The Mind

Empires will fall – dynasties fade away; but the mind of man will survive the destruction of all inanimate matter – its destiny is eternal. - Edward Counsel

If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to you. - The Buddha

If the mind is not contrived, it is spontaneously blissful, just as water, when not agitated, is by nature transparent and clear. - Unknown

It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. - The Buddha

It is certain that the nature of the mind is empty and without any foundation whatsoever. Your own mind is insubstantial like the empty sky. - Padmsambhava

It is our mind, and that alone, that chains us or sets us free. - Dilgo Rinpoche

Just as the ocean has waves or the sun has rays, so the mind’s own radiance is its thoughts and emotions. - Sogyal Rinpoche

Learn deeply of the Mind and its mystery, for therein lies the secret of immortality. - Joseph Addison

Let the mind be enlarged…to the grandeur of the mysteries, and not the mysteries contracted to the narrowness of the mind. - Francis Bacon

Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world. - Hans Margolius

Spiritual

Since there is no way we can succeed in our spiritual practice while our mind is tense and unhappy, we should always practice in moderation, allowing our mind to remain joyful and relaxed. Then our mediation will work, our mind will become clearer, and our memory will improve. - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In your training, do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an all-knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and progress together in the Art of Peace. - Morihei Ueshiba

We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness. People normally cut reality into compartments, and so are unable to see the inter-dependence of all phenomena. To see one in all and all in one is to break through the great barrier which narrows one’s perception of reality. - Thich Nhat Hanh

For anyone who is pervaded with the sense of causal law in all that happens, who accepts in real earnest the assumption of causality, the idea of a Being who interferes with the sequence of events in the world is absolutely impossible. Neither the religion of fear nor the social-moral religion can have any hold on him. - Albert Einstein

We do not "come into" this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree. As the ocean "waves," the universe "peoples." Every individual is an expression of the whole realm of nature, a unique action of the total universe. This fact is rarely, if ever, experienced by most individuals. Even those who know it to be true in theory do not sense or feel it, but continue to be aware of themselves as isolated "egos" inside bags of skin. - Alan Watts

Religion

With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion. - Steven Weinberg

I've never understood how God could expect his creatures to pick the one true religion by faith – it strikes me as a sloppy way to run a universe. - Robert A. Heinlein

“Sins” are indispensable to every society organized on an ecclesiastical basis; they are the only reliable weapons of power; the priest lives upon sins; it is necessary to him that there be “sinning. - Friedrich Nietzsche

Zen Sayings

Sometimes, simply by sitting, the soul collects wisdom. - Unknown

We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us. - Rumi

Your Treasure House is in yourself, it contains all you need. - Hui Hai

We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us. - Rumi

The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there. - Robert M. Pirsig

We have only now, only this single eternal moment opening and unfolding before us, day and night. - Jack Kornfield

When you plant a seed of love, it is you that blossoms. - Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

Not to be bound by rules, but to be creating one’s own rules – this is the kind of life which Zen is trying to have us live. - D. T. Suzuki

When you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything. - Lao Tzu

Chuang Tzu

All existing things are really one. We regard those that are beautiful and rare as valuable, and those that are ugly as foul and rotten. The foul and rotten may come to be transformed into what is rare and valuable, and the rare and valuable into what is foul and rotten. - Chuang Tzu

If you persist in trying to attain what is never attained, if you persist in making effort to obtain what effort cannot get, if you persist in reasoning about what cannot be understood, you will be destroyed by the very thing you seek. To know when to stop, to know when you can get no further by your own action, this is the right beginning! - Chuang Tzu

The non-action of the wise man is not inaction. It is not studied. It is not shaken by anything. The sage is quiet because he is not moved, not because he wills to be quiet. . . Joy does all things without concern. For emptiness, stillness, tranquility, tastelessness, silence, and non-action are the root of all things. - Chuang Tzu

The mind remains undetermined in the great Void. Here the highest knowledge is unbounded. That which gives things their thusness cannot be delimited by things. So when we speak of 'limits', we remain confined to limited things. The limit of the unlimited is called 'fullness.' The limitlessness of the limited is called 'emptiness.' Tao is the source of both. But it is itself neither fullness nor emptiness. - Chuang Tzu

Teachings of The Buddha

To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others. - The Buddha

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. - The Buddha

To utter pleasant words without practicing them, is like a fine flower without fragrance. - The Buddha

