We do not reason ourselves into it.
-- W. B. Yeats
~
-"You inside and the wind outside, tangled on the window blind, tell
-me why you treated me so unkind. Down where the sun don't shine I'm lonely
-and I call your name, no place to go ain't that a shame...."
- -- J. Garcia
+You inside and the wind outside, tangled on the window blind, tell me why you
+treated me so unkind. Down where the sun don't shine I'm lonely and I call
+your name, no place to go ain't that a shame....
+ -- Jerry Garcia
~
The point of living, and of being an optimist, is to be foolish enough
to believe the best is yet to come.
~
Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least
they can find Kuwait.
- -- A. Whitney Brown
+ -- A. Whitney Brown
~
My mom said she learned how to swim. Someone took her out in the lake
and threw her off the boat. That's how she learned how to swim. I
~
All human evil comes from a single cause--
man's inability to sit still in a room.
- -- Blaise Pascal (spoken like a true nun)
+ -- Blaise Pascal
~
An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a
cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.
That's assault, not leadership.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
~
-When elephants fight, only the grass gets hurt.
- -- Swahili Saying
+When elephants fight, only the grass gets hurt. -- Swahili Saying
~
Men who know the same things are not long the best company for each other.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
recognize a mistake when you make it again.
-- Franklin P. Jones
~
-Nobody roots for Goliath.
- -- Wilt Chamberlain
+Nobody roots for Goliath. -- Wilt Chamberlain
~
(cat haiku)
Gentle pussy, bit
principally by afflicted emotions and illusions. Attachment, aversion and
ignorance rather than a free spirit, love and wisdom are the guiding forces.
Recognizing this simple truth is the beginning of the spiritual path.
- -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, edited and translated by Glenn H. Mullin, in
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, edited and translated by Glenn H. Mullin, in
"The Path to Enlightenment", published by Snow Lion Publications
~
If persons who have attained calm abiding keep their minds in calm abiding,
ignorance, and to achieve that clarity one must cultivate special insight.
-- Geshe Gedun Lodro, in "Calm Abiding and Special Insight: Achieving
Spiritual Transformation through Meditation", translated and edited
- by Jeffrey Hopkins, co-edited by Anne C. Klein and Leah Zahler,
+ by Jeffrey Hopkins, co-edited by Anne C. Klein and Leah Zahler,
published by Snow Lion Publications
~
If you haven't found something strange during the day,
-- Tsong-kha-pa, in "The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to
Enlightenment: Lam Rim Chen Mo", translated by the Lamrim Chenmo
Translation Committee under editorial guidance of Joshua Cutler and Guy
- Newland, foreword by Robert A.F. Thurman, Snow Lion Publications
+ Newland, foreword by Robert A.F. Thurman, Snow Lion Publications
~
...if we remain clinging to this life even for one day, we are misusing
our time. In this way, we can waste months and years on end. Because we
principal cause.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, from "Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations
with the Dalai Lama on Brain Science and Buddhism," edited by Zara
- Houshmand, Robert B. Livingston and B. Alan Wallace, published by
+ Houshmand, Robert B. Livingston and B. Alan Wallace, published by
Snow Lion Publications
~
We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.
going to sleep and can be induced in the waking state by means of the inner
heat yogas.
-- "Readings on the Six Yogas of Naropa," translated, edited and introduced
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
If you want to tell people the truth,
make them laugh,
as appreciating the tremendous potential that lies within oneself as a human
being. And by reflecting upon these opportunities and potentials, they will
be able to increase their sense of worth and confidence in themselves.
- -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., "The Art of
+ -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., "The Art of
Happiness: A Handbook for Living"
~
An instruction that matches examples and their meanings to show how the
the Vajrayana must be practiced under the supervision of a qualified vajra
acharya.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
Self-discipline brings us into relationship with one of the six
perfections of the bodhisattva, that of enthusiastic perseverance, which
to particular times, people, or situations, and therefore as only contextually
valid.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Dalai Lamas on Tantra", translated, edited and
- introduced by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ introduced by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
Many places have been totally changed through the use of police force and
the power of guns--the Soviet Union, China, Burma, the Philippines, many
destructive. lt is by addressing these obstacles and by constantly examining
your personal character, qualities, and abilities, that you can learn to have
greater self-understanding. This is the way to become more self-aware.
