From: Fred T. Hamster Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2023 20:53:54 +0000 (-0500) Subject: new fortunes X-Git-Tag: 2.140.188^2~37 X-Git-Url: https://feistymeow.org/gitweb/?a=commitdiff_plain;h=1f04c2ffc0f63f4665dfb41b6a3159d39f37d237;p=feisty_meow.git new fortunes --- diff --git a/infobase/fortunes.dat b/infobase/fortunes.dat index b26d83ad..f380b7a6 100644 --- a/infobase/fortunes.dat +++ b/infobase/fortunes.dat @@ -44688,4 +44688,1260 @@ spinning and avert the spotlight from ego's most basic deceit--our adviser is nothing but smoke and mirrors. -- from "Contemplating Reality: A Practitioner's Guide to the View in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism", By Andy Karr, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Absolute Loving-Kindness + +Enlightened mind sees all but without grasping at the "self." Because we +are not grasping at "self," there is no dividing into duality, no clash +and conflict between the rigid surfaces of the mind's dualistic concepts and +its mental objects. When we see all with an open mind, we see all in oneness, +unity. We see infinite phenomena simultaneously, as a result of the +omniscient quality of the mind's nature. Since there are no clashes or +conflicts, all is in a state of oneness, a state of ultimate peace, joy, and +universal love; all is absolute loving-kindness. + -- from "The Healing Power of Loving-Kindness: A Guided Buddhist + Meditation", by Tulku Thondup, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Anger + +According to a basic Buddhist insight, the mind is essentially luminous and +knowing. Therefore, emotional problems do not reside in the mind's essence; +counter-productive attitudes are temporary, superficial, and can be removed. +If distressing emotions such as anger were in the very nature of the mind, +then from its inception, the mind would always have to be angry. Obviously, +this is not so. Only under certain circumstances do we become angry, and when +those circumstances are not present, anger is not present either. + -- from "The Heart of Meditation: Discovering Innermost Awareness", by H.H. + the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and Jeffrey Hopkins, published by Shambhala + Publications Apply Patience +~ +How we conduct ourselves is one of the most important factors in our ability +to comprehend the absolute truth. Whenever we react with aggression, we +reinforce the idea that there is something real to be aggressive about. When +we apply patience, however, our hearts become peaceful, which gives us more +room to be able to see the illusory nature of things. + -- from "Peaceful Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Patience", by Dzigar + Kongtrul, edited by Joseph Waxman, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +A Process Unfolding + +Sitting in meditation with a mind that is not caught in discursive chatter +enables a clearer sense of the process that makes up who we are. We start to +see with bare awareness that we are actually just a process unfolding. This +process is the basis of the sense of me. Upon this process we put the label +that is our name. + -- from "Feeling Wisdom: Working with Emotions Using Buddhist Teachings and + Western Psychology", by Rob Preece, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +A Sage's Banquet + +Thoroughly establish in your mind the thought that all sentient beings equal +to the limits of space were your parents, and you their child. Have the view +of friends and enemies as being equal. + +If you do that, you will have immeasurable equanimity that is said to be like +a sage throwing a banquet. When a sage throws a banquet for guests, he throws +it for everyone, without any regard for high or low class, relative or +unrelated, good or bad. You should have equanimity toward the objects of +compassion, which are all sentient beings who pervade all of space. Until you +are able to do that, train your mind. + -- from "A Guide to the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva", by Ngawang + Tenzin Norbu, translated by Christopher Stagg, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Avoid Expectations + +Naturally we enter into meditation with some interest and enthusiasm, and +there are goals to be attained. But in practice we must drop these. We must +avoid the distractions created by expectations and not be tempted into placing +quantity--the number of sessions we do per day, the "higher, more +esoteric" practices we know, or how many mantras we have recited--over +quality. If we get in a rush, we are introducing the stress typical of +samsara. Instead, we cultivate patience. Samadhi . . . will arise +naturally when we relax beyond our desires, goals, and expectations. + -- from "The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation + Practice", by Dza Kilung Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Becoming Enlightened + +Becoming enlightened doesn't depend on calling ourselves "Buddhist." It +depends on what we believe in our heart and how we practice to transform our +mind. Any person who generates the determination to be free from cyclic +existence, the altruistic aspiration for enlightenment, and the wisdom +realizing emptiness can become a bodhisattva and a Buddha. It doesn't +matter what they call themselves. We have to look at what a person believes +and practices in order to evaluate whether their realizations are correct +realizations or not. For this, developing discriminating wisdom and open- +mindedness are essential. + -- from "How to Free Your Mind: The Practice of Tara the Liberator", by + Thubten Chodron, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Behold Suffering + +When we turn our minds toward an honest reflection on the nature of suffering, +what happens? We encounter a fuller experience of our life. The Buddha knew +this and that is why he turned his mind directly toward suffering--the very +thing most of us spend our lives trying to avoid. Through doing this, the +Buddha illustrated to us that to behold suffering--to admit suffering into +our experience--reflects the spirit of bravery we need to awaken. + -- from "The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha's Path to Freedom", by + Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Be With Your Feelings + +If we cultivate more mindfulness and inner vigilance to be with our feelings +instead of being caught up in them, then we are more empowered to respond +instead of react; we're taking back control of our lives and our sense of +freedom. + -- from "Wake Up to What Matters: A Guide to Tibetan Buddhism for the Next + Generation", by Avikrita Vajra Sakya, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Building A Foundation + +Just as we cannot build a house in the air but instead need a solid base, +finding freedom also begins with building a foundation. The preliminaries are +the necessary preparation for effective meditation. Using these +contemplations, our priorities will change--we'll learn to let go of the +causes of suffering and begin to adopt thoughts and actions that lead to +genuine happiness. We must want freedom to find freedom. This motivation is +the foundation for all spiritual practice. + -- from "The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk's Guide to Finding Freedom in + Every Challenge", by [Khentrul Lodro T'haye Rinpoche, published by + Shambhala Publications +~ +Cherish Others + +You should cultivate love, understanding that all the living beings who fill +space have been your gracious parents. Thereby you will acquire the higher +aspiration that cherishes others more than yourself. Whatever you do, you +should maintain the relative enlightened mind that is intent exclusively on +the benefit of others. + -- from "Jonang: The One Hundred and Eight Teaching Manuals", by Jamgon + Kongtrul Lodro Taye, translated by Gyurme Dorje, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Choose Your Experience + +One of the most important things you can learn right now is how to recognize a +passing mental event, remain in the present moment, and allow the mental event +to dissolve. Are you aware that you can actually do that right now? When you +begin to experience the separation that exists between the mental event +passing through your mind and the actual mind itself, your Pristine Mind, then +you begin to see for the first time that you do truly have