Best wishes for less Suffering, more Happiness with Good Health and Time to Enjoy it. Welcome to Bengali calendar 1432.
Sharing a timely aspiration:
"Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”
Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian poet and novelist (1875-1926 CE)
If having no reason to celebrate this month, here are 3 prepared earlier:
- 7 April: World Health Day (International)
- 22 April: International Mother Earth Day (International)
- 24 April: International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
This edition, we explore the Ancient Indian concept of Avalokiteśvara: Loving Eyes.
In Buddhism, the starting point is that all living things feel, and it is this capacity that perceives pleasure, pain and indifference. Not knowing which is which, in our ignorance we create, recreate and hold onto the illusory in an unlimited ocean of dissatisfactoriness/suffering called Dukkha/Samsara (Pali/Sanskrit).
There are many ways towards a brighter world with more wisdom, compassion and non-selfishness. This way is through seeing worldly matters through Loving Eyes.
Generally, Avalokiteśvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. This bodhisattva is variably depicted, described and portrayed in different cultures as either male or female.
The Sanskrit name Avalokiteśvara:
- ava = down
- + lokita (a past participle of the verb lok) = to notice, behold, observe, here used in an active sense;
- + īśvara = lord, ruler, sovereign or master.
Combined, the parts mean = master who gazes down (at the world) perceiving and responding to the sound (cries, calls, petitions) of the Sufferers.
Alternative Sanskrit names are Padmapāṇi = Holder of the Lotus or Lokeśvara = Lord of the World.
Known in Tibetan Buddhism as Chenrezig. In Chinese Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara has evolved into a female figure Guanyin, also known in Japan as Kanzeon or Kannon. In Nepal, this figure is also known as Jana Baha Dyah, Karunamaya or Seto Machindranath.
If interested, listen to 3 different cultural renditions of the Loving Eyes Chant:
- Dechen Shak (10 mins)
- Buddha’s Dharma (23 mins)
- Mantra Dance (5 mins)
One does not have to be Buddhist to benefit from loving eyes. Loving Eyes come in many names, shapes, colours and styles but defined here wherever wisdom, compassion and non-selfishness unites within the individual, growing in beneficiaries until including all. In real time.
Remember: information may contain misunderstandings, deliberate omissions and complete fabrications. Accept nothing blindly. Test for usefulness: if useful keep; adapt for personal circumstances if necessary; or if unuseful discard. Be your own guiding light.
Read on intrepid Mixers, and let's see what is to discover this edition. Subscribers decide if anything is useful.
Topics List
1. Guest Sings
Approx 5 min presentation
2. Street Jives
Approx 2 min presentation
3. Wisdom Reconciles
- Ibara High School: Japan High School Nationals Men’s Rhythmic Gymnastics 2025 (4 mins)
- Simple Things - Surprising Histories: How Do Touchscreens Actually Work? (4 mins)
- BBC World Service: Australia's Julia Gillard on fighting for gender equality (28 mins)
- Asian Boss: How Does Singapore Keep Crime So Low? (40 mins)
- Rumi: The Poem That Will Heal Your Soul | "I Have Fallen” (4 mins)
4. Media Writes
Approx 5 min readsIntro
Pip Jarvis explores gender, interaction and influence revealing how "I’m unlikely to ever have children, but perhaps this is the prize instead” via The Brisbane Times
Jane Cadzow explores childhood, separation and reconciliation recounting in "Andrew lived apart from his mum for most of his childhood. When he left school, he found out why” via The Age
Stephen Lacey explores childhood, parenting and reconciling remembering why "‘She took my door off the hinges’: How one mother handled her teenage daughter” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Intra
Erin O’Dwyer explores choices, consequences and collective when "Tahlia was released from prison on a Friday night with nothing. She had two options” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Benjamin Law explores identity, connection and belonging with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie in "At school, Reko had some ‘really awful’ experiences with art teachers. Now he drives a Porsche” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Helen Elliott explores gender, representation and voice in "How two women changed the patriarchal world of Australian publishing” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Inter
