homelesssandiego

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COMIC-CON SAN DIEGO!!

https://www.comic-con.org/

Images: © Nathan Rupert

Join the Official Page of Homeless in San Diego on Facebook

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Take me away

a shot of the San Diego Trolley flying past me downtown...one of my favorite shots to try to take

Image: © Nathan Rupert

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Stand Clear of the Yellow Line

The San Diego Trolley is operated by MTS, which is one of the oldest transit systems in Southern California dating back to the 1880s. Although its operating names have changed over the years, the two modes of transportation, buses and trolleys, have remained consistent over the past 125 years.

Image: © Photos By Clark

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BUSHIDO, WARRIOR CODE OF CONDUCT The Samurai

by Cheryl Matrasko 

We can hardly begin a discussion on Bushido without introducing the Samurai warrior. After all, it is the Samurai that developed, chose, and dedicated their entire lives to the unwritten code of conduct, known as Bushido. To do less, would be a dishonor to their memory and the legacy of martial ways, which still serves to prevent many of us from being barbarous savages, in our own martial art. 

The Samurai are legendary in their warrior prowess and skill. Dedication, loyalty, and true honor were the characteristics of these warriors, that made them famous as well as a sought after commodity by the ruling class. Their upper social status remained with them for many centuries, until the later 1800’s.

The Samurai actually arose from the feudal warrior class of the late 1100’s through the early 1300’s, during the Kamakura Period. It was during this time that the Samurai class became quite a powerful member of the aristocracy. The professional warrior class had many of the social advantages that the upper class enjoyed, such as monthly stipends to live on, no travel boundaries, and were legally permitted to wear the long and short swords, which also served to signify their social status.

The Samurai, well-disciplined and highly trained warriors, were typically stoic in nature. These qualities were further influenced and developed by Zen Buddhism, during the Muromachi period, somewhere in the early 1300s through the 1570’s (1336 – 1568). As a result, the life of the Samurai had not only become one of discipline and military education, but a rich cultivation of the spirit and mind through the arts of writing, painting, calligraphy, philosophy, etc. It was as if a Renaissance was being experienced within their social sect. Zen had provided the warrior class with personal enlightenment, polish, and refinement. Many of the truly Japanese arts that were born of the samurai still exist today, such as sword drawing ( Shimmeimuso-ryu founded by Shigenobu Hayashizaki), Kendo (the most notable swordsman in Kendo is Kagehisa Ittosai Ito), archery, as well as tea ceremony, to name a few.

The unwritten Samurai code of conduct, known as Bushido, held that the true warrior must hold that loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion, and honor as important, above all else. An appreciation and respect of life was also imperative, as it added balance to the warrior character of the Samurai. He was often very stoic with a deep and strong philosophical passion. He could be deadly in combat and yet so gentle and compassionate with children and the weak.

At the early 1600’s (part of the Tokugawa or Edo era, 1600 – 1868), in an attempt to settle social unrest in Japan, the feudal caste system in Japan was beginning to see its first signs of erosion. The Samurai class was then forced to take on other trades (civil service, merchantilism, etc.), as society enjoyed the peace and social order for nearly 350 years under the dictatorship of the Tokugawa regime. The lifestyle and demand for the samurai was in the process of change. By the end of the 1800's, the once prestigious warriors and their families had then found themselves in financial impoverishment and starving.

By the mid 1800’s, the Samurai way of life was over. After the end of the Tokugawa rule, the Meiji Restoration of 1868, abolished the feudal system that the Samurai enjoyed financially and socially.

A new national army was established, cities were flourishing, western influences were seeping into the Japanese culture and the need for the Samurai had also ended.

The Samurai had a rich and fruitful era from the Kamakura period, through the Muromachi period. Zen Buddhism influenced them greatly giving them enlightenment for good judgement, personal growth, and self-awareness. Their exposure and immersion into philosophy and the arts expanded their perspectives and lifted them beyond the limits of their own feudal rule and culture. This is where Bushido, the Samurai Code of Conduct had cultivated itself from. 

Bushido is the unwritten code of conduct of the Samurai. Literally, Bushido means "warrior - samurai - ways". Bushi is a term for warrior, but directly infers a more prestigious or higher class warrior. The "ways" or "way" is a term used by most "do-martial arts" (such as: Judo, Kendo, Aikido, and Iaido), which means "the way to . . . ".

Bushido is comprised of a system or standards of moral principles that became the soul of the Samurai, during the feudal periods of Japan. It developed over the centuries from the influences of Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, Shinotism, and the expression of these affectations, had their medium in the visual and literary arts such as painting, poetry, and living the way of life (Bushido) they chose to take. Each of these gifts molded and shaped Bushido, as a moral standard of conduct to follow.

