The Planet's Sangha: Buddhist discussions, thought, etc.

[Lady_Wu]

"As long as the sun rises
and your heart beats
Tao is at hand" ---Deng Ming Tao

Why do we look for Tao in mysterious and obscure places? Why must we sit in meditation for hours? As long as we breath, Tao is here within us. We might only be dimly aware of this, but that dim awareness does not change Tao. Being in nature will help; meditation will help:both help bring us to a better awareness of Tao. Even if we do neither of these things, Tao is right at hand. Do we feel, do we sense? Then we have direct access to Tao. Don't delay: feel for it, sense it! Tao is breath; Tao is now!
Lady_Wu

[oblivia]

"Although the world's religions may differ fundamentally from one other in their metaphysical views, when it comes to their teachings on the actual practice of ethics, there is great convergence. All the faith traditions emphasize a virtuous way of being, the purification of the mind from negative thoughts and impulses, the doing of good deeds, and living a meaningful life." ~ Dalai Lama

I have the Dalai Lama friended on facebook. It amuses me to type that out. But this lovely gem was on his wall today.


"June 13, 2010
Tricycle Daily Dharma
Stand on your own two feet

When it's time for a child to start walking, a mother needs to let her child walk. She needs to let the child lose his or her balance, fall down, and then find balance once again. Alone, the child needs to get up and stand on his or her own two feet. Although children need protection, we need to have confidence in their potential to flourish. We don’t want to hold them captive by our own fears and doubts—this creates the unhealthy dependence we have been talking about. Letting children immerse themselves in a challenging situation or obstacle for a while gives the child confidence. It gives the mother confidence, too. It’s one of the early steps a mother takes in letting the child become a citizen of the world."

- Dzigar Kongtrul, "Old Relationships, New Possibilities" (Winter 2008)

Wow, this one was exactly what I needed to hear today - the message in the article in its entirety (linked above). Wow. So powerful. I will be thinking on Lenchak.

[oblivia]

June 15, 2010
Tricycle Daily Dharma
Watch Your Words

Years ago, when I began traveling the Buddha’s path, I was surprised by the emphasis placed on the practice of skillful speech. The Buddha considered the way we communicate with each other to be so important that he taught the practice of skillful speech alongside such lofty teachings as skillful view, thinking, action, and mindfulness as a pillar of the Ennobling Eightfold Way.

The Buddha saw that we are always engaged in relationships, starting with that most significant relationship: the one with ourselves. On the cushion we notice how we speak to ourselves—sometimes with compassion, sometimes with judgment or impatience. Our words are a powerful medium with which we can bring happiness or cause suffering.

- Allan Lokos, "Skillful Speech" (Winter 2008)

[Lady_Wu]

when people are rid of convention of how
to love, act and cherish
then they will naturally hold their families dear

rid of knowledge, they would be wise

Lady_Wu

[oblivia]

June 16, 2010
Tricycle Daily Dharma
Bad Meditation? No Such Thing

The mind can do wonderful and unexpected things. Meditators who are having a difficult time achieving a peaceful state of mind sometimes start thinking, “Here we go again, another hour of frustration.” But often something strange happens; although they are anticipating failure, they reach a very peaceful meditative state. My first meditation teacher told me that there is no such thing as a bad meditation. He was right. During the difficult meditations you build up your strength, which creates meditation for peace.

- Ajahn Brahm, "Stepping Towards Enlightenment," Fall 2006

[Lady_Wu]

All forms of violence, esp. war, are totally unacceptable as a means to settle disputes between and among nations, groups, and persons.
(H.H.The Dalai Lama)

[Lady_Wu]

stop thinking and end your your problems
what difference between yes and no
what difference between success and failure
must you value what others value
avoid what others avoid
what others avoid
how ridiculous
(Laozi)

[Lady_Wu]

Our ancestors viewed the earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw the earth as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we know is the case only if we care for it. It is not difficult to forgive damage done in ignorance. Today,however,we have access to more information,and it is essential that we reexamine ethically what we have inherited,what we are responsible for,and what we will pass on to coming generations.
(H.H.The Dalai Lama)

Just a comment unrelated to His Holiness' remarks but related to His Holiness. My one real wish to have happen before I die is to be in the presence of His Holiness, to hear Him give a Dharma talk or to teach upon a text. Many Tibetans see Him as Chenrezig (Avolakitsvara), The God of Compassion. I do, also. If He were to instruct me to stand in front of a speeding train, I would do so without hesitation. I would be convinced that would be some reason,unbeknownst to me that I should do so.
Lady_Wu