To understand reality we must first understand the unreal. - Paul Brunton
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Co-operation is certainly a vital need of the coming age. It Should extend between classes within the same nation, between the nations themselves and even between the five continental groups of the planet. - Paul Brunton
The way to fight a bad tendency in oneself or a bad movement in a nation is to check it during the early stages before it has gathered momentum. - Paul Brunton
Yoga teaches us to put our own house in order before we begin telling others what they ought to do. - Paul Dukes
Teachings such as ‘changing poison into medicine’ suggest that every situation occurring in our lives—especially those we view negatively—can lead to a greater good. - Myokei Caine-Barrett
It is one of the few consolations in this disconsolate world, that not only evil, but the good have a strong infectious power that will show itself increasingly if only we have the courage to put it to the test. - Nyanponika Thera
Tanzin Palmo, a British born woman who embraced Buddhism, became a nun and spent 12 years living in a remote Himalayan mountain cave offers this insight about the importance of befriending yourself and cultivating self-acceptance:
“Most people are not friends with themselves. This is why they fear solitude and want always to be distracted. When there’s no external entertainment or other people, it’s very important just to make friends with yourself, to forgive yourself, to accept yourself. Okay, you’re not perfect (who is?) and just to get on with it and be nice and think kind thoughts towards yourself. […] It would be very helpful for many people to have some period of silence and isolation, to look within and find out who they really are, when they’re not so busy playing roles —being the mother, wife, husband, career person, everybody’s best friend, or whatever facade we put up to the world as our identity. It’s very good to have an opportunity to be alone with oneself and see who one really is behind all the masks.” To bear fruit, the practice of meditation must be pursued as continuously as possible. Don’t meditate for a short time one day and then, after a week or two, or even a month, meditate again. This will not yield good results. - Ajahn Chah
Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a mustache. You won’t be able to find it. But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you. - Ajahn Chah
Far too often we encounter difficult people, those who are inconsiderate, rude, arrogant, ignorant and even unkind. These types of individuals have always been around and even in his day, the Buddha had to deal with them. Actually, the Buddha taught that we should be grateful for difficult people because they helped us refine and develop good character.
Based upon his own interactions, the Buddha instructed his followers to practice discipline and patience in four unpleasant situations. First, when others become angry with you, do not react with anger but with discipline and patience. Secondly, if another person strikes you, do not retaliate or return blows. Thirdly, when others criticize you, do not criticize them in retaliation. Fourthly, when others insult you, do not respond by insulting or embarrassing them. Anticipating that followers might find these instructions challenging and even unrealistic, the Buddha explained there were these four corresponding advantages – followers will improve their patience and discipline, bring harmony to their relationships, create more social goodwill and move more rapidly to awakening. |
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
January 2023
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