The world is what it is; we have to face what is happening around us, our relationships, or just whatever goes on in our own mind. We cannot expect it all to go away. We have to be practical otherwise, we just create further suffering for ourselves. - Dzigar Kongtrul
If you don't like your job, why
not make a change and create a relationship to work which doesn't doesn't bring you more suffering? - Victor M. Parachin You have to be extremely careful before taking someone on as a guru; there are many impostors around. Westerners tend to believe too easily. Eastern people are much more skeptical. Take your time; relax; check up. - Lama Yeshe
Once the Buddha was staying near Kosambī in the Siṁsapā forest. Then, picking up a few leaves with his hand, he asked the monks, “What do you think, monks? Which are more numerous, the few leaves in my hand or those overhead in the forest?”
“The leaves in the hand of the Buddha are few in number, Lord. Those overhead in the forest are far more numerous.” “In the same way, monks, those things that I have known with direct knowledge but have not taught are far more numerous than what I have taught. And why haven’t I taught them? Because they are not connected with the goal, do not relate to the essentials of the holy life, and do not lead to disenchantment, to dispassion, to cessation, to stilling, to direct knowledge, to self-awakening, to liberation. That is why I have not taught them. “And what have I taught? ‘This is suffering. This is the origination of suffering. This is the cessation of suffering. This is the path of practice leading to the cessation of suffering.’ This is what I have taught. And why have I taught these things? Because they are connected with the goal, relate to the essentials of the holy life, and lead to disenchantment, to dispassion, to cessation, to stilling, to direct knowledge, to self-awakening, to liberation. This is why I have taught them. —Buddha Shakyamuni, Siṁsapā Sutra (SN 56:31) In his book, The Art of Disappearing, Ajahn Brahm suggests that a key reason why many people feel like meditation failures is because they haven't brought wisdom into the practice. "When people meditate they often use too much force; they just keep bashing away at the same place. lack of progress isn't always due to insufficient effort or motivation, or too little time spent on the meditation cushion or walking the path. Sometimes it's just that the wisdom isn't sharp enough to get through the problems, and if your only had a bit more wisdom, you would suffer less and achieve deeper states more quickly. Thus, cultivating the faculty of wisdom is extremely important."
We can achieve interesting things, when we move people’s minds. A good work is peaceful and leads to a chain of other good works. - Nichidatsu Fujii
The more patient you are with people, the more patience you will have. The more generous you are today, the more generosity you will have tomorrow. The more love you give, the more loving you become. - Eknath Easwaran
(public domain image from www.pixabay.com) Celebrated on every continent, October 16th is designated World Spine Day to bring attention to the importance of the spine for overall health and comfort. The objectives of world spine day include:
World Spine Day was organized by the World Federation of Chiropractic practitioners. The monastic community of Thich Nhat Hanh, whom they affectionately refer to as Thay published an update on the well-being of their founder to mark the occasion of his 93rd birthday (October 14th), providing a detailed account of his current circumstances.
Over the last few days, Thay’s monastic students from across Vietnam have been gathering at Từ Hiếu Temple to celebrate his “continuation day.” Brothers have come from nearby Từ Đức Temple, and sisters have arrived from the South. To celebrate this special day, the monastics have created an exhibition of Thay’s books in the Full Moon Meditation Hall. Thay has been coming out in his wheelchair every day to admire the preparations and savor the joyful atmosphere. Today, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate and offer their best wishes. The monastic community can feel the strength, peace, alertness, and vitality of Thay’s presence, and the warmth and harmony he is bringing to Từ Hiếu. These are the last few sunny days before the rains arrive. Despite the heat and humidity of recent months, Thay has coped very well, perhaps because this is the climate of his youth. (For some of Thay’s attendants, the hot weather has been much more challenging!) From time to time he has a chance to visit the beach for a few days, just thirty minutes from the temple. Thay’s health remains fairly stable overall, although from time to time he faces challenges with appetite, sleep, and physical discomfort. Thay continues to receive regular treatments from acupuncturists and physiotherapists, which are very beneficial. Meditation is training for the mind, helping us become less controlled by stressful thoughts and emotions. - Gelong Thubten
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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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