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Thought for the Day: June 1, 2011
Today at the sea shore here on Maui it was exceptionally windy. The wind churned the ocean and
created an endless variety of swells going in all directions, some big, some small, some breaking, and
some just dissolving back into themselves. I looked and thought it to be a perfect metaphor of my
mind and its thoughts, all so diverse, and yet all part of the same mind, even as the swells are all
formed from the same sea.
* * *
Today at the sea shore here on Maui it was exceptionally windy. The wind churned the ocean and
created an endless variety of swells going in all directions, some big, some small, some breaking, and
some just dissolving back into themselves. I looked and thought it to be a perfect metaphor of my
mind and its thoughts, all so diverse, and yet all part of the same mind, even as the swells are all
formed from the same sea.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 2, 2011
When you swim in Maui's waters you know that you are in a big, big ocean; the Hawaiian Islands are
the most isolated place on the planet, surrounded on all sides by thousands of miles of deep blue
water. When swimming in this big ocean, depending on the conditions, it can be very rough and wild,
enough so to claim the lives of those not skilled enough to relax and flow with the mighty swells. At
shells. Whether these waters are frantic and dangerous, or calm and embracing, beneath the surface it
is always the same all embracing stillness and calm. This is all very much like our mind, which can be
furious with anger, enraged with hate, loving and kind, joyful and warm, and yet, beneath all these
emotions and varied thoughts, is the pure bright essence of our all embracing still mind, the calm
essence from which all manifestations arise. Know this mind well and you will never be troubled by
any thoughts and emotions, which are mere appearances in this clear bright essence of mind. Swim in
this mind like a fish in the sea unconcerned with what is going on on the surface.
* * *
When you swim in Maui's waters you know that you are in a big, big ocean; the Hawaiian Islands are
the most isolated place on the planet, surrounded on all sides by thousands of miles of deep blue
water. When swimming in this big ocean, depending on the conditions, it can be very rough and wild,
enough so to claim the lives of those not skilled enough to relax and flow with the mighty swells. At
shells. Whether these waters are frantic and dangerous, or calm and embracing, beneath the surface it
is always the same all embracing stillness and calm. This is all very much like our mind, which can be
furious with anger, enraged with hate, loving and kind, joyful and warm, and yet, beneath all these
emotions and varied thoughts, is the pure bright essence of our all embracing still mind, the calm
essence from which all manifestations arise. Know this mind well and you will never be troubled by
any thoughts and emotions, which are mere appearances in this clear bright essence of mind. Swim in
this mind like a fish in the sea unconcerned with what is going on on the surface.
* * *
* * *
In his "Arizona Teachings" a few years back, HH Dali Lama commenting on Shantideva's verses from
modern statistics that this is often reflected in our modern world. But, HH Dali Lama points out that
therefore foolish to blame our social situation for our problems.
* * *
modern statistics that this is often reflected in our modern world. But, HH Dali Lama points out that
therefore foolish to blame our social situation for our problems.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 5, 2011
Often we feel physically tired and worn out because our mind is not engaged in what we are doing.
We must tune into right action and recognize what it is, and the energy will follow. Otherwise we will
live as if dragging a corpse around.
* * *
Often we feel physically tired and worn out because our mind is not engaged in what we are doing.
We must tune into right action and recognize what it is, and the energy will follow. Otherwise we will
live as if dragging a corpse around.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 6, 2011
Building a personal practice is an essential element of meditation that should emerge naturally as we
meditation in a group that gathers periodically, and are content with whatever schedule that may be.
still may attend meditations with the sangha as usual, we will increasingly seek personal time for
meditation on our own and gradually build a personal practice, a daily routine that is as important to us
as the food we eat, and just as enjoyable.
* * *
Building a personal practice is an essential element of meditation that should emerge naturally as we
meditation in a group that gathers periodically, and are content with whatever schedule that may be.
still may attend meditations with the sangha as usual, we will increasingly seek personal time for
meditation on our own and gradually build a personal practice, a daily routine that is as important to us
as the food we eat, and just as enjoyable.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 7, 2011
What is "Ignorance" in the sense spoken of by the Buddha? We are conditioned to think of this word in
a negative way, especially when it is translated as "stupidity; but in the Buddhist context it is not really
a negative term, but is used to express a condition of not knowing, particularly not knowing what one
condition of Ignorance. When we hear that we are ignorant, it should not discourage us, but rather
encourage us to find out just what it is that we have, but are unaware of.