the option to +choose your experience. You learn how to do just that, and it changes your +life. + -- from "Our Pristine Mind: A Practical Guide to Unconditional Happiness", + by Orgyen Chowang, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Clear Decisions + +In Buddhism we cultivate a wise concern regarding death. Because we know that +one day we'll separate from all that is loved and valuable in this life and +that only the seeds of our actions and our mental habits will continue to the +next life, we want to make this life meaningful. To do so, we ask ourselves +what is and is not important in life, and set our priorities accordingly. The +Dharma practice that leads to inner transformation becomes a priority, and we +are able to make clean, clear decisions in life, leaving confusion and doubts +behind. + -- from "Awaken Every Day: 365 Buddhist Reflections to Invite Mindfulness + and Joy", by Thubten Chodron, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Confident View + +If sometimes we practice with diligence and at other times just take it easy, +we will not be able to develop confidence in our meditation on the view. What +must we do to develop this confidence? We must understand that day and night, +throughout the entire dimension of our lives, there is no difference between +the meditation experience and the postmeditation experience. + -- from "Primordial Purity: Oral Instructions on the Three Words That Strike + the Vital Point", by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, translated by Ani Jinba + Palmo and The Nalanda Translation Committee, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Connection + +I promise that there is no difference between myself, Pema Jungne, and +The person who reveals the Namchö treasures. + +Whoever makes a connection with him in even a small way +Will root out the appearances of suffering +And be led to the pure land of Sukhavati. + +Whoever has a physical connection with him +Will certainly be born in the realms of Oddiyana or of the dakinis. + -- from "Sky Dharma: The Foundations of the Namchö Treasure Teachings", by + Karma Chagme and Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Creating Space + +Practicing creating space is a first step toward experiencing basic happiness. +While we are creating space, we can experience a break from any tension and +looping thoughts that were crowding in on us. They may still be lurking in +our mind, but they no longer define how we feel. Creating space gives us a +taste of the natural mental peace and steadiness that is uncovered once our +thoughts and emotions lose their power to carry us away from the present +moment. Wouldn't it be wonderful to experience this peace in any situation? + -- from "Radically Happy: A User's Guide to the Mind", by Phakchok Rinpoche + and Erric Solomon, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Deeply Resting + +In the morning we see that the sun is shining. When we see the light coming +from the shoulder of the eastern mountain, are we the agent responsible for +making sure that the sun rises on time? No. In the same way, we don't have +to take care of this enlightenment business anymore. In that place of no more +searching, we are totally resting without even the slightest sense of +exertion. Then, believe it or not, enlightenment shines. Conditioned mind +drops away without really making a big fuss once we know how to let liberation +come to us by simply resting, deeply resting. + -- from "The Magic of Awareness", by Anam Thubten, edited by Sharon Roe, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Deity's Activities + +Although every deity accomplishes all enlightened activities, it is good to +consider a deity's primary activities. Some, like Vajrasattva, mainly +display peaceful actions. Others, like Ratnasambhava, manifest enriching +activity. According to the scriptures, Vajrakila is principal among deities +who dispel hindrances and obstructive forces. In particular, he is the great +antidote to the afflictions of aversion and jealousy, the causes of all the +sufferings of this worldly realm. + -- from "Vajrakilaya: A Complete Guide with Experiential Instructions", by + Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Develop Karma + +The Kalachakra teachings urge us to go beyond the superficial layer of our +ordinary experience. Instead of getting lost in the endless busyness of +worldly existence, we can focus our energy inward and actively develop the +karmic propensities that ensure our future lives are filled with happiness and +not with suffering. . . . Through the practice of Kalachakra, you +strengthen your connection to the principles of Shambhala and create the +causes to experience greater peace and harmony both now and in the future. +How much of Shambhala manifests is only limited by the effort you make to +cultivate its causes. + -- from "The Realm of Shambhala: A Complete Vision for Humanity's + Perfection", by Shar Khentrul Jamphel Lodro, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Digging up Gold + +When we practice meditation, we are doing something useful for all beings.... +With the experience of greater clarity, we learn how to bring happiness onto +our pathway and can engage in meaningful actions for ourselves and others-- +actions that are like discovering and digging up gold from the earth. + -- from "The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation + Practice", by Dza Kilung Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Dig Out Dualism + +What makes the Buddhist path so special is that it looks dualistic, but it has +that ability to liberate you from the bondage of dualism. . . . All the +skillful means and methods of the Buddhadharma are like a thorn that we use to +take out another thorn in our hand. The purpose of renunciation mind, +compassion, the recitation of mantras, and contemplation on the breath is to +dig out dualism. + -- from "The Guru Drinks Bourbon?", by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, edited by + Amira Ben-Yehuda, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Effort and Attention + +Realize that you have the capability to improve because you are not a fixed +entity. If you apply focus to your compassion practice, your compassion will +grow. If you put effort into your meditation practice, insight into +selflessness will develop. With effort and attention, insight has no choice +but to develop. + -- from "In the Footsteps of Bodhisattvas: Buddhist Teachings on the Essence + of Meditation", by Phakchok Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Effortless + +Buddhas have no concept of effort, yet they constantly benefit sentient beings +by having the perfectly pure ten powers, with the promise to manifest any +teachings according to beings' wishes. + -- from "The Ruby Rosary: Joyfully Accepted by Vidyadharas and Dakinis as + the Ornament of a Necklace", by Thinley Norbu, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Emptiness + +It would be reasonable to fear something that causes one to suffer, but since +emptiness completely eradicates all suffering, why should one fear it? There +is nothing to be afraid of. . . . Since there is no self, who is there to +be afraid? Fear does not make sense. Therefore we should cast away our +faintheartedness and be quick to meditate on emptiness. + -- from "The Wisdom Chapter: Jamgon Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth + Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva", by Jamgon Mipham, published by + Shambhala Publications +~ +Engage with Emotions + +If we can be more observant of our emotional processes and see them more +clearly, we will begin to have choices around our response to them. Freeing +ourselves from the unconscious dominance of emotions requires that we be able +to engage them with greater awareness. . . . If we are able to witness +them without losing ourselves in them and becoming taken over by them, we then +begin to disidentify and separate from them. + -- from "Feeling Wisdom: Working with Emotions Using Buddhist Teachings and + Western Psychology", by Rob Preece, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Evolving + +Look at your mind thoroughly and honestly and see all of its tendencies. +You'll see there is fear, anger, judgment, guilt, and shame. There is so +much of this in our mind, yet usually we don't recognize it. When we do, we +can be literally terrified of our own mind. But this is good news, not bad +news. Perhaps we all should be terrified by our own mind from time to time. +When we are terrified by our mind, it does not mean that we are more deluded +or more messed up than other people. Just the opposite. It is an indication +that we are more awake and more mindful. It is an indication that we are +evolving. This reflection will bring about a whole new level of awakening and +transformation in our hearts and minds. + -- from "Choosing Compassion: How to Be of Benefit in a World That Needs Our + Love", by Anam Thubten, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Examine Our Minds + +We must always examine our minds in our daily life--not just through formal +meditation, but even when we're eating, sitting, walking the dog, spending +time with our friends, and so on. Then, as soon as any form of attachment, +anger, jealousy, or any disturbing force arises, challenge it, because these +afflictive emotions cause nothing but chaos--not just in this life, but in +terms of lower rebirth in the future too. No outer enemy can do that, but the +inner afflictions can. + -- from "Wake Up to What Matters: A Guide to Tibetan Buddhism for the Next + Generation", by Avikrita Vajra Sakya, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Excuses + +You should amass virtuous thoughts, even those that seem insignificant, and +pass your time doing only what is wholesome and virtuous. Some claim that +they are unable to study and contemplate because they have limited +intelligence. Others claim that they cannot make offerings or gifts of +material wealth because they are not rich enough. Still others claim that +they are simply too old for Dharma practice to be effective. Although people +make all kinds of excuses, it is mainly their own mind that is holding them +back. The teachings say that even an animal can attain liberation if it can +arouse diligence and confidence, so why even mention that this is true for +humans? + -- from "Steps to the Great Perfection: The Mind-Training Tradition of the + Dzogchen Masters", by Jigme Lingpa, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Experience of the Mind + +In the sutras, the discussion of the nature of phenomena is usually explained +with the statement that all things that appear are actually without true +existence. In Mahamudra, however, we are not concerned with the nature of +external objects but with the direct experience of the mind that is +experiencing these external objects. So the foundation for our attention is +the mind--our consciousness and our thoughts. Thoughts manifest in many +forms. We have good thoughts (of faith, compassion, and so forth) and bad +thoughts (of attachment, hatred, and so forth). But if we look directly at +these thoughts, we will see that we can perceive or "see" them directly +because thoughts are not distant or hard to find. + -- from "Tilopa's Wisdom: His Life and Teachings on the Ganges Mahamudra", + by Khenchen Thrangu, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Four Doors of the Secret Teaching + +The practice of Vajrayana is entered through what is known as the four doors +of the secret teaching. Words are needed to convey meaning, which is the door +of words. To awaken the heart of the deity, mantra is recited, which is the +door of mantra. The practice of visualization is entered through the door of +meditative concentration. To experience the inner meaning, there is the +display of actions, signs, mudra, dancing, and music, which is the door of the +display of mudra. These four doors are essential when doing sadhana practice. + -- from "The Art of Awakening: A User's Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Art and + Practice", by Konchog Lhadrepa and Charlotte Davis, published by + Shambhala Publications +~ +Free from Limitations + +To begin experiencing Shambhala in your life you will need to focus on +removing bias as much as possible. This does not mean you have to live a life +without preferences or judgments of any kind. It simply means that you should +learn to discriminate from within the full spectrum of your experience and +then use wisdom to guide your interactions with the world. Rather than +limiting your view to a small fixed reality, you can appreciate the many +possibilities in a given situation and learn how to make use of them whenever +appropriate. To be free of bias is another way of saying to be free from +limitations. + -- from "The Realm of Shambhala: A Complete Vision for Humanity's + Perfection", by Shar Khentrul Jamphel Lodro, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Good Thoughts + +The moment you take the Bodhisattva Vow, if a good thought doesn't arise +naturally in your mind, fake it! Make one up, and don't then despise +yourself or your fake thought for being inauthentic. Even a fake good thought +is better than none at all. And always remember that a contrived good thought +will eventually lead to a genuine one. + -- from "Best Foot Forward: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Sacred Sites of the + Buddha", by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Impermanence + +A real understanding of impermanence makes us more tolerant. Suppose we feel +like exploding in anger at someone who harms us. If we see the impermanent +nature of enmity, we will realize that this person who appears as our enemy +today might have been our child in a past life. + -- from "Peaceful Death, Joyful Rebirth: A Tibetan Buddhist Guidebook", by + Tulku Thondup, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Inner Freedom + +Sometimes we can be conscious of our motives and psychological patterns, but +we do not confront them directly due to ego's resistance. We let them +continuously govern our lives. For example, spiritual people may harbor +hatred in their hearts and know all the reasons and deeper issues for why it +is there. Even though they can trace the root back to early childhood, +upbringing, or karmic stuff, they may still be complacent and not confront its +source. In this way, ego is able to continuously resist authentic inner +transformation. When we directly confront our issues with an attitude of +acknowledging the problem and being determined to work through it, we gain a +new impetus propelling us to inner freedom. + -- from "Into the Haunted Ground: A Guide to Cutting the Root of Suffering", + by Anam Thubten, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Interdependence + +Interdependence offers us a new way of looking at things by drawing us out of +the narrow tunnel of self-absorption into a broader awareness. It shows us +the way to live in sane relationship to our world, in grace. This +understanding is not only inextricably linked with our survival but with basic +sanity and insight as well. + -- from "The Logic of Faith: A Buddhist Approach to Finding Certainty Beyond + Belief and Doubt", by Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Karma + +Karma is a loaded word. Karma is popularly used to describe a sort of +"divine plan" that includes its own system of punishment and reward. But +the Sanskrit word karma simply means activity. What is the activity we are +describing here? It is the activity of objectification. There is no Dr. +Evil sitting in a large chair petting his cat and controlling our karma. +There is no judge, no wise old man with a long white beard, no list of ethical +"rights" and "wrongs." Karma doesn't predetermine anything. In +fact, karma is just the movement of objectified experience. Karma is the +natural, impersonal law of cause and effect. As long as we objectify things, +we will continue to live in a world that follows the dictates of karma. + -- from "The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha's Path to Freedom", by + Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Karmic Theory + +The correct approach to karma, to cause and effect, is not to think of it too +mechanically. We should not think that when we do something, we promptly and +automatically experience the consequences. . . . Nor is karma a form of +fatalism, or determinism, or an ideological vehicle for accepting one's lot +in life. Karmic theory is actually meant to give the opposite message, to +encourage us to become even more determined to improve ourselves and move +forward. + -- from "Karma: What It Is, What It Isn't, Why It