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A small setback does not mean that you have failed; it is just that the time has not yet arrived. If you climb half-way up a mountain, you cannot say that you have failed. You just need to continue climbing until you reach the summit. - Sheng Yen
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Ask yourself, “where does my life need attention and improvement?” Possible answers include:
Then, strive for improvement, not perfection.
- Stress reduction
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Better nutrition
- Slowing down
- Greater balance
- Inner peace and tranquility
- Dealing with an addition
- Addressing emotional issues
- Improving relationships
- Strengthening friendships
- Dropping risky behaviors (only you know what those may be)
Then, strive for improvement, not perfection.
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When one thinks that by giving gifts now there will be a great reward, then receiving and giving are like trade for profit, which will be criticized. - Aryadeva
(*Aryadeva says that any giving which expects reward, including recognition and praise, is not pure generosity. It's more similar to a business transaction)
(*Aryadeva says that any giving which expects reward, including recognition and praise, is not pure generosity. It's more similar to a business transaction)
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The New York Times recently carried an article on Thich Nhat Hanh's return to Vietnam where he has received some prominent visitors who have made concerted efforts to be in his presence. Fluent in seven languages, Ven. Nhat Hanh remains unable to speak at 92 years of age due to a stroke experienced in 2014.
Though the Vietnam government has made no public comment on his return, several high officials have come to see him privately and pay their respects. The United States ambassador to Vietnam, Daniel Kritenbrink, visited soon after his return and called it an honor to see him in person.
Recently, nine United States senators visited Mr. Nhat Hanh, in what some of them described later as a very emotional meeting. “It was way beyond a political experience,” Senator Patrick Leahy, the Vermont Democrat who led the delegation, said by telephone. “It was very much a religious experience.”
Another senator in the group, the New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall, said he participated in a workshop with Mr. Nhat Hanh in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives, and that he had been meditating daily ever since.
(read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/world/asia/thich-nhat-hanh-vietnam.html )
Though the Vietnam government has made no public comment on his return, several high officials have come to see him privately and pay their respects. The United States ambassador to Vietnam, Daniel Kritenbrink, visited soon after his return and called it an honor to see him in person.
Recently, nine United States senators visited Mr. Nhat Hanh, in what some of them described later as a very emotional meeting. “It was way beyond a political experience,” Senator Patrick Leahy, the Vermont Democrat who led the delegation, said by telephone. “It was very much a religious experience.”
Another senator in the group, the New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall, said he participated in a workshop with Mr. Nhat Hanh in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives, and that he had been meditating daily ever since.
(read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/world/asia/thich-nhat-hanh-vietnam.html )
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That's the headline which recently appeared in India's Deccan Herald newspaper. Dr. Frawley is a leading Vedic scholar and the author of many highly influential writings about Hinduism, Meditation, Ayurveda and Astrology. Dr. Frawley is director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies. In 2015, he was recognized for his contribution to Vedic studies by India's Prime Minister Nodi who awarded him with Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award given in India. Here are excerpts from the interview:
On conversions into Hinduism
People take to Hinduism in an informal way. Many are even leaving Christianity. In the West, in many countries, less than half the people call themselves Christians and the majority don’t even go to church. West, in many countries, less than half the people call themselves Christians and the majority don’t even go to church. Even in the surveys in America, the largest growing group among the youth are the people who aren’t affiliated to any religion. The many people who claim to be spiritual and not religious are practising yoga, meditation, mantra and teachings out of the Dharmic tradition.
But the Hindu tradition doesn’t have the same type of formal conversion idea as the Christian tradition does. Because in the Hindu tradition, it is a tradition that we are all one, so there is no idea of conversion, but an idea of karma, rebirth self-realisation for everybody. In all the Dharmic traditions, there’s a recognition of all human beings.