* * *
What is "Ignorance" in the sense spoken of by the Buddha? We are conditioned to think of this word in
a negative way, especially when it is translated as "stupidity; but in the Buddhist context it is not really
a negative term, but is used to express a condition of not knowing, particularly not knowing what one
condition of Ignorance. When we hear that we are ignorant, it should not discourage us, but rather
encourage us to find out just what it is that we have, but are unaware of.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 8, 2011
There are many we may not admire in the least and of those there is not a single one who is not strong
where we are weak.
* * *
There are many we may not admire in the least and of those there is not a single one who is not strong
where we are weak.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 9, 2011
When genuine dharma practice is explained it frightens many. Because they are seeing that they must
get real with themselves and closely examine attachments and disturbing emotions and root them out.
This is hands on stuff; facing our demons may not be pleasant; but it is the medicine the works. It is
tempting when hearing such "Practice Teachings" to wonder about anything but the main topic and
find some intellectual solace in an off topic conversation; which will only move realization to the back
burner.
* * *
When genuine dharma practice is explained it frightens many. Because they are seeing that they must
get real with themselves and closely examine attachments and disturbing emotions and root them out.
This is hands on stuff; facing our demons may not be pleasant; but it is the medicine the works. It is
tempting when hearing such "Practice Teachings" to wonder about anything but the main topic and
find some intellectual solace in an off topic conversation; which will only move realization to the back
burner.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 10, 2011
HH Dali Lama in his Arizona Teachings points out the importance of balancing study, contemplation,
and meditation. All three are necessary to make progress. If we place to much emphasis on meditation,
we will develop great powers of concentration, but will be unable to direct it in a meaningful way that
time with little study and meditation, we will become philosophers lost in the clouds of our own
creation. But, when study, contemplation, and meditation are all well balanced, we will gradually
awaken to the nature of our own enlightened mind.
* * *
HH Dali Lama in his Arizona Teachings points out the importance of balancing study, contemplation,
and meditation. All three are necessary to make progress. If we place to much emphasis on meditation,
we will develop great powers of concentration, but will be unable to direct it in a meaningful way that
time with little study and meditation, we will become philosophers lost in the clouds of our own
creation. But, when study, contemplation, and meditation are all well balanced, we will gradually
awaken to the nature of our own enlightened mind.
* * *
humble in the realization that so much more is unknown than what is known. It is an open hearted
humble in the realization that so much more is unknown than what is known. It is an open hearted
practice; no less for the Buddhist and Hindu, than it is for the Christian.
practice; no less for the Buddhist and Hindu, than it is for the Christian.
* * *
humble in the realization that so much more is unknown than what is known. It is an open hearted
practice; no less for the Buddhist and Hindu, than it is for the Christian.
practice; no less for the Buddhist and Hindu, than it is for the Christian.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 12, 2011
If grass is pulled to make it grow faster, it only dies. Meditation is the same way, overexertion being an
over several weeks or months, and when found sticking to it. This works much the same way the right
If grass is pulled to make it grow faster, it only dies. Meditation is the same way, overexertion being an
diet is discovered, taking a few weeks of following a carefully designed menu and sticking with it long
enemy to growth just as laxity is. Finding a balanced practice requires a steady application of effort
the discipline to maintain it.
* * *
If grass is pulled to make it grow faster, it only dies. Meditation is the same way, overexertion being an
over several weeks or months, and when found sticking to it. This works much the same way the right
If grass is pulled to make it grow faster, it only dies. Meditation is the same way, overexertion being an
diet is discovered, taking a few weeks of following a carefully designed menu and sticking with it long
enemy to growth just as laxity is. Finding a balanced practice requires a steady application of effort
the discipline to maintain it.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 13, 2011
While the recitation of mantras helps to purify the mind; it is the purity of the mind that determines
the efficacy of the mantra. It is a kind of double-bind that we must accept. But, in practice, it is our own
on the mantras to do it for us.
* * *
While the recitation of mantras helps to purify the mind; it is the purity of the mind that determines
the efficacy of the mantra. It is a kind of double-bind that we must accept. But, in practice, it is our own
on the mantras to do it for us.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 14, 2011
Going to the park, a nature hike, or a jump in the ocean have the quality of things that can wait. who
spend time with her, even a few spare moments when available, will see the magic healing powers this
mirror has.