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. - The Buddha

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world. - The Buddha

When a man has pity on all living creatures then only is he noble. - The Buddha

When a wise man is advised of his errors, he will reflect on and improve his conduct. When his misconduct is pointed out, a foolish man will not only disregard the advice but rather repeat the same error. - The Buddha

When one is overcome by this wretched, clinging desire in the world, one's sorrows increase like grass growing up after a lot of rain. - The Buddha

When we feel happy and peaceful, our happiness and peace radiates around us, and others can enjoy it as well. This is called 'the enjoyment of others of our body of bliss'. - The Buddha

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. - The Buddha

You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself. - The Buddha

Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care. - The Buddha

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it. - The Buddha

Source: Sayings of the Buddha in The Dhammapada, Pali Cannon

Believes

And here is the point, about myself and my co-thinkers. Our belief is not a belief. Our principles are not a faith. We do not rely solely upon science and reason because these are necessary rather than sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that contradicts science or outrageous reason. We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free inquiry, open mindedness, and the pursuit of ideas for their own sake. - Christopher Hitchens

You can’t convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence, it’s based on a deep seated need to believe. - Carl Sagan

Your Garden's Heart

Millie Gounder shares a special meditation for peace and joy.

Meditation is ancient, simple and beautiful – and for these reasons, embraced in some form by every culture on the Earth. Dedicated practice is the green keeper of this quiet contemplation, of focus, and clear intention. By sitting in meditation, one acknowledges time to nurture the spirit. While meditation is infinitely creative, calming, and immeasurably a self enhancing tool, it demands the sacred silence so resonantly that, ultimately, one’s inner voice begins a journey towards clarity and strength. Meditating regularly is a wonderful vehicle for tapping into inner peace, rewarding you with a tangible connection to your true heartbeat. Meditation is currently enjoying a vibrant rebirth, as ancient wisdom becomes more widely available. And the benefits are a sacred and simple joy.

It is an interesting coincidence that peace has been defined both as a state of serenity and calm, and also as a state of freedom from war. It would seem at this turbulent time, that peace in all its forms is a highly desirable goal. While acting for peace in the physical environment is immensely valuable, the thoughts we foster in our hearts also create a very tangible effect. It makes sense, then, to nurture feelings of peace within our heart. Our heartfelt energy affects the way in which we approach and treat the people around us, and creates a trickle down effect. And as a gentle raindrop can create ripples upon the ocean that can be felt across the Earth, so, too, can a peace-filled conscience create a better self and greater world around us. If, in our hearts, we believe in magic and divine grace, who can know what miraculous effect this could have in the greater scheme of things. In a breath, in a thought we can make a positive difference of great wonder. In every way, you will feel better within your own life, as you connect with yourself and others in a more positive, peaceful and loving way.

This meditation is written with the hope that perhaps a part of you will tingle, and it will strike a chime of truth within your heart. I have chosen a heart’s garden visualization as a simple method to achieve peace and relaxation through meditation, while also allowing yourself to plant positive and nurturing thoughts into your heart. There are many ways to do this – you can read the meditation onto a tape and then get relaxed and play it back, or just focus on the feelings and sit in silence simply visualising a peace-filled heart. Just know that your intuition will always guide you to the right place. Let us begin this beautiful journey.

Sit very comfortably, either outside in nature or inside in a spacious room. You can meditate alone or with friends. Sometimes meditating in a group can be wonderful, as you can discuss experiences together afterwards. Sitting comfortably, close your eyes and begin to breathe very deeply and slowly. Begin to become aware of the methodical beating of your heart. Recognizing the silence, allow your body to slowly become more and more still. Slowly, feel more aware of how serene and gentle you feel, and how totally relaxed every muscle in your entire body has become.

Breathe in deeply and begin to visualize swirling, shimmering, silver and golden speckled, radiant white light filling the entire space surrounding you. This light represents all that is pure, all that is love, all that promises a rare glimpse of a world steeped in positive peaceful respect. The light also represents the highest and most loving energy of the universe, and brings eternal love and protection. Gently, the light gets stronger and stronger, as if it were itself the dawning of a bright and rich new day. Feel around you this sun drenched, luminous energy drawing closer, caressing your entire body. Your skin tingles with dewy freshness, and your energy drinks of the elixir of radiant health and expressive self-love.

