When we take the one seat on our meditation cushion we become our own monastery. We create the compassionate space that allows for the arising of all things: sorrows, loneliness, shame, desire, regret, frustration, happiness. ~Jack Kornfield
Acceptance does not mean inaction. We may need to respond, strongly at times…From a peaceful center we can respond instead of react. Unconscious reactions create problems. Considered responses bring peace. With a peaceful heart whatever happens can be met with wisdom…Peace is not weak; it is unshakable. ~Jack Kornfield
Photo credit: Randy Neufeldt
How bright and transparent the moonlight of wisdom. ~ Hakuin
Ego
Self-importance
keep us
from forgiving others
from forgiving ourselves;
Pride
Arrogance
keep us
from making peace with others
from making peace with ourselves.
~Venerable Wuling
Each morning…
You have changed the whole
color scheme of my life,
from black and white
to the bright colors in this world.
Thanks to you,
I have a reason to smile
each morning I wake up.
~sms4smile
We almost always see only what’s wrong with other people and not what’s wrong with us. ~Joyce Meyer
Man’s mind influences his body profoundly. The mind has just as much potential to be a medication as it has to be a poison. When the mind is vicious, it can kill a being but when it is steady and diligent it can benefit others. When the mind is concentrated on right thoughts, and supported by right effort and understanding, the effect it produces is immense. A mind with pure and wholesome thoughts leads to healthy relaxed living.
The Buddha says: “No enemy can harm one so much as one’s own thoughts of craving, thoughts of hate, thoughts of jalousy and so on”.
A man who does not know how to adjust his mind according to circumstances is as if dead. Turn your mind inwards, and try to find pleasure within yourself.
It is only when the mind is controlled and properly directed that it becomes useful to its owner and society. An unruly mind is a liability both to its
owner and to others. All the havoc wrought in this world is the creation of men who have not learned the way of mind control, balance and poise.
Calmness is not weakness. A calm attitude at all times shows a man of culture. It is not too hard for one to be calm when things are favourable, but to be composed when things are wrong is hard indeed. It is this difficult quality that is worth achieving, for by exercing such calm and control, a man builds strength of character.
~by Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda
All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else. ~Buddha
If you know how to let go and be at peace, you know everything you need to know about living in the world. ~Ajahn Brahm
Life is impermanent. When others need help, do not hesitate, do not waste time, just help. ~Unknown