* * *
Going to the park, a nature hike, or a jump in the ocean have the quality of things that can wait. who
spend time with her, even a few spare moments when available, will see the magic healing powers this
mirror has.
* * *
He taught us to value our opportunity to study and practice the dharma and never feel unworthy or
incapable of the task. Be around people who believe in themselves and you will believe in yourself.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 16, 2011
If you see a bump in the road slow down, but don't shut down.
* * *
If you see a bump in the road slow down, but don't shut down.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 17, 2011
Thoughts, both positive and negative, assume patterns. Meditate on these patterns rather than the
individual thoughts. In this way it is easier in a broad sweep to eliminate negative patterns of
thought, and increase positive thinking.
* * *
Thoughts, both positive and negative, assume patterns. Meditate on these patterns rather than the
individual thoughts. In this way it is easier in a broad sweep to eliminate negative patterns of
thought, and increase positive thinking.
* * *
Mindful or not mindful, puppeteer or puppet? Everyday we switch back and forth, and less and less
so as we understand the mind's nature.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 19, 2011
One thing my father taught me throughout my young years: "Value the pleasure you find in your
work, more than the money it earns; and seek work based on the pleasure it brings, rather than the
income it brings."
* * *
One thing my father taught me throughout my young years: "Value the pleasure you find in your
work, more than the money it earns; and seek work based on the pleasure it brings, rather than the
income it brings."
* * *
graduated Harvard Law School. After a few years on Wall Street representing big corporations, he
My teachers said: "Put people first and the money will follow." A fellow monk and dear friend of
was making big money. But lying for big business literally ate his insides out and he was dieing in a
hospital of bleeding ulcers. While in the hospital he realized that his law degree was very important
told me he valued this work as much as his dharma practice and believed it was of equal benefit.
* * *
My teachers said: "Put people first and the money will follow." A fellow monk and dear friend of
was making big money. But lying for big business literally ate his insides out and he was dieing in a
hospital of bleeding ulcers. While in the hospital he realized that his law degree was very important
told me he valued this work as much as his dharma practice and believed it was of equal benefit.
* * *
Each human being has a story to tell; but they usually tell everything else but that story. However,
if you keep listening and just listen, they will eventually tell their story. Most talk is like gift wrap
that you have to unravel to see what is inside.
* * *
if you keep listening and just listen, they will eventually tell their story. Most talk is like gift wrap
that you have to unravel to see what is inside.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 22, 2011
Doing things for others is service when the need is genuine, but it can a disservice when it creates
dependency. The aim of all service should be to help others become independent.
* * *
Doing things for others is service when the need is genuine, but it can a disservice when it creates
dependency. The aim of all service should be to help others become independent.
* * *
The "Four Limitless Minds" are Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Giving. Within the Buddha
enlightened nature. Two of these "minds" do not have precise English translations, because like
many Sanskrit words dealing with consciousness, English does not serve us very well. The "Joy"
here is an extraordinary kind of joy; it is the joy that arises from the accomplishments of others. It
is "rejoicing in the merit and virtue of others." This is a very special quality; it means that from the
Limitless Mind of "Kindness" is a special kind of kindness, as well; it is the kindness that arises for
someone who may be least deserving of our warmth and friendship. It is kindness that arises from
the depth of our heart towards those who have harmed, cheated, robbed, or injured us in any
number of ways. In part it arises because of knowing the consequences of others' wrong actions
and having pity on them and wishing them well so they can overcome the obstacles they are
creating through their wrong deeds. Many Tibetans have demonstrated this quality towards their
Chinese oppressors.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 24, 2011
The fact that Buddhism teaches that it is impossible to obtain enlightenment as long as desire is
hears desire must be cut off, they feel threatened as if their very existence is under attack. But, the
physical acts associated with desire are very different from the desire itself, which may be very
subtle or non- existent completely in the ordinary sense. Many great Masters who have cut off
desire have been householders and raised families and accumulated wealth. As common people, it
is a mistake to think that since the goal is desirelessness everything should be renounced. This view
will only backfire and one will be more tangled in desire than ever. The correct approach is to look
for increasingly subtle way of expressing the desires we feel. This is how desire is eventually cut off.