Influencing Bushido, Zen Buddhism lent to the Samurai a very Stoic disposition. This Stoicism was realized out of a genuine respect for life and also for death. Death, an inevitable eventuality of our own lives, is as much a part of nature as is life. It gives us an added level of thought and meaning to our existence. With the advent of death, there is the introduction of life. There are strong human emotions of anger, remorse, and detachment, etc., that are associated with death that complicate its understanding. However we are gifted by these very same feelings, that allow us to appreciate life and the things we enjoy and love. We most notably appreciate the things we take for granted once they are gone forever. The Samurai trust and faith in nature was because of the great admiration and respect for both life and death.

In tune with this level of consciousness, Shintoism also influenced the Bushido of the Samurai. To seek honor by first looking inside the soul and confront the intimate fears that we hide from ourselves, and that plague our psyche in everyday life. This is the purification of one’s soul --- " . . . to know thyself ". In addition, Shintoism brought a sense of filial piety and loyalty to the family and homeland. When you " . . . know yourself, you know your weaknesses and strengths, and most of all - you know where you belong." This sense of belonging has been attributed to the patriotic and nationalistic culture of Japan even to this day.

Another factor in the backbone of the code of Bushido, was Confucianism. It bonded community and family relationships. These relationships had several different moral priorities or qualities to them. In feudal Japan, the samurai served various different lords and their loyalty was given to them. This association was that of servant and master. The samurai himself, was the head of his family. The safety and well-being depended upon him. His role was that of head of the house, husband, father, brother, or son.

The Bushido of the samurai had very deep roots in the philosophies of Zen Buddhism, Confucianism and Shinotism. With such historical origins, it is understandable why Bushido was not just a mere belief, but a culture that became the hallmark of the samurai for centuries. And this lifestyle was not forced on the samurai, but was chosen of free will. It was a serious choice to be sure, and one that they were very proud to follow. Text: © 1999, C. A. Matrasko Image 1: Caleb Khor Image 2: wackystuff/Flickr Image 3:  Rekishi Nihon/Flickr

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The Seven Virtues of Bushido

The samurai were not paid warriors, roaming Japan and fighting for whatever warlord would pay them.  They were tied to a specific lord, or daimyo, and also tied to their communities by duty and honor.

This code of honor is known as Bushido, and comes from the word bushi, which means "warrior."  The Japanese word do means "the way."  So Bushido means, "the way of the warrior."  This code evolved from when samurai were archers and horsemen.  The training and devotion needed to master these skills and bond with a horse led to kyuba no michi, "the way of the horse and bow."

Although Bushido is referred to as a code, it was not a formal set of rules that all samurai followed.  In fact, Bushido changed greatly throughout Japanese history and even from one clan to the next.  Bushido wasn't written down at all until the 17th century, after samurai had been in existence for centuries.

The first duty of a samurai was loyalty to his lord.  Japan had a feudal system, in which a lord expected obedience from his people, who in turn received economic and military protection from the lord.  If a lord couldn't count on absolute loyalty from his people, the entire system would collapse. This sense of loyalty and honor was often carried to extremes by the Japanese, who would fight to the death in a hopeless battle to protect their master's castle, or commit suicide if they felt they had disgraced their lord.

Samurai also had a duty of vengeance.  Should the honor of his master be tarnished, or his master killed, a samurai was required to seek out and kill those responsible. Image 1: © Bushido-Le-Samurai at DeviantArt

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Dharma Bum Temple

Address: 4144 Campus Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (858) 922-8811

I’ve decided to attend the Buddhist Recovery Groups at the Temple. Join me!

https://www.thedharmabums.org/schedule

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DharmaBumTemple/

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San Diego From Coronado Image: © Paul Sapiano

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Post-Traumatic San Diego – An insider’s guide to surviving demons and hard luck in “America’s finest city”

MAY 25, 2017 BY ORLANDO BARAHONA |  LEAVE A COMMENT Read the full article here: http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/2017/05/25/post-traumatic-san-diego/

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Mission Beach Lifeguard Towers Storage Lot

Image: © Photos By Clark

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Urban Street Symbols: Hidden Messages in the Metropolis

MAY 3, 2017 BY ORLANDO BARAHONA View the full article at: http://sandiego.urbdezine.com/2017/05/03/urban-street-symbols-hidden-messages-metropolis/