Lauren Ironmonger explores identity, collaboration and cooperation recounting how "It was a summer morning and Jenny Kee was running late to visit fellow artist Linda Jackson. It saved her life” via The Age
Craig Mathieson explores gender, divisiveness and indoctrination in "These toxic influencers hadn’t heard of Louis Theroux. That was their first mistake” via WA Today
Benjamin Law explores dicey topics Politics, Death and Sex with Deborah Cheetham Fraillon whose ”… mother gave birth to nine children. Six of them were taken” via The Age
Multi
Julia Baird explores empathy, collaboration and spirituality in "I could weep every time I hear this brilliant woman speak. She’s so true and wise” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Annika Smethurst explores family, business and endearing in "The quiet Millennial who inherited Stokehouse and is preparing for its next chapter” via The Age
Bridget McManus explores gender, transition and reconciliations reviewing "‘A love letter to the parent’: The role that reduced Claudia Karvan to tears” via The Brisbane Times
All
Anson Cameron explores relationships, solitude and endearing in "More of us are living alone – but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re lonely” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Kylie Northover explores identity, connection and belonging reviewing "Heartbreak High has been a global hit. Does its final season make the grade?” via The Brisbane Times
John Bailey explores discovery, optimism and time are some reasons why "I can just withdraw from the discourse: Why Josie Long ditched social media” via WA Today
Togather
Michael Lallo explores music, support and team spirit in "I knew something was off with these teens. Then I realised what it was” via The Age
Fiona Byrne explores talent, skilfulness and team work when "Made in Victoria, this sci-fi movie just topped Netflix film charts” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Wendy Tuohy explores identity, connection and belonging in "What Jefferson wants boys and parents to know about the manosphere” via The Brisbane Times
Nobly
Luke Slattery explores education, technique and accomplishing revealing why "‘I feel like I’m having my 20s in my 50s’: the furniture maker remaking her life after divorce” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Noel Towell explores education, learning and technology when "The bag rule failed, so this school said no to phones, no to watches – and no to exceptions” via The Age
Caroline Schelle explores facilities, access and opportunities in "Hi-yah! How school buildings became a community lifeline out of hours” via The Age
Pip Jarvis explores gender, interaction and influence revealing how "I’m unlikely to ever have children, but perhaps this is the prize instead” via The Brisbane Times
Jane Cadzow explores childhood, separation and reconciliation recounting in "Andrew lived apart from his mum for most of his childhood. When he left school, he found out why” via The Age
Stephen Lacey explores childhood, parenting and reconciling remembering why "‘She took my door off the hinges’: How one mother handled her teenage daughter” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Intra
Erin O’Dwyer explores choices, consequences and collective when "Tahlia was released from prison on a Friday night with nothing. She had two options” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Benjamin Law explores identity, connection and belonging with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie in "At school, Reko had some ‘really awful’ experiences with art teachers. Now he drives a Porsche” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Helen Elliott explores gender, representation and voice in "How two women changed the patriarchal world of Australian publishing” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Inter
Lauren Ironmonger explores identity, collaboration and cooperation recounting how "It was a summer morning and Jenny Kee was running late to visit fellow artist Linda Jackson. It saved her life” via The Age
Craig Mathieson explores gender, divisiveness and indoctrination in "These toxic influencers hadn’t heard of Louis Theroux. That was their first mistake” via WA Today
Benjamin Law explores dicey topics Politics, Death and Sex with Deborah Cheetham Fraillon whose ”… mother gave birth to nine children. Six of them were taken” via The Age
Multi
