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Thought for the Day: July 1, 2010
If we consider ourselves dharma practitioners everyday we should ask what that means. It is our
responsibility to continually review the dharma, know what it is, and contemplate ways to express it in
our lives. This is what it means to understand the dharma's function. Each of us will express the same
imagination continually to find opportunities to express outwardly what we are discovering inwardly. We
are dharma practitioners only as far as we practice the dharma.
Something I find helpful is engaging in inward dialogue with myself asking such basic questions as what
is giving, what is morality, what is patience, what is vigor, etc., and exhausting my imagination on a very
any shortcomings in one's own understanding.
There are as many ways to express the dharma as there are individuals to express it. The Buddha gave us
the guidelines that will keep us from developing misguided views and unprofitable actions, so we may
safely explore how we wish to manifest the truths in our own lives and it is our responsibility to do so. This
is how we honor the teachings, and what makes the dharma interesting and fun and most important,
beneficial, for ourselves and those we around us.
* * *
If we consider ourselves dharma practitioners everyday we should ask what that means. It is our
responsibility to continually review the dharma, know what it is, and contemplate ways to express it in
our lives. This is what it means to understand the dharma's function. Each of us will express the same
imagination continually to find opportunities to express outwardly what we are discovering inwardly. We
are dharma practitioners only as far as we practice the dharma.
Something I find helpful is engaging in inward dialogue with myself asking such basic questions as what
is giving, what is morality, what is patience, what is vigor, etc., and exhausting my imagination on a very
any shortcomings in one's own understanding.
There are as many ways to express the dharma as there are individuals to express it. The Buddha gave us
the guidelines that will keep us from developing misguided views and unprofitable actions, so we may
safely explore how we wish to manifest the truths in our own lives and it is our responsibility to do so. This
is how we honor the teachings, and what makes the dharma interesting and fun and most important,
beneficial, for ourselves and those we around us.
* * *
"Surrender" is a dharma that weaves its way in and out of many aspects of dharma practice. It is chiefly
associated with devotional practice, but it is a mistake to confine it here. Surrender can play an integral
part in our daily activities and help us to foster proper mindfulness while engaged in them, a principle
goal of any cultivator of the way. If we wish to practice mindfulness in our daily activities it is important
that we are free of likes and dislikes and look upon whatever it is before us with equanimity. Surrender
can help us do this; because it allows us to offer ourselves wholeheartedly to the task at hand, whatever
it may be, and this in turn facilitates mindfulness and a sense of well being.
* * *
My Teacher, Master Hsuan Hua, said; "Truly recognize your own faults and don't discuss the faults of
others, others' faults are just my own, being one with all beings, just this is great compassion." If we see
a fault in another, it is almost certain that the same fault exists within ourselves, in some manner or
form, that we can discover with a little conscious effort. The first reaction when we see a fault should be
reflective rather than reactive. Introspection is a positive use of energy, but dwelling on another's fault
consumes our energy to no avail.
* * *
others, others' faults are just my own, being one with all beings, just this is great compassion." If we see
a fault in another, it is almost certain that the same fault exists within ourselves, in some manner or
form, that we can discover with a little conscious effort. The first reaction when we see a fault should be
reflective rather than reactive. Introspection is a positive use of energy, but dwelling on another's fault
consumes our energy to no avail.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 4, 2010
Dharmas are like tools that we use to become better people, and, like any other tool, requires that we
know when to pick them up and when to lay them aside. We never want to cling tenaciously to a dharma
truth. If we were to see a house on fire with some kids in it we might lie like crazy to coax them out,
saying we have toys, animals, carts, etc for them; all blatant lies that served no other purpose but saving
their lives. If we had told the truth, that the house was on fire, they might not have believed us and
continued playing. When practicing the dharma we should always look at the dharma's intent and our
own intent and keep them aligned. We should always be flexible and never cling to the dharma
unnecessarily and we must clearly know when to put it aside. If we diligently practice the dharma as
much as we can we will quite naturally recognize when to lay it aside; but if we are slack in our dharma
practice we will have a difficult time recognizing this.