(read the full interview: https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/spirituality-greater-faith-700336.html )
On conversions into Hinduism
People take to Hinduism in an informal way. Many are even leaving Christianity. In the West, in many countries, less than half the people call themselves Christians and the majority don’t even go to church. West, in many countries, less than half the people call themselves Christians and the majority don’t even go to church. Even in the surveys in America, the largest growing group among the youth are the people who aren’t affiliated to any religion. The many people who claim to be spiritual and not religious are practising yoga, meditation, mantra and teachings out of the Dharmic tradition.
But the Hindu tradition doesn’t have the same type of formal conversion idea as the Christian tradition does. Because in the Hindu tradition, it is a tradition that we are all one, so there is no idea of conversion, but an idea of karma, rebirth self-realisation for everybody. In all the Dharmic traditions, there’s a recognition of all human beings.
(read the full interview: https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/spirituality-greater-faith-700336.html )
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When trying to improve your character, don't despair and lose heart when you do something wrong. We must remember that even imperfect or incomplete improvement is far better than none at all. - Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
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Dalai Lama Expresses Determination to Live 110 Years During Long-life Ceremony in Dharamsala, India. Reflecting a very positive attitude, he said: "The First Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup, who lived to be 84, had no wish to be born in a pure land. Since I have the opportunity to benefit beings, it will be good if I’m able to live longer. I make prayers to him for his blessing that I may live another 10–15 years," He told visitors that during a dream, a Tibetan Goddess told him that he would live to be 110 years of age. Noting that he has dedicated his life to the service of others, in particular the welfare of the Tibetan people, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate observed:
“I feel that I have contributed something for the well being of people around the world, and in particular to the Tibetan people and their cause, over the last 60 years.”
In good health, the Dalai Lama expressed wishes to continue being present on the planet in order to be of help to others.
“I feel that I have contributed something for the well being of people around the world, and in particular to the Tibetan people and their cause, over the last 60 years.”
In good health, the Dalai Lama expressed wishes to continue being present on the planet in order to be of help to others.
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Geshe Sonam Rinchen, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and author describes the giving of protection as a vital expression of generosity. He writes:
"There are many opportunities in daily life to save small creatures from drowning, burning or being otherwise hurt. Millions of beings live in fear. Imagine rescuing them and making them feel safe and comfortable, freeing the thousands of fish caught in huge modern fishing nets, releasing battery hens or penned animals who never see the light of day. Imagine the fish gliding through the water and the animals in field and pastures wandering, playing and feasting on lush green grass."
"There are many opportunities in daily life to save small creatures from drowning, burning or being otherwise hurt. Millions of beings live in fear. Imagine rescuing them and making them feel safe and comfortable, freeing the thousands of fish caught in huge modern fishing nets, releasing battery hens or penned animals who never see the light of day. Imagine the fish gliding through the water and the animals in field and pastures wandering, playing and feasting on lush green grass."
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Generosity requires the exercise of wisdom and intelligence, without which we may do more harm than good. - Geshe Sonam Rinchen
(* Note: Buddhism cautions against idiot compassion, which takes the form of supporting someone because you can't bear to see them suffer. The word 'enabling' is a form of idiot comapssion)
(* Note: Buddhism cautions against idiot compassion, which takes the form of supporting someone because you can't bear to see them suffer. The word 'enabling' is a form of idiot comapssion)
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Rabbi Marc Gellman is a high profile television personalty, part of the God Squad with Monseigneur Tom Hartman. Together they discussed and debated religion and cultural issues. In a recent Newsweek article, Rabbi Gellman wrote these words of praise for Buddhism on the occasion of Vesak - Buddha's Birthday Festival:
"What I love about Buddhism is that it never loses focus on kindness and compassion as the practical goal of human life. Buddhism is not overly concerned about theological disputes; it is not a proselytizing religion. It respects all faiths and teaches nonviolence and vegetarianism. The Buddhists I know are kind and calm — great achievements in our broken world."
"What I love about Buddhism is that it never loses focus on kindness and compassion as the practical goal of human life. Buddhism is not overly concerned about theological disputes; it is not a proselytizing religion. It respects all faiths and teaches nonviolence and vegetarianism. The Buddhists I know are kind and calm — great achievements in our broken world."