Matters", by Traleg + Kyabgon, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Liberation + +While the gathering of merit is conceptual, +The gathering of wisdom is not so. +Conjoined, they purify the twofold veil +And manifest the twofold kaya. +They are the sphere of meditation and postmeditation. +They are, in common beings, stained +But are unstained in Noble Ones. +By their successive practice, liberation is obtained. + -- from "Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind: The Trilogy of Rest, Volume + 1", by Longchenpa, translated by Padmakara Translation Group, published + by Shambhala Publications +~ +Loosen Your Grip + +Once you realize that everything you see is projected by your own mind, you +are well on the way to understanding that "everything" necessarily +includes birth, death, living and dying. This helps loosen your grip on what +you think "living" really is. You will begin to see that life and living +are simply part of yet another illusion. + -- from "Living Is Dying: How to Prepare for Death, Dying and Beyond", by + Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Mere Projections + +The cause of all our pain and suffering is not knowing that life and death are +illusions; or to put it another way, not knowing that the bardos of life and +death are mere projections. As we imagine that everything we see and +experience truly exists, we misinterpret our perceptions and then we suffer. +When we chant "om mani padme hum" we purify those misperceptions. + -- from "Living Is Dying: How to Prepare for Death, Dying and Beyond", by + Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Observing the Observer + +The practice of observing the observer delves into the unborn nature of +awareness itself, dismantling the dichotomy between inside and outside. On +the practical level, it is a potent antidote for a broad range of mental +afflictions. When you get angry, anxious, or are craving something, when you +feel jealous or conceited, practice observing the observer. This one practice +drives a spike right through the heart of these afflictions, causing them to +evaporate like mist.  + -- from "The Art of Transforming the Mind: A Meditator's Guide to the + Tibetan Practice of Lojong", by B. Alan Wallace, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Opening Our Heart + +The true meaning of opening our heart is that we no longer have fear of losing +anything. It is a form of surrender, yet such surrender has no object. It is +not like we are surrendering to something. What we surrender are our hopes +and fears, and an investment in our misery. When we have reached the final +point of that surrender there is nothing that we want to hold on to. + -- from "The Magic of Awareness", by Anam Thubten, edited by Sharon Roe, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Opening Our Hearts + +For a Buddhist like Nagarjuna, proceeding toward true reality and realizing +mind's nature does not merely depend on the sharpness of prajna seeing +through all our hang-ups, but on the union of this prajna with the proper +means. No matter how sophisticated our reasonings or how refined our insight +may be, there is no way around also opening our hearts, giving rise to +positive mental imprints (aka accumulating merit), and cultivating compassion +for others. + -- from "In Praise of Dharmadhatu: Nagarjuna and Rangjung Dorje on Buddha + Nature", by Nagarjuna and Rangjung Dorje, translated by Karl Brunnhoelzl, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Opportunity + +Even to hear the teachings is something very rare, which only happens once in +aeons. That you have met the Dharma now is not just coincidence. It results +from your past positive actions. Such an opportunity should not be wasted. +If your mind is in accord with Dharma, you will not experience any problems +with the things of this life; while if you are constantly preoccupied with +your ordinary pursuits, your problems will increase, and nothing will be +accomplished. + -- from "The Heart of Compassion: The Thirty-seven Verses on the Practice of + a Bodhisattva", by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, translated by Padmakara + Translation Group, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Overcome Self-Centeredness + +Don't be lenient with self-centeredness. Recognize this quality of mind +that has brought us misery, discontent, anxiety, and frustration, year after +every year of this lifetime, not to speak of lifetimes before this since time +out of mind. Each morning, look at the day that is yet to unfold and really +set up the aspiration not to succumb to the self-centeredness, not to value +our own welfare as the priority in our daily activities. This is a perfectly +feasible transformation of the mind. + -- from "The Seven-Point Mind Training: A Tibetan Method for Cultivating + Mind and Heart", by B. Alan Wallace, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Perception + +Unless we practice the teachings through study, reflection, and meditation, we +are stuck in the rut of being controlled by our thoughts and habits. The way +we think of and perceive the world is mistaken. Our consciousness is +structured such that no matter how carefully we may think, no matter how hard +we may try to grasp the world around us, the conclusion we arrive at is always +different from what things are actually like, and it is our acting upon this +mistaken perception that leads to suffering. + -- from "Sadness, Love, Openness: The Buddhist Path of Joy", by Chokyi Nyima + Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Possessions + +Patrul often pointed out the uselessness of worldly concerns and the +inherently unsatisfactory nature of samsara. In particular, he emphasized the +never-ending problems that came with owning possessions, saying, "Don't +you get it? If you've got money, you've got money problems. If you have +a house, you have house problems. If you have yaks, you have yak problems. +If you have goats, you have goat problems!" + -- from "Enlightened Vagabond: The Life and Teachings of Patrul Rinpoche", + by Matthieu Ricard, edited by Constance Wilkinson, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Precious Human Rebirth + +We have now obtained this precious human body endowed with the eighteen +favorable conditions, which is very hard to obtain and may never be acquired +again. If we use this support to practice Dharma and enter the path of +liberation, we will always receive the proper support to continue on the path, +but if we don't use it to integrate the Dharma into our being, there is very +little chance of getting such an opportunity again. If we don't use our +precious human body for Dharma practice, we may accumulate a lot of wealth, +power, fame, and so on, but it will have no real benefit and will just carry +us farther away from the path of liberation, casting us into the lower realms. +Thus, it is our responsibility to strive again and again to let our master's +blessings enter our stream of being. + -- from "An Ocean of Blessings: Heart Teachings of Drubwang Penor Rinpoche", + by Penor Rinpoche, translated by Ani Jinba Palmo, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Primordial Fortress + +When you are able to witness your fear, then you feel that there is this +ground inside of you, this unshakable ground where you can reside. It can +sometimes be physical, or it can be a state of mind or a state of +consciousness. The Tantric masters call it the Primordial Fortress. This is +the state of conscious in which you cannot be ruled by your own fear. Once +you witness your fear, it has no power over you. It begins to lose its grip +on you. Soon fear becomes your neighbor. You can dance with it. Eventually +fear turns into an ally and becomes your friend and a part of you. Your +neuroses become your intelligence. When fear rules you, it becomes a +neurosis. When it loses power over you, it becomes intelligence. It helps +you survive. It helps you find a way in this life. It helps you get around. + -- from "Embracing Each Moment: A Guide to the Awakened Life", by Anam + Thubten, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Protection from Fear + +If we did not have any fears and had the power to attain enlightenment, there +would be no need to seek refuge. However, it is not like that for us now. +Since beginningless time we have been oppressed by the