We live in a world of contradiction my friends. We talk about how much we love peace, and yet many enjoy violent ‘entertainment’. We talk about how important it is to be morally correct, yet so often that is thrown to the wind. We talk about love, yet hate what displeases us. We speak of [...]
For any advancement in life we have to accept some restrictive disciplines. A river is bound by the banks, a tree is bound to the earth, and the strings of a guitar are also bound and thereby music is produced. We must be bound to following our path and doing what we need to do [...]
Why do so many spend so much time trying to know the unknowable; change the unchangeable; perform the impossible? Know what is knowable; change what is changeable; do what you can do, and then rest. Nothing else needs doing.
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Do not go after the past, Nor lose yourself in the future.
For the past no longer exists, [...]
When a person gives up all desires that have emerged from the mind, and is able to rest contented within themselves, that person shall be called one of wisdom. The one whose mind is untroubled by any misfortune, whose craving for pleasures has vanished, who is free from anger, greed, and fear. One who is [...]
People often ask about mixing things from different traditions or philosophies. Please remember that yellow and blue make a pleasing green, but mixing yellow, blue, red, brown, and other colors make mud. Be mindful of what you are mixing.
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The deepest words
of the wise man teach us
the same as the whistle of the wind when it [...]
Our own world is based upon a foundation. We often can feel this foundation shaking. Perhaps now we may be feeling our economy shaking. At other times the foundation of our job or a relationship. Even the local temple or center we attend may shake. To live in such a world often subjects us to [...]
Just as unnecessary as a well is in a village that lies on the banks of a great river,also unnecessary are all the books and scriptures to someone who has seen the truth.
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One is all; all are one.
When you realize this,
what reason for holiness or wisdom?
The mind of absolute trust
is beyond all thought, all striving,
is [...]
Death is certain for the living, after death, the journey continues. Since both may not be avoided,there is no reason for sorrow. The cause of death if birth. The only way one cannot avoid death is by not having lived in the first place. Clinging to life is no different than clinging to something else. [...]
What are the good practices of self-restraint? Forgiveness, patience, impartiality, truth, sincerity, defeating sensual desire, cleverness, mildness, modesty, steadiness, liberality, freedom from anger, contentment, right speech, benevolence, and the freedom from malice. One who has mastered all these can be said to have self-restraint.
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Food and clothes sustain
Body and life;
I advise you to learn
Being as is.
When [...]
Despair is perhaps the most tragic of human conditions. To live without any hope, is one of the great sufferings one can experience. It robs us of the joy or everyday life, the miracle of it all. There is not a human who has walked this earth who has not felt hardship. The greatest test [...]