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No Fear

5/19/2026

A person strongly grounded in Buddhism exhibits little or no fear. There are several reasons for this absence of fear.
- The law of karma which is not fate, nor is it an omnipresent power judging an individual issuing punishments and rewards. Rather, karma is a natural cosmic event arising from one's actions. Good actions, good words, good thoughts and good mind, all of which characterize a Buddhist lifestyle, result in good karma.
- The law of impermanence. When a Buddhist experiences life's challenges and difficulties, he or she remains patient knowing that life is not static, that his or her difficult circumstances will change, ease and end. During a time of difficulty, a Buddhist will engage in ways of resolving the difficulty as much as possible.
- The inspiration of the Buddha. Like the Buddha, his followers know they have the seed of perfection within. Thus, they do not depend on external sources for their protection and salvation.
-Victor M Parachin, Buddhist Wisdom for Beginners

Eastern View of Conversion

5/16/2026

Eastern attitudes toward conversion or evangelization can be summed up in these points:
- Most Eastern spiritual leaders would not be in favor of conversion from one faith to another.
- Neither would they believe in the fusion of all religions into one. . . .
- Ultimate Truth is one, but has an infinite number of aspects.
- All religions, though differing in philosophy and theology, are on a path that leads to the same goal.
- Eastern spiritual leaders have respect for all religions, because each one offers its own unique markers on the road to Ultimate Reality.
- The infinite cannot be completely contained within any finite concepts.
- One single form of religions could not possibly satisfy everyone.
-Victor M Parachin, Eastern Wisdom for Western Minds

Don't Look Around

5/12/2026

An American man completed Zen training in Japan and was given the gift of a monk's robe by his teacher. Inside the robe, his teacher carefully embroidered this last piece of advice: Don't look around. The teacher was a true Zen master because that sentence, if applied, can prevent a wide variety of misery that we bring upon ourselves when we do look around. It's a reminder to
- Tend your own garden
- Mind your own business
- Don't compete
- Don't compare
- Be focused on your life . . .
Everything you need for growing in wisdom will be found within not without.
-Victor M Parachin, Think Like the Buddha

Meditation to Deepen Compassion

5/10/2026

To deepen compassion, all that is sometimes necessary is to become aware of the people around you--those whom you encounter regularly but with whom you do not have any special connection or interest. . . . It could be your coffee barista, a bank teller, grocery store cashier, etc. Begin to send that person this loving kindness meditation:
May you be happy.
May you be fulfilled.
May you be healthy.
May you be loved.
-Victor M Parachin, Sit a Bit

Buddhist Environmental Protection

5/5/2026

"The wasteful consumption of natural resources and destruction of ecology are caused by humankind's psychological craving for convenience and wealth." -Sheng Yen

To this day, Buddhists place great emphasis on protecting the environment not only for humans but all sentient beings, for all plants, for all trees, for all lakes, rivers and streams. Join them in caring for the planet.
-Victor M Parachin, Buddhist Wisdom for Beginners

Use Your Mind Skillfully

5/2/2026

"Who is your enemy? Mind is your enemy. Who is your friend? Mind is your friend." -Buddha
This quote, attributed to the Buddha, clearly shows how we think can either help us or hurt us. So the next time you face a problem, don't do this: don't add to the problem. Just deal with the problem as it is. Use your mind constructively not destructively to help resolve the issue at hand.
-Victor M Parachin, Think Like the Buddha

Controlling the Mind

4/28/2026

We have a responsibility to control the mind. When the mind is focused on right thoughts, right actions, right words, right effort and right understanding, its impact can be enormous. The opposite is equally true. A focus on evil, greed, jealousy and self-interest can have a horrific impact. We all need to make time to quiet the mind and place our focus on healthy, wholesome thoughts.
-Victor M Parachin, Eastern Wisdom for Western Minds

A Five-Finger Meditation

4/25/2026

Touch thumb to index finger. Recall a pleasant time in your life--a vacation, a romantic dinner, a book which inspired you, a movie which moved you to tears.

Touch thumb to middle finger. Recall a loving or friendly exchange you had with someone.

Touch thumb to ring finger. Recall a moment of kindness you received.

Touch thumb to pinkie. Recall a time when you felt incredibly joyful and happy.

Repeat this cycle.
-Victor M Parachin, Sit a Bit

Why Your Energy is Low

4/21/2026

Each one of us experiences times when our energies are on low. . . . Here are some reasons why you may be losing energy. Consider these:
- The company you keep
- Poor breathing
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Wrong lifestyle
- Stress and anxiety
- Employment
- Your family
Take an inventory of your life to establish why your energies are low. Then take corrective action.
-Victor M Parachin, Buddhist Wisdom for Beginners

Search Others for Their Virtues

4/18/2026

If you want to be happier, more content, more confident, more productive and feel far less stressed, take this one simple step: search others for their virtues. . . . Too often, people spend time seeing others' flaws, faults and failings. As a result, many people are left deflated and debilitated, feeling they're not good enough, smart enough, successful enough, fast enough. . . . You can change that! Search others for their virtues. Train yourself to see the good, the positive, the noble, the heroic in others.
-Victor M Parachin, Think Like the Buddha

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