Julia Baird explores empathy, collaboration and spirituality in "I could weep every time I hear this brilliant woman speak. She’s so true and wise” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Annika Smethurst explores family, business and endearing in "The quiet Millennial who inherited Stokehouse and is preparing for its next chapter” via The Age
Bridget McManus explores gender, transition and reconciliations reviewing "‘A love letter to the parent’: The role that reduced Claudia Karvan to tears” via The Brisbane Times
All
Anson Cameron explores relationships, solitude and endearing in "More of us are living alone – but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re lonely” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Kylie Northover explores identity, connection and belonging reviewing "Heartbreak High has been a global hit. Does its final season make the grade?” via The Brisbane Times
John Bailey explores discovery, optimism and time are some reasons why "I can just withdraw from the discourse: Why Josie Long ditched social media” via WA Today
Togather
Michael Lallo explores music, support and team spirit in "I knew something was off with these teens. Then I realised what it was” via The Age
Fiona Byrne explores talent, skilfulness and team work when "Made in Victoria, this sci-fi movie just topped Netflix film charts” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Wendy Tuohy explores identity, connection and belonging in "What Jefferson wants boys and parents to know about the manosphere” via The Brisbane Times
Nobly
Luke Slattery explores education, technique and accomplishing revealing why "‘I feel like I’m having my 20s in my 50s’: the furniture maker remaking her life after divorce” via The Sydney Morning Herald
Noel Towell explores education, learning and technology when "The bag rule failed, so this school said no to phones, no to watches – and no to exceptions” via The Age
Caroline Schelle explores facilities, access and opportunities in "Hi-yah! How school buildings became a community lifeline out of hours” via The Age
5. TED Talks
5-20 min presentations- Carol Ann Lloyd: 3 leadership secrets from Shakespeare (13 mins)
- Sandeep Roy Choudhury: The controversial climate tool funding real change (9 mins)
- Sara Jones: My story of love and loss as a transracial adoptee (13 mins)
- Swami Sivasubramanian: Everything you need to know about AI agents (19 mins)
- Allison O’Brien: How to divorce as allies, not enemies (11 mins)
6. Music Challenges
Approx 30 min presentation + reflection timesIf desired, a short selection of publicly available material on a chosen theme for personal reflection.
For best results, sit comfortably with a straight back, have headphones in a shared space, after each clicked link, allow a little reflection with your personally-held view before clicking on the next link.
Get ready to Reflect!
Choose your playing level:
Be introduced at 1.
Be soothed at 2-4.
Be shocked at 5.
Be inspired at 6.
Fuller illumination 1-6.
You be the judge. Or not.
Cryptic Clue:
What is a way to navigate uncertain times?
intertwining
- Inspire
- Perspire
- Collaborate
- Engage: Test for personal circumstances, if useful keep, if unuseful discard, if exceeds needs, share mindfully
- Endure: Adapt for present times without sacrificing intent
- Endear: (Inspiring Others To Tend the Flame) live/ demonstrate/ inspire/ teach experience with others
intertwining
[in’ter’try’ning]
From Latin inter = between, among + Old English twīn = thread, linen, from the Germanic base of twi- = two; related to Dutch twijn + Old English -ung, -ing, of Germanic origin = suffix denoting a verbal action, an instance of this, or its result; denoting a verbal action relating to an occupation, skill, etc; denoting material used for or associated with a process etc, denoting something involved in an action or process but with no corresponding verb; forming a gerund of verbs
verb
subsistence
From mid 16th century (in the sense) = continue to exist: from Latin subsistere = stand firm, from sub- = from below + sistere = set, stand + -ence = suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or an instance of it; forming nouns denoting an action or its result
noun
insistence
From late 16th century = persist, persevere: from Latin insistere = persist, from in- upon + sistere = set, stand + -ence = suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or an instance of it; forming nouns denoting an action or its result
noun
resistance
From late Middle English: from French résistance, from late Latin resistentia, from the verb resistere = hold back; from re- = expressing opposition + sistere = stop (also reduplication of stare = to stand).
