Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to receive others’ viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout our entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Little girl and Novice monk

Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people. Do not utter words that cause diversion and hatred. Do not spread news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or condemn things you are not sure of. Always speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Lotus pond in Leverett, Massachusetts.

In addition to our meditation, it is important to lead our lives responsibly. We must avoid the influences of bad companions, unsavory friends who can lead us astray. It isn’t always easy to judge others, but we can see that certain lifestyles lead to less righteous ways. A kind and gentle person can easily become influenced by dubious friends to follow a less moral path. We must be careful to avoid such negative influences and must cultivate loyal friends who help make our human existence spiritually meaningful and purposeful. ~Dalai Lama

The purpose of spiritual practice is to fulfill our desire for happiness. We are all equal
in wishing to be happy and to overcome our suffering, and I believe that we all share
the right to fulfill this aspiration.  ~Dalai Lama

Juleeya B. Kong, 15, Sophomore at Lowell High School passed a way on January 1, 2015. This is her funeral service at the Glory Buddhist Temple, in Lowell, Massachusetts on January 10, 2015.

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Impermanent are all component things,
They arise and cease, that is their nature:
They come into being and pass away,
Release from them is bliss supreme.

Aniccaa vata sa”nkhaaraa — uppaada vaya dhammino
Uppajjitvaa nirujjhanti — tesa.m vuupasamo sukho.

— Mahaa-Parinibbaana Sutta

Grandpa lost both legs.

There needs to be a spiritual revolution where people mindfully reconnect with nature and that change can happen when we see ourselves as one with the planet according to Nhat Hanh. “You carry Mother Earth within you,” he said. “She is not just outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment.”

Source: Eden Keeper

People get stuck a lot because they’re afraid to act; in the worst case,…we get so attached to some end result that we can’t function. We need help just to move on, only life doesn’t wait. ~Bernie Glassman

Even if you strive diligently on your chosen path day after day, if your heart is not in accord with it, then even if you think you are on a good path, from the point of view of the straight and true, this is not a genuine path. If you do not pursue a genuine path to its consummation, then a little bit of crookedness in the mind will later turn into a major warp. Reflect on this. ~Musashi Miyomoto

Japanese Pagoda in Leverett, Massachusetts.

Winter Storm Juno is pounding New England with heavy snow and high winds. No place to walk! The snow is up to my waist already.

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