- -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., "The Art of
+ -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., "The Art of
Happiness at Work"
~
Phowa is a practice which should be done repeatedly, all through our lives so
that knows the ultimate mode of being, one is able to destroy the deepest root
of distortion, negative karma and sorrow.
-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", translated and
- edited by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ edited by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
It is important to realize that there is nobody else who can wake us up and
save us from samsara. There is no such thing in Buddhism. That may be
Man embraces in his makeup all the natural orders;
he's a squid, a mollusk, a sucker and a buzzard;
sometimes he's a cerebrate.
- -- Martin H. Fischer
+ -- Martin H. Fischer
~
Men are cruel, but Man is kind.
-- Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, 1916
-- Mark Twain, Following the Equator, 1897
~
We are all parasites; we humans, the greatest.
- -- Martin H. Fischer
+ -- Martin H. Fischer
~
Suppose some mathematical creature from the moon were to reckon up the human
body; he would at once see that the essential thing about it was that it was
~
When freedom from want and freedom from fear are achieved,
man's remains will be in rigor mortis.
- -- Martin H. Fischer
+ -- Martin H. Fischer
~
Man is nature's sole mistake.
-- W.S. Gilbert
~
Nature is trying very hard to make us succeed, but nature does not
depend on us. We are not the only experiment.
- -- R. Buckminister Fuller
+ -- R. Buckminister Fuller
~
Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts.
-- David Herbert Lawrence, White Peacock, 1911
-- Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966
~
Evolution is individual--devolution is collective.
- -- Martin H. Fischer
+ -- Martin H. Fischer
~
I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-
contain'd. I stand and look at them long and long. They do not sweat and
Joseph LaGrange believed that a mathematician has not thoroughly understood
his own work till he has made it so clear that he can go out and explain it
effectively to the first man he meets on the street.
- -- E. T. Bell
+ -- E. T. Bell
~
There is no such thing as an inevitable war. If war comes it will be from
failure of human wisdom.
Censorship cannot eliminate evil, it can only kill freedom. -- unknown
~
Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong.
- -- John G. Riefenbaker
+ -- John G. Riefenbaker
~
People demand freedom of speech to make up for
the freedom of thought which they avoid.
you continue listening to teachings, contemplating, meditating, and
appreciating this precious human rebirth.
-- Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, "Meditation, Transformation, and Dream Yoga",
- translated by Sangye Khandro and B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow
+ translated by Sangye Khandro and B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow
Lion Publications
~
As to what might be the mechanism through which karma plays a causal role
wander endlessly in the wheel of birth, life, death, and rebirth where the
presence of misery can always be felt.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
Observing the Mind Itself
complete purity, are inseparable, free from mental constructs, and perfectly
pervasive. One must in this way understand them to be the mandala of vajra
body, speech, and mind.
- -- Heidi I. Koppl, "Establishing Appearances as Divine: Rongzom
+ -- Heidi I. Koppl, "Establishing Appearances as Divine: Rongzom
Chozang on Reasoning, Madhyamaka, and Purity", published by
Snow Lion Publications
~
lived. We can endure them because we have a great end in mind: to benefit all
sentient beings. Remaining good-natured and enthusiastic shows that our
efforts are succeeding. Being cheerful is the sign of a good practitioner.
- -- Ringu Tulku, "Mind Training", edited by B.M. Shaughnessy, published
+ -- Ringu Tulku, "Mind Training", edited by B.M. Shaughnessy, published
by Snow Lion Publications
~
Once we take ourselves and the quality of our life seriously, and
Greeks needed the help of the "therapeutes" [helpers] to make sense of the
memories they brought back from the oracle cave.