* * *
Dharmas are like tools that we use to become better people, and, like any other tool, requires that we
know when to pick them up and when to lay them aside. We never want to cling tenaciously to a dharma
truth. If we were to see a house on fire with some kids in it we might lie like crazy to coax them out,
saying we have toys, animals, carts, etc for them; all blatant lies that served no other purpose but saving
their lives. If we had told the truth, that the house was on fire, they might not have believed us and
continued playing. When practicing the dharma we should always look at the dharma's intent and our
own intent and keep them aligned. We should always be flexible and never cling to the dharma
unnecessarily and we must clearly know when to put it aside. If we diligently practice the dharma as
much as we can we will quite naturally recognize when to lay it aside; but if we are slack in our dharma
practice we will have a difficult time recognizing this.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 5, 2010
When we study the dharma or listen to enlightened discourse or receive initiation, what takes root will
depend more on how we have prepared our mind than the teaching or initiation received. That is why
the mind is often referred to as a "field" of enlightenment. Just as a farmer's seed will not grow well in a
field that is poorly prepared, out mind will not become illumined by the dharma unless we prepare it, no
should be to prepare our mind by utilizing a few dharmas well, rather than accumulating many
teachings and initiations that are poorly understood and practiced.
* * *
When we study the dharma or listen to enlightened discourse or receive initiation, what takes root will
depend more on how we have prepared our mind than the teaching or initiation received. That is why
the mind is often referred to as a "field" of enlightenment. Just as a farmer's seed will not grow well in a
field that is poorly prepared, out mind will not become illumined by the dharma unless we prepare it, no
should be to prepare our mind by utilizing a few dharmas well, rather than accumulating many
teachings and initiations that are poorly understood and practiced.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 6, 2010
Pay attention to your own practice and discipline and don't worry about what other people are doing. It
is impossible to find the best way for yourself by paying attention to others. What may be discipline for
another, may be easy and natural for you, what may be a sacrifice for you, may not be for someone else,
the dharma door that awakens you, may not be right for another. We all respond in very different ways
to the dharma and that is why Buddhism is so diverse and offers so many paths to awakening. It is our
own responsibility to sort things out and discover what works for us, and paying too much attention to
what others are doing won't help. Our job (and responsibility) is to examine dharma doors with an eye
towards recognizing those that we have an affinity with and putting them into practice. Practice should
be kept as simple as possible with a tight focus. "Building" a personal practice takes time. A good life
that reflects the qualities we are seeking to develop. What all of this consists of and is right is not fixed;
the dharma is like a endless buffet and it is the responsibility of each one of us to be sensitive to
* * *
Pay attention to your own practice and discipline and don't worry about what other people are doing. It
is impossible to find the best way for yourself by paying attention to others. What may be discipline for
another, may be easy and natural for you, what may be a sacrifice for you, may not be for someone else,
the dharma door that awakens you, may not be right for another. We all respond in very different ways
to the dharma and that is why Buddhism is so diverse and offers so many paths to awakening. It is our
own responsibility to sort things out and discover what works for us, and paying too much attention to
what others are doing won't help. Our job (and responsibility) is to examine dharma doors with an eye
towards recognizing those that we have an affinity with and putting them into practice. Practice should
be kept as simple as possible with a tight focus. "Building" a personal practice takes time. A good life
that reflects the qualities we are seeking to develop. What all of this consists of and is right is not fixed;
the dharma is like a endless buffet and it is the responsibility of each one of us to be sensitive to
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 7, 2010
The primary task of the Buddha was to remove ignorance. The Buddha never "bestowed" we all share
the same enlightened nature and that there is fundamentally no difference between ourselves and our
neighbors and brothers and sisters on the planet, or the Buddha.
The fact that we do think there is a fundamental difference between ourselves and the Buddha leads us
to think that enlightenment is a created state, a new state of being, and this in turn leads to our practice
is an attitude of mind more than anything else.
* * *
The primary task of the Buddha was to remove ignorance. The Buddha never "bestowed" we all share
the same enlightened nature and that there is fundamentally no difference between ourselves and our
neighbors and brothers and sisters on the planet, or the Buddha.
The fact that we do think there is a fundamental difference between ourselves and the Buddha leads us
to think that enlightenment is a created state, a new state of being, and this in turn leads to our practice
is an attitude of mind more than anything else.
* * *
Buddhism we should draw from its many wells and build a balanced and well integrated practice.
Buddhism we should draw from its many wells and build a balanced and well integrated practice.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 9, 2010
Buddhism teaches mindfulness of breathing; sometimes referred to as simply "watching the breath."
