“Politeness is the flower of humanity.” — Joseph Joubert
“A flower does not use words to announce its arrival to the world; it just blooms.” — Matshona Dhliwayo
“In joy and in sadness, flowers are our constant friends.” —Unknown
“Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.” — Clare Ansberry
Sometimes harsh words must be said in order to help someone, but generally when we speak harshly, it is because we are angry, and it does not help. It is difficult to speak harsh words with love and compassion. In these situations, we can take ourselves as an example. Putting ourselves in someone else’s place, we ask, “If someone said these words to me in that way, how would I feel?” When we truly think of others, we will find some part of them that resembles us, because every one of us experiences pleasure and pain. Before we act or speak, thinking of others as similar to us is quite useful. ~ 17th Karmapa
Photo credit: Randy Neufeldt
The best friend of earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth. ~Frank Lloyd Wright
How does the dhamma teach the proper way of life? It shows us how to live. It has many ways of showing it – on roots or trees or just in front of you. It is a teaching but not in words. So still the mind, the heart, and learn to watch. You’ll find the whole dhamma revealing itself here and now. At what other time and place are you going to look? ~Ajahn Chah
Photo credit: Randy Neufeldt
