“On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Vesak Day around the world. As Buddhist communities everywhere celebrate the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, we pause to reflect on and honor the universal values of peace, tolerance and compassion the founder of Buddhism embodied. The United States is proud to host a vibrant and diverse Buddhist community, as it joins Buddhists around the world in celebrating Vesak Day. Buddhism’s spiritual and cultural contributions have enriched our shared human heritage over more than two millennia. We wish you all a joyous and peaceful Vesak.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wished a happy Vesak Day, which celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, to Buddhists around the world on behalf of the US government.
“On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Vesak Day around the world. As Buddhist communities everywhere celebrate the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, we pause to reflect on and honor the universal values of peace, tolerance and compassion the founder of Buddhism embodied. The United States is proud to host a vibrant and diverse Buddhist community, as it joins Buddhists around the world in celebrating Vesak Day. Buddhism’s spiritual and cultural contributions have enriched our shared human heritage over more than two millennia. We wish you all a joyous and peaceful Vesak.” . . . drop your expectations!
That's the wisdom and advice offered by modern Chinese Zen Master Sheng Yen. Whether you are at an evening meditation retreat or one for a weekend or longer, arrive without expectations. Here's how Master Sheng explains: "The sole purpose of a meditation retreat is to meditate. You should keep your attention entirely on practice, without trying to attain any results. Since many of you have traveled far, or have worked hard to set aside the time, you have a great deal invested in this retreat. It is natural that you want to gain something. But once you enter the retreat you must put aside any specific hopes. "Practicing with a goal in mind is like trying to catcha feather with a fan. The more kyou go after it, the more it eludes you. But if you sneak up on it slowly, you can grab it. The aim of practice is to develop patience and forbearance,t o train your mind to become calm and stable. Any attachment or seeking will prevent your mind from settling down." My time is my most precious possession, so I am very careful how I use it.
- Thubten Chodron ![]() (public domain image from www.pixabay.com) Every year in May, near the day of the full moon, Vesak or Buddha's birthday is celebrated. It's the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. Each Buddhist culture and country has its own traditions for the day, but it is celebrated across Asia such as - India, Thailand, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and more. Many Buddhists will go to their local temple and some might even stay there throughout the day and night of the full moon. Many will increase the doing of good deeds, take part in chanting and meditation, reflect on Buddhist teachings, bring offerings to the temple and share food with people. Families may decorate their homes with lanterns, take part in processions and wear special white clothes to mark the occasion. Friends and family may also send cards to each other. A ceremony called Bathing the Buddha may also be held, when water is poured over the shoulders of the Buddha to remind people to clear their minds of negative thoughts like greed and hatred. Please join us in Tulsa on Friday, May 24th to celebrate Vesak - Buddha's Birthday - at at 2 hour meditation retreat, 6 - 9 pm. Actress, singer and entertainer died this week at 97. Though she is most remembered for her television show and the songs she recorded (Que Sera Sera) it's likely her long term influence will be on behalf of animals.
Throughout her illustrious career, Day fought for animal-rights and is famously quoted saying, “I’ve never met an animal I didn’t like, and I can’t say the same thing about people.” In 1971, Day founded the non-profit organization Actors and Others for Animals with the mission to implement animal welfare standards within the film industry. And, in 1978, the activist founded the Doris Day Pet Foundation (now called the “Doris Day Animal Foundation”) to help control the homeless companion animal population through initiatives such as World Spay Day—which helped spay and neuter 1.5 million animals in its first 15 years. Day also supported various initiatives to shut down puppy mills, created the Doris Day Animal League (now a part of the Humane Society of the United States) as a voice for the animals in legislation, and helped airlift the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina to safety in 2005. On her 90th birthday, in lieu of gifts, Day asked fans to donate to Doris Day Animal Foundation, raising approximately $100,000 to support her cause. (source: veg news) When we spend time with people who
are calm and peaceful, we become calm and peaceful. When we spend time with people who are agitated and angry, we become agitated and angry. Our choice! - Victor M. Parachin The path to perfection will only lead to exhaustion and disappointment; meanwhile, your actual life will be passing you by. - Mark Van Buren
Though Buddhism is classified as a world religion, it's really a solid, practical psychology for dealing with life. Buddhism has much to offer any person struggling and seeking to recover from alcohol, drug and other behavioral addictions. Here's an insight I appreciate very much from a Buddhist view but with application to the good work AA does:
“I find that using certain Buddhist teachings as higher powers—the power of karma, the power of mindfulness, the power of lovingkindness—is very useful for people who struggle with the kind of theistic tone of the language in the 12 steps,” said Kevin Griffin, a Buddhist teacher, writer of Recovering Joy: A Mindful Life After Addiction A Buddhist monk received a call from a lay member of his temple. "Would you please come to my house today and perform a blessing?"
"I'm sorry, I can't come because I'm busy" replied the monk. "Well, what are you doing?" inquired the caller. "Nothing! That's what monks are supposed to do," he answered. "Okay" said the caller and hung up. The lay Buddhist called again the next day asking: "Would you please come to my house today and perform a blessing?" "I'm sorry, I can't come because I'm busy," replied the monk. "What are you doing?" asked the caller. "Nothing" replied the monk. "But that's what you were doing yesterday," complained the caller. "Yes" replied the monk. "But I'm not finished yet!" You may not always be
an ocean of bliss, but think that way anyway and it will help. - Maharishi Mahesh |
Victor M. Parachin ...is aVedic educator, yoga instructor, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of a dozen books. Buy his books at amazon or your local bookstore. Archives
July 2024
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