When we engage in this practice we allow our mind to rest on the breath and let all other thoughts
dissolve into the breath. We may do this in many ways, such as being aware of the chill on the nostrils
Buddhism teaches mindfulness of breathing; sometimes referred to as simply "watching the breath." is
the flow of air that we are aware of, but the breath is not just air; it is supported by an inner breath,
When we engage in this practice we allow our mind to rest on the breath and let all other thoughts
dissolve into the breath. We may do this in many ways, such as being aware of the chill on the nostrils
as the breath moves in and the warmth of the exhale, and many other ways, as well. In the beginning, it
is the flow of air that we are aware of, but the breath is not just air; it is supported by an inner breath,
prana, that is the support for the outer breath. If we are successful in our mindfulness of the flow of our
outer breath, and are able to rest without distraction upon it, we will gradually become aware of the
inner breath which will emerge as a support, and like a rocket that leaves an earlier stage behind, our
attention will be attracted to this inner breath as our outer breath loses its attractiveness.
* * *
Buddhism teaches mindfulness of breathing; sometimes referred to as simply "watching the breath."
When we engage in this practice we allow our mind to rest on the breath and let all other thoughts
dissolve into the breath. We may do this in many ways, such as being aware of the chill on the nostrils
Buddhism teaches mindfulness of breathing; sometimes referred to as simply "watching the breath." is
the flow of air that we are aware of, but the breath is not just air; it is supported by an inner breath,
When we engage in this practice we allow our mind to rest on the breath and let all other thoughts
dissolve into the breath. We may do this in many ways, such as being aware of the chill on the nostrils
as the breath moves in and the warmth of the exhale, and many other ways, as well. In the beginning, it
is the flow of air that we are aware of, but the breath is not just air; it is supported by an inner breath,
prana, that is the support for the outer breath. If we are successful in our mindfulness of the flow of our
outer breath, and are able to rest without distraction upon it, we will gradually become aware of the
inner breath which will emerge as a support, and like a rocket that leaves an earlier stage behind, our
attention will be attracted to this inner breath as our outer breath loses its attractiveness.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 10, 2010
I had about the same natural ability as I had in my previous sports, which is next to none. But, I had
the good fortune to be friends with some of the best surfers of my time and regularly surfed with them.
surfing as an obstruction to my spiritual quest, I sold my board and spent a couple of years meditating
in Hawaiian jungles, before moving to India. It wasn't long after that I became personal friends of
some highly accomplished Buddhist lamas and a student of some of them. I kept my associations The
The benefits of associating with the right people cannot be underestimated. As a young aspiring surfer
benefits of associating with the right people cannot be underestimated. As a young aspiring surfer
limited to those who were better than me, or stayed alone. This habit of staying to myself or with those
superior helped me overcome my very much handicapped spiritual potential and break through my
superior helped me overcome my very much handicapped spiritual potential and break through my
limitations; something I could never have done on my own. Although I cannot claim even a small bit
limitations; something I could never have done on my own. Although I cannot claim even a small bit
of enlightenment, I am firmly rooted on the path, and my faith is unshakable; the blessings of my of
enlightenment, I am firmly rooted on the path, and my faith is unshakable; the blessings of my teachers
and practice I am eternally grateful for.
The Buddha was not silent on the topic of right companionship. He made it a point to emphasize to
his disciples that they should associate "with those who are superior to themselves or at least their
equal."
Right association is almost as important as right practice and that is why the Buddha stressed the
importance of the sangha, the community of fellow dharma practitioners. Friends with similar spiritual
aspirations will help our own be realized, particularly if they are further along than we are. Whenever
possible we should listen to enlightened discourse and visit a spiritual master. We need not visit a
spiritual master often, what is more important is that we practice diligently so that when the occasion
arises we are ripe and ready to receive his teachings. We should vow everyday to cultivate enlightened
friendship, and pray that life after life we will have the good fortune to meet once again with our
spiritual companions and receive the instructions of our teachers until we reach enlightenment.
