Thank you again, dear Teena and Patti. I am hopeful that in a Mindsprings session sometime soon, Alistair will put us three in the same break-out discussion room so we can have a good chat! In the meantime, please know that you have made a positive difference in my life! Thank you, and may you be blessed for your kindness! Fran xxx

Greetings of peace, Teena and Patti! Thank you for your warm words and positve energy as I slowly recover from my medical procedure on Tuesday. Aren't I fortunate, here in Canada, to have two such caring friends "across the pond" in England? I said that I would let you know how the procedure went...it was done by a very skilled specialist, but he did find something small but concerning that is a challenge on my healing path. I trust in my Creator, and also, I have been practicing meditation over the past few days to stay calm and focused. Please let me extend to you again my sincere gratitude. You are both lovely and kind. Blessings! xx

Thank you, dear Patti, Teena and Alistair. I am truly grateful for you caring words and healing energy. The medical procedure was done in the hospital yesterday, and the results were alright, with one area of concern. I am buoyed up by knowing such loving folks as yourselves. May you be blessed! With hugs, Fran xx

I will, Teena! I should be able to post a message here on Wednesday morning. I hope that you will have a lovely MIndsprings session today!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Patti and Teena. Heading off to the hospital soon. I am so grateful for your healing and positive vibes, and your gentle hugs. You are such caring people. Enjoy your day!

Thank you, Teena. I appreciate your kindness!

Alistair, our Teacher, I am immensely grateful to you for your clear and meaningful words that resonate with me and, I expect, others in this room. I appreciate and am inspired by your knowledge and wisdom. And in answer to your question, yes, your answer does make sense! Ultimately, my core questions have revolved around the concept of prostrating, confessing and praying to another being, even if enlightened. You have explained, I believe, that one of the reasons that Buddhists offer Great Devotion to enlightened beings is because through this practice, they can lighten their "individual path with the light of their existence." And so these ritutals serve to ease our suffering, and are, perhaps, springboards to enlightenment. Here is my take on that...and yes, I am a Muslim, and an imama, but also a soul seeker. I do not believe in prostrating or confessing or praying to another being, no matter how enlightened, in the same way that I would not prostate, confess or pray to Muhammad, peace be upon him. Muhammad was enlighted by God (in my view), and possessed extraordinary wisdom and abilities, but he was not God. Dear Alistair, you stated that enlightened beings are "empty of permanent existence." I pray and prostrate daily to One that does exist permanently, to One that is above the web of suffering, to One that is the ultimate reality. And is all-loving and all-compassionate too. I will end here - and you know that this is concise for me! lol Blessings and peace to you Alistair, and to all who are reading these words. With love and salaams, Fran Please allow a new postscript. I offer my spiritual thoughts, with their acknowledged Muslim perspective/bias, not to be at all confrontational, or to suggest that my viewpoint is best. I have immense respect for Buddhism, and my soul calls out to learn more, in the company of you good people! It's simply that I stand in a field that gets to be a bit confusing and lonely, trying to find an intersection between Buddhism and Islam. My heart and soul respond to both. Maybe that intersection is love? Thank you all for your kindness in allowing me to ask my questions here. Peace. xxx

Hello Lee. I totally agree with you. We know that Alistair is a very busy man, and so it is highly appreciated to have his writings on a topic that has raised questions. I join you, Lee, in thanking Alistair. Peace!

Dear Teena, you are incredibly kind to take the time to answer some of my questions, and to provide information that I was seeking. I feel less alone, knowing that you too have wondered about these Buddhist beliefs and practices. Blessings to you, and love too! Fran xx

Teena, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me! Fran xx

Teena, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me!

Greetings of peace, everyone. While studying the Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, and listening to Thursday morning's teachings about Atisha, the Path, and the Seven Branch Prayer, I am left with several questions which I am hoping can be answered. They concern the acts of making offerings at a shrine, prostration, and prayer. I sincerely wonder: to what or whom does a Buddhist make an offering? To what or whom does a Buddhist prostrate, and to what or whom does a Buddhist pray? Why is an exterior shrine necessary when the path to enlightenment is an inward journey? Why prostrate to another, even if they are a Teacher or Supreme Practitioner, when all human beings are equal, and according to Buddhism, there is no deity? And prayer? To what entity or energy? I would be most grateful for guidance on the Path. Thank you!

Important guidance, and timely. Thank you, Alistair, and peace.

Well, I can tell you most honestly, as a Canadian, I have never heard the word "faffing" before! Thanks for the introduction to faffing! lol

Good morning, Alistair, and thank you for your post concerning UK time changes. Will this Tuesday's gathering be at 1 p.m. Toronto time? Thanks, and best wishes from Fran :)

Hello James! Thank you for your poem, which I very much like! It is intriguing and mystical and beautifully crafted, with meaning I shall have to think about. All best to you! Fran

Thanks Dameon, for the very useful information in your post. All best wishes and salaam, Fran

Hello Alistar! Is there a Greek word for elation - waking up with joyful anticipation at the start of the day? I am usually happy and filled with curiousity about what the day will bring. Emotions are funny things! I am wondering...is it not "best" to name and acknowledge the emotion you are experiencing, then let it go freely without judging it to be a bad or good feeling? I hope I am not missing the point! With smiles and salaams, Fran

Hugs, Patti! I wish for your release from all pain.

Surely these are words to live by, so beautiful, so profound, so true.