And as the shimmering, golden, warm honey light slowly sinks into your physical body, you feel warmed, nurtured, and caressed by that power which you call your God. This beautiful time honours all that you are, a sacred and cherished being. There is no other like you in the entire world and that makes you a miraculous blessing to those around you.

The light slowly fills your entire body and you release any worrying thoughts and allow yourself to be submerged in the loving arms of the universe, visualising that you are whole and alive. In this same breath, there is a recognition that as you are special and cherished, so, too, is each person you meet. As you see this in your mind’s eye, boundaries slowly start to fall away – you are now completely relaxed and full of loving supporting, nurturing, light.

Slowly, you visualise the centre of your body, especially focusing on your spine, from the tailbone up to the crown (top) of your head. Notice that there are seven shining discs of colour spinning vividly through seven centres (chakras) of your body. The chakras are energy centres within the body, and as you recognise the strength and colour pulsating in each, you realign your subtle energetic body. Start to bring your focus to your base or root chakra (in the pelvic area), where there is a vivid and deep red, pulsating rich life energy. It allows your energy to embrace physical life, empowering vitality, health, and energy. We now acknowledge the navel chakra, which pulsates a strong and creative flow of orange, encouraging creativity, and strong and mutually fulfilling relationships. A yellow shimmer now radiates strongly from the solar plexus chakra, offering a centre of knowledge and self-esteem. Now, as we move up to the heart chakra, in the centre of the upper chest, a dazzling and nurturing emerald green light floods the entire space, acknowledging that the energy of unconditional love beats strongly. As we move towards the throat chakra, we see the strengthening colour of sapphire blue, loudly heralding the happiness of speaking your truth in the moment, in peace, and in love. We are now guided towards the third eye centre, found on the forehead between your eyes. Envision the most beautiful indigo amethyst colour, and it opens for us an amazing capacity to seek and find deeper truths and meanings. And now as we move to the crown chakra, right at the top of the head, a soft colour of violet emits a powerful connection to the universe.

Stop and breathe for a while, and allow yourself to integrate the qualities and clarity of the radiant array of colour and depth of beauty that exists within your being. Allow your senses to connect with all the energies of light and love. Submerge yourself in the beauty and the quiet – this is a sacred moment of silence for you and only you.

You feel warm, nurtured, radiant and peaceful. It is now time to move into the heart’s chakra. As you slowly direct the visualization back into the joyful light of the emerald green chakra, you see a door. Open it and walk in. There is a garden inside. Have a good look around. Is it vibrant, or is it overgrown with weeds? This garden is the home of your spirit. Is it a place where you feel nurtured? If not, take some time now to visualize a more vibrant garden, one with beautiful flowers growing in every direction.

See yourself strolling through this magnificent garden, and see each part of it radiating pure perfect love back towards you. Magical crystals slowly emerge out of the ground to form lovely sculptures and seats. Maybe there is a refreshing waterfall in the garden, splashing fun and delicious droplets of cool water everywhere. Or maybe there are trees that lean over and talk with you as they sway in the wind. Are there magical fairies playing in big mushroom castles?

Within this space there can be an area dedicated to peace. Nurture this place and make it fruitful. It is your garden, and anything is possible in this place. It is a space that invites peace and nurture, the drumbeat of love in all its forms within your life. Give it that much energy and it will return it into your daily life tenfold.

Enjoy this magical kingdom, where your dreams are real, and play for a while. Rest and take some time to digest the abundance of your creativity. Find a place in your garden to lie down, with the sun warming your body and just allow yourself to drift wherever you might go. It may be nowhere, or it could be on a grand journey with many insights – whatever happens is appropriate for where you are right now. Stay as long as you like, and when you open your eyes just remember to come back to the present. Remember to thank the universe for your insight, and all the blessings you really do have in your life.

This is a very simple meditation that only begins to touch the surface of the many beautiful aspects of meditation and chakras. There are many wonderful books on both subjects, and also many meditation groups. So investigate all the great opportunities that are available for self-growth if you have enjoyed this very brief version.

