Found paper bag puppet, yellow Easter egg button talking green bear, pink button, street, San Mateo, California, USA

Found paper bag puppet, yellow Easter egg button talking green bear, pink button, street, San Mateo, California, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Poster Design, Lamdré, The Path and Its Fruit, Photography Exhibit and User Research Capstone Poster

Poster Design, Lamdré, The Path and Its Fruit, Photography Exhibit and User Research Capstone Poster, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Lamdré, The Path and Its Fruit, photo exhibit Sakya Tibetan Buddhist Anuttarayoga Empowerment, University of Washington iSchool Master of Information Management Capstone Poster, Seattle, Washington, USA

Abstract
The ancient beauty of Buddhism in the Tibetan culture spilling out into the world shares something important in common with the new science of user centered design – a recursive process leading to the benefit of others. This ongoing photographic exhibit documents a more than 1000 year-old tradition, a Tibetan Buddhist 'Wong' or formal empowerment into highest yoga tantra religious practice. Communicating about a vibrant and esoteric religious culture reveals increasingly deep levels of understanding, yet this culture and information becomes easier to approach and understand with design iterations that interact with the viewer. Written and visual information create effective facets by interacting with end users in the planning and ongoing stages – using surveys, tagging-term matching, comments, discussions, structure, interactivity, use trends, pattern-detection, and incorporating changes.

UW iSchool Master of Information Management Capstone Poster MSIM

UW iSchool Master of Information Management Capstone Poster MSIM, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

use ALL SIZES magnifying glass control above image to view at larger size

www.bluelotusplanet.com
This site is just a shell right now...

Abstract
The ancient beauty of Buddhism in the Tibetan culture spilling out into the world shares something important in common with the new science of user centered design – a recursive process leading to the benefit of others. This ongoing photographic exhibit documents a more than 1000 year-old tradition, a Tibetan Buddhist 'Wong' or formal empowerment into highest yoga tantra religious practice.

Communicating about a vibrant and esoteric religious culture reveals increasingly deep levels of understanding, yet this culture and information becomes easier to approach and understand with design iterations that interact with the viewer.

Written and visual information create effective facets by interacting with end users in the planning and ongoing stages – using surveys, tagging-term matching, comments, discussions, structure, interactivity, use trends, pattern-detection, and incorporating changes.

Thank you to my sponsor His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya and to:

• Mike Crandall, Chair of the iSchool, University of Washington
• Dr. Karine Barzilai-Nahon, project advisor, iSchool, University of Washington
• Erin Schulz, statistics instructor, Technical Communication, University of Washington
• Steve Matlock, technical editor
• The archivist of the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, who prefers, as per religious tradition, not to have his name included
• Dr. Thomas F. Yarnall, Buddhist Studies, Columbia University, sponsor
• Dr. Cyrus Stearns, Buddhist Studies scholar, translator, author
• And my University of Washington MSIM2008 cohort who assisted in the tagging survey

Nightlight

Nightlight, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

C'mon, at least someone is made of money! TV ad, random shot, Seattle, Washington, USA

C'mon, at least someone is made of money! TV ad, random shot, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

It's almost light - gossamer khatak (ritual white scarf) presented to a student by His Holiness Dagchen Sakya, Lamdre, Tharlam Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal

It's almost light - gossamer khatak (ritual white scarf) presented to a student by His Holiness Dagchen Sakya, Lamdre, Tharlam Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

John the chimney sweeper, specialist, in a traditional red and black checked jacket, checks out the flue with a flashlight, fireplace, vacumn, chair, fireplace screen, living room, Broadview, Seattle, Washington, USA

John the chimney sweeper, specialist, in a traditional red and black checked jacket, checks out the flue with a flashlight, fireplace, vacumn, chair, fireplace screen, living room, Broadview, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

The pink heart masoleum, cross, cemetery, overlooking the Sea of Cortez, San Rosalita, Baja California Sur, Mexico

