Note from Janet: Victor's birthday is this week and here is a post that explores a Buddhist view of birthdays.
Here are three specifically Buddhist (mindful) ways to celebrate a birthday:
First, remember, with appreciation, the woman who gave you birth. Whether your mother was adequate or not is irrelevant. The fact is, she kept you alive and nurtured your growth when you could not do it for yourself. . . . Secondly, do an act of kindness for an animal. On special days, Buddhists worldwide will go to a market and buy a live creature destined for slaughter--a fish, goat, sheep, turtle, bird--and release it in an appropriate area. . . . Another way to embrace animal compassion on a birthday is by making a significant donation to an animal shelter. Thirdly, create a more mindful birthday by contributing a gift of money to a needy individual or civic organization. By so doing, a birthday isn't just "all about me" but also about others.
-Victor M Parachin, Buddhist Wisdom for Beginners
Here are three specifically Buddhist (mindful) ways to celebrate a birthday:
First, remember, with appreciation, the woman who gave you birth. Whether your mother was adequate or not is irrelevant. The fact is, she kept you alive and nurtured your growth when you could not do it for yourself. . . . Secondly, do an act of kindness for an animal. On special days, Buddhists worldwide will go to a market and buy a live creature destined for slaughter--a fish, goat, sheep, turtle, bird--and release it in an appropriate area. . . . Another way to embrace animal compassion on a birthday is by making a significant donation to an animal shelter. Thirdly, create a more mindful birthday by contributing a gift of money to a needy individual or civic organization. By so doing, a birthday isn't just "all about me" but also about others.
-Victor M Parachin, Buddhist Wisdom for Beginners
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