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It is extremely destructive to point out only the minuses, to point out only when the other person does something wrong. It is extremely important to tell the other person when the other person is doing something good, something skilful, something wholesome. This is a quality we need to cultivate. The other quality you do not have to cultivate, it is there naturally! - Godwin Samarartne
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Buddhism stresses the importance of kalyana mitra which translates to spiritual friend or noble friend, admirable friend, virtuous friend. A spiritual friend involves more than merely someone to spend time with, though it can include that, but connotes a person who inspires, supports, and guides us on the path to awakening and evolving. Spiritual friendship is so important that in the Pali Canon’s Upaddha Sutta a significant conversation between the Buddha and his closest companion, Ananda, is recorded. Sensing that the aged Buddha will not be with the community much longer, Ananda seeks clarification about following a spiritual path. He asks:
“Am I correct in believing that having admirable friendship, admirable companionship and spiritual friendship is half of the path?” The Buddha responded: “No, Ananda, that is not half of the path. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, spiritual friendship is actually the whole path.”
This explanation helped Ananda understand the critical importance of having supportive relationships based on shared Buddhist teachings and the pursuit of awakening. Such friendships are equally important for both monks and lay Buddhists. It is common, when someone embraces a Buddhist way of life, that relation shifts begin to occur naturally whereby former companions with whom one participated in more materialistic, pleasure oriented gatherings such as eating, drinking alcohol, and partying are replaced by those whose values and interests are more virtuous, noble, admirable, spiritual and supportive of Buddhist values.
“Am I correct in believing that having admirable friendship, admirable companionship and spiritual friendship is half of the path?” The Buddha responded: “No, Ananda, that is not half of the path. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, spiritual friendship is actually the whole path.”
This explanation helped Ananda understand the critical importance of having supportive relationships based on shared Buddhist teachings and the pursuit of awakening. Such friendships are equally important for both monks and lay Buddhists. It is common, when someone embraces a Buddhist way of life, that relation shifts begin to occur naturally whereby former companions with whom one participated in more materialistic, pleasure oriented gatherings such as eating, drinking alcohol, and partying are replaced by those whose values and interests are more virtuous, noble, admirable, spiritual and supportive of Buddhist values.
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When you know yourself completely and live in the moment, you start to distance yourself from everything that does not matter to you; you instead focus solely on improving ykour life by doing meaningful things. - Daniel D'Apollonio
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Linguistic analysis suggests that the Roma are originally a Hindi people from northern India. Many of the words and grammatical rules of the Romani language are virtually identical to those of the Hindi language.
The Roma people, frequently and called “Gypsies” (a derogatory term) number between 20 and 40 million worldwide and are often targets of persecution. It is believed that they originate from India with some scholars arguing that first migration of people who eventually came to be known as Roma People followed the invasion of Alexander the Great who carried ironsmiths skilled in making weapons in large numbers in the 5th century BC. Roma people's language reflects Sanskrit origins - naak (nose), kaan (ear) and aakh (eyes).
Even the name "Roma" may be derived from "Ramno Chave" or sons of Rama who is regarded as an Avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.
There has been some discussion among Indian government officials to consider including the Roma people as part of India's diaspora around the world.
The Roma people, frequently and called “Gypsies” (a derogatory term) number between 20 and 40 million worldwide and are often targets of persecution. It is believed that they originate from India with some scholars arguing that first migration of people who eventually came to be known as Roma People followed the invasion of Alexander the Great who carried ironsmiths skilled in making weapons in large numbers in the 5th century BC. Roma people's language reflects Sanskrit origins - naak (nose), kaan (ear) and aakh (eyes).
Even the name "Roma" may be derived from "Ramno Chave" or sons of Rama who is regarded as an Avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.
There has been some discussion among Indian government officials to consider including the Roma people as part of India's diaspora around the world.
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Even if you possess all the luxuries wealth can buy, you cannot be happy and excited about your life is you are not peaceful from the inside. - Daniel D'Apollonio
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Somewhere somebody must have some sense. Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets toughness. And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Asians worldwide have been celebrated the Chinese New Year which began on January 25th. It is the year of the rat. Festivities extend over several days. Here's a fine reflection on what a new can mean from my friend Kris Ladusau, director of the Oklahoma Dharma Center:
As we move into a new year (and a new decade) we have an opportunity to release everything in our life that is not in harmony with the Buddha’s Teachings (Universal Truth). This can be a form of spiritual “house cleaning” that mirrors our responsibilities in the physical realm when it comes to care and cleaning of the place in which we live. By intentionally choosing to become “clean and clear” we grow into a new perspective that is noticeable in our everyday interactions with others.
In Buddhism, we often talk about the importance of perspective. Through study and practice, we begin to develop the ability to listen to other people’s perspectives more comfortably and this provides us with an expanded understanding of both ourselves and others. I think that a new kind of “sight” will be a necessary skill as we move into the days ahead.
As we move into a new year (and a new decade) we have an opportunity to release everything in our life that is not in harmony with the Buddha’s Teachings (Universal Truth). This can be a form of spiritual “house cleaning” that mirrors our responsibilities in the physical realm when it comes to care and cleaning of the place in which we live. By intentionally choosing to become “clean and clear” we grow into a new perspective that is noticeable in our everyday interactions with others.
In Buddhism, we often talk about the importance of perspective. Through study and practice, we begin to develop the ability to listen to other people’s perspectives more comfortably and this provides us with an expanded understanding of both ourselves and others. I think that a new kind of “sight” will be a necessary skill as we move into the days ahead.
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I cannot change the past, so why I am holding onto something that has happened in the past? - Godwin Samararatne
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Tricycle Magazine reports that the US Congress has approved approximately $9 million to support Tibetan communities in India and Nepal as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020. According to the Central Tibetan Administration, the bill allocates funds for programs that preserve and promote Tibetan language and cultural traditions, sustainable development, education, and environmental conservation in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Tibetan communities in China, and diaspora communities. The passing of this bill continues historical US support of programs that provide humanitarian aid, economic development, and educational assistance to Tibetans both in exile and in Tibet.
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If we have misjudged someone, we should go out of our way to do that person a good turn. He might not know why we are acting especially nicely (and there is no reason for us to explain), but our kindness will wipe out the negative feelings we felt, and might also make us more cautious before we misjudge someone else. - Rabbi Joseph Telushkin