The pink heart masoleum, cross, cemetery, overlooking the Sea of Cortez, San Rosalita, Baja California Sur, Mexico, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Lady Momma and Rose Alice Lane, starving in the cemetery when I first brought them food, twilight under a heart marked tomb, San Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Lady Momma and Rose Alice Lane, starving in the cemetery when I first brought them food, twilight under a heart marked tomb, San Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

It is a terrible photo but I was just concerned with feeding these starving dogs, not shooting photos... I had returned to the car to get my knife and shot this image. I broke open the eggs, and cut open the milk. That is not a paper bag, that is Rose the eldest, strongest puppy under the recently laid wreath.

Lady Momma eluded capture and brought me all the puppies eventually. I loaded her into the car in more than 100 degree heat, stopped next to rocky cliff, under pressure to drive on - with the local Mexican people holding onto their dogs so she could be rescued.

Lady Momma was soon adopted (July 2009) from the Helen Woodward Center for Animals in San Diego, California, after getting all her shots and being fixed by the local vet here in San Rosalia.

All four puppies were adopted - I took Rose because I could not resist. I take her to all the Buddhist initiations and empowerments possible in Seatte, in the hopes she can save all sentient beings when she becomes human.

Why this means so much to me:

My sister Lisa asked to be buried under a heart shaped headstone reading "Not Boring" - she committed suicide after trying to recover for 4 years after a devastating accident. A drunk driver hit her at high speed while driving a truck in Fairbanks at 6 in the morning 4 days after New Years. He did not recall the accident. She did.

Lisa killed herself with a shot to her head, using a gun she had hidden away from numerous people whose care she was in, on Thanksgiving night 1999.

Stained glass window, Iglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalia, Designed by Gustave Eiffel, Gothic, pre-fabricated, Metal church, San Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, dedicated 1887

Stained glass window, Iglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalia, Designed by Gustave Eiffel, Gothic, pre-fabricated, Metal church, San Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, dedicated 1887, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Metal building showing rust and wear, outset stained glass window, Inglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Metal building showing rust and wear, outset stained glass window, Inglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Church door, supports, stained glass window, Inglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Church door, supports, stained glass window, Inglesia Santa Barbara de Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Pentecost celebration decorations, Nave, pews, fans, decoration, Metal Church, designed by Gustave Eiffel, San Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Pentecost celebration decorations, Nave, pews, fans, decoration, Metal Church, designed by Gustave Eiffel, San Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Tibetan men, boys, monks, wearing chubas, Tibetan style shirts, Buddhist maroon robes, walking in the street, talking on the cell, celebration of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama's birthday, Tibetans at Kalachakra, Washington D.C., USA

Tibetan men, boys, monks, wearing chubas, Tibetan style shirts, Buddhist maroon robes, walking in the street, talking on the cell, celebration of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama's birthday, Tibetans at Kalachakra, Washington D.C., USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Tibetans, monk, laypeople, pointing out, malas, nun, departing Sakya Lamdre, Tharlam Monastery, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tibetans, monk, laypeople, pointing out, malas, nun, departing Sakya Lamdre, Tharlam Monastery, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Buddhism in American Culture: Super Bowl ad, with Timothy Hutton, Tibetan Buddhist restaurant, Buddha statue, thangkas, flowers, TV, mirror, lamp, Buddha statue, gold curtains, Seattle, Washington, USA

Buddhism in American Culture: Super Bowl ad, with Timothy Hutton, Tibetan Buddhist restaurant, Buddha statue, thangkas, flowers, TV, mirror, lamp, Buddha statue, gold curtains, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Happy Easter, Boiling eggs in a pot with ladle in water, San Mateo, California, USA

Happy Easter, Boiling eggs in a pot with ladle in water, San Mateo, California, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

A little Tibetan girl in the long shadows of the day with her bike, Dharma Wheel, front gate of Tharlam Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, ornate carving, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal

