It was a remarkable and totally unexpected experience. Ruth and I travelled to Melbourne’s Western suburbs recently, to a wonderful Vietnamese Buddhist temple, Quang Minh. Our intention? To spend time in the presence of sacred relics of the Buddha touring Australia.
As described in the previous post, in doing so, we felt truly blessed. But what is a blessing? What benefit might a blessing have? Is a blessing all in the mind? In this case, how much does any blessing have to do with the relics? Or the Tibetan lama, Kalu Rinpoche, who actually offered us a direct blessing with the relics? Or again, is it simply all in our own minds??? Interested? Let us delve more deeply, but first
Thought for the day
The mind has no form, colour, or substance.
It does not exist outside or inside the body, nor in between.
Even if you search for it in every direction, it is unreal.
It has no origin, location, or destination.
It is not nothing; your mind is vividly lucid.
It is not single, for it arises diversely as anything.
It is not multiple, for everything has one essence.
Karma Chakme Rinpoche 17th C
Matter is remarkable is it not. Take a brick. Seems so solid.
Yet we know from even the most basic of modern day physics, it is not solid as in made of something indestructible. Quite the contrary. It is made up of tiny atoms – concentrated packets of energy whizzing around in space at very high speeds. Huge amounts of space between the very tiny atoms.
Now, while we may know matter is made up of atoms, and we may know there was a time when atoms were thought of as being the fundamental, indestructible building blocks of all matter; these days we know that not to be the case.
Einstein described matter as a function of energy and light: E=MC squared.
Modern mystics have referred to matter as frozen light.
Matter is clearly far more fluid, far more nebulous than we give it credit.
Yet hit yourself on your head with the brick (actually do not) – and you will be convinced there is something very real there.
Many people these days seem to prefer to stay with the notion the brick – matter – is solid and real, and leave it at that.
But perhaps consider this. If matter is actually, scientifically, a function of energy and light; what does that mean? If matter contains energy, then what type of energy? Consider this... Imagine someone awakens to the full potential of what it is to be a human being? Think Christ or Buddha or some other major spiritual figure. What sort of energy might their body have had? Hard to imagine it was ordinary? Easy to imagine it was extraordinary? Easy to imagine at least some of that energy may still reside in their relics after they die. And easy to imagine we might benefit from being in that energy...
Of course, for a non-believer, there is every chance their state of mind could block any potential benefit.
And for someone who does believe, someone who is devoted, then the benefits could well be potentiated.
Same with living people.
Clearly, some people we meet give us the creeps.
Some we meet generate warmth, compassion, respect – and leaving us feeling all the better for being in their presence.
Ruth and I had just a cursory meeting with Kalu Rinpoche.
However, his presence was palpable, and we were smiling quietly for some good time afterwards.
From having met a great being like this in person, a connection is made.
In times of need, one can bring them to mind for inspiration, solace, even a sense of guidance. This is their energy at work. And their light. They do have what appears as a physical body – as do we all – but clearly, there is more to this physical body than first meets the eye.
Pilgrimages, spending time in the presence of relics, sacred objects and realised beings. All make great sense to me. Over many years, there have been many blessings and benefits.
Worth contemplating...
And a final word from Melbourne, where more than 17,000 people lined up to respectfully worship and make offerings to the Buddha's relics:
Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan – Abbot of Quang Minh Pagoda, President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Australia – expressed deep gratitude to the French Buddhist Fellowship, primary custodians of these relics:
“This is a rare opportunity for everyone, regardless of religion or culture, to venerate and feel the enlightened energy of the Buddha. The relics remind us of peace, compassion, and humanity.”
Relics are not merely material treasures, but the embodiment of a pure life and adherence to precepts. The Buddha was a flesh-and-blood human being who attained enlightenment through practice. Relics remind us that the Buddha is not far away.
The Buddha, that enlightened energy, resides within the awakened mind of each and every one of us.
COMING EVENTS
Meditation in the Forest – The Heart of Meditation; its wisdom and its experience
Ruth and I have been presenting the annual 7 day meditation retreat Meditation in the Forest at the Yarra Valley Living Centre for many years.
This year, the retreat focus will be the heart of meditation – the experience and the wisdom of Stillness.
Highly experiential, we will delve into the theoretical structure that provides the knowledge and the wisdom that helps us to approach this profound inner experience.
Then together, we will practice the techniques that progressively lead us into the direct experience of our own stillness – our own inner essence. Joyful...
There will also be optional yoga sessions with the incomparable Melissa Borich, plus all the delights of the Upper Yarra environment along with the care and food provided by the Yarra Valley Living Centre.
Many do come regularly to this annual retreat, but we always welcome newcomers. Due to its fundamental simplicity, the retreat is accessible to those newer to meditation, as well as those more experienced.
To enquire re bookings, view our website, or contact our retreat manager Mel Crow on mel@insighthealth.com.au. Mel will be happy to talk with you if you do need more details.
Meditation Teacher Trainings
May and November 2026
Having presented Meditation Teacher Trainings since 1988, it is fair to say these new trainings – to be frank – are much better developed than those earlier versions!
We have developed 3 training modules: Meditation, Contemplation and Imagery.
The Meditation module goes into how to present the 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stillness program that is elaborated in my most recent meditation book – Blue Sky Mind.
The other 2 modules, cover the very basics of meditation, but give most attention to these very important, but rarely taught aspects of meditation – Contemplation and Imagery.
We now have individual manuals for each training that are at least 180 pages each.
The trainings are solid in theory, yet highly experiential. You will get to practice leading meditations and groups, while receiving measured feedback from the staff and peers.
Many who have completed these trainings have now qualified for full membership of Meditation Australia, and have the knowledge and confidence to teach in their own right.
As part of our commitment to provide ongoing support as you develop your skills and experience, we have established an online Meditation Teacher’s Community that does just that. There is peer support, ongoing professional development, a mass of resources, and opportunities to practice and develop your teaching skills with the audience of the closely allied Meditation Community.
Currently, I have a strong commitment to training and supporting the development of new meditation teachers, so if you are considering this as a possibility, and do meet the criteria, please do join us.
Each year we provide the basic Meditation Teacher Training, this year: 11 - 15 May 2026
Also, this year we will once more present the wonderful Contemplation Training: 31 October – 4 November 2026.
Next year, 2027, we are likely to present the Imagery Training once again; along with the basic Meditation module.
Attending 2 of these trainings meets MA’s criteria for membership. While you can attend the 3 modules in whatever order that suits, and each module does stand in its own right, we do encourage everyone interested in our approach to complete the Meditation module at least.
You will be welcome; and be joining a group of amazing, like-minded peers.
As with the retreat, to enquire re bookings, view our website, or contact our retreat manager Mel Crow on mel@insighthealth.com.au Mel will be happy to talk with you if you do need more details.
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