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These four words make up one of the most ancient and important mantras of Tibetan Buddhism. The phrase is chanting in order to deepen compassion and lead one to liberation. It is made up of six syllables – Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum. The words themselves have no single interpretation or translation. Some translate the phrase as “Hail To The Jewel In The Lotus” but this is uncertain. The phrase is generally regarded as a mystical one and said to contain all the teachings of the Buddha in the six syllables. “Recitation of om mani padme hung is very effective for purifying the mind and for developing compassion,” notes Thubten Chodron.
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A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we posses the heart of a lion. - Daisaku Ikeda
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If we give up easily when faced with difficulties, then we are unable to achieve Buddhahood. - Hsing Yun
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Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover. - Daisaku Ikeda
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People who evolve feel deeply that there is more to life that merely existing. Therefore, they engage in inquiry asking themselves:
Who am I?
What do I want out of life?
How can I be of benefit to others?
What can I do to experience myself more authentically?
Where does my happiness come from?
Am I listening to my soul?
What and who inspire me?
These kinds of questions can lead to specific answers but largely serve as ways of guiding life in the direction of greater meaning and fulfillment. Buddhist monk Ajahn Summano explains: "Sincere inquiry always sparks our movement toward truth and compassion. Deep questions that arise naturally in the process of life's unfolding signal the manifestation of the very energy through which we grow further. We would be arrogant to believe that we can proceed far without pondering the important questions life asks of us."
Who am I?
What do I want out of life?
How can I be of benefit to others?
What can I do to experience myself more authentically?
Where does my happiness come from?
Am I listening to my soul?
What and who inspire me?
These kinds of questions can lead to specific answers but largely serve as ways of guiding life in the direction of greater meaning and fulfillment. Buddhist monk Ajahn Summano explains: "Sincere inquiry always sparks our movement toward truth and compassion. Deep questions that arise naturally in the process of life's unfolding signal the manifestation of the very energy through which we grow further. We would be arrogant to believe that we can proceed far without pondering the important questions life asks of us."
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Attaining enlightenment is not about embarking on some inconceivable long journey to become a resplendent, godlike Buddha, it is about accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one’s being. - Daisaku Ikeda
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A true gift to the planet, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 86th birthday (July 6). Here are two of my favorite quotes from this remarkable human:
1. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
2. Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.
1. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
2. Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.
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Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves raising themselves up to ever greater heights. - Daisaku Ikeda
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From their inception, automobiles came equipped with braking systems in order to prevent accidents and injuries. A vial life skill is knowing when to put the brakes on in daily living. For example, when a conversation descends into gossip about others, it’s time to brake. Or when we’re angry with a person, that’s the moment to brake before saying something which can never be taken back. Or, when we’re tired and exhausted, it’s time to brake on making important decisions. Without the ability to brake in life, we can cause ourselves serious problems as well as generate injuries on others fracturing relationships.
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These two are fools. Which two? The one who takes up a burden that has not fallen to him, and the one who does not take up a burden that has. These two are fools. —Buddha