Speaking of the descent myth in terms of her experiences in controlled
-therapeutic regressions, Jungian analyst M.L. Von Franz describes the descent
+therapeutic regressions, Jungian analyst M.L. Von Franz describes the descent
process in relation to the story of "The Handless Maiden":
In the Middle Ages there were many hermits, and in Switzerland there
were the so-called Wood Brothers and Sisters. People who did not want
could speak with the boss, with the management, and try to change these
things. One needs to actively resist exploitation. And in some cases, one
may simply need to quit and to look for other work.
- -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Dr. Howard C. Cutler, M.D.,
+ -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Dr. Howard C. Cutler, M.D.,
"The Art of Happiness at Work"
~
The purpose of Buddha's coming to the world was for the sake of sentient
The instruction to see the guru as a Buddha is not unreasonable, for in many
ways the spiritual master is Buddha himself.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Liion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Liion Publications
~
...when you start practicing, you should not expect too much. We live in
a time of computers and automation, so you may feel that inner development is
and it bears the essence of emptiness and compassion.
-- Karma Chagme, "A Spacious Path to Freedom: Practical Instructions on the
Union of Mahamudra and Atiyoga", commentary by Gyatrul Rinpoche, trans.
- by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
We must learn to trust ourselves when we practice the doctrines of the Buddha.
In time, we come to trust the infallibility of karmic cause and effect and of
~
It is our earth, not yours or mine or his. We are meant to live on it,
helping each other, not destroying each other.
- -- J. Krishnamurti
+ -- J. Krishnamurti
~
When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one
finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and
are liable to be deceived, just as in the case of being involved with a person
whose basic personality we do not know.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Transcendent Wisdom", translated, edited and
- annotated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ annotated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
One has to be cautious when one is very successful since at that time there
is danger of becoming prideful and becoming involved in the non-religious, and
human situation and cultivate a spiritual practice under the guidance of a
master.
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
There was once a Spartan boy,
who, one night, stole a fox.
body. When does that occur? Why does that occur?
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations with
the Dalai Lama on Brain Science and Buddhism", edited by Zara Houshmand,
- Robert B. Livingston, and B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion
+ Robert B. Livingston, and B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion
Taking the reins is the key to happiness
~
The state of mind of a Buddhist practitioner should be stable, and should
properly. Mind follows the wind. To focus the mind properly, the winds must
also be functioning properly. (p.39)
-- Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, "The Practice of Mahamudra", translated
- by Robert Clark, ed. by Ani K. Trinlay Chodron, published by Snow Lion
+ by Robert Clark, ed. by Ani K. Trinlay Chodron, published by Snow Lion
~
The real source of my suffering is self-centeredness: my car, my possession,
my well-being. Without the self-centeredness, the suffering would not arise.
think that teachings to disciples of pure action do not necessarily have to be
given during the historical Buddha's lifetime. (pg.44)
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Transcendent Wisdom", translated, edited and
- annotated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ annotated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
30.
Since the five perfections without wisdom
Additionally, we must clearly understand the causes and conditions that give
rise to happiness as well, and actively practice them. This is the essence of
the four noble truths.
- -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Essence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama's
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Essence of the Heart Sutra: The Dalai Lama's
Heart of Wisdom Teachings", translated & edited by Geshe Thupten Jinpa
~
In Dzogchen, while thoughts are active, rigpa permeates them all, so that
motivator of the action and the actions cease, the results of those actions
will cease. That is how the third noble truth--true cessation--comes to be.
