Miscellany: Kumquats, Star Wars, and Whitney.

After a brief hiatus filled with many thoughts (none of which seemed to regard blogging or reflection) I have a few pedantic updates about my life to indulge my modest viewership in.

Kumquats

I picked up some kumquats at a local whole foods store here in Cape Canaveral, FL (yes, still living in a hotel in FL - 3 months strong) for lunch today. Just so you know, the video I watched on how to eat kumquats prior to eating these kumquats informed me that they are a symbol of affluence in China. As for the diminutive fruits themselves? Scrape off the stem, roll the kumquat in your hands to release the essential oils, then eat it whole, seeds optional (I eat mine). Kumquats are a significant source of vitamin C and fiber, and the oils released when you roll the 'quats in your hands are good for the skin.

Star Wars

I watched Episode I in 3D in theaters over the weekend, which in turn compelled me to engage in a Star Wars marathon going in the "new" order: Phantom Menace; Attack of the Clones; Revenge of the Sith; A New Hope; Empire Strikes Back; and Return of the Jedi. This is the first time I have watched Episode I since its first theater release, which means it is the first time I have watched the movie since I began to practice Buddhism. I did not recall there being so many Buddhist references in Star Wars! Recognizing this made me have a deeper appreciation for it, admittedly.

In Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn is constantly reminding Obi-Wan to 'remain in the moment.' The Force is interpreted in ways similar to the workings of karma. The dark side is similar to samsara without mindfulness, becoming enveloped in anger/fear/rage. In Episode II, prior to the Jedi council mobilizing against Dooku's forces, Yoda states he must 'meditate' on his next action.

Ever since I observed this, I decided to seek some form of validation of my observations utilizing the innerwebz. Here's what I found(!):

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~chris/buddhist.html

http://www.livingdharma.org/Real.World.Buddhism/StarWars-Brenion.html

And there is even a book on this very subject: http://www.livingdharma.org/Real.World.Buddhism/StarWars-Brenion.html

The above is written by an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hanh's sangha who just so also happens to be a really big Star Wars geek.

And finally...

Whitney Houston
Many people are tired of reading about her, many have reiterated her accolades, and still many others have taken her death as an opportunity to condemn her post mortem. I will keep this short and say that dying is our last grasp upon dignity, and to berate anyone beyond the grave means you simply don't mind attacking someone who is defenseless. Perhaps we should leave the dignity of death intact, regardless of how one person lived their life and regardless of whether or not you agreed with it.

Until next time!