* * *
I had about the same natural ability as I had in my previous sports, which is next to none. But, I had
the good fortune to be friends with some of the best surfers of my time and regularly surfed with them.
surfing as an obstruction to my spiritual quest, I sold my board and spent a couple of years meditating
in Hawaiian jungles, before moving to India. It wasn't long after that I became personal friends of
some highly accomplished Buddhist lamas and a student of some of them. I kept my associations The
The benefits of associating with the right people cannot be underestimated. As a young aspiring surfer
benefits of associating with the right people cannot be underestimated. As a young aspiring surfer
limited to those who were better than me, or stayed alone. This habit of staying to myself or with those
superior helped me overcome my very much handicapped spiritual potential and break through my
superior helped me overcome my very much handicapped spiritual potential and break through my
limitations; something I could never have done on my own. Although I cannot claim even a small bit
limitations; something I could never have done on my own. Although I cannot claim even a small bit
of enlightenment, I am firmly rooted on the path, and my faith is unshakable; the blessings of my of
enlightenment, I am firmly rooted on the path, and my faith is unshakable; the blessings of my teachers
and practice I am eternally grateful for.
The Buddha was not silent on the topic of right companionship. He made it a point to emphasize to
his disciples that they should associate "with those who are superior to themselves or at least their
equal."
Right association is almost as important as right practice and that is why the Buddha stressed the
importance of the sangha, the community of fellow dharma practitioners. Friends with similar spiritual
aspirations will help our own be realized, particularly if they are further along than we are. Whenever
possible we should listen to enlightened discourse and visit a spiritual master. We need not visit a
spiritual master often, what is more important is that we practice diligently so that when the occasion
arises we are ripe and ready to receive his teachings. We should vow everyday to cultivate enlightened
friendship, and pray that life after life we will have the good fortune to meet once again with our
spiritual companions and receive the instructions of our teachers until we reach enlightenment.
* * *
Facts are of little value and accumulating them like beads on a rosary will be of little benefit. However,
if we study a little and contemplate what we study well, we should be able to personalize the teachings
by finding ways that they can be applied in a very down to earth and concrete way in our lives. As the
teachings are brought to life through practice, we will be naturally be drawn to certain teachings, as
doubts arise and our thirst to satisfy those doubts lead us to further study. In this way we build a
personal practice suited to our own karmic propensities.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 13, 2010
Today I saw a quote from HH Dali Lama on a bumper sticker that said: "My religion is kindness."
Upon reading this I immediately thought how these simple words express a very important fact: No
matter what religion we may call our own, first and foremost our religion is what we express and how
we define ourselves through our actions. If everyone took this to mind it would be readily realized the
common thread of basic human values that is pervasive through all religions and this in turn should
serve as an impetus to bring the world faiths closer together.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 14, 2010
As a Buddhist we often will have the opportunity to attend the teachings and religious gatherings of
those of other faiths and receive teachings from masters of other religions. I was invited to Boston to
attend the teachings and receive darshan from Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, a Hindu teacher, and I am
here now. Because Buddhism is nonsectarian and soteriologically independent (not dependent on a
saviour, Buddhist or otherwise or a teaching, Buddhist or otherwise) as Buddhists we are free to
scrounge around for teachings wherever we can, whether it come from a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a
Hindu, or fellow Buddhist, makes not difference. I am however, Buddhist, and very partial to
Buddhism, but not so much that I wear Buddhist blindfolds, as some do.
I spent most of the day yesterday listening to Hindu bhajans and late in the evening, about 1 AM,
receiving Ammachi's (short for Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) darshan, or blessing. The fact that I
went to the gathering as a respectful observer allowed me to get the most out of the entire experience
of
this special day, while maintaining my strong sense of Buddhist identity at the same time. It is
important, no matter what tradition we belong to, to be able to move freely to find truth and put aside
prejudices. Opportunity does not always come packaged the way we expect it. If Buddhsim is a
religion, it is a religion of compassion, love, and wisdom, first and foremost, the teaching of which are
the aim of other traditions, as well. So, respectfully observe what is being handed out, and pay less
attention to the hand.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 15, 2010
Today a questioner asked Ammachi, whom some call the "Hugging Saint," what she gets out of the
"Hugs" she gives; her reply was beautiful in its simplicity; "What does a mother get out of it when she
hugs her child?"