(p.103)
- -- H.H. the Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, "The Dalai Lama at
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, "The Dalai Lama at
Harvard: Lectures on the Buddhist Path to Peace", translated and
edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
Dharma. This is the collection of teachings to be practiced and the
realizations to be attained. (p.97)
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
Suppose there is this religious group building thousands of childcare
facilities and hospices.... Although these religious workers are doing a lot
door, and then touching our foreheads. This is not merely a cultural
tradition, but is acknowledging something very profound.(p.73)
-- Khenpo Karthar, "Dharma Paths" 2nd Edition, translated by Ngödup Burkhar
- and Chöjor Radha, edited by Laura M. Roth, published by Snow Lion
+ and Chöjor Radha, edited by Laura M. Roth, published by Snow Lion
Publications
~
According to the lower schools of Buddhist thought, when a being, like
agitation and without anxiety. Then, with the mind at ease, carry on to the
end.(p.20)
--Gen Lamrimpa, "How to Practice Shamatha Meditation: The Cultivation of
- Meditative Quiescence", translated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow
+ Meditative Quiescence", translated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow
Lion Publications
~
The Need for Reasoning
Enlightened One is effectively able to benefit beings in deep, lasting, and
ultimate ways, we must quickly attain enlightenment. This is the wishing
bodhimind, the inner basis of Mahayana practice.(p.136)
- -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
Recalling our interconnectedness, we begin to recognize our total
interdependence and that whatever we enjoy in our life comes through others--
appreciates spiritual rather than mundane goals one has become an active
practitioner of initial perspective.(p.117)
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
When doing lamrim meditations, it is important to know clearly the state of
mind you want to reach as a conclusion to the meditation. Lamrim texts
contemplative and settled meditation to gain stability in the various Lam Rim
topics.(p.176)
-- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Path to Enlightenment", edited and translated
- by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
+ by Glenn H. Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
~
We are beings of the Desire Realm, and thus our minds are also included
within Desire Realm minds. If we cultivate great compassion, our own minds
-- "Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness", translation and
commentary by John Myrdhin Reynolds, foreword by Namkhai Norbu,
published by Snow Lion Publications
-##Our mind needs to stretch to encompass emptiness. Our minds are so stuck in
+~
+ Our mind needs to stretch to encompass emptiness. Our minds are so stuck in
the idea, "Things exist the way they appear to me. What I see is reality. It
is 100 percent true. There's nothing to doubt. Things exist exactly as they
appear to my senses, exactly as they appear to my mental consciousness." We
mental consciousness grasps on to that appearance and says, "Yes! Everything
really exists in this findable, independent way. Everything is real as it
appears to me."
-
-##When we believe there's a real "me," then we have to protect that self and
+ When we believe there's a real "me," then we have to protect that self and
bring it happiness. Thus, we are attached to things that are pleasurable and
become angry at anything unpleasant. Pride, jealousy, laziness, and the whole
gamut of negative emotions follow. Motivated by these, we act physically,
to create more karma. As a result, cyclic existence with all its difficulties
continues on and on, created by our mind, dependent on the ignorance that
misconceives the nature of ourselves and all other phenomena.
-
-##...However, when we investigate more deeply and look beyond appearances, we
+ ...However, when we investigate more deeply and look beyond appearances, we
realize that it's impossible for things to exist in the way they appear.
Seeing this gives us a kind of spaciousness and freedom because, if samsara
were inherently existent and everything really did exist the way it appears to
ever have is what we have right now. Thinking about the emptiness of inherent
existence shows us the possibility for change. Beauty can come forth because
nothing is inherently concrete, fixed, or findable.(p.105)
-
-##--Thubten Chodron, "Cultivating a Compassionate Heart: The Yoga Method of
-Chenrezig", foreword by H.H. the Dalai Lama, published by Snow Lion Publications
-
+ -- Thubten Chodron, "Cultivating a Compassionate Heart: The Yoga Method of
+ Chenrezig", foreword by H.H. the Dalai Lama, published by Snow Lion Pub.
+~
Three Meditations
-(4 lines per verse)
-
-######If one does not sow the seed
-
-######Of appreciation for a perfect guru,
-
-######The tree of spiritual power is not born.
-
-######With undivided mind entrust yourself.
-
-######Human life is rare and precious,
-
-######Yet if not inspired by thoughts of death,
-
-######One wastes it on materialism:
+ If one does not sow the seed
+ Of appreciation for a perfect guru,
+ The tree of spiritual power is not born.
+ With undivided mind entrust yourself.
-######Be ready to die at any moment.
+ Human life is rare and precious,
+ Yet if not inspired by thoughts of death,
+ One wastes it on materialism:
+ Be ready to die at any moment.
-######All living beings have been our mothers,
+ All living beings have been our mothers,
+ Three circles of suffering always binding them.
