Let's Get Started - Week 1

Week 1

The Dharma-water runs under the rocks;  

Keep digging down and get the water from the depths.

If you really know the inconceivable power of the Vow,

Anjin comes to you even though you do not seek it.     ~ Rev. Zuiken Inagaki

Let's get started

You may have heard the art term "altered book".  It is simply taking an old, discarded book and transforming it into a journal or a work of art by altering the pages in an artistic fashion.

I suggest that you think out of the box and use the "altered book" method to create your Amida52 art journal.

First steps:

• Find a used or discarded book (8.5 x 11 inches) with at least 250 pages.  I have found great books to alter at Goodwill, used book stores (sometimes they have free books that have torn pages,etc..perfect for this project).  A hard back book works best.  Pages with thicker paper are good, too.  Remember you will be altering this book completely.  Gluing, painting, and/or writing on the pages.  You will make it YOUR book with each passing week.  
• Now, here comes a step that may feel difficult or even "wrong" to do.  Do not worry, you are creating a new book and giving life to this old, discarded book.  Remove (tear out for a artsy affect) or cut out with a straight blade every 3-4 pages of the book until you have 52 pages remaining.  (Look and see how many pages your book contains and divide by 52 weeks).  If you would like to have a 2 page spread for each week then make sure your book has at least 450 pages and remove every 3-4 pages).  I am sure you can do the math!

Some supplies to have on hand:

• glue
• tape
• scissors
• x-acto knife
• ruler or a straight edge of some sort
• old magazines
• water color paints
• color markers
• crayons
• pencils
• pens
• modge podge Make your own modge podge
• any and all scrapbooking materials (though I must warn you, this can be addictive and expensive)

If you can't bring yourself to alter an old book then you will need:

• A blank notebook with a minimum of 52 pages (1 page per week for a year)

Here are some examples of an altered book:

These pages have been painted and decorated.

Images have been cut and pasted onto the pages.

Use your imagination.

This first week's "nudge" is to decorate the front and back of your Amida52 art journal.  You might paint the book cover with paint, let it dry and attach images or words that will inspire you to return again and again to your journal.  Maybe you will cover the book with patterned paper.  Maybe it will be just a color, maybe one image, maybe a whole series of images...it is your choice...this is a process.  

Living a life in the Nembutsu is a process.  It is the process of you and I waking up and being aware of Amida's light shining always.  Compassion is at work....wisdom is at work...now, let us work on reflecting the light and shine!

Have fun...

Namu Amida Butsu
Jishin