A little Tibetan girl in the long shadows of the day with her bike, Dharma Wheel, front gate of Tharlam Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, ornate carving, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche's wish fulfilling jewel throne, red hat, Double salmon Haida Tlingit style, cedar, Vancouver Welcomes Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche to the West Coast of North America, Long House, B.C. Canada

Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche's wish fulfilling jewel throne, red hat, Double salmon Haida Tlingit style, cedar, Vancouver Welcomes Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche to the West Coast of North America, Long House, B.C. Canada, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Double fish is one of the 8 auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism

Chinese man riding on the back of a golden carp, colored ceramic, decorative paper, Chinese store, International District, Seattle, Washington, USA

Chinese man riding on the back of a golden carp, colored ceramic, decorative paper, Chinese store, International District, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Twin mossy trees reflect their love for each other, in a bramble, winter, Seattle, Washington, USA

Twin mossy trees reflect their love for each other, in a bramble, winter, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Takes so little visual information to know so much; Coming in heavy, over Hi 5, and Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, USA

Takes so little visual information to know so much; Coming in heavy, over Hi 5, and Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Backstreet memory, International District, Seattle, Washington, USA

Backstreet memory, International District, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

actually only Rosie is here - the rest of the "people" are photos already on the window, walls, and doorway

Guardian King, Blue Dharma Lord sitting on a tiger skin on his own island, Naga lifting gold lotus bowl of wish fulfilling jewels, wall mural, Gelugpa Monastery, Pharping, Nepal

Guardian King, Blue Dharma Lord sitting on a tiger skin on his own island, Naga lifting gold lotus bowl of wish fulfilling jewels, wall mural, Gelugpa Monastery, Pharping, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Rosie takes off for a run in the snow, stacked logs, fences, alley, Seattle, Washington, USA

Rosie takes off for a run in the snow, stacked logs, fences, alley, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Snow covered news boxes, CHASE ATM, lights, 8500 Greenwood, CHASE Bank, tree, winter, Seattle, Washington, USA

Snow covered news boxes, CHASE ATM, lights, 8500 Greenwood, CHASE Bank, tree, winter, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Black Buddha, aura, contemporary design, trees, Golden Gardens, Seattle, Washington, USA

Black Buddha, aura, contemporary design, trees, Golden Gardens, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Thai Buddha statue in the abhaya mudra, wood with gold, Uma Thai restaurant, Ballard, Seattle, Washington, USA

Thai Buddha statue in the abhaya mudra, wood with gold, Uma Thai restaurant, Ballard, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Pink and blue, large Buddha statue, hand extended palm out, little Bodhisattva holding a lotus, on a lotus, steps to Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal

Pink and blue, large Buddha statue, hand extended palm out, little Bodhisattva holding a lotus, on a lotus, steps to Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Painted Buddha in heart reaching mudra, vase of victory, red and blue, wall mural, Lama G's Cafe, Fremont, Seattle, Washington, USA

Painted Buddha in heart reaching mudra, vase of victory, red and blue, wall mural, Lama G's Cafe, Fremont, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Avalokiteśvara Statue, Chenrayzee, Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal

Avalokiteśvara Statue, Chenrayzee, Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Buddha statue abhaya mudra

Buddha statue abhaya mudra, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Garden for the Buddha, through the window, rainy day, trees, everything planted except grass, Seattle, Washington, USA

Garden for the Buddha, through the window, rainy day, trees, everything planted except grass, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Four Buddhas in two mudras, prayer wheels - Tibetan Buddhist goods for sale, Boudha Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal

Four Buddhas in two mudras, prayer wheels - Tibetan Buddhist goods for sale, Boudha Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Cape buffeted by the wind, General George Washington praying with his gloves and boots on, sword by his side, bronze statue, Old Washington State Capitol Building, light gray sandstone, leafy green oak tree, Olympia, Washington, USA

Cape buffeted by the wind, General George Washington praying with his gloves and boots on, sword by his side, bronze statue, Old Washington State Capitol Building, light gray sandstone, leafy green oak tree, Olympia, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

