pride or egotism.  On the other hand, there is an enormous joy in seeing the student become one with the Cosmic Buddha, a joy that is not based on a personal possession of the master. 

            The second meaning of the story has to do with the one that is actually bringing about this transformation.  In his efforts to help the student, the master shoots his arrows into the darkness.  The master cannot know everything.  The success of his efforts depends ultimately upon the activity of no-mind, that which is the expression of the Infinite.  The master, just like the master in all of us, shoots his arrow without knowing exactly where is will end up.  We have to completely trust in the unborn, allowing it to guide our arrows right to the target where they should be.  In the same way, the student is prepared to do what is necessary in his spiritual practice, searching with sincerity and trust for the ultimate target of oneness with the Infinite.  The result is an extraordinary event, like two arrows that meet in mid-air. The two, the master and the student, use all their forces, including intelligence, reason, and wisdom.  Nevertheless, they realize that it requires the Infinite so that the two arrows of our aspirations hit the bull’s-eye of realization and oneness with the Cosmic Buddha.  One comes to see the Buddha Nature present in everything, and with that, everything shares in this joy, including the wooden man and the stone maiden. Everything is conscious, alive, and vital, and at the same time, everything is just as it is in its individuality.  The two, oneness and multiplicity, are two aspects of the totality.  When one sees and experiences this Buddha Nature in everything, one appreciates how Life is one continuous miracle manifesting itself in every moment.   

Bibliography

Morgan, Daishin.  Buddha Recognizes Buddha. Throssel Hole Press: Northumberland, United Kingdom, 2010.

Shasta Abbey.  Zen Training.  A Special Issue of The Journal of Shasta Abbey. Vol. XIII, May-August 1982.  Mt. Shasta, CA., 1983.

Discover Yourself!

DISCOVER YOURSELF!

By

Ozmo Piedmont, PhD

In the scripture “The Most Excellent Mirror Samadhi”, one reads the following:

“The sage will tell a trainee,

Who is feeling he is low and all inferior,

That on his head there gleams a jeweled diadem,

And on his body rich robes hang –

And at his feet there is a footrest. 

If the trainee hears this teaching with surprise and doubt,

The sage assures him that of cats there are some kinds,

As also some white cows,

That perfect are just as they are.”

            We all need support, hope, and faith in order to progress along the spiritual path. At times one may feel superior and more advanced than others en this path, as if it were a competition in which only one can win the prize.  But this is only one side of the coin of insecurity, because in the very next moment, the situation may change, and one feels like a failure, inferior, and without self worth.  Nevertheless, the two extremes are examples of duality in the mind of little self, the ego.  It is a delusion base don the belief that one is alone in the universe, isolated, with fixed characteristics that are in themselves permanent.  If one attaches to this mistaken concept, one sets up a constant battle between the dualistic extremes of superiority and inferiority.   

            The good news is that we can liberate ourselves from the suffering caused by this belief.  Everyone is equal in this respect.  Every being has his or her own karmic tendencies, which give one the opportunity to see where one has made mistakes in the past, with intentions and impulses that create patterns that bring about suffering in the present.  If one judges others and oneself, these patterns are maintained continually, one life after another.  However, every being has the birthright to be free and in peace.  A fundamental law of the universe is “anicca”, which means that everything changes, nothing is permanent, not the body, not the ways of thinking, nor the ways of perceiving reality, not even our character.  One can choose in each moment a new way to respond to the difficult situations of life.  Therefore, one’s appearance, one’s former beliefs, one’s sex, gender, race or mistakes of the past are not important in how one lives right now.  Since everything changes, everyone can change his or her attitude and reactions to the world. In this sense, the ego serves as a tool in the discovery of one’s true identity, which is the Buddha Nature, the real self.  The ego can support this transformation, using faith and hope to open oneself to the Dharma as something real. 

            The Dharma can liberate and purify one’s karma.  This is done by choosing the spiritual path, following the examples of the Buddhas, the masters, and the Bodhisattvas of the past, those that show us how to live in flesh and bone the Four Noble Truths and The Precepts.  It just requires taking the first step in a new direction, listening to the still, small voice in one’s heart, which is there to show us in each moment how the path can best be walked.  If the ego listens to this innate wisdom, it discovers a profound joy beyond imagining.  One discovers, “that perfect are just as they are,” because everything is part of the Infinite manifesting itself here and now as Life just as it is.  Karma is showing each one of us exactly what one can do to liberate him/herself, discovering one’s connection to the Infinite.  This is the invitation that every spiritual teacher is encouraging us to make: Discover yourself!