Today at the gathering I heard a funny story of the Buddha's life which I hadn't heard before. A
Hindu Brahman saint was walking by a river and about to bathe (Brahmin's are obsessed with bathing
and cleanliness) when he came across the Buddha who was disguised as a beggar that looked like he
hadn't bathed in months. The Brahmin inquired of him, "Why don't you bathe?" The Buddha replied,
I don't want to pollute the environment.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 16, 2010
"It is what it is," doesn't mean that it is nothing.
* * *
if we study a little and contemplate what we study well, we should be able to personalize the teachings
by finding ways that they can be applied in a very down to earth and concrete way in our lives. As the
teachings are brought to life through practice, we will be naturally be drawn to certain teachings, as
doubts arise and our thirst to satisfy those doubts lead us to further study. In this way we build a
personal practice suited to our own karmic propensities.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 13, 2010
Today I saw a quote from HH Dali Lama on a bumper sticker that said: "My religion is kindness."
Upon reading this I immediately thought how these simple words express a very important fact: No
matter what religion we may call our own, first and foremost our religion is what we express and how
we define ourselves through our actions. If everyone took this to mind it would be readily realized the
common thread of basic human values that is pervasive through all religions and this in turn should
serve as an impetus to bring the world faiths closer together.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 14, 2010
As a Buddhist we often will have the opportunity to attend the teachings and religious gatherings of
those of other faiths and receive teachings from masters of other religions. I was invited to Boston to
attend the teachings and receive darshan from Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, a Hindu teacher, and I am
here now. Because Buddhism is nonsectarian and soteriologically independent (not dependent on a
saviour, Buddhist or otherwise or a teaching, Buddhist or otherwise) as Buddhists we are free to
scrounge around for teachings wherever we can, whether it come from a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a
Hindu, or fellow Buddhist, makes not difference. I am however, Buddhist, and very partial to
Buddhism, but not so much that I wear Buddhist blindfolds, as some do.
I spent most of the day yesterday listening to Hindu bhajans and late in the evening, about 1 AM,
receiving Ammachi's (short for Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) darshan, or blessing. The fact that I
went to the gathering as a respectful observer allowed me to get the most out of the entire experience
of
this special day, while maintaining my strong sense of Buddhist identity at the same time. It is
important, no matter what tradition we belong to, to be able to move freely to find truth and put aside
prejudices. Opportunity does not always come packaged the way we expect it. If Buddhsim is a
religion, it is a religion of compassion, love, and wisdom, first and foremost, the teaching of which are
the aim of other traditions, as well. So, respectfully observe what is being handed out, and pay less
attention to the hand.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 15, 2010
Today a questioner asked Ammachi, whom some call the "Hugging Saint," what she gets out of the
"Hugs" she gives; her reply was beautiful in its simplicity; "What does a mother get out of it when she
hugs her child?"
Today at the gathering I heard a funny story of the Buddha's life which I hadn't heard before. A
Hindu Brahman saint was walking by a river and about to bathe (Brahmin's are obsessed with bathing
and cleanliness) when he came across the Buddha who was disguised as a beggar that looked like he
hadn't bathed in months. The Brahmin inquired of him, "Why don't you bathe?" The Buddha replied,
I don't want to pollute the environment.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 16, 2010
"It is what it is," doesn't mean that it is nothing.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 18, 2010
Emptiness is not the absence of things, for things themselves are by their own nature empty.
Meditation is therefore not about discarding thoughts or images from one's mind, but rather it is
trying to see that the status of those thoughts and images as empty. We accomplish this by observing
our mental content; something we cannot do if we are trying to empty our mind of all thoughts and
our mental content; something we cannot do if we are trying to empty our mind of all thoughts and
images (in meditation.)
* * *
Emptiness is not the absence of things, for things themselves are by their own nature empty.
Meditation is therefore not about discarding thoughts or images from one's mind, but rather it is
trying to see that the status of those thoughts and images as empty. We accomplish this by observing
our mental content; something we cannot do if we are trying to empty our mind of all thoughts and
our mental content; something we cannot do if we are trying to empty our mind of all thoughts and
images (in meditation.)
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 19, 2010
"Abundance" is appreciating what you have.
* * *
"Abundance" is appreciating what you have.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 20, 2010
"Nature" is nurturing and should be sought out each day, even if it is just a walk in a neighborhood
park. As our lives and religions have become more sophisticated we sometimes lose sight of the peace
that being alone in nature can instill. With a little effort however we can develop a "relationship" with
nature and look forward to spending time with her each day. This is a wonderful support for both our
meditative and active lives.