General George Washington riding a white horse, holding a sword, painted wood board, De Young Museum, San Francisco, California, USA

General George Washington riding a white horse, holding a sword, painted wood board, De Young Museum, San Francisco, California, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Earth touching mudra, calling to witness enlightenment, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Seattle, Washington, USA

Earth touching mudra, calling to witness enlightenment, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Everything that is expounded by the Victorious Ones (Buddhas) of the three times in the eighty-four thousand Gateways to the Dharma Is incomprehensible (unless you understand intrinsic awareness).

Everything that is expounded by the Victorious Ones (Buddhas) of the three times in the eighty-four thousand Gateways to the Dharma Is incomprehensible (unless you understand intrinsic awareness)., a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Buddha statue in meditation pose, robe, blue, concrete, Lake City Way, Seattle, Washington, USA

Buddha statue in meditation pose, robe, blue, concrete, Lake City Way, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Peeking between his cousin and grandfather, we see young Sakya Prince - Lama HE Avikritar Rinpoche turning a silk cloth, symbol of the deity, Tharlam Monastery, Bodha, Kathmandu, Nepal

Peeking between his cousin and grandfather, we see young Sakya Prince - Lama HE Avikritar Rinpoche turning a silk cloth, symbol of the deity, Tharlam Monastery, Bodha, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Complex desk with empty coffee cup, statues of Vajrasattva, Our Lady of Guadalupe, electric prayer wheel, Hevajra photo and statue, glasses, candles, laptop, prayers, Broadview, Seattle, Washington, USA

Complex desk with empty coffee cup, statues of Vajrasattva, Our Lady of Guadalupe, electric prayer wheel, Hevajra photo and statue, glasses, candles, laptop, prayers, Broadview, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Historical painting of George Washington, as a general, damaged, De Young Museum, San Francisco, California, USA

Historical painting of George Washington, as a general, damaged, De Young Museum, San Francisco, California, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Portrait of George Washington, figure in background, De Young Museum, San Francisco, California, USA

Portrait of George Washington, figure in background, De Young Museum, San Francisco, California, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

A rainbow over the University of Washington from the south side of Portage Bay, near the Montlake Cut, Seattle, Washington, USA

A rainbow over the University of Washington from the south side of Portage Bay, near the Montlake Cut, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Volunteers in blue shirts with khatas, flower offerings, preparing for mandala offering to His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Kalachakra for World Peace, Verizon Center, Washington D.C., USA

Volunteers in blue shirts with khatas, flower offerings, preparing for mandala offering to His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Kalachakra for World Peace, Verizon Center, Washington D.C., USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, Vajrapani in Peaceful form, Korean style, a shell, Seattle, Washington, USA

Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, Vajrapani in Peaceful form, Korean style, a shell, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Gold painted concrete statue of standing Buddha in varada-mudrā mudra, holding his robes, with standing lions, 5 Buddhas, columns, offerings on lotus, near where Buddha gained enlightenment, BodhGaya, H.P., India in 1993

Gold painted concrete statue of standing Buddha in varada-mudrā mudra, holding his robes, with standing lions, 5 Buddhas, columns, offerings on lotus, near where Buddha gained enlightenment, BodhGaya, H.P., India in 1993, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Carved Buddha statue in wood, slight smile, eyes closed, detailed robes, orange wall, prayer flags, store, Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Carved Buddha statue in wood, slight smile, eyes closed, detailed robes, orange wall, prayer flags, store, Anchorage, Alaska, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Buddha statue and Rosie, backyard, Seattle, Washington, USA

Buddha statue and Rosie, backyard, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Buddha statue in niche with evidence of offerings, hands in teaching and intellectual discussion, or argument without fear, legs in the lotus position, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal

Buddha statue in niche with evidence of offerings, hands in teaching and intellectual discussion, or argument without fear, legs in the lotus position, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.