+ Ignoble it would be not to repay them,
+ Not to strive to attain enlightenment. (p.100)
-######Three circles of suffering always binding them.
-
-######Ignoble it would be not to repay them,
-
-######Not to strive to attain enlightenment. (p.100)
-
-##The colophon [inscription] for this poem reads, "Written at the request of
+ The colophon [inscription] for this poem reads, "Written at the request of
Ritropa Samdrub, an Amdo monk from Dechen Monastery, who begged for a short
teaching...." The Seventh Dalai Lama advises him to establish three central
pillars in his spiritual practice: (1) a disciplined spiritual connection with
the time of death; and (3) the mind of love and compassion for all living
beings, coupled with the aspiration to enlightenment as the best means of
fulfilling that love and compassion.
-
-##--The Seventh Dalai Lama, "Meditations to Transform the Mind", translated,
-edited, and introduced by Glenn Mullin, published by Snow Lion Publications
-
-##Courageous Bodhisattvas risk their lives to help others, and so, when we are
+ -- The Seventh Dalai Lama, "Meditations to Transform the Mind", translated,
+ edited, and introduced by Glenn Mullin, published by Snow Lion Pub.
+~
+ Courageous Bodhisattvas risk their lives to help others, and so, when we are
in relatively better, more comfortable situations, we must certainly practice
giving. Even if they are threatened, the courageous ones will not engage in
improper actions. Instead, after examining the situation carefully, when they
find that certain actions are correct and justified, on the basis of reason,
they engage in them even at the risk of their lives. That is the way of the
decent, civilized and courageous ones, who do not follow misleading paths.(p.20)
-
-##--H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, "Generous Wisdom: Commentaries by H.H. the
-Dalai Lama XIV on the Jatakamala, Garland of Birth Stories", translated by
-Tenzin Dorjee, edited by Dexter Roberts
-
-##One day, when a very learned scholar or geshe and I were discussing the fact
+ -- H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, "Generous Wisdom: Commentaries by H.H. the
+ Dalai Lama XIV on the Jatakamala, Garland of Birth Stories", translated
+ by Tenzin Dorjee, edited by Dexter Roberts
+~
+ One day, when a very learned scholar or geshe and I were discussing the fact
that the self is an elusive phenomenon, that it is unfindable in either body
or mind, he remarked: 'If the self did not exist at all, in a sense that would
make things very simple. There would be no experience of suffering and pain,
own experience we do know that there is something--whatever we may call it--
that makes it possible for us to undergo these experiences. We have something
called discernment or the ability to perceive things.'
-
-##In fact, when we examine the experience of suffering, although some
+ In fact, when we examine the experience of suffering, although some
sufferings are at the sensory or bodily level, such as physical pain, even the
very experience of pain is intimately connected with consciousness or mind and
therefore is part of our mental world. This is what distinguishes sentient
beings from other biological organisms, such as plants, trees and so on.
Sentient beings have a subjective dimension, which we may choose to call
experience, consciousness or the mental world.
-
-##....One thing we can understand, both through scientific analysis and also
+ ....One thing we can understand, both through scientific analysis and also
from our own personal experience or perception, is that whatever experiences
we have now are consequences of preceding conditions. Nothing comes into
being without a cause. Just as everything in the material world must have a
cause or condition that gives rise to it, so must all experiences in the
mental world also have causes and conditions.(p.74)
-
-##--from Lighting the Way by the Dalai Lama, translated by Geshe Thupten
-Jinpa, published by Snow Lion Publications
-
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "Lighting the Way", translated by Geshe Thupten
+ Jinpa, published by Snow Lion Publications
+~
+ Meditation, when learned skillfully, can enable a return to awareness of the
+body, our sensations, and feelings. When we are not given specific guidance
+to ground our meditation within the body, however, meditation can easily
+perpetuate a disembodied spiritual practice. This is accentuated if our view
+of spirituality sees the body as some kind of problem to be transcended.
+Unfortunately, this view can prevail even within the Buddhist world, despite
+being counter to the essential principle of mindfulness and presence. When,
+however, we cultivate the capacity to remain present in our felt experience
+within the body, our relationship to ourselves changes. We can begin to feel
+more grounded in our life and more stable in our identity.
