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Too many people squander their lives because of the word ‘when’. They self- convince themselves that happiness will come at some future point: ‘when I graduate’; ‘when I get a job’; ‘when I marry’; ‘when I buy a house’; ‘when I have children’; ‘when the children leave the house’; ‘when I retire’; etc.
Beware anytime you use the word ‘when’ and look closely to see if you are, in fact, delaying happiness for some far off distant moment when it is already present in your life. When distraction indicates the feeling that we never arrive. It effectively blocks the presence of happiness and joy. -VMP
Beware anytime you use the word ‘when’ and look closely to see if you are, in fact, delaying happiness for some far off distant moment when it is already present in your life. When distraction indicates the feeling that we never arrive. It effectively blocks the presence of happiness and joy. -VMP
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It is good to inquire and investigate. However, if you spend your entire life inquiring and investigating, you will never reach the ultimate purpose of life. - Vasant Lad
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Impermanence is not a reassurance that things will get better. It is not a simple reminder that change will come. - Margaret Meloni
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Seek out and have as your closest friends those who manifest the virtuous qualities you want in your life. Spend your social time with those who are kind, gentle, compassionate and courteous. Their presence will have a positive impact on your life. The Buddha stressed the importance of choosing such friends when he said:
There are these four types of people to be found existing in the world.
Which four?
One in darkness who is headed for darkness,
one in darkness who is headed for light,
one in light who is headed for darkness,
and one in light who is headed for light.
Clearly, the lesson in this teaching of the Buddha is to surround ourselves with nice people, those moving toward the light. Being in their company will inspire us to to do better and be better. Another time the Buddha reinforced the importance of these types of friends when he said: “Avoid evil doers as friends. Do not befriend low people. Take virtuous people for friends and associate with the best.”
There are these four types of people to be found existing in the world.
Which four?
One in darkness who is headed for darkness,
one in darkness who is headed for light,
one in light who is headed for darkness,
and one in light who is headed for light.
Clearly, the lesson in this teaching of the Buddha is to surround ourselves with nice people, those moving toward the light. Being in their company will inspire us to to do better and be better. Another time the Buddha reinforced the importance of these types of friends when he said: “Avoid evil doers as friends. Do not befriend low people. Take virtuous people for friends and associate with the best.”
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We can almost always control our temper. Many of us who don’t behave well or who say cruel things when irate, claim that we can’t control ourselves. But unless we are suffering from certain types of brain damage or are taking mind altering drugs, this is rarely true. - Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
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In his book, My Stroke of Luck, actor Kirk Douglas writes about his depression after he had a stroke and lost his ability to speak. His depression was so pervasive that he entertained thoughts of suicide. What helped him overcome those feelings were these six actions which can be gently and sensitively shared with a depressed friend to provide inspiration and motivation for moving forward:
1. When things go bad, always remember it could be worse.
2. Never, never give up. Keep working on your life.
3. Never lose your sense of humor. Laugh at yourself. Laugh with others.
4. Stem depression by thinking of, reaching out to, and helping others. Strive to be a Little Hero.
5. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
6. Pray. Not for God to cure you, but to help you help yourself.
1. When things go bad, always remember it could be worse.
2. Never, never give up. Keep working on your life.
3. Never lose your sense of humor. Laugh at yourself. Laugh with others.
4. Stem depression by thinking of, reaching out to, and helping others. Strive to be a Little Hero.
5. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
6. Pray. Not for God to cure you, but to help you help yourself.
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The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha. Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit. In other words, the highest offering lise in struggling to manifest, as one's own way of live, even a part of the spirit of the Buddha, who upheld the philosophy that everyone is a Buddha and tirelessly strove to save all from suffering. - Daisaku Ikeda
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We recycle thoughts. Recycling is okay when it refers to waste and so on, but recycling thoughts is not okay, because for every cycle, the emotion gets bigger. - Godwin Samarartne
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Although we all possess the seeds of great love and compassion, without the light of the enlightened one's wisdom and the waters of their compassion, these seeds would never spout. - Philip Kapleau
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A student asked Zen master Unmon, “What is the goal of a lifetime of practice?” He replied: “Responding appropriately.” - David Loy