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Dear readers, I first posted this a few days ago, and took it down when someone wrote in criticizing me. I'm very thankful for that person, because when I took it down I heard from some amazing people requesting I re-post it. We are now in communication about this subject. So now, I am summoning up my courage and posting it again.
You see, I don't think it is strange to be communicating with someone I deeply love, (and whose life IS eternal) even though they have left their physical body. To me, it is very natural to be writing to Ben and have his words flow through my head and hand ~ so he can write back to me. And I think the knowledge of how to do this could help many people.
Is this Buddhism? Well, doesn't Daisaku Ikeda talk about dialoguing every day with Josei Toda? Is this any different? I "hear" best through writing. So that is what I do. I'm going to spend some time looking up quotes in the Gosho and by Daisaku Ikeda that relate to communicating with eternal lives.
As always, this blog is about chanting for happiness. It is not an official SGI publication. It is what I write from my heart to share the benefits of this practice. Continuing to communicate with my beloved Ben, who has been "gone" just six months, is a HUGE benefit! Read on. And thanks for writing in!
As many of you know, my son came down with an illness of the brain. Schizophrenia. And I fought with all my life, with all my practice, and with every breath, to save his life. And although I did not save his earthly life, I have learned the true eternity of life. And I have something new to share with people who have lost loved ones and are still suffering. We are still connected to our loved ones, and we can communicate in writing.
From the moment Ben left his physical body, there was a gorgeous white egret swooping down to the pond by my patio. I felt it was Ben, my boy, coming to say "Mom! Look, I am free! I am free of this horrible brain disease! I am self-sufficient and I am free." And I dreamed of him, with a huge smile on his face, arms outstretched to dance with me.
And, on the Friday after his life celebration, I wrote to him and asked if he was right here and if he had any words for me.
I am not psychic. I am not special. I am open.
Several years ago, I lost some dear friends and communicate with them using automatic writing. I have told many people about this, and everyone who has tried it is amazed that it's so easy.
The process is simple. All I do is write to him, ask if he has words for me, and keep my pen on the paper. Before I have even written my whole letter to him I hear his words coming to me. I keep my pen on the paper, and just write what I hear.
Below is our first exchange. I write anytime I want. He always writes back.
Dear Ben,
Soaring above us all
free and flying
you got your way
you ended your torturous road
you are released,
you are released.
And now, you will have all of us chanting for you
as your mission continues,
right here,
right now, forever.
Oh Ben,
Write through me
laugh through me
live your happiness all around me.
My dear boy, I know you never meant to hurt me. Not ever.
Ben, maybe you’re sitting right next to me on this Friday ~
right here by the pool.
What do you have to say?
Mom,
I did it.
I meant to do it.
~ at the time ~
and I knew it would make you sad,
but somehow I still had to do it.
I had to obey my mind, my legs, my feet,
my incredible surge of strength and courage.
I could not say no.
It had to happen.
And this story is not yet written, is not yet told ~
but will be.
My life and death HAVE meaning~
Not HAD.
Dearest Mom, my closest friend, don’t despair.
I know you,
you,
you
will create a life of meaning, of love,
of warmth and creativity.
Together we will live on
Together we will always live on
Enjoy the sun
Enjoy this day
Enjoy your life.
Your Ben
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to you, my friends. I hope the New year has been a fresh start for you.
Jamie- How wonderful an intimacy to share with your friends world-wide. Your writing, and Ben's are beautiful tributes.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Joan
Thank you for reposting. I have tears in my eyes but am smiling for you both. You are so courageous, Jamie. Don't stop reaching out to Ben. Again, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Lori
Hi Jamie, Thank you for sharing this and all of your other blogs. I would say this and many other experiences that is beyond our comprehension is Myoho - the mystic law and the inner workings of life and the universe that remain beyond our true understanding. I think it's beautiful that you are open to the wisdom and eternity of life and it has helped you grow as a person and as a Buddhist. Write on! Keep chanting and blogging!
ReplyDelete-Barbara
I am a spirit worker and talk with and to those in the great beyond or astral realms often. And I'm a 35 year member. There is more to our existence than what's under our nose. You go, girl.
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie . What you write and share with us everyday shows how much you trust us your fellow members in faith. Every detail that you share about your life and of Ben is so precious . I have been following your blog from many years now and I also took the liberty to re read your blog from the starting . And as a reader I feel that you have achieved so much time and again and you are not doing this alone . You are encouraging so many other . And the most wonderful aspect of your practice is that you are so open about your feeling and I rely respect that . Please continue writing and sharing as we eagerly await for your post everyday. Also from the I have known about Ben 's new journey I have been praying for his absolute happiness. Many of us are .. Thanks
ReplyDeleteDear Jamie,
ReplyDeleteFantastic . I am a reiki healer . There is definitely more to the universe than which science can explain and we can see with our physical eyes .. :-)
Jamie you live a beautiful life by sharing you happiness, joy and sorrow. There will always be someone to criticize, continue on your path and don't be distracted. You are love and kindness! Thank you for being courageous.
ReplyDeleteJamie...what a profound connect. May you always be connected to Ben..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your experiences. Please don't listen to critics as several people above have said, there is so much more than we can see with just our minds. You and Ben will always be connected, no matter what and your sharing your experience with others open them to the possibilities to enrich their lives. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you all! I really feel the meaning of Ben's life - and death ~is coming into focus and is enriching my mission! You are all treasures in my life!
ReplyDeleteJamie, thank you for sharing, your words are beautiful as so is Ben's story. xx
ReplyDeleteDear Jamie, thank you for all your blogs. I've been reading you for several years too. Your openness and your ability to convey your continuous process of human revolution is such an encouragement for my faith. I can't thank you enough.
ReplyDeleteAs Kaye said, your sharing your experiences opens me to the possibilities to enrich my life.
Deep bow of appreciation,
Cindy