noun
consistence (also consistency)
From late 16th century = permanence of form: from late Latin consistentia, from consistent- = standing firm; from consistere = stand firm or still, exist, from con- = together + sistere = stand (still) + -ence = suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or an instance of it; forming nouns denoting an action or its result
noun
distance
From Middle English in the sense discord, debate: from Old French or from Latin distantia, from distant- = standing apart, from the verb distare (see distant).
noun
instance
From Middle English: via Old French from Latin instantia = presence, urgency, from instare = be present, press upon, from in- = upon + stare = to stand. The original sense was urgency, urgent entreaty, surviving in at the instance of. In the late 16th century the word denoted a particular case cited to disprove a general assertion, derived from medieval Latin instantia = example to the contrary from Greek enstasis = objection; hence the meaning single occurrence.
noun
Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle
Why? Why not?
Start today.
As the case may be.
Or not.
From Latin inter = between, among + Old English twīn = thread, linen, from the Germanic base of twi- = two; related to Dutch twijn + Old English -ung, -ing, of Germanic origin = suffix denoting a verbal action, an instance of this, or its result; denoting a verbal action relating to an occupation, skill, etc; denoting material used for or associated with a process etc, denoting something involved in an action or process but with no corresponding verb; forming a gerund of verbs
verb
- twisting or weaving together. Ie, a net made by intertwining cotton with other natural fibres. Ie, the coils intertwining with one another like strands of spaghetti.
- connecting or linking (two or more things) closely. Ie, as with most traditions, fact and fiction are becoming intertwining.
subsistence
From mid 16th century (in the sense) = continue to exist: from Latin subsistere = stand firm, from sub- = from below + sistere = set, stand + -ence = suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or an instance of it; forming nouns denoting an action or its result
noun
- the action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself, especially at a minimal level. Ie, the minimum income needed for subsistence.
- the means of maintaining or supporting oneself. Ie, the garden provided not only subsistence but a little cash crop.
- denoting or relating to production at a level sufficient only for one's own use or consumption, without any surplus for trade. Ie, subsistence agriculture.
- (mainly Law) the state of remaining in force or effect. Ie, rights of occupation normally only continue during the subsistence of the marriage.
insistence
From late 16th century = persist, persevere: from Latin insistere = persist, from in- upon + sistere = set, stand + -ence = suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or an instance of it; forming nouns denoting an action or its result
noun
- the fact or quality of insisting that something is the case or should be done. Ie, the Guest's insistence on doing the washing-up straight after the meal.
resistance
From late Middle English: from French résistance, from late Latin resistentia, from the verb resistere = hold back; from re- = expressing opposition + sistere = stop (also reduplication of stare = to stand).
noun
- the refusal to accept or comply with something. Ie, they displayed a narrow-minded resistance to change.
- the use of force or violence to oppose someone or something. Ie, government forces were able to overcome guerrilla-style resistance. Ie, the caught put up no resistance to being led away.
- (also resistance movement) a secret organization resisting authority, especially in an occupied country. Ie, we went underground and joined the resistance.
- (the Resistance) the underground movement formed in France during the Second World War to fight the German occupying forces and the Vichy government. Also called maquis
- the ability not to be affected by something, especially adversely. Ie, some of us have a lower resistance to cold than others.
- (Medicine, Biology) lack of sensitivity to a drug, insecticide, etc., especially as a result of continued exposure or genetic change. Ie, many insects show resistance to at least one chemical.
- the impeding or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another. Ie, air resistance was reduced by streamlining.
- the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation. Ie, by Ohm's law resistance (measured in ohms) is equal to the voltage divided by the current.
- a resistor or other circuit component which opposes the passage of an electric current.
consistence (also consistency)
From late 16th century = permanence of form: from late Latin consistentia, from consistent- = standing firm; from consistere = stand firm or still, exist, from con- = together + sistere = stand (still) + -ence = suffix forming nouns denoting a quality or an instance of it; forming nouns denoting an action or its result
noun
- consistent behaviour or treatment. Ie, the consistency of measurement techniques.
- the quality of achieving a level of performance which does not vary greatly in quality over time. Ie, we know we have the ability at the club – what we need is consistence.
