Friday, January 15, 2021

Via Daily Dharma: Sit in the Unconditioned Spaces

Coming into contact—if only for a moment—with the unconditioned, with life as it is without all our fears and preferences—isn’t this what meditation is really about?

—Noelle Oxenhandler, “Go Bang Your Head Against the Wall”

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Via Gay Wisdom // White Crane Institute

 

Noteworthy
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
1929 -

 On this date The Rev. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR was born in Atlanta, Georgia. As an African American civil rights leader he spoke eloquently and stressed nonviolent methods to achieve equality. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. In 1983, the third Monday in January was designated a legal holiday in the U.S. to celebrate his birthday. King's message was a catalyst for many in the gay rights movement and continues to be an inspiration for the GLBT community today.

Via Tumblr

 


Via Whatazap...

 My friend Neide sent me this photo of her Nepali prayer flags I gave her



Thursday, January 14, 2021

Via English Literature / FB

 

"Helpless Love"
 
Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. 
 
Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.
 
The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. 
 
Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
 
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realized it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope.
 
Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”
 
“No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.”
 
A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”
 
Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”
 
Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
 
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.
 
Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place.
 
On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?”
 
Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”
 
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
 
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
 
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”
 
Author Unknown

Via Daily Dharma: The Meaning of Emptiness

 Emptiness does not mean that things don’t exist, nor does “no self” mean that we don’t exist. Emptiness refers to the underlying nonseparation of life and the fertile ground of energy that gives rise to all forms of life.

—Jack Kornfield, “Identity and Selflessness in Buddhism: No Self or True Self?”

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021

It's the Creme Egg Golden Goobilee!

Via Daily Dharma: Practice Being Yourself

 Buddhist practice is not about forcing ourselves to be natural. It is about being ourselves.

—Gary Thorp, “Shelter from the Storm”

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Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation // Words of Wisdom - January 13, 2021 💌

 

Jesus said you will get to the kingdom of God and that’s where you’ll find the children. I like to believe in childhood or childlike qualities as a goal. Or a way to reach spiritual awareness. It’s not about going back to being a child, it’s to be childlike, in the sense of innocence, openness, freshness, and beginning.

- Ram Dass -

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Via Daily Dharma: Noticing Your Reactions

 When Buddhist teachings talk about emotions, such as love and hate, they are describing our disposition toward the things we encounter.

—Andrew Olendzki, “What’s in a Word? Dukkha”

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Monday, January 11, 2021

Via Tricycle // Karma

 

Karma Is Individual
By Thanissaro Bhikkhu
 
Our karma determines the social and cultural groups we’re born into. Does this mean that “collective karma” is real? 
Read more »

Via Daily Dharma: Meditating On Thoughts

 To meditate upon thoughts is simply to be aware, as thoughts arise, that the mind is thinking, without getting involved in the content.

—Joseph Goldstein, “These Are Not ‘Your’ Thoughts”

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Via The Poor People’s Campaign

 Image