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Then there is fundamentalism and dogmatism which might have been working well for some religions, at least for a while. As the world becomes more educated and the living standard of people increases, not to speak of the endless entertainment that they can indulge in, less people will seek comfort in those rigid dogmas, especially if they are psychologically threatened to accept them. This is why once powerful western religions are dying in the West with the speed of a natural development rather than being attacked by some external political force or aggressive secular policy handed down by a godless autocratic government.  - Anam Thubten Rinpoche
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Here's something to think over on this (American) Thanksgiving Day weekend. It's from Buddhist writer David R. Loy:

This practice (of gratitude) is all the more important because we live in a culture that does not encourage us to be grateful.  In fact, we are encouraged not to be grateful:  consumerism involves dissatisfaction, because if people are happy with what they've got, then they are less concerned about getting more.

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When you have a lot of jealousy in life towards others, it will be difficult to have a moment of happiness because your mind is constantly in competition when it comes to improving things, changing things, and getting better in life. Jealousy always gives you unhappiness and dissatisfaction in life. - Phakchok Rinpoche

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Research by Steven Pinker at Harvard University has shown that we are currently living in the least violent time in history. There are more people living in peace right now than ever before. The rates of homicide, rape, sexual assault, and child abuse are all falling.2Most people are shocked when they hear these statistics. Some still refuse to believe them. If this is the most peaceful time in history, why are there so many wars going on right now? Why do I hear about rape and murder and crime every day? Why is everyone talking about so many acts of terrorism and destruction?

The answer is that we are not only living in the most peaceful time in history, but also the best reported time in history. Information on any disaster or crime is more widely available than ever before. A quick search on the Internet will pull up more information about the most recent terrorist attack than any newspaper could have ever delivered 100 years ago.  - James Clear
(source:  https://getpocket.com/explore/item/5-common-mental-errors-that-sway-you-from-making-good-decisions-1038352544)

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When presented with negative thoughts or feelings,
cultivate an opposite elevated attitude.
- Patanjali Sutra 2:33
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Our minds hold the key to our rise and fall. There are two sides to every thought; we can be liberated and let go of all worries on a thought of enlightenment, or we can be entrapped and create waves of agitation on a thought of delusion. - Hsing Yun

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Whenever you are grieving a loss whether it is a death, a separation, divorce, job loss, etc., don't hinder your healing.  Here are three pitfalls to avoid.
  1. unhealthy habits – eating too much or too little, running from your feelings.
  2. going it alone – while independence can be a powerful, positive virtue, there are times when going it alone means going nowhere. Let people help you.
  3. addictive/abusive behavior - “Addictions are serious problems in society and are never welcome in grief. Recognize that you may need to surround yourself with friends and sponsors who can provide a safety net at this difficult time.”
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When it comes to living happy and fulfilled lives, we humans need meaning, we need purpose. People who feel there is a deeper purpose and meaning in what they are doing in their day-to-day lives tend to be happier, healthier, and more satisfied. Research shows, for example, that a life orientated towards meaning brings greater satisfaction than a life oriented toward hedonic pleasure. Those that have a strong sense of purpose in life live longer, and having a strong sense of purpose may be just as good for your health as engaging in regular exercise.  -  Christopher Boyce
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Listening does not simply mean letting a sound enter our ears.... We need to listen well and we must listen a lot. - Jampa Tegchok

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Mantras become keys that unlock our soul’s natural, inner dialogue with divinity. - Catherine L. Schweig



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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