- the way in which a substance holds together; thickness or viscosity. Ie, the sauce has the consistence of creamed butter.
distance
From Middle English in the sense discord, debate: from Old French or from Latin distantia, from distant- = standing apart, from the verb distare (see distant).
noun
- the length of the space between two points. Ie, I cycled the short distance home. Ie, you may have to walk long distances.
- the condition of being far off; remoteness, Ie, distance makes things look small.
- a far-off point. Ie, watching the game from a distance.
- the more remote part of what is visible or discernible. Ie, I heard police sirens in the distance. Ie, they sped off into the distance.
- an interval of time. Ie, the sort of experience which remains in the memory even at a distance of six years.
- the full length of a race. Ie, the runner claimed the 100m title in only their second race over the distance.
- (British English) Horse racing a space of more than twenty lengths between two finishers in a race. Ie, the horse stormed home by a distance in the Handicap Chase.
- (British English) a length of 240 yards from the winning post on a racecourse.
- (North American English) In horse racing, the distance from the winning post which a horse must have reached when the winner finishes in order to qualify for a subsequent heat.
- • (the distance) Boxing the scheduled length of a fight: he has won his first five fights inside the distance.
- the avoidance of familiarity; reserve. Ie, a mix of warmth and distance makes a good neighbour.
- make (someone or something) far off or remote in position or nature. Ie, the parent wished to distance their child from the rough villagers
- (distance oneself from) declare that one is not connected with or a supporter of (someone or something). Ie, the Candidate sought to distance theirself from the proposals.
- (North American English) In horse racing, beat (a horse) by a distance.
instance
From Middle English: via Old French from Latin instantia = presence, urgency, from instare = be present, press upon, from in- = upon + stare = to stand. The original sense was urgency, urgent entreaty, surviving in at the instance of. In the late 16th century the word denoted a particular case cited to disprove a general assertion, derived from medieval Latin instantia = example to the contrary from Greek enstasis = objection; hence the meaning single occurrence.
noun
- an example or single occurrence of something. Ie, a surprise instance of forgiveness. Ie, the search finds every instance where the word appears.
- a particular case. Ie, in this instance it mattered little.
- cite (a fact, case, etc.) as an example. Ie, I instanced a colleague as someone whose commitment had certainly got things done.
Optional
-- Chant Mantrastyle
Why? Why not?
Start today.
As the case may be.
Or not.
7. Acknowledgments
Reconciliation
- Acknowledging traditional inhabitants of City of Port Phillip are the Boonwurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Respect is offered to past, present and future elders of all spiritual traditions.
- Services and program delivery is culturally safe to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, aesexual and questioning (LGBTIQA+).
- May we find together a generous way to accommodate those in need of refuge. Let us be cool, strive individually and together to overcome inequality, violence, disengagement, tragedy and injustice wherever it may be. Let us honour, savor and enjoy results of mindful effort so more thrive peacefully with less effort in our place called home.
Invitation to Support Content Creators
The music/stories/videos have been sourced from public domain. If you like any of the content, please consider buying directly from online marketplaces to support creators and truth telling in the public interest.Caretaker Disclosure
Words and concepts are conditional things that point to a 'reflection of experience'. They are limited and do not adequately describe the 'full lived experience'. Like the moon's reflection on a lake's surface, it is not the moon, nor the experience of gazing up at the darkened sky transformed by the presence of a full moon. It is in the eyes/ears/nose/mouth/touch/cognisance of the beholder.This curation is an interpretation of the universal basis of re:lig:ion (Latin = again:uniting:energy) or bodhicitta (Sanskrit = Awakening Consciousness). This email invites a sharing of countless thoughts, words and actions wishing, causing and receiving less Suffering and more Happiness. For benefit initially of the individual increasing in beneficiaries until it includes all across the 3 times and 10 directions. Or not. As each case may be.
It is not personal, it is just the way things are.
