Spiritual Path
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Thank you,
Ivan Mauricio Olarte
This page is dedicated to sharing my experiences as I pursue my Spiritual Path.
Note: You can click on each image below for a larger view.
It took me 48 years to realize my convictions and finally find my path in this journey we call Life…
Now, I firmly follow the teachings of two very special men born about 2500 years apart The Great Lord Buddha, and The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.
Sidartha Gautama - The Lord Shakyamuni Buddha
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh
Below is a picture of the shrine I setup in my room at home. It’s a peaceful place where I can meditate in the mornings as I reflect on what I intend to do that day, and at night where I contemplate on my actions that I was able to accomplish that day.
By the way, the bonsai in the picture is a beautiful 9 year old Japanese Boxwood tree that I tenderly care for in respect of all living things.
I purchased this tree at the beautiful nursery New England Bonsai Gardens located in Bellingham Massachusetts.
My Meditation Shrine
Links to various posts and stories related to my Spiritual Path:
Positive Karma In Action! – A Story about how my “Irish Brother” and I reunited after being apart for 21 years! If this isn’t Good Karma I don’t know what is…
Review of “The Game of You” – My review of a wonderful “game” that uses various disciplines, including Buddhism, Tarot and Psychology as an effective, practical and useful tool for self introspection and personal growth.
Joseph McMahon said
Very nice pictures… I bet there are a lot of pictures like these around…. I think these two are really great…
Joe
esperanza said
Wow, impressive altar!! me gusta mucho. If I come to see you in July i will use your shrine to relax and think.
Joseph McMahon said
Wow. Very nice shrine. I see your bonzai there as well. You don’t have to leave home to feel like you’re away… very nice…
Joe
cynthia said
oh wow, it looks so calming and relaxin. i love it, especially the bonsai tree!!!
Martian said
Ivan, I came across your site purely by chance, but I am amused by the parallels in our lives. You took up the classical guitar later in life (again), just as I have done (although I only waited 20 years!). You play a Loriente Clarita, and I just bought one. You follow the teaching of Buddhism, as I try to. You picked up a bonsai tree in Bellingham, MA…. and I live in Bellingham, WA. You experienced a kind of epiphany after watching Food, Inc., as I did (I purchased a CSA share from a local farm after seeing it). We are almost the same age, too.
I like your shrine quite a bit. Good luck to you, and I will follow you here!
Ivan Olarte said
That is funny that we do have so much in common. Too bad it’s not Bellingham MA so we could get together for some CG duets.
If you don’t know about http://delcamp.us or http://newbuddhist.com I suggest you visit these sites are they are two great forums for CG and Buddhism.
In fact I invite you to visit all the links I have posted on my blog as they are carefully selected links for some of the best resources I have found on the internet pertaining to my own interests.
I aslo suggest that you Subscribe to my blog so you get notified as I post new essays and comments.
If you’d like to chat more about CG, Buddhism etc, please let me know and I will contact you by e-mail directly (no need to post your e-mail as I have it from my blog). But don’t feel obliged to do so, either way I’m glad you like my blog and hope you do subscribe.
With warm regards,
Ivan
Bonnie Matthews said
Hello Ivan,
Your shrine is, indeed, inspirational. You have many meaningful images and photos. I am very interested in obtaining the photo of Thich Nhat Hanh you have posted on your website. It is one of the nicest photos of my mentor that I have seen. How might I obtain a digitail copy for personal use for my alter? You may send a private email if you like.
Bonnie Matthews said
Can you tell me who owns the rights to the photo of Thay on your site? Where did YOU obtain it, so that I may purchase it also. Please try to find this information for me! Thank you. You may respond by private email.
Bonnie