As I sit and write this, I observe the great celestial sojourn. Silently, as the moon travels across the face of my window, I am entranced. Quiet, gentle, peaceful, I have found my centre again. The black velvet sky is mesmerizing and all encompassing. The silver light of the moon is a radiant beauty that has inspired many a poet throughout history, as now she inspires me. This shimmering focus in the night sky holds my thoughts, and I slowly unravel from the day. A gentle breeze rustles the tree outside my window, and I am invigorated by the cool sea air. I feel relaxed. I watch as the moon holds to her path, across that eternal night sky, and my thoughts echo that I must also hold onto peaceful thoughts with such ease.

I am reminded daily of all the things that I have to be grateful for, and as I sit here and watch the moon go past my window, I realize I am enjoying a completely conscious and awake meditation. You see meditation simply slows you down enough to smell the roses. So, enjoy the fragrant miracle of your own heart’s garden, and may your life be blessed and filled with peace.

Cycles of Preparation

Our soul prepares us to use and understand the present cycles for our future cycles. It is the soul’s nature to move forward through these cycles of preparation. Our soul seeks and expresses itself through a prepared consciousness.

A spiritual disciple becomes aware of the importance of preparing upon the invisible planes of life through meditation, contemplation, and service. We, as mystics, set energy into motion that can produce the right reaction at the right time. Instead of becoming victims of our environment and external forces, each of us, through free will, sows what we will reap. Such preparation should be relaxed and carried out with inner understanding; it is one of the best ways of attunement with our life’s purpose.

As we study the many different cycles of nature which affect us, we become conscious of the cycles of preparation. We observe that every cycle of life is actually preparing us to deal with growth, expansion, and unlimited good. Things both seen and unseen cooperate with this unfolding drama of life. While we might delay things upon the psychological levels, we must still deal with them all in due time. The more defined our preparation, the more effective we will be.

From physical birth through transition we are always preparing for our next cycles of life. Yet we can waste our time and energy in many ways, thus delaying our plans. But in due time the soul must do what it came to do. Each of us has a responsibility to ourselves to progress and learn.

All the concepts of health and prosperity deal with cycles of right preparation. Our states of health, happiness, and prosperity depend on our cooperation with these important cycles. If our life is not yielding its fullness, then something is amiss in our understanding and application of the cycles of preparation. We can study the finest books and concepts in the world, but until we do take action for preparation, we will not reach our full potential.

The manner in which we think and use our time and energy – today – is important in our tomorrows. We can begin to work towards the spiritual and material good that is waiting for us. How much unlimited good we actually reap is literally up to each of us. Our mind and thoughts are so important to our total future, and it is here that our first order of business is set into motion. Our thoughts and actions must agree with the direction of our soul … to avoid mixed, confused, and delayed reactions.

If any of our problems are being repeated, such as the same psychological pain or a business problem, then we know that inadequate preparation is the real cause. When we prepare for our expanded good in peace and love, then this peace and its results must come.

In our life there are rich opportunities to set into motion the good we seek. Many wonderful unseen opportunities allow this energy to create the needed action. We need to take advantage of the daily opportunities. If we will take one month in our lives to prepare, through thoughts, words, and simple actions, we can progress and begin to unfold a far greater life of health and abundance than we have ever experienced. All spiritual progression is built on the law of preparation! Our present thoughts bring forth the good of the future. It is the effort that we use that counts. One month of definite preparation will yield definite results. We will not only do ourselves a favour, but we will inspire others.

Study, meditation, and service prepare each of us to better understand and express the purpose for our life. How well we use our time, energy, and actions at this time can bring into our life great peace, light, and love.

- Source Unknown

Compassion

Compassion is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. It’s not passive – it’s not empathy alone – but rather an empathetic altruism that actively strives to free others from suffering. Genuine compassion must have both wisdom and loving kindness. That is to say, one must understand the nature of the suffering from which we wish to free others (this is wisdom), and one must experience deep intimacy and empathy with other sentient beings (this is loving kindness). - The Dalai Lama (Essence of the Heart Sutra)

A man should not hate any living creature. Let him be friendly and compassionate to all. He must free himself from delusion of ‘I” and “mine”. He must accept pleasure and pain with equal tranquillity. He must be forgiving, even contented, self-controlled. He neither molests his fellow men, nor allows himself to become disturbed by the world. He is no longer swayed by joy and passion, anxiety and fear. He does not desire or rejoice in what is pleasant. He does not dread what is unpleasant or grieve over it. He remains unmoved by good or evil fortune. His attitude is the same toward friend or foe. He is indifferent to honour and insult, heat and cold, pleasure and pain. He is free from attachment. He values praise and blame equally. He can control his speech. He is content with whatever he gets. His home is everywhere and nowhere. - Bhagavad-Gita

