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I think it is about time I go into an explanation about the work that I am beginning to put together. It is quite a multi-faceted vision with many different angles/approaches all coming together under one main theme: To continue entering into deeper understanding of reality and the contemplative practices that help us to do that.
In my personal life I have found two main traditions that have helped me to come to a deeper understanding of who I am: Shamanism and Buddhism. These are both traditions that are lesser known in modern American culture and, quite naturally, I want to help make them more accessible. So this is how I will do my part in the world and within the next major cultural revolution.
I am wanting to return to Grand Rapids sooner than I planned for a few reasons. Here is what they are:
1. Turn my vision into a non-profit organization:
This is not something that I know a lot about, but will need to know if I am going to take my spiritual path "out into the world." Rooting myself in one area will enable me to do the necessary research and focus on doing the work that is necessary to get this up in running.
The non-profit will essentially have two different sections:
- The establishment of Soto Zen Temples and Monasteries
- The establishment of Mask Shamanism
Most money that is raised over these next several years will go to the first section. This will help to fund building projects, land purchases, school organization, research libraries etc. On top of this there will be funding sources established to help pay tuition for people who wish to immerse themselves in monastic or temple settings, as well providing stipends for residential monks, priests, etc.
Mask shamanism will not need as big of a section because it is a fairly non-centralized religion. In fact, it probably won't even grow to be very big. Funds will be going towards research projects, publication of written materials, materials for mask making, and eventually to provide free opportunity for anyone who wishes to engage in the deeper practices of this shamanic path.
This will be morphogenic, or an evolving process from Vision to Reality.
ALL of the money raised from these ceremonies will be going to the non-profit once it is established. I will NOT be loading any of this money into a retirement plan or for a house near the equator. Along with the non-profit information I will have sections describing, in detail, what the money is used for.
2. Pay off any remaining debt that holds me back from engaging more fully in this work:
I am fortunate in that I do not have a lot of debt. However, what little debt I do have holds me back from making this next cycle of my life more conducive to the work I will be doing. I have been complaining about this for years. Since my endeavors have led to more practice/study than monetary work, I have not been able to properly engage in this.
Now that I have a vision I feel as though I can move into short term work to help build the foundation for the long term vision.
3. Trade in my car for a cargo van and fully pay it off:
Buying a cargo van allows me to do a couple of things that will be of immense help to the project.
First off, I will be able to convert a diesel engine to run off a combination of waste veggie oil and diesel. I may even be able to rig up some sort of photovoltaic system to continue aiding the vehicle to run cheaply off of alternative energies. The latter is more expensive and may not be as conducive as it sounds.
Secondly, I will be able to convert the back of the van to living quarters. A small bed, small kitchen, study desk and bookshelves enable me to do all of the things that are extremely difficult in my current situation.
I can also have the car painted with certain designs/logos to help people come into contact with this work.
These are also things that I know little about and will be able to dive into while I am not traveling. Working at a machine shop will give me access to the tools to be able to do this.
4. To plan a much better route for my ceremonies that include a much wider region/territory.
Ideally, I would like to make a country wide circuit set up with locations that I can come back to each trip around. I'd like to make it around each circuit in about 1-1.5 years. Intermittent internet access and limited phone availability have made this nearly impossible.
I originally planned to continue with setting up ceremonies while on the road. Not being able to do this is one of the biggest reasons for me to come home early. An enclosed van with a study desk will also make this easier in years to come.
5. To set up my work/study situation that allows me to begin preparation for the book that I will be writing.
Basically, this means researching most of the Zone #2 UL quadrant researchers that I need in order to have a legitimate ground paved for explaining the stage development behind the practice of Mask Shamanism.
Although I remind people now and then that this practice of mask shamanism is different from most shamanic practices, it will help the larger movement in general. Creating a more structured and precise conceptual map will be necessary for the evolvement of shamanic practice and its legitimacy.
6. To find an assistant...if possible
I have absolutely no idea if anyone out there will be as crazy as I am and go live in a van for several years traveling around the country doing the things I will be doing...but I will try. Having an assistant will prove quite invaluable to the flow of the actual ceremonies. So this will involve sitting down and writing up a few papers involving what the position entails. Aside from the ceremony and a few other things, the requirements will be mostly guidelines.
An assistant wouldn't have to go with me for multiple tours either. Rather, that person would have to sign up for a one-tour commitment and stick to it.
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This is a real hot issue with me, as it is akin to people trying to suppress gay rights.
Culturally speaking, I have been reprimanded and looked upon as lazy for not seeking to make a lot of money or getting a job in the "real" world. This is a limited cultural viewpoint based upon mis-understanding. It is work...just of a different type (An extremely important type if we are going to progress as a culture/world and begin to create any real, lasting change that looks at long term solutions to many of the problems we face instead of our typical quick fix solutions.)
I have a right to spend my entire life working and living within spiritual/religious dimensions for the betterment of myself and the world. It is not a running away from the real world. It is a part of the real world. People have different make-ups that enable them to walk along different paths and these paths need to be made accessible to people.
Without the contemplative dimensions of life, you would lose access to the only real knowledge fields that can tell you what this reality really is on the most fundamental level.
Cheers,
Justin
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