Saturday, June 29, 2013

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 29, 2013

Vision and Routine

The key to development along the Buddhist path is repetitive routine guided by inspirational vision. It is the insight into final freedom—the peace and purity of a liberated mind—that uplifts us and impels us to overcome our limits. But it is by repetition—the methodical cultivation of wholesome practices—that we cover the distance separating us from the goal and draw ever closer to awakening.
- Bhikkhu Bodhi, "Vision and Routine"
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Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:


Daily Buddhist Wisdom






When you see with discernment, 'All fabrications are inconstant'-- you grow disenchanted with stress. This is the path to purity. When you see with discernment, 'All fabrications are stressful'-- you grow disenchanted with stress. This is the path to purity. When you see with discernment, 'All phenomena are not-self'-- you grow disenchanted with stress. This is the path to purity.
- Dhammapada, 20, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 28, 2013

Undoing Desire

Buddhism teaches us that desire, for all the agony and ecstasy, is no match for the truth.
- Joan Duncan Oliver, "Drink And A Man"
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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 27, 2013

Facing Injustice

The doctrine of karma is founded on the premise that the world is a just place, but I am afraid unjust suffering stares us in the face. I think we should struggle against injustice, but we have to accept that it persists and that we shall never eliminate it.
- Richard Gombrich, "What the Buddha Thought"
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Via Joe Anthony / FB

  •  
    US Airforce over California...... ♥
    Just amazing that the united states government would prepare for a historic day and tell their pilots, tomorrow we will load your planes with color smoke and form a rainbow in the sky showing support to lgbt community.

Via JMG: Tonight In New York City



Edie Windsor in the top photo!


Reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Tonight In San Francisco


 
Photos by JMG reader Kned.


Reposted from  Joe

Via JMG: Tonight In San Diego


 
Photos by Rex Wockner.


Reposted from Joe

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 26, 2013

Allegiance to Life

Feeling alarm or devastation can guide us to a deep sanity, reminding us of who we are and what we need. It can remind us that we belong to this larger body and that we care for it. Our power to act, our power to take part in the healing of our world, our power to bring things back into balance, comes from the same source as that devastation. Our pain for the world, and our power to take part in the healing of our world, both come from the same place. 
- Joanna Macy, "Allegiance to Life"
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

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Tricycle Daily Dharma June 25, 2013

Gradual Transformation

The movement from ordinary states of self-concern to selfless giving always involves a gradual transformation of character, not a sudden leap. Like any form of strength, generosity needs to be intentionally cultivated over time, and everyone must begin in whatever state of mind they already happen to be.
- Dale S. Wright, “The Bodhisattva’s Gift”
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Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:



Daily Buddhist Wisdom






Just as the word chariot is merely a means of expressing how axle, body, wheel, and poles are brought together in a certain relationship, but when we look at each of them one by one there is no chariot in an absolute sense; and just as the word house is a way of expressing how wood and other materials stand in relationship to each other in a certain space, but in the absolute sense there is no house; and just as the word fist is an expression for the finger and thumb in relationship, and tree for trunk, branches, leaves, and so on, but in an absolute sense there is no fist or tree--in exactly the same way the words living entity and person are but ways of expressing the relationship of body, feeling, and consciousness, but when we come to examine the elements of being, one by one, we find there is no entity there. In the absolute sense there is only name and form and the mystery which they express. Such ideas as "I" and "I am" are not absolute.
- Visuddhi Magga

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma:

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 24, 2013

Knowing is not Enough

If you know dharma but do not apply it, then you have more regret than if you had never learned any dharma in the first place. If you are not going to apply dharma knowledge to your life—better not to know it at all.
- Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche, "Keys to Happiness"
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Monday, June 24, 2013

Via Buddhism on Beliefnet:



Daily Buddhist Wisdom






Ordinary life and Buddhahood have no distinction. Great knowledge is not different from ignorance. Why should one seek outwardly for a treasure, when the field of the body has its own bright jewel?
- Pao-chih, "The Nonduality of Buddhahood and Ordinary Life"

Brazilians Protest "Gay Cure" Bill


EuroNews reports:
In the midst of the biggest nationwide protests against the government in decades Brazilians have taken to the streets to express their anger at a controversial law known as the “gay cure” proposed by the the president of the Brazilian Parliament’s Commission for Human Rights, Marco Feliciano. If passed the change in legislation would permit psychologists to treat “homosexuality” as an illness.



(Tipped by JMG reader Robert)


Reposted from Joe 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 23, 2013

What Nature Teaches

Nature teaches us simplicity and contentment, because in its presence we realize we need very little to be happy.
- Mark Coleman, "A Breath of Fresh Air"
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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Rudolf Brazda, last of the Pink Triangles, tells his story


Baha'i participation in Springfield Missouri LGBT Civil Rights Survey

Hello friends,
I wanted to share an interesting, yet upsetting situation out of Springfield Missouri's Baha'i community concerning participation in an LGBT civil rights survey.  As always there is something to be learned from such a situation, and of course I had to write the National Spiritual Assembly bringing this to their attention.  A lot has happened in the American Baha'i community as we face this sensitive , yet timely subject.  Much I do not agree with, but any talk is good (voice of optimism).  Progress can only happen if those who remain silent speak up and bring forth a voice of reason, love, acceptance to the table.  I look forward to National's response. 
love,
S R
Palm Springs, CA
____
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 11:37 PM
Subject: Baha'i participation in Springfield Missouri LGBT Civil Rights Survey



Dear National Spiritual Assembly,

With a heavy heart I write you with news published online and in print concerning a survey that representatives of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Springfield Missouri took part in.  The survey is from a local faith subcommittee task force on faith and gender identity concerning LGBT civil rights and protection in the city of Springfield. As a gay man I am concerned that an LSA would publicly endorse discrimination against LGBT people in light of your recent guidance that has been recirculated this year.  The civil rights of LGBT people (workplace protection, fair and equal housing, and inclusion in being a protected minority class) does not conflict with Baha'i law.  There has been some progress in the American Baha'i community in regards to this topic, discussions are occurring, presentations are being made, LGBT Baha'is are meeting each other for the first time in a spirit of love and support, yet moments like this take our community ten steps back.  The following was the response of the Springfield LSA to the survey:

  1. Do you agree that the Springfield City Code should be amended to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance? No
  2. Would your answer reflect the majority of members in your congregation? Yes
  3. If the task force finds that there is discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in housing, employment, and/or public accommodations in Springfield, would you support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance? No
  4. Would your answer reflect the majority of members in your congregation? Yes

I do hope that there can be consultation with the LSA of Springfield Missouri regarding this sensitive topic.  I appreciate your continued efforts in addressing this topic, and look forward to your guidance in the future.  

With love always,

S R

Via Tricycle Daily Dharma

Tricycle Daily Dharma June 22, 2013

Imagination vs Fantasy

Imagination confronts desire directly, in all its discomfort and intensity, deepening the world right where we are. Fantasy and reality are opposing forces, but imagination and reality are not in opposition: Imagination goes toward reality, shapes and evokes it.
- Norman Fischer, "Saved from Freezing"
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