slothful mind of +ignorance, bound by the noose of karma and mental afflictions, and punished by +birth, old age, sickness, and death. . . . Through confident faith in the +three jewels, which have the power to protect from such fear, one has the +mental state of complete trust and confidence. + -- from "A Guide to the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva", by Ngawang + Tenzin Norbu, translated by Christopher Stagg, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Protection + +The Dharma itself cannot fail us, because it is how things really are. It +won't fail us because the protection that the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha +give is to the mind. How they protect our mind is what is explained in the +verses to follow, which are concerned with how to use the adverse +circumstances we are likely to meet in samsara and transform them into our +opportunities for practice. That's where the mind is protected, because it +can never be crushed. Because we have the methods by which we can always +surmount, transcend, and transform the difficulties we meet. This is one way +that the Three Jewels are a protection for our own mind. + -- from "The Heroic Heart: Awakening Unbound Compassion", by Jetsunma Tenzin + Palmo, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Refuge + +I would like to take refuge in you, Lord Buddha, +until I am the same as you, +exalted principal deity +in the center of the wisdom light mandala, +alluringly in union with your consort +with all desirable qualities. + +I would like to take refuge in your Dharma, +which can use all my passions' poison +without exception, as healing ambrosia. +I would like to take refuge in your Sangha, +who generate pure phenomena through visualization +and experience all form as wisdom deity, +All sound as wisdom mantra, +All thought as self-liberating in wisdom mind. + -- from "A Brief Fantasy History of a Himalayan: Autobiographical + Reflections", by Thinley Norbu, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Rejoice in Virtue + +Being able to evaluate ourselves accurately and fairly is a skill that needs +to be developed. While avoiding bragging and boasting, we also don't need +to hide our skills or deprecate ourselves. We can discuss our good qualities +and accomplishments when necessary without embellishing them and then use our +talents and abilities to benefit others. +When we help someone, rather than being puffed up with pride, it's good to +reflect, "I'm practicing the bodhisattva path and have taken the +bodhisattva vow, so I'm only doing what I promised to do. I'm grateful +for the opportunity to do this." In that way, we avoid arrogance and at the +same time rejoice in our virtue. + -- from "Good Karma: How to Create the Causes of Happiness and Avoid the + Causes of Suffering", by Thubten Chodron, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Results + +There is a natural tendency, when our practice starts to go well, to get +excited at the prospect of attaining wonderful results very quickly. This +excitement is believed to attract maras, malignant entities who create +obstacles for us. It is like turning on a neon sign in our thoughts that +says, "I am on the verge of a great breakthrough! Hey, maras, come and get +it!" Avoid this, because experience teaches us that this kind of excitement +over hopes of great and swift results, rather than enhancing the practice, +simply creates problems in our meditation. + -- from "The Seven-Point Mind Training: A Tibetan Method for Cultivating + Mind and Heart", by B. Alan Wallace, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Scattered Mind + +When you first try stabilizing the attention, it seems that mental agitation +is worse than before you made any effort at all. But the mind was always +scattered. You were just not aware of it. If you acknowledge that one of the +goals of meditating is to witness the condition of the mind and realize that +stability develops gradually, you will not be disappointed.  + + -- from "The Art of Transforming the Mind: A Meditator's Guide to the + Tibetan Practice of Lojong", by B. Alan Wallace, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Self-Respect + +Respect toward yourself is more significant than any respect from others +because you know yourself better. When you practice patience, for example, +you must know why you're doing it and how it benefits you. If you value +self-respect and do virtuous things that are unknown to others, you will +naturally gain self-confidence, strength, and freedom from your neuroses. You +will feel more and more inspired to develop your tsewa and shed the eight +worldly concerns because of the benefit and freedom you personally experience +by doing so. Your heart will be at peace, and eventually others will respect +you as a person who has truly been transformed. + -- from "Peaceful Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Patience", by Dzigar + Kongtrul, edited by Joseph Waxman, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Shackles Are Broken + +I have rid myself of compulsive clinging +To the beginningless impressions of "I"; +Now the shackles of my reified thinking are broken, +And I no longer have the pride of fundamental knowledge. +Send this message to those who understand; +Tell them Rangjung Dorje said it. + -- from "The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje: Master of Mahamudra", translated + by Ruth Gamble, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Spontaneous Mindfulness + +Even though mindfulness is a natural expression of the awakened mind, it has +been buried under eons of mindlessness, so we have to work to dig it out. The +initial stage of mindfulness practice is called deliberate mindfulness because +it takes effort to bring our wandering minds back. It is difficult only +because it is unfamiliar. One sign of progress on the path is that deliberate +mindfulness evolves into spontaneous mindfulness. With enough practice, it +becomes effortless. + -- from "The Power and the Pain: Transforming Spiritual Hardship into Joy", + by Andrew Holecek, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Stainless Compassion + +"What is the key to compassion?" Through greater and greater +familiarization, I discovered that the only time I can have pure compassion is +when I am free from ego. This is what the Buddha refers to in the King of +Meditation Sutra when he says, "Therefore, you teach them emptiness, +profundity, peace, and nonconceptuality." The profound equality of all +beings is known only in the moment in which the "I" no longer exists. +Only through the recognition of emptiness is there stainless compassion. This +stainless compassion, inseparable from emptiness, is none other than the +ultimate samadhi. + -- from "In the Footsteps of Bodhisattvas: Buddhist Teachings on the Essence + of Meditation", by Phakchok Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Study and Reflection + +Mipham would reflect that if he were to squander a single day in meaningless +activity, the little that had entered his understanding would be lost. This +weighed heavily on his mind, and it was constantly in his thoughts that if +only he were to meet a learned master, he would give himself utterly to study +and reflection. And it was in such a fervent state of mind that, at the age +of fifteen, he made his way to Dzogchen Monastery, in the company of a large +contingent of his fellow countrymen. + -- from "Lion of Speech: The Life of Mipham Rinpoche", by Dilgo Khyentse + Rinpoche and Jamgon Mipham, translated by Padmakara Translation Group, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Suffering + +Suffering is the master that teaches the faults of samsara; it is the direct +cause for the practice of compassion and patience; it is the delineation point +of dharma; it is the condition for purifying obscurations; it has unfathomable +[such good qualities]. + -- from "A Guide to the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva", by Ngawang + Tenzin Norbu, translated by Christopher Stagg, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Sunlight Floods In + +Devotion and trust are self-reinforcing. As they fill our minds, we become +increasingly aware of the flood of Buddha blessings and loving-kindness +permeating our mind and body, and transforming everything into a universe of +devotion, wishing happiness