+ Engaging in a disembodied spirituality is no solution to our life demands.
+It may be a way of experiencing states of mind that can be very seductive,
+even addictive. Seldom does it address the roots of our emotional problems.
+Transformation comes when we are willing and able to restore or develop a
+sound relationship to our body in a healthy way. With many Buddhist
+practices, such as Tantra, this is essential, for the body contains the
+vitality that is the heart of our innate creative potential.
+ Embodiment therefore implies a full engagement in life with all of its
+trials and tribulations, rather than avoidance through disembodied spiritual
+flight. The value of meditation is that it can enable this engagement because
+it cultivates the capacity to be present and remain open, not grasping at or
+rejecting what arises. When meditation emphasizes presence rather than
+transcendence, this openness is a natural outcome.(p.143)
+ -- Rob Preece, "The Wisdom of Imperfection: The Challenge of Individuation
+ in Buddhist Life", published by Snow Lion Publications
+~
+ Those training in great love should forsake self-centeredness and engage in
+the Buddha's practice, the root of which is compassion. You may be thinking,
+Love is indeed very profound, but I do not have the skill to practice it; I
+will focus my efforts on practices aimed at getting myself out of cyclic
+existence instead. On one hand, this is true, because you should choose a
+path of development appropriate to your ability. On the other hand, there is
+great advantage in attempting the highest degree of love you can.
+ Even if you cannot actually implement the practices of love and compassion,
+merely hearing about them establishes powerful predispositions for future
+success. This can be amplified by planting prayer-wishes aspiring to
+altruism. Do not be discouraged; it is difficult to absorb such a profound
+perspective. Be courageous and think of your future potential. It is
+particularly important to do the best you can.(p.82)
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, "How to Expand Love: Widening the Circle of Loving
+ Relationships", translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins
+~
+ What is very important for us to recognise is our own falsity. This is not
+a judgement that sometimes we are authentic and sometimes we are false. It
+means that everything about us in our ordinary sense of self is false because
+it is grounded on a misapprehension of the nature of reality.... It is like
+somebody in University who is having their final examinations. They go into
+the wrong examination room and not reading the questions very clearly they
+write very long answers on their own subject that is unfortunately not the one
+they are being examined on. It does not matter how good the answer is they
+will fail, for they are not addressing the question.
+ The basic question is always: "Who are you?", "Who am I?" but we do not
+understand it and so we answer with a ceaseless narrative of self definition.
+This covers over the freshness of the question, the possibility of looking and
+seeing, and so all our answers are stale, the reworking of self-protective
+versions constructed out of unexamined elements. We have many, many, many
+answers and all of them are false. That's why it is very important when you
+do meditations, to put your full energy one-pointedly into the practice, to
+try to repair the initial basic fault that has torn subject and object apart.
+ It is very important to stop being ashamed of being false. For we have to
+see how falsity arises, how obscuration develops. We want to look directly at
+our falsity and learn its tricks so that we will not be caught by them. This
+helps to open the space in which we can recognise our own nature.
+ "When you understand the falsity of your confusion remain unartificially,
+effortlessly in the natural mode (dharmakaya)."(p.90)
+ -- "Being Right Here: A Dzogchen Treasure Text of Nuden Dorje entitled 'The
+ Mirror of Clear Meaning' with commentary by James Low", published by Snow
+ Lion Publications
+~
+groundhog daze:
+ this is an event that can be caused by strong intoxication of various sorts.
+the sufferer passes out while seated at a table, such that he or she then has
+their head thud down onto the table. after a brief rest, the unlucky person
+wakes up again, and starts to rise off the table. when the head rises to a
+certain point, where blood pressure starts to increase, the effect of the
+intoxication takes over again, and they pass out once more. bam. hence, the
+head repeatedly banging into the table: a groundhog daze.
+ i have seen this happen. it's not fun to watch. well, maybe a little.
+ --fred t. hamster
+~
+ We are the source of healing and happiness. Our generosity and concern
+pacify every negative situation. As we send out kindness, we grow accustomed
+to being strong and kind. In this way, our positive feelings are constantly
+renewed and can never be exhausted.