* * *
"Nature" is nurturing and should be sought out each day, even if it is just a walk in a neighborhood
park. As our lives and religions have become more sophisticated we sometimes lose sight of the peace
that being alone in nature can instill. With a little effort however we can develop a "relationship" with
nature and look forward to spending time with her each day. This is a wonderful support for both our
meditative and active lives.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 21, 2010
our own mind. It is there to serve a purpose and should never be attached to or clung to tenaciously.
It is important only as far as it helps us to see our own true nature and we should treasure it with this
alone in mind. The merit we gain from practicing meditation cannot be measured by hours on the
Our meditation topic, whatever it may be, is an expedient device used to introduce us to the nature of
on the depth of intimacy we feel as we begin to understand and become absorbed in the clear bright
essence of our own mind.
* * *
our own mind. It is there to serve a purpose and should never be attached to or clung to tenaciously.
It is important only as far as it helps us to see our own true nature and we should treasure it with this
alone in mind. The merit we gain from practicing meditation cannot be measured by hours on the
Our meditation topic, whatever it may be, is an expedient device used to introduce us to the nature of
on the depth of intimacy we feel as we begin to understand and become absorbed in the clear bright
essence of our own mind.
* * *
We are conditioned beings and conditioning beings. We are constantly being influenced by our
surroundings and the people in our lives, while at the same time we are impacting our own that helps
us to recognize and take in what is of value and keep out what is not. If the dharma is constantly
example.
* * *
uncontrived. Like solid gold, we don't wear thin with trying circumstances and the passage of time. In
the beginning, however, we are like a gold plated ornament, whose glimmering gold is easily scraped
away.
* * *
the beginning, however, we are like a gold plated ornament, whose glimmering gold is easily scraped
away.
* * *
one we would be missing the moon and two we would be mistaking the finger for the moon.
Similarly, the dharma we are taught points at the enlightened mind; but if we regard the dharma as
possessing some spiritual qualities apart from what it reveals (is pointing to,) then we become keep
the purpose and intention of our efforts clearly in mind and never engage in practice simply to get it
done, as if some magic will happen simply by performing recitations, doing prostrations, or sitting so
many hours in meditation. It is up to us; our practice can be either a worldly dharma or a spiritual
one. We make the difference; the practice cannot do it for us. It is how we practice the dharma, that
determine what is revealed. We do not practice the dharma to practice the dharma; we practice the
dharma to reveal the nature of the mind.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 25, 2010
Attachments obstruct devotion; where attachments are strong devotion is weak A simple lifestyle
with few attachments leaves ample time for dharma practice.
* * *
Attachments obstruct devotion; where attachments are strong devotion is weak A simple lifestyle
with few attachments leaves ample time for dharma practice.
* * *
people, monks and nuns, and if they are pure in their devotion and make offerings of time and people,
monks and nuns, and if they are pure in their devotion and make offerings of time and , monks and
nuns, and if they are pure in their devotion and make offerings of time and material material wealth
towards the support of the sangha and their temples, they too will be carried along to sangha and their
temples, they too will be carried along to the other shore of enlightenment and and their temples,
they too will be carried along to the other shore of enlightenment and leave the other shore of
enlightenment and leave ignorance behind. In the West the attitude is just the opposite, Westerners
generous towards the sangha and their temples, but tend to devote more attitude, are far less
generous towards the sangha and their temples, but tend to devote more time sangha and their
temples, but tend to devote more time towards dharma practice. Neither view is and their temples,
but tend to devote more time towards dharma practice. Neither view is better temples, but tend to
devote more time towards dharma practice. Neither view is better than the other; but both would
probably serve themselves well by borrowing from the other, the one a little more giving and the
other a little more practice.
more giving and the other a little more practice.
* * *
monks and nuns, and if they are pure in their devotion and make offerings of time and , monks and
nuns, and if they are pure in their devotion and make offerings of time and material material wealth
towards the support of the sangha and their temples, they too will be carried along to sangha and their
temples, they too will be carried along to the other shore of enlightenment and and their temples,
they too will be carried along to the other shore of enlightenment and leave the other shore of
enlightenment and leave ignorance behind. In the West the attitude is just the opposite, Westerners
generous towards the sangha and their temples, but tend to devote more attitude, are far less
generous towards the sangha and their temples, but tend to devote more time sangha and their
temples, but tend to devote more time towards dharma practice. Neither view is and their temples,
but tend to devote more time towards dharma practice. Neither view is better temples, but tend to
devote more time towards dharma practice. Neither view is better than the other; but both would
probably serve themselves well by borrowing from the other, the one a little more giving and the
other a little more practice.
more giving and the other a little more practice.
