We don’t become monks or nuns to eat well, sleep well, and be very comfortable, but to know suffering:
1. how to accept it…
2. how to get rid of it…
3. how not to cause it.
Compiled & Edited by Dhamma Garden
Transcribed to the Internet by
Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery
Source: http://www.dharmaweb.org
Sitting on the steps, looking across the lake,
Wondering why, life at times, can seem great.
But in that second, it took me to just think,
My life could change, faster than a blink.
Is this a reason why we should always cherish?
Not knowing when loved ones may suddenly perish.
Living everyday, like it was our very last,
for our days could be very long or go by very fast
So I’ll cherish and take nothing for granted,
not say things that shouldn’t be chanted.
If this is the last day I have on this earth,
I accept my life, for what it’s been worth.
Tomorrow isn’t promised to young or old alike,
Today may be the last day I’m able to hold you tight.
Don’t wait for tomorrow, do it all today,
If tomorrow never comes, you’ll never regret a day.
Poem title: Live each day to the fullest
Amy D. Liskey
There are many ways to calm a negative energy without suppressing or fighting it. You recognize it, you smile to it, and you invite something nicer to come up and replace it; you read some inspiring words, you listen to a piece of beautiful music, you go somewhere in nature, or you do some walking meditation. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
The Buddha taught that this is like this, because that is like that. You see? Becasue you smile, I am happy. This is like this, therefore that is like that. And that is like that because this is like that. This is called dependent co-arising. Suppose you and I are friends. (In fact, I hope we are friends.) My well-being, my happiness depends very much on you, and your wellbeing, your happiness, depends upon me. I am responsible for you, and you are responsible for me. Anything I do wrong, you will suffer, and anything you do wrong, I have to suffer. Therefore, in order to take care of you, I have to take care of myself. ~Thich Nhat Hanh