* * *
The fact that Buddhism teaches that it is impossible to obtain enlightenment as long as desire is
hears desire must be cut off, they feel threatened as if their very existence is under attack. But, the
physical acts associated with desire are very different from the desire itself, which may be very
subtle or non- existent completely in the ordinary sense. Many great Masters who have cut off
desire have been householders and raised families and accumulated wealth. As common people, it
is a mistake to think that since the goal is desirelessness everything should be renounced. This view
will only backfire and one will be more tangled in desire than ever. The correct approach is to look
for increasingly subtle way of expressing the desires we feel. This is how desire is eventually cut off.
* * *
This evening I went to a gathering and wore a silk shirt that I had not worn in several years,
although it is my favorite silk shirt. But, what reminded me of how fine it is was what many would
regard as an imperfection, for the shirt has one or two small discolored spots. And it was seeing
farmed silk worms and the "thread" from the worms is gathered by hand and loomed in the homes
of the villagers in Varanasi, India. The "imperfections" are the natural discolorations that occur in
undyed and uncultivated silk. Most people do not know what silk really feels like, because it is
either artificial, or cultivated and mass processed. But, natural silk feels like no other silk in the
world. So keep an eye out for "imperfections" and look at them carefully; try and find the unique
Certainly many, if not most, imperfections should be gotten rid of, but not all, and certainly not
without listening to their story first.
* * *
although it is my favorite silk shirt. But, what reminded me of how fine it is was what many would
regard as an imperfection, for the shirt has one or two small discolored spots. And it was seeing
farmed silk worms and the "thread" from the worms is gathered by hand and loomed in the homes
of the villagers in Varanasi, India. The "imperfections" are the natural discolorations that occur in
undyed and uncultivated silk. Most people do not know what silk really feels like, because it is
either artificial, or cultivated and mass processed. But, natural silk feels like no other silk in the
world. So keep an eye out for "imperfections" and look at them carefully; try and find the unique
Certainly many, if not most, imperfections should be gotten rid of, but not all, and certainly not
without listening to their story first.
* * *
see whether or not they have developed any wrong or one-sided views along the way that may be
obstructing them on their path.
individual level, divides our heart and closes it to ways of thinking that are out of our comfort
zone, which may be a good thing or maybe, like mentioned above, just an attempt of our ego to get
protect its territory. So, we must always first examine the what it is knocking at our heart trying to
get inside, and see if it accords with true principle, and if it does, open our heart to it, and feel it
flow inside. The eyes of openness is reason, and this reason is the heart's gate keeper that when
properly used will keep the bums out and let the good guys in.
* * *
The altruistic intention to serve others is something we all strive for; it is as much a part of human
nature as breathing. However, it is not quite so natural and easy as breathing, because we have
many concerns of our own to look after. But, it is possible and we will make progress in this
ambition with a steady application of effort.
Effectively serving others is a twofold task. First developing the aspiration to serve others, and
second, and equally important, developing the ability to be sensitive to the needs of others, so that
our effort to help them addresses their genuine needs, which may not always be obvious, or very
subtle, requiring great intuition and sensitivity on our part.
* * *
nature as breathing. However, it is not quite so natural and easy as breathing, because we have
many concerns of our own to look after. But, it is possible and we will make progress in this
ambition with a steady application of effort.
Effectively serving others is a twofold task. First developing the aspiration to serve others, and
second, and equally important, developing the ability to be sensitive to the needs of others, so that
our effort to help them addresses their genuine needs, which may not always be obvious, or very
subtle, requiring great intuition and sensitivity on our part.
* * *
Thought for the Day: June 29, 2011
prayer and meditation, and all obstacles can be pushed aside, and the roots of self realization will
deepen.
deepen.
prayer and meditation, and all obstacles can be pushed aside, and the roots of self realization will
deepen.
deepen.
All thoughts, both positive and negative, and emotions, joyous and negative, arise from the pure
bright void mind of clear light. Because this mind is the source of all thoughts and emotions, when
we rest in meditation it is understanding that will prove fundamental to our success or failure in
understanding and seeing the nature of the mind. It is taught in Mahamudra meditation practice
that this mind is best understood by releasing all thoughts as they arise, both positive and negative,
and letting them simply dissolve. But, the temptation in this form of meditation and others, as
well, is to be more forgiving of positive thoughts and even entertain them when they arise. This
indulgence weakens and undermines the practice of all forms of meditation. It is what is alluded to
in the famous, and often not understood Chan (Zen) saying: "When you meet a demon, strike him
down; when you meet a Buddha, strike him down."
* * *