- Published on
“Are you managing your mind or is your mind managing you” is a common question cited by meditation instructors. Many people are unaware of the dangers which lurk when the mind is not properly managed. An example of this is related by Kanjitsu Iijima in his book Buddhist Yoga.
In the days before World War II, a Japanese widow in America had a small cleaning business. One day during her absence, the shop caught fire, and when she returned, only smoke and ashes remained. In shock, she was seen walking in circles around the ruins. Three days later, she was discovered dead. The distraught woman ended her life by suicide by hanging herself from the blackened beams. Those who knew her said she had a huge distrust of banks and likely had cash hidden inside the laundry, which, of course, burned up with the building.
Though the death certificate cited “suicide” as her cause of death, a closer examination could conclude her cause of death was weak mind management. Her thoughts focused entirely on loss and destruction leaving no opening for thoughts of rebuilding and restoration. Many others experienced complete financial devastation, forced to file for bankruptcy but managed to survive and come back from their losses. According to the Buddha it all comes down to the mind. “The mind is everything. What you think you become,” he said.
In the days before World War II, a Japanese widow in America had a small cleaning business. One day during her absence, the shop caught fire, and when she returned, only smoke and ashes remained. In shock, she was seen walking in circles around the ruins. Three days later, she was discovered dead. The distraught woman ended her life by suicide by hanging herself from the blackened beams. Those who knew her said she had a huge distrust of banks and likely had cash hidden inside the laundry, which, of course, burned up with the building.
Though the death certificate cited “suicide” as her cause of death, a closer examination could conclude her cause of death was weak mind management. Her thoughts focused entirely on loss and destruction leaving no opening for thoughts of rebuilding and restoration. Many others experienced complete financial devastation, forced to file for bankruptcy but managed to survive and come back from their losses. According to the Buddha it all comes down to the mind. “The mind is everything. What you think you become,” he said.
- Published on
Most disease are due to the so-called
modern civilization and artificial
way of living. Go back to nature.
You need not pay any fee to doctors then.
- Swami Sivananda
(Swami S was a medical doctor)
modern civilization and artificial
way of living. Go back to nature.
You need not pay any fee to doctors then.
- Swami Sivananda
(Swami S was a medical doctor)
- Published on
Fear can manifest for us at any time. Many times it related to the past (I am scared that _____ will happen again), or future (I hope ____ doesn’t happen when I get older). This is one of the reasons as Buddhists, we focus so much on being in the present moment, where we are most functional. - Kris Ladusau
- Published on
Anger narrows our focus, and makes us blind to context. Anger exhausts and demoralizes. Anger destroys. Anger saps power. Peace and radical compassion are the essential components of effective activism. - Tashi Nyima
- Published on
Some well-intentioned persons believe that rage and outrage are necessary for beneficial activism. However, all variations of anger, while making us feel “sharp”, actually dull the mind and make us ineffective. - Tashi Nyima
- Published on
Whether they be creatures of the land or air, whoever harms here any living being, who has no compassion for all that live, let such a one be known as depraved.
- Buddha in the Kshudraka Agama
- Buddha in the Kshudraka Agama
- Published on
Meditation helps in reducing stress.
It brings inner peace, freedom and happiness.
It helps to achieve mastery over one's life
and attaining self realization.
It subsequently leads to God realization
and brings ultimate liberation.
- Bharat Gajjar
It brings inner peace, freedom and happiness.
It helps to achieve mastery over one's life
and attaining self realization.
It subsequently leads to God realization
and brings ultimate liberation.
- Bharat Gajjar
- Published on
Even humble people need to work on humility. The moment they feel they have fully achieved it, they need to start working on it again. - Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
- Published on
This letter was posted on the Dalai Lama's website following this week's inauguration::
As someone deeply concerned with the ecological crisis our planet faces, I am so pleased that you are elevating the issue of climate change to your highest priority and that the United States is rejoining the Paris Climate Accord. Global warming is an urgent threat to the whole world and to the survival of our species.
May I also commend you for other measures you are taking towards the betterment of the United States of America. I have long been an admirer of your great country, the bastion of liberty, democracy, religious freedom and the rule of law. The whole world places its hope in the democratic vision and leadership of the United States. In these challenging times, I am confident that you will contribute to shaping a more peaceful world in which those suffering from hunger, disease and violence may find help. The need to address these issues is indeed pressing.
Once again, I take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your long-standing support for the Tibetan people. It has been our good fortune to have enjoyed the friendship and encouragement of the American people and their leaders in our endeavor to protect and preserve our ancient Buddhist culture, a culture of peace, non-violence and compassion.
I pray for your success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of all Americans and in contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious world.
As someone deeply concerned with the ecological crisis our planet faces, I am so pleased that you are elevating the issue of climate change to your highest priority and that the United States is rejoining the Paris Climate Accord. Global warming is an urgent threat to the whole world and to the survival of our species.
May I also commend you for other measures you are taking towards the betterment of the United States of America. I have long been an admirer of your great country, the bastion of liberty, democracy, religious freedom and the rule of law. The whole world places its hope in the democratic vision and leadership of the United States. In these challenging times, I am confident that you will contribute to shaping a more peaceful world in which those suffering from hunger, disease and violence may find help. The need to address these issues is indeed pressing.
Once again, I take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your long-standing support for the Tibetan people. It has been our good fortune to have enjoyed the friendship and encouragement of the American people and their leaders in our endeavor to protect and preserve our ancient Buddhist culture, a culture of peace, non-violence and compassion.
I pray for your success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of all Americans and in contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious world.
- Published on
Be a friend to stress. Accept stress willingly as a part of life. - Hsing Yun