Our actions lead to happiness or grief, but our usual understanding of how this works is misguided. We think, for instance, that saving our money will make us wealthy and giving too generously will make us poor. Giving freely is the way of heaven; holding back increases neediness and fear. - Pema Chodron
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"We must abandon the idea that enlightenment is something extraordinary. It is erroneous to think, “I have these limitations, so I’m not enlightened. When I’m enlightened, I will see through appearances with these very eyes; I will see the inner reality and glowing nature of all things. I will be utterly different.” That is the Hollywood/Bollywood version of enlightenment.
It is not at all like that. When every action we undertake is inspired, motivated, and guided by compassion, kindness, rejoicing in the happiness of others, and equanimity, that is enlightenment. Nothing is more ordinary, more natural. What is truly extraordinary is our attachment to ignorance and suffering." - Tashi Nyima ‘Have faith’ is a mantra frequently promoted by religious leaders. Another similar spiritual expression is ‘only believe’. While those may have a small element of truth in them, the fact is that mere faith and blind belief are not enough.
In order to aspire higher, your spiritual task is developing doubt. That’s done via close self-questioning such as: Why am I here? . . . What is the purpose of my life? . . . How can I be a better person? . . . What do I need to release in order to progress? It is the summoning of doubt which opens our eyes, our mind, our heart. The point of meditation is to wake up. To wake up from the dream of ignorance – the dream that we are separate, independent beings. - Jan Willis
We cannot really know who does and does not have inner spiritual realization. All we can know is the outer expression exhibited by the person. - Glenn Mullin
“In the breakneck speed of this modern age, slowing down to contemplate and meditate is increasingly difficult. But to fully incorporate the dharma we need to step on the brakes. The dharma is not fast food. It’s slow food. To ingest, digest, and metabolize the teachings properly we have to take our time and chew on things.” - Andrew Holecek
The evil tendencies towards greed, hatred and delusion must eventually be overcome and substituted by the forces of generosity, loving-kindness and wisdom. - Sri K. Dhammananda
It’s worth reminding ourselves from time to time that our words have power, both negative and positive. In relationships, our words can hurt or heal, injure or inspire.
Socially, our words can bring division or harmony, conspire against or cooperate together. So, we need to choose our words carefully so as not to misuse them. Our words create a universe which can vibrate positively or negatively. Before speaking let us regain control of our thoughts so that our words create a positive impact on the world around us. As we do that, we also create a reality for ourselves with is affirming, harmonious, and peaceful. If one knowingly creates suffering because of a lack of sensitivity and compassion, chances are a declaration of one’s enlightenment is premature. - James Baraz
A 92 year old woman, in good health but one who had lived a life filled with many challenges, was asked by a reporter what advice she could offer for dealing with life’s problems. The woman responded saying she found three techniques which propelled her through issues.
1. Slow down. Every time she feels the pressure of stress, she would slow down significantly. “There’s no need to rush about and make a mess of things. Just slow it down,” she says. 2. Breathe. She demonstrated how she pursed her lips, took a long deep inhale and only after her lungs were quite full, did she slowly release the breath. 3. Avoid toxic people. “ Simple as that. Steer clear,” she advises. |
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
December 2023
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