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The word 'enlightened' is loaded with all kinds of presuppositions. However, this ancient text from the Jain religion – Tattva Artha Suytra – provides a list of nine signs of a person who is enlightened (or at the very least well on their way):
1. Guarding one’s speech
2. Guarding one’s thoughts
3. Care in walking
4. Care in lifting and laying down things
5. Careful inspection of one’s food and drink
6. Benevolence toward all beings
7. Delight in all beings
8. Compassion for all beings
9. Patience toward those who are misguided in their behavior
1. Guarding one’s speech
2. Guarding one’s thoughts
3. Care in walking
4. Care in lifting and laying down things
5. Careful inspection of one’s food and drink
6. Benevolence toward all beings
7. Delight in all beings
8. Compassion for all beings
9. Patience toward those who are misguided in their behavior
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I should dispel the suffering of others because it is suffering like my own suffering. I should help others too because of their nature as beings, which is like my own being. When happiness is dear to me and others equally, what is so special about me that I strive after happiness only for myself? — Shantideva.
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The impulses of greed, hatred, and delusion, which create the challenges, are essentially the same all over the globe. The antidotes, generosity, love, and wisdom, are also universal. - Jacqueline Kramer
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The true man sees what the eye sees, and does not add to it something that is not there. He hears what the ears hear, and does not detect imaginary undertones or overtones. He is not busy with hidden meanings. - Chuang Tzu
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Laughter is regarded as a divine faculty, and some of the Yoga exercises are actually based on the physical motions of laughter. - Paul Dukes
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Thich Nhat Hanh was a living Buddha and the source of inspiration for millions worldwide. He died earlier this year in his 90s. Here are three wisdom insights from him which I find inspiring, informing and highly motivation. Each quote is followed by an insight which emerged for me. - VMP
The first thing we have to do is accept the mud in ourselves. When we recognize and accept our difficult feelings and emotions, we begin to feel more at peace. When we see that mud is something that can help us grow, we become less afraid of it. (Insight: No life is tidy; be nicer to yourself)
We should speak more of spiritual pollution. We produce a very powerful and peaceful energy that can penetrate in every one of us. So, conversely, the same thing is true with the collective energy of fear, anger and despair. We create an atmosphere and environment that is destructive to all of us. (Insight: too much news reading, listening from both right and left is spiritual pollution)
One Buddha is not enough, we need to have many Buddhas. (Insight: Do your part to make the planet a better place by aspiring to become a Buddha!)
The first thing we have to do is accept the mud in ourselves. When we recognize and accept our difficult feelings and emotions, we begin to feel more at peace. When we see that mud is something that can help us grow, we become less afraid of it. (Insight: No life is tidy; be nicer to yourself)
We should speak more of spiritual pollution. We produce a very powerful and peaceful energy that can penetrate in every one of us. So, conversely, the same thing is true with the collective energy of fear, anger and despair. We create an atmosphere and environment that is destructive to all of us. (Insight: too much news reading, listening from both right and left is spiritual pollution)
One Buddha is not enough, we need to have many Buddhas. (Insight: Do your part to make the planet a better place by aspiring to become a Buddha!)
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To understand reality we must first understand the unreal. - Paul Brunton
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There is always a tendency in those who become totally engrossed in a single aspect of life to lose their sense of humor. Such people become cranks. - Paul Brunton
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“We should focus on positive situations and images, and rejoice in their healing power. It could be the sight of a toddler proudly taking a few awkward steps under the watchful eye of a parent. Maybe an open-hearted person has said hello with a cheerful smile, or you might have freely done someone a small act of kindness. The simple acts of taking a walk or enjoying a cup of tea can grant us contentment, and even joy, if our attitude is open and receptive. Develop an attitude of appreciation.”
- Tulku Thondup
- Tulku Thondup
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Health and money can help us, of course. But the real source of peace and joy is our mind. The mind wants to be peaceful; this is really its natural state. - Tulku Thondup