and enlightenment for all. It is just as when we +open the doors and windows to our room, and the sunlight floods in. + -- from "The Heart of Unconditional Love: A Powerful New Approach to Loving- + Kindness Meditation", by Tulku Thondup, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +Tame Your Mind + +It is said that the Buddha taught eighty-four thousand Dharma teachings and +that these teachings can all be condensed into the following three lines. The +first is, "Do as many good actions as you can." The second is, +"Avoid as many bad actions as you can." How does one practice the +good and avoid the bad? The third line contains the answer: "Tame your +mind." + -- from "An Ocean of the Ultimate Meaning: Teachings on Mahamudra", by + Khenchen Thrangu, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Bardo Experience + +Bardo means gap; it is not only the interval of suspension after we die but +also suspension in the living situation; death happens in the living situation +as well. The bardo experience is part of our basic psychological makeup. +There are all kinds of bardo experiences happening to us all the time, +experiences of paranoia and uncertainty in everyday life; it is like not being +sure of our ground, not knowing quite what we have asked for or what we are +getting into. . . . Birth and death apply to everybody constantly, at this +very moment. + -- from "The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation Through Hearing + in the Bardo", translated by Francesca Fremantle and Chogyam Trungpa, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The First Step + +The first step in dream practice is simple: one must recognize the potential +dream holds for the spiritual journey. Normally a dream is thought to be +"unreal," as opposed to "real" waking life. But waking life, too, is +dreamlike. We spend most of our waking time in the dreams of the moving mind. +This is why dream yoga applies to all experience, to the dreams of the night +and the dreams of the day. + -- from "The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep: Practices for Awakening", by + Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Mind Is an Ally + +Retreat should be a pleasure, not an ordeal. It should be a delight, because +if the mind is delighted with what it's doing, it engages and becomes one +with the practice.... We need to understand our own limits and have +compassion for ourselves. Then we need to learn how to use the mind as an +ally, so it does the practice with joy. It's very important, therefore, not +to push ourselves beyond our capacity. In our sessions we should stop before +we become tired, because if we stop while the mind is still enjoying the +experience, the mind remembers, "That was fun." It will be enthusiastic +again next time. + -- from "Reflections on a Mountain Lake: Teachings on Practical Buddhism", + by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Mind + +There is no limit to the projections of whatever phenomena of samsara and +enlightenment, or self and other, that are designed by the artist of the +mind's conceptions. If this is explained generally, however, whether one +believes in spiritual or ordinary phenomena, the believer is the mind. Also, +a nonbeliever is the mind. For example, if someone says, "I do not believe +that," it shows there is a consciousness or mind that does not believe, +which cannot be denied. + -- from "The Sole Panacea: A Brief Commentary on the Seven-Line Prayer to +Guru Rinpoche That Cures the Suffering of the Sickness of Karma and +Defilement", by Thinley Norbu, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Nature of Mind + +Mind's nature is indivisible emptiness and clarity-- +Inexpressible and indestructible, like space. +When it is seen, +there is no separate one who sees; +There is but a single all-encompassing sphere. +Even looker and looking are one and the same. +This view of seeing all at once is unsurpassed, +A centerless, limitless experience beyond compare. +In this fruition, when what must be done has been done, +There's no seeing at all, and any wish to see, +Any deep longing to discover the view, +Is naturally destroyed from its very depths. +To arrive at such contentment and evenness +Is to be touched by brave Manjusri's beneficent light. + -- from "Beyond the Ordinary Mind: Dzogchen, Rimé, and the Path of Perfect +Wisdom", by Patrul Rinpoche and Jamgon Mipham, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Nectar of Truth + +Truth is not conceptual. We can never understand or realize it through +concepts and ideas. Truth is not to be understood. Rather, it is meant to be +experienced, tasted, like nectar. There is nothing to understand about +nectar. One must taste it, drink it, and experience it. The truth is like +that. It is to be experienced and realized, not speculated about. + -- from "No Self, No Problem: Awakening to Our True Nature", by Anam + Thubten, edited by Sharon Roe, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Three Kayas + +In Sanskrit: Margakaryatridharmanama +In Tibetan: Lam khyer kyi chos gsum + +Homage to the glorious great bliss of the three kayas. +One who has attended an excellent guru and received empowerment, +who dwells in solitude, having mentally given up the world, +and practices this sublime path with single-pointed effort, +will attain the three spontaneities within years or months. +In this way, using the variety of appearances +as the bliss, emptiness, and clarity +of the guru, yidam, and illusion, +integration of three kayas will occur naturally. + -- from "Shangpa Kagyu: The Tradition of Khyungpo Naljor, Part One: + Essential Teachings of the Eight Practice Lineages of Tibet, Volume 11 + (The Treasury of Precious Instructions)", by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Tolerance + +No matter in what situations we find ourselves, when we don't have so many +opinions and preferences we naturally experience more peace of mind. We feel +more agreeable, more comfortable, and more able to fit in with others. When +we are more tolerant, not only do our minds' stability and experience of +meditation improve, but the conduct of our body, speech, and mind also +improves because we stop being so reactive. + -- from "Stop Biting the Tail You're Chasing: Using Buddhist Mind Training + to Free Yourself from Painful Emotional Patterns", by Anyen Rinpoche and + Allison Choying Zangmo, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Two Thoughts + +There is infinitely much that we might possibly think and feel. Myriads of +different thoughts and ideas run through our minds. But among all the +thoughts that we might possibly have, there are two that stand out as truly +special. The first is the thought of impermanence. Thinking about +impermanence clears the mind of its clutter. It enables us to think of and +perceive the world in a way that is radically different and genuinely +constructive. The second is love and compassion. Love and compassion hold +inconceivable power. Love and compassion never lead us astray. Love and +compassion strip the mind of negative emotions and unwholesome thoughts. +Dharma practice is about recognizing impermanence so that love and compassion +become all-encompassing and universal.  + -- from "Sadness, Love, Openness: The Buddhist Path of Joy", by Chokyi Nyima + Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Unshakeable + +When we train in loving-kindness, we expand outward into the experience of +those around us. Our tightness loosens, our compassion grows. We feel the +joys and sufferings of others more deeply, and we are moved to help them. We +take delight in the successes of our friends. Our equanimity becomes rooted +in an indestructibly pure intention, in which distance and closeness of +relation are no longer relevant. This is why the Buddha said we can become +unshakeable like Mount Meru. We become warm and unmovable. + -- from "In the Footsteps of Bodhisattvas: Buddhist Teachings on the Essence + of Meditation", by Phakchok Rinpoche, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Unwavering Mountain + +We are considered to have a precious human body only when we sincerely listen +to Buddhist teachings and contemplate the meaning of what we have heard. Even +that is not sufficient in itself. The meaning has to make an impact on us so +that we become transformed by our spiritual practices and can make a +difference to the lives of others. If our spiritual commitment is as +unwavering as a mountain, our human body can become a vessel that holds +everything precious and worthwhile in life. + -- from "Mind at Ease: Self-Liberation through Mahamudra Meditation", by + Traleg Kyabgon, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Upright + +The next condition is to be upright. "Upright" is a word that we +mightn't use very much. To be upright means to be truthful, to be reliable +and responsible. To be truthful to others as a matter of course. But to be +truthful to oneself about oneself--and that is much more difficult. Most +people run around with blinkers on. They can't see beyond the straight +horizon, can't see themselves from all sides. It's difficult to see +oneself as others see one. It takes mindfulness, bare attention to oneself. +And it certainly doesn't mean blaming oneself, criticizing oneself, judging +oneself--it means none of that. It means recognition. The formula is +"recognition, don't blame, change." Blaming is another negativity. +Criticizing is another negativity. And whoever criticizes him-or herself will +criticize the people around him [or her]. There's no way we can stop +criticizing if we start it somewhere. So that is not the way to go at it. + -- from "The Path to Peace: A Buddhist Guide to Cultivating Loving- + Kindness", by Ayya Khema, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Vast Hallucination + +Just as in the middle of a desert plain +A small thing seen from far away  +May yet seem vast in size,  +From just a slight attachment  +To a self in that which has no self,  +The vast hallucination of samsara manifests.  + +When these hallucinations are investigated,  +They are found to be unreal.  +When you understand that, just like space,  +They cannot be removed,  +Just let them be.  + +And do not cling so foolishly  +To this world's real existence-- +This world that, like a trick of sight,   +Appears without existing.  + -- from "Finding Rest in Illusion: The Trilogy of Rest, Volume 3", by + Longchenpa, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Why Meditate? + +The Tibetan word for "meditate," gom, means "to familiarize" or +"habituate." In this case, we intentionally habituate ourselves with +beneficial and realistic attitudes and emotions. Thus, we familiarize +ourselves with the meaning and experiences of these meditations in order to +transform our minds. Similarly, the English word practice implies repetition +and gradual development. Change does not occur suddenly but over time. We +must practice continuously and meditate on the same topics repeatedly to gain +familiarity with them and to shift our perspective. + + -- from "Guided Buddhist Meditations: Essential Practices on the Stages of + the Path", by Thubten Chodron, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Working With Hardship + +What is hardship for one person is not hardship for another. We need to be +flexible to deal with whatever we encounter. For some people, being alone is +easy; for others, it is difficult. For some people, living in community is +easy; for others, it is hardship. Whatever is hardship according to our own +personal karma is what we need to be willing to work with. + -- from "Good Karma: How to Create the Causes of Happiness and Avoid the + Causes of Suffering", by Thubten Chodron, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +A Note on Goodbyes + +When we are in a hurry, we often only half listen and don't really look at +the person we are talking to. When we recognize the truth that either of us +could die tonight, our heart opens. We can listen, look, and speak with a +clearer awareness of this one unique encounter. When Japanese people say +goodbye to a friend, they stand and wave until the car or train is out of +sight. They hold the poignant awareness that this could be the last time they +will see this person. + -- from "Mindful Medicine: 40 Simple Practices to Help Healthcare + Professionals Heal Burnout and Reconnect to Purpose", by Jan Chozen Bays, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Any or None + +Zen does not bring about peace or war. It shows us how to live properly in +either. Zen does not show us how to be all of the same belief, but how to +live with any, or none. + -- from "Poetry and Zen: Letters and Uncollected Writings of R. H. Blyth", + by R. H. Blyth, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +As the Light Dims + +As the light dims in your human eyes for the last time, what will you say of +the life that's passing? What has joined its molecules with yours, carved +itself into your bones? As the last well presents itself, what will fall with +you from this rocky little planet? + -- from "Through Forests of Every Color: Awakening with Koans", by Joan + Sutherland, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Attention + +By inviting the bodymind into stillness, we are inviting attention into +stillness. The process tends to draw us into bringing attention to +attention--we begin to notice the process and structure of noticing itself. +In other words, we develop the capacity to watch what attention is doing as it +moves around. This attention to attention generates awareness. + -- from "The Path of Aliveness: A Contemporary Zen Approach to Awakening + Body and Mind", by Christian Dillo, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +By the Age of Three + +It is the mother whom the infant accepts with its pure body and mind when it +comes into the world. The one who is always physically closest to the infant +during the most important period of growth is also the mother. There is a +Japanese proverb that says, "What is instilled by the age of three is +remembered to the age of a hundred." + -- from "Zen Seeds: 60 Essential Buddhist Teachings on Effort, Gratitude, + and Happiness", by Shundo Aoyama, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Careful Attention + +My Zen teacher handled everything as if it were alive. I loved to watch him +open his mail. Each envelope, even junk mail, was carefully slit open and the +contents removed with careful attention. When we move our attention from our +head to our fingers, when we touch things with careful attention--even +inanimate objects--we also are touched. We establish a connection that +nourishes us, too. + -- from "Mindful Medicine: 40 Simple Practices to Help Healthcare + Professionals Heal Burnout and Reconnect to Purpose", by Jan Chozen Bays, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Don't Wobble + +One cannot live this moment completely, without comparison, so long as it +still seems that there might be some other real alternative. But one has to +find out, first of all, that there is actually nothing else to do. And there +isn't. Everything else is a straining after shadows and clutching at winds; +and if one must strain after shadows, well go ahead and strain. There is a +saying in Zen Buddhism, "Walk or sit just as you will, but whatever you do, +don't wobble"--to which I would add, but if you must wobble, wobble with +all your might. "The fool who persists in their folly will become wise." +But they must persist with the whole energy of their soul.  + -- from "Talking Zen: Reflections on Mind, Myth, and the Magic of Life", by + Alan Watts, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Getting Old + +Finally, getting old is about practicing love. Loving is something an old +person can do at least as well as a young one. Bad short-term memory can't +keep me from loving. Not knowing how to get to the knitting store can't +keep me from loving. What I really want to say is that whatever else I lose, +I'll be okay as long as I can love. + -- from "Alive Until You're Dead: Notes on the Home Stretch", by Susan Moon, + published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Look Carefully at Flowers + +If people would just discard their selfish criteria and look carefully at +flowers and grasses, they would see that heaven and earth bless the life of +every flower and blade of grass, and that these things are wonderful. So it +is with human beings. Because they live, people experience gain and loss, +love and hatred, joy and anger, relief and sorrow. Each of these experiences +is an important tool in our irreplaceable lives. + -- from "Zen Seeds: 60 Essential Buddhist Teachings on Effort, Gratitude, + and Happiness", by Shundo Aoyama, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Meditation Is a Natural Function + +It helps to know that meditation is a natural function, one that we have lost +in the rush, complexity, and sometimes-chaos of modern urban-centered life. +But a natural function can be reclaimed. And if you turn toward it, and begin +to practice it, eventually it will take its place again as a way of +experiencing life that is the opposite of anxiety, stress, and fear about the +future. This natural and most welcome way of calling up inner ease and simple +happiness always lives inside of us. Periodically, meditation calls to us +from within. "Let me emerge. I can restore you to mental health." + -- from "Mindful Medicine: 40 Simple Practices to Help Healthcare + Professionals Heal Burnout & Reconnect to Purpose", by Jan Chozen Bays, + MD, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +On Getting Caught + +In meditation, we learn to observe the arising of a strong emotion, to feel +its intensity and notice where in our body it is held, and to begin to see the +reactive patterns that occur. We see how we magnify and generalize by making +stories out of our feelings. We weave a web around the emotion and then get +caught in it, often catching others as well. + -- from "Zen in the Age of Anxiety: Wisdom for Navigating Our Modern Lives", + by Tim Burkett, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Our Whole Life Through + +Our psyches are at least as difficult to maintain as our mouths. Even if we +brush and floss regularly, a steady diet of junk food is likely to make us +ill; even if we meditate regularly, unless we act according to the precepts, +we're likely to suffer. In spiritual practice, we sometimes need teachers +and sangha members to tell us where we're stuck or when we're missing +something. It's not easy to examine the dark places of our minds; it calls +for practice our whole life through. + -- from "That Is Not Your Mind!: Zen Reflections on the Surangama Sutra", by + Robert Rosenbaum, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Practice Dignity + +All of us, whether living alone or with others, do indeed have someone who +needs us on a daily basis, and that's our own dear selves. You can enjoy a +friendly dialogue with the person you cook for ("How do you like your egg +cooked, Sue?" "I don't want the yolk to be runny.") even if that +person is yourself. +Practice dignity. You can be upright in your attitude even if your back is +bent. Remember, you are Buddha. + -- from "Alive Until You're Dead: Notes on the Home Stretch", by Susan + Moon, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +Practice is returning, always, back to the body. Feeling the original pain, +anger, or whatever emotion it is that you're trying to cover. Human beings +want to cover everything, so we don't feel it. We don't want to go out of +our way to feel something that's unpleasant, do we? No. If you're like +me, you'll find some way to cover it. But the longer we practice, the more +quickly we see what we're doing. + -- from "Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life and Practice", by Charlotte Joko Beck, + edited by Brenda Beck Hess, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The aim of life, its only aim, is to be free. Free of what? Free to do what? +Only to be free, that is all. Free through ourselves, free through others; +free to be sad, to be in pain; free to grow old and die. This is what our +soul desires, and this freedom it must have; and shall have. + -- from "Poetry and Zen: Letters and Uncollected Writings of R. H. Blyth", + by R. H. Blyth, edited by Norman Waddell, published by Shambhala + Publications +~ +The Koan Birds + +Koans are both full of promise and unsettling, and I've wondered if +sometimes people have reacted to their subversive power by trying to +domesticate them--treating them as the closely held possession of a few, +turning koan practice into a stylized contest you can learn the rules for, +treating them as allegories or parables, or drafting them into a purely +psychological process. As I see it, the koan birds, messengers from the +territory of what we don't yet know, need to remain untamed, so that we can +discover each one's particular wildness and let it undomesticate us. + -- from "Through Forests of Every Color: Awakening with Koans", by Joan + Sutherland, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Master Refused + +When Igami Kyueimon, the samurai official governing Hakata, paid a formal +visit to the graveyard at Shofukuji, the founder's hall was in the midst +of construction. He thereupon proposed that he donate the cost of roof tiles +for the building.      The Master, however, refused.      As he +subsequently explained, "People who announce they wish to donate things to +the temple all just want to promote their own clan by putting their family +crest on things." + -- from "Sengai Tales" in "Zen Master Tales: Stories from the Lives + of Taigu, Sengai, Hakuin, and Ryokan", by Peter Haskel, published by + Shambhala Publications +~ +The most important ingredient of transformation is attention. Where your +attention goes, your life goes. When we think about the development of our +lives, we usually think about the big transitions: things like the first day +of school, our parents' divorce, the death of a grandparent, going to +college, taking a job, getting married, switching careers, and so on. However +important these big moments are, for the purpose of participating in the +process of transformation, it is useful to think of your life as a succession +of attentional micromoments. + -- from "The Path of Aliveness: A Contemporary Zen Approach to Awakening + Body and Mind", by Christian Dillo, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Next Wave + +Can you learn to surf the chaos and uncertainty that real life includes +without falling into a trance of unworthiness? You can. A surfer is +powerless to change the towering wave rushing toward her. But she doesn't +want to change it. She wants to surf it and she learns to feel safe in the +immense ocean of being even when she falls. She confidently gets right back +up to meet the next wave.   + -- from "Zen in the Age of Anxiety: Wisdom for Navigating Our Modern Lives", + by Tim Burkett, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Paving Stones + +Getting the method right isn't the goal of practice. Method is a means and +a support, a way of laying down the paving stones you walk on. Having a good +method means that the practice can be done with more ease. It helps to make +clear what can be made clear, so that the mystery that is at the center of +life becomes vividly apparent against a simplified field. + -- from "Through Forests of Every Color: Awakening with Koans", by Joan + Sutherland, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +The Struggles of the Day + +Our time requires us to reconcile heartbreak and wonder, rage and love, sorrow +and joy, over and over again. How do we volunteer for a life that's bound +to tear our hearts apart and then stitch them back together, only to pull them +apart again? In Albert Camus's The Plague, the doctor who is fighting the +epidemic that for Camus was both a physical illness and a metaphor for fascism +takes a rare night off to go to the beach. Sitting on ancient rocks, gazing +into the darkness, he is surprised to be possessed by happiness. It is a +happiness that forgets nothing: what has been lost, what is still to come, and +what persists, even in a time when the world seems to have withdrawn any hope +of its mercy. To discover that waves and the night can pour into you, filling +you, without displacing your loyalty to the struggles of the day is a profound +grace. + -- from "Through Forests of Every Color: Awakening with Koans", by Joan + Sutherland, published by Shambhala Publications +~ +What Is Space? + +We all are certain we know what space is: it's the physical thing that +provides room for us to be ourselves and also the chasm that isolates us from +the intimate wholeness we yearn for. We experience space as a mental +phenomenon as well. Meditators attend to the space between thoughts, to the +"space in mind," the infinite "room" in which consciousness seems to +arise. + -- from That Is Not Your Mind!: Zen Reflections on the Surangama Sutra", by + Robert Rosenbaum, published by Shambhala Publications