+ Perhaps you know the story about the man who arrived in heaven and when
+asked by God where he wanted to go replied that he wanted to see both heaven
+and hell. First, he went to hell. There was a large table with all the
+inhabitants of hell sitting around it. The center of the table was full of
+delicious food. Each person had two very long chopsticks. They could reach
+the food but they could not get it into their mouths because their chopsticks
+were too long. They were miserable. No one was eating and everyone went
+hungry. Next he was taken to visit heaven. All the inhabitants of heaven
+were also sitting around a big table full of delicious food but they were
+happy. They too had very long chopsticks but they were eating and enjoying
+themselves. They used the chopsticks to feed each other across the table.
+The people in heaven had discovered that it was in their interest to
+collaborate unselfishly.(p.69)
+ -- Ringu Tulku, "Mind Training", published by Snow Lion Publications
+~
+ When you are in a fluctuating state of mind, like when you are angry or have
+lost your temper, then it is good to bring back calmness by concentrating on
+breathing. Just count the breaths, completely forgetting about anger.
+Concentrate on breathing and count in/out "one, two, three," up to twenty.
+ At that moment when your mind concentrates fully on breathing, the breath
+coming and going, the passions subside. Afterwards it is easier to think
+clearly.
+ Since all activities, including meditation, depend very much on the force of
+intention or motivation, it is important that, before you begin to meditate,
+you cultivate a correct motivation... The correct motivation is the
+altruistic attitude.(p.69)
+ -- Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Cultivating a Daily
+ Meditation", published by Snow Lion Publications
+~
+ The crazy elephant of the mind behaving wildly
+ Is tied to the pillar of an object of observation
+ With the rope of mindfulness.
+ By degrees it is brought under control with the hook of wisdom.
+ --Bhavaviveka
+
+ "Wisdom" here is introspection. Hence, the example of taming an elephant
+indicates the achievement of a serviceable mind by way of the two--mindfulness
+and introspection. The subtle vajra that is the base on which the mind is
+being set is like a stable pillar to which an elephant is tied. The
+unserviceable mind is like an untamed elephant. Causing the mind not to be
+distracted from its object of observation through relying on mindfulness is
+like using a rope to tie an elephant. Setting the mind free from fault--when
+it does not hold the object of observation as originally set--through
+immediately recognizing such by means of introspection is like a herder's
+hitting an elephant with a hook and correcting it when it strays from the tie-
+up.
+
+ Hence, there are two important factors with regard to holding the mind:
+ + From the beginning, stay on the object of observation without being
+ distracted to anything other than it.
+ + Then if distracted, immediately recognize such, and again focus the mind
+ as before. (p.94)
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama, Dzong-ka-ba and Jeffrey Hopkins, "Yoga Tantra: Paths
+ to Magical Feats", translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, published by
+ Snow Lion Publications
+~
+Even if it seems certain that you will lose, retaliate. Neither wisdom nor
+technique has a place in this. A real man does not think of victory or
+defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death. By doing this
+you will awaken from your dreams.
+ -- Hagakure, Yamamoto Tsunetomo
+~
+LEEEEEEEROYYYY JENNNNNKINZZZ!!!
+ -- To be yelled before irrationally throwing away all plans and jumping into
+ the worst possible situation.
+~
+what is an inference?
+ someone says, "my hand stinks because my butt stinks."
+an inference you could draw:
+ that hand has probably been too close to that butt.
+~
+What Do We Mean by Bodhisattva?
+
+ Bodhi means enlightenment, the state devoid of all defects and endowed with
+all good qualities. Sattva refers to someone who has courage and confidence
+and who strives to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings. Those who
+have this spontaneous, sincere wish to attain enlightenment for the ultimate
+benefit of all beings are called bodhisattvas. Through wisdom, they direct
+their minds to enlightenment, and through their compassion, they have concern
+for beings. This wish for perfect enlightenment for the sake of others is
+what we call bodhichitta, and it is the starting point on the path.
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