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The Center

The Center provides direct services to the many different facets of the LGBT community, including men, women, youth, seniors, families, LGBT Latino community members and their families, as well as those struggling with HIV. The Center is led by a 14-member board of directors, employs over 50 paid staff and utilizes more than 800 community volunteers. Incorporated in 1973 as a community-based, non-profit, 501(c) (3) agency, The Center has more than 41 years of experience as a health and human services agency. Last year The Center provided 61,550 service visits to 26,671 unique clients a year: 54% of them are people of color, 42% of them women and 12% of Center clients are Transgender. Pledge your support at: http://www.thecentersd.org/events/

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Assemblymember Todd Gloria Named Chair of Select Committee on Housing Affordability

With today’s appointment, Assemblymember Gloria will now convene stakeholders and lead hearings to investigate the causes of and potential policy solutions for the lack of housing affordability for middle and working class Californians. Select Committee hearings are set to begin later this year.

Prior to being elected to the California State Assembly, Gloria served as a San Diego Housing Commissioner and a San Diego City Councilmember. During his tenure on the City Council, Gloria is credited with adding thousands of affordable housing units to the City of San Diego.

Assemblymember Gloria represents the 78th Assembly District of California and serves as an Assistant Majority Whip.

https://a78.asmdc.org/press-releases/assemblymember-todd-gloria-named-chair-select-committee-housing-affordability

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Check if you are eligible for benefits. Apply for benefits. Check benefits amounts Submit reports Submit renewals

http://mybenefitscalwin.org

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Land Use: Zoning

“Last year, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1069, intended to reduce regulatory barriers facing homeowners who seek to build granny flats to increase the supply of affordable housing in California. The bill mandates local governments adhere to new regulations regarding granny flats. These mandates went into effect in January, but San Diego’s municipal codes are still not in line with SB 1069.” For more information: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB1069   The original article here: http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/opinion/small-important-part-solution-housing-crisis/?utm_source=Voice+of+San+Diego+Master+List&utm_campaign=1550ebe1c1-Morning_Report&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c2357fd0a3-1550ebe1c1-84094185&goal=0_c2357fd0a3-1550ebe1c1-84094185

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Hugs & Bags San Diego Love Movement And Community Outreach

Hugs & Bags started as an idea to raise awareness for San Diego’s homeless population. The first event was hosted San Diego’s Queen Bee’s community center located in North Park. Over time with the leadership of Ms. Jacqueline Penhos and the dedication of countless volunteers this monthly event has grown from a concept to a love moment.

The goal of Hugs & Bags isn’t to give a hand-out but a hand-up to those that have fallen on hard times by providing all basic needs along with the human touch in the form of a hug. Our primary population has grown from Homeless Teens, Veterans to Immigrants, Single parents and anyone who may need assistance.

The last Saturday of each month dozens of volunteers meet in the heart of downtown San Diego to provide clothing, a warm meal, basic medical services, haircuts and personal hygiene accessories.

For more information and to support this cause, please visit: 

http://hugsandbags.com/

Seen above: Students at the Bellus Academy - Cosmetology & Beauty School in San Diego in stages of preparation to cut the hair of participants and the fun atmosphere throughout the event.March 25th, 2017Tailgate Park 1304 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92101   Images: © Orlando Barahona

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Vintage Trolley

Eight years ago, the rusted relic of a once proud 1946 PCC streetcar sat neglected under pine trees in South Lake Tahoe. After 4,500 hours of loving restoration by a team of volunteers, that same car now travels the Silver Line, making stops along the downtown loop. Enjoy the ride on this beautifully restored streetcar!   The Downtown Community Parking District has contributed to the purchase of two vintage trolleys running as the Silver Line downtown.   The Downtown Community Parking District

Established by the City of San Diego in 1997 in order to invest in and manage public parking assets within downtown San Diego. The DCPD's goal is to increase the supply and manage the existing supply of public on-street and off-street parking, calm traffic, reduce congestion, promote walking and biking, provide for pedestrian safety improvements and improve neighborhood appearance. Downtown has several major regional attractions that create a need for smart parking management such as the San Diego Bay and waterfront, the Convention Center, Petco Park, the Historic Gaslamp Quarter restaurants and retail, and India Street restaurants and retail, to name a few. The Downtown Community Parking District is administered by Civic San Diego. For more information, please visit: https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time/vintage-trolley

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Open House San Diego

Celebrating architecture, urban design & the built environment One weekend. Free access. Iconic architecture. The doors are open for you to explore. With 47 curated sites throughout Downtown, Bankers Hill and Barrio Logan, we invite you to celebrate our beautiful city’s built environment on March 25 & 26. For more information, please visit: http://sdarchitecture.org/program/openhouse/