* * *
practice treats all worldly affairs with respect and proper consideration, with a long term view, as if
every worldly activity and creation were an offering to the Buddhas and Bodhisatvas. Yet, at the
same time the dharma pratitioner does not attach to any of it, knowing that death may come at any
moment, he practices the dharma with diligence and is never lax.
* * *
every worldly activity and creation were an offering to the Buddhas and Bodhisatvas. Yet, at the
same time the dharma pratitioner does not attach to any of it, knowing that death may come at any
moment, he practices the dharma with diligence and is never lax.
* * *
The Buddha said that we should teach whatever it is we know; if we know a little dharma, we should
teach that, if we know allot, we should teach that; but he also said that we should only teach at
should it be revealed in casual conversation.
* * *
Meditation brings about a quiet mind from which arises clear bright knowing awareness. Silencing
the mind, the busy conceptualizing mind, is what allows us to merge with this clear bright knowing
awareness of our true mind. Merely silencing the mind is not meditation
* * *
consumes our energy, do not only obstruct self realization, but also our "normal" daily lives. These
ourselves. Take for example a person we hate or are angry with. If that person had some special best
friend. Or, take someone we feel lustful towards. The person that we find so attractive, will not
generate the same feelings in everyone. We condition our mind to feel the way we do and
experience the emotions we feel. The reason we experience negative emotions is because we set
ourselves up for them, by drifting away from our center and allowing our imagination to become
more creative than it should be. Pretty soon we find we are no longer in control and our emotions
take us on a ride.
There are many ways to overcome negative emotions. First and foremost is through analyses;
contemplating the destructive power of negative emotions when they are not active. The aim is to
prevent their arisal; but even if we are not successful, being proactive will surely dull the power of
negative emotions. A little time each day towards contemplating the nature of the afflictive
emotions we are most susceptible to will go a long way towards stopping their arisal altogether.
The cultivation of positive emotions, like kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and giving is also a
powerful deterrent in the fight against negative emotions. When combined with analyses we will
gradually cease to be pulled from our center and taken hold of by negative emotions.
* * *
ourselves. Take for example a person we hate or are angry with. If that person had some special best
friend. Or, take someone we feel lustful towards. The person that we find so attractive, will not
generate the same feelings in everyone. We condition our mind to feel the way we do and
experience the emotions we feel. The reason we experience negative emotions is because we set
ourselves up for them, by drifting away from our center and allowing our imagination to become
more creative than it should be. Pretty soon we find we are no longer in control and our emotions
take us on a ride.
There are many ways to overcome negative emotions. First and foremost is through analyses;
contemplating the destructive power of negative emotions when they are not active. The aim is to
prevent their arisal; but even if we are not successful, being proactive will surely dull the power of
negative emotions. A little time each day towards contemplating the nature of the afflictive
emotions we are most susceptible to will go a long way towards stopping their arisal altogether.
The cultivation of positive emotions, like kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and giving is also a
powerful deterrent in the fight against negative emotions. When combined with analyses we will
gradually cease to be pulled from our center and taken hold of by negative emotions.
* * *
be lost. It is said: "A thousand days of wood gathering can go up in a single blaze." Everyday we
should review the "cost" of negative actions and know that they come with a high price tag. Even
the impulse towards negativity has its price, even more so the impulse carried out. An angry word
spoken destroys much merit; but even one that does not leave the tip of one's tongue is not free of
consequence. If we continually review the cost of negativity and the benefits of positive thinking
and actions, we will gradually root out all propensity towards negativity.
* * *
should review the "cost" of negative actions and know that they come with a high price tag. Even
the impulse towards negativity has its price, even more so the impulse carried out. An angry word
spoken destroys much merit; but even one that does not leave the tip of one's tongue is not free of
consequence. If we continually review the cost of negativity and the benefits of positive thinking
and actions, we will gradually root out all propensity towards negativity.
* * *