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Wherever the Buddha taught, he invited questions from his audiences. On one occasion he was asked "What is required for one to become awakened or enlightened?" The Buddha responded with list which has come to be called the "seven factors of awakening." Thus, anyone desiring to move into that experience needs to cultivate the following seven:

1. Mindfulness. Asking the right questions about yourself, your life and life in general

2. Investigation. Maintaining curiosity and absorbing teachings leading to awareness.

3. Effort. Enlightenment does not come to those who are too lazy to overcome obstacles.

4. Joy. The process should be joyful, not a joyless striving.

5. Relaxation. Anxiety about the the path or one's progress is self-sabotaging.

6. Focus. Disciplining the mind to become more focused.

7. Equanimity. Remaining calm and balanced especially when life is complicated.

Review this list asking yourself: "Which one(s) need more attention in my life?"
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Death looks to us like the end of life. But it is not really thee end. When we die, and our bodies decay, consciousness remains to transmigrate with karmic energy. - Hsing Yun


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The aim of life is to improve the welfare of the universe. For that, it is not necessary to walk far. - Hsing Yun

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 Each time you retaliate with words and actions that hurt, you are strengthening the habit of anger. - Pema Chodron

 
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Old age does not mean living many years, but thinking you are old. Some people are young, but their minds are old. They are like living corpses. Some senior citizens with white hair are very healthy and energetic. - Hsing Yun


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I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress women have achieved. - B. R. Ambedkar
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May the naked find clothing,
May the hungry find food,
And may the thirsty find pure water
And delicious drinks.

May the poor find wealth,
May those weak with sorrow find joy,
And may those whose fortunes have declined
Find replenishment and long-lasting good fortune.

May everyone who is sick
Be swiftly healed,
And may every disease that affects living beings
Be permanently eradicated.

May the frightened be released from their fears,
May those in captivity be freed,
May the powerless be endowed with power,
And may people think only of benefiting one another.
May it be so.
    - Shantideva

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It’s helpful to remember that our emotions are here for a reason. They often serve as a smoke alarm, letting us know about an impending fire. When we ignore or repress our emotions, it can lead to bigger problems. - Shauna Shapiro


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Eliminate from your life all the people and practices that unleash your negative and unhealthy side. - Daniel D'Apollonio

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Here's a reminder to embrace impermanence in order to reduce anxiety and fear, especially during this season of Covid -

"Fear and anxiety are the dominant psychological states of the human mind. Behind the fear lies a constant longing to be certain. We are afraid of the unknown. The mind’s craving for confirmation is rooted in our fear of impermanence. Fearlessness is generated when you can appreciate uncertainty, when you have faith in the impossibility of these interconnected components remaining static and permanent." -  Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Victor M. Parachin ... 

a Vedic educator, yoga instructor, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of a dozen books. Buy his books at amazon or your local bookstore. Sadly, Victor passed away in August 2025, but his blog continues. Janet Parachin, his partner of 45 years, shares quotes from his books and articles each week. 

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