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Tibetan Buddhist master, Gampopa (1079-1153) compiled a list identifying the “superior” person. Here’s his statement:
It is a sign of a superior person:
1. to be less envious and conceited,
2. to have less craving and be content with just the basics of living,
3. not to be pompous, haughty, or arrogant,
4. to be without hypocrisy or double-dealing,
5. to examine precisely and conscientiously any course of action and then carry it out with mindfulness,
6. to be on guard concerning the karmic consequences of actions, as one would protect one’s own eyes,
7. to be free from duplicity in keeping vows and commitments,
8. not to be prejudiced or false-hearted towards sentient beings,
9. to be forgiving and non-aggressive toward those who do evil,
10. to offer all victories to others and accept all defeats for oneself, and
11. to differ from worldly-minded people in all thoughts and deeds.
These are the eleven signs of a superior person.
Their opposites are the signs of an inferior person.
(Challenge yourself by asking: How do I measure up?)
It is a sign of a superior person:
1. to be less envious and conceited,
2. to have less craving and be content with just the basics of living,
3. not to be pompous, haughty, or arrogant,
4. to be without hypocrisy or double-dealing,
5. to examine precisely and conscientiously any course of action and then carry it out with mindfulness,
6. to be on guard concerning the karmic consequences of actions, as one would protect one’s own eyes,
7. to be free from duplicity in keeping vows and commitments,
8. not to be prejudiced or false-hearted towards sentient beings,
9. to be forgiving and non-aggressive toward those who do evil,
10. to offer all victories to others and accept all defeats for oneself, and
11. to differ from worldly-minded people in all thoughts and deeds.
These are the eleven signs of a superior person.
Their opposites are the signs of an inferior person.
(Challenge yourself by asking: How do I measure up?)
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Youth is the best time, the most fitting time in a man's life, to devote himself to spiritual aspiration and spiritual practice. - Swami Sivananda
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The pursuit of yoga is quite simple and straightforward. The student must not try to do many things; but must select and do one or two. The act of selecting is part of the work, and will be very useful if the student will allow himself to be intuitive, instead of being emotional about it. - Ernest Wood
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Unfortunately, we assign the label of truth to our individual perceptions, which is dangerous. “I saw it with my own eyes” does not mean “Therefore it must be true.” - Tashi Nyima
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Like spice in food, patience is the secret ingredient that
makes life rich. - Tarthang Tulku
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Yoga philosophy endorses and encourages the having of a spiritual friend which, in Sanskrit, is kalyana mitra. The term conveys more than mere friendship but one who is a mentor, guide, source of wisdom and inspiration for life. To have such a person is considered essential for spiritual exploration and evolution.
Here's a question to ask yourself: 'Who in my life is a kalyana mitra to me?' If you don't have one, try to identify one and spend time with her/him.
Here's a question to ask yourself: 'Who in my life is a kalyana mitra to me?' If you don't have one, try to identify one and spend time with her/him.
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As the Buddha taught over two and a half thousand years ago, there are many benefits to following a vegetarian lifestyle —both for us and for other beings as well. Today, so many centuries later, the Buddha’s words are as powerful as ever. - Geshe Thupten Phelgye
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Even the worst obstacles in the end disappear
before a will that never falters. - Sri Aurobindo
before a will that never falters. - Sri Aurobindo
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Cruelty to animals is as if man did not love God…there is something so dreadful, so Satanic, in tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves, who are utterly in our power. – Cardinal John Henry Newman