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In Buddhism, the sole responsibility for our spiritual progress lies in our own hands. If we do not take responsibility for keeping our practice together then it will easily fall into the sphere of empty words. - Glenn H. Mullin
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From Buddhist Monk Ajahn Sumano who originated from Chicago where he worked in law and real estate. For the last decades he's lived in a cave in Thailand. The answer to this question is from his fine book Questions From The City: Answers From The Forest:
Question: As you see it, what is the best way to walk through this world?
Answer from Bhikkhu Sumano:
Your way. You must pursue your life according to the stream of your karma, which will pretty much dictate the manner and mode of your life. It will incline you toward particular vocations and obscure openings into others. That's your karmic destiny. But if all you do is go along with ikt it, you won't have much spiritual leverage on your life. You will be pushed from behind by a litany of 'likes' which you will go after and 'dislikes which you will turn away from.
When you have matured enough to reflect upon your life experience - and at this point meditation is very helpful - you will be able to gain a greater perspective and see a larger horizon at the frontier of human potentiality. You will begin to see that there is a grander life outside the limitations of one's karmic inheritance.
Question: As you see it, what is the best way to walk through this world?
Answer from Bhikkhu Sumano:
Your way. You must pursue your life according to the stream of your karma, which will pretty much dictate the manner and mode of your life. It will incline you toward particular vocations and obscure openings into others. That's your karmic destiny. But if all you do is go along with ikt it, you won't have much spiritual leverage on your life. You will be pushed from behind by a litany of 'likes' which you will go after and 'dislikes which you will turn away from.
When you have matured enough to reflect upon your life experience - and at this point meditation is very helpful - you will be able to gain a greater perspective and see a larger horizon at the frontier of human potentiality. You will begin to see that there is a grander life outside the limitations of one's karmic inheritance.
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Everything that happens, disastrous as it may be and no matter whose fault it is, has a potential benefit, and it’s your job to find it. Take full responsibility for everything that arises in your life. - Norman Fischer
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Buddhism cautions against criticizing others, nothing that the judgment producing criticism is often impure. It is usually devious, insincere and contains a hidden agenda. Because of that, criticism generally has very little value. However, Buddhism also advises us to embrace rather than reject criticism when it does come our way. Tibetan Buddhist masters consistently share this Buddhist wisdom: "Whenever you find a fault in yourself, rejoice like someone who has discovered a precious treasure. Having found and faced it, you now have some hope to overcome it. Otherwise, hiding from or burying it will never cause it to go away."
Here are ten reasons why Buddhism challenges us to embrace criticism even if it is painful:
And, here's a bonus reason: embracing criticism in the present moment may prevent a much larger issue in the future.
Here are ten reasons why Buddhism challenges us to embrace criticism even if it is painful:
- Criticism is to be regarded as an emanation or wisdom energy wisdom from a spiritual teacher.
- Humbly accepting criticism avoids generating negative karma by becoming angry and resentful.
- Criticism opens the door for us to learn something unknown about ourselves.
- Criticism often contains some truth from which we can benefit.
- Criticism gives us the opportunity to take corrective action.
- Embracing criticism calmly is an excellent way to purify the mind.
- Receiving criticism with composure strengthens positive emotions.
- Criticism reduces pride and arrogance.
- Being open to criticism develops our ability to listen without emotional interference.
- Gently absorbing criticism enhances our ability to be detached witnesses of life.
And, here's a bonus reason: embracing criticism in the present moment may prevent a much larger issue in the future.
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Who is wise? One who foresees the consequences of his actions. - Babylonian Talmud
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Modern Chinese Buddhist master Hsing Yun says this about virtue and about the wealthy and about those prominent in politics:
"We can't sense virtue from rich merchants because they are overbearing. Similarly, those officials who are high in positions are so obsessed with fame that their virtue cannot be seen. In fact, virtue is developed through humility."
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"We can't sense virtue from rich merchants because they are overbearing. Similarly, those officials who are high in positions are so obsessed with fame that their virtue cannot be seen. In fact, virtue is developed through humility."
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Inside all of us there is a Pristine Mind unscathed by life experiences, awaiting our rediscovery. - Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche
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It's not so hard to be wise.
Just think of something stupid
to say, and don't say it.
- Sam Levenson
Just think of something stupid
to say, and don't say it.
- Sam Levenson
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It is better to learn one spiritual method and practice it well than it is to listen to many instructions and not put them into practice. - Dalai Lama 5th
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Throughout history middle and upper class people have often shown poor manners to members of the lower classes, treating them without respect or consideration. - Rabbi Joseph Telushkin