The Universe and You

The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are. - Rumi

The universe is so well balanced that the mere fact that you have a problem also serves as a sign that there is a solution. - Steve Maraboli

The universe is like our body, The Cosmos in our hand. Nebulous, formless they remain Manifested in forms without end. - Shao Yong

The Universe is not punishing you or blessing you, the Universe is responding to the vibrational attitude that you are emitting. - Abraham Hicks

The universe may have a purpose, but nothing we know suggests that, if so, this purpose has any similarity to ours. - Bertrand Russell

The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf. - Shakti Gawain

The universe will show you the way. You just have to have the guts to go there. - Caprice Johnson

There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle. - Deepak Chopra

Truth

The truth you believe and cling to, makes you unavailable to hear anything new. - Pema Chodron

What you believe to be true, is it true? Or do you just believe that it’s true because you were taught that it’s true and never looked any further? - Unknown

The Buddha

The Buddha (Buddha means 'Awakened One' or 'Enlightened One')

The Buddha was a unique human being who was self-Enlightened. Through His own efforts, He practiced to perfection the ten supreme qualities of generosity, discipline, renunciation, wisdom, energy, endurance, truthfulness, determination, goodwill and equanimity. Through His mental purification, He opened the doors to all knowledge.

He did not want followers with blind faith; He wanted followers who could think freely and wisely.

The Buddha's way of saving mankind was to teach them how to find salvation. He was not interested in alleviating a few chance cases of physical or mental distress. He was more concerned with revealing a Path that all people could follow.

According to the method introduced by the Buddha, each and every person must make the effort to train and purify himself to attain his own salvation by following the guidance given by the Buddha. 'You yourself make the effort for your salvation, the Buddhas are only teachers who can show you how to achieve it.'

Food for Thought

The unconscious is the larger circle which includes within itself the smaller circle of the conscious; everything conscious has its preliminary step in the unconscious, whereas the unconscious may stop with this step and still claim full value as a psychic activity. Properly speaking, the unconscious is the real psychic; its inner nature is just as unknown to us as the reality of the external world, and it is just as imperfectly reported to us through the data of consciousness as is the external world through the indications of our sensory organs. - Sigmund Freud

There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths. Almost inevitably some part of him is aware that they are myths and that he believes them only because they are comforting. But he dare not face this thought! Moreover, since he is aware, however dimly, that his opinions are not rational, he becomes furious when they are disputed. - Bertrand Russell

The Mind

A mind ever free of its own process Beholds the True miracle of Absolute Reality. A mind ever lost in its own process sees only the forms of this world. - (Tao Te Ching)

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become. - The Buddha

All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain? - Buddha

All the resources we need are in the mind. - Theodore Roosevelt

All things may corrupt when minds are prone to evil. - Ovid

An ill principle in the mind is worse than the matter of a disease in the body. - Benjamin Whichcote

An open mind, like an open window, should be screened to keep the bugs out. - Virginia Hutchinson

As an orchard when manured produces pleasant trees and luscious fruit, so does a cultivated mind produce pure thoughts and noble actions. - William Scott Downey

Develop the quiet, even state of mind, when praised by some, condemned by others. Free the mind from hate and pride and gently go your way in peace. - The Buddha

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - The Buddha

Spiritual

There are many ways to calm a negative energy without suppressing or fighting it. You recognize it, you smile to it, and you invite something nicer to come up and replace it; you read some inspiring words, you listen to a piece of beautiful music, you go somewhere in nature, or you do some walking meditation. - Thich Nhat Hanh

The future is a concept, it doesn’t exist. There is no such thing as tomorrow. There never will be, because time is always now. That’s one of the things we discover when we stop talking to ourselves and stop thinking. We find there is only present, only an eternal now. - Alan Watts

If you can become just your own self, if you can blossom into your intrinsic nature, then only you will have blissfulness, a peace which cannot be expressed in words and a certain poetry to your being: a certain dance to your being, because you will be in tune with existence. To be in tune with yourself is the only way to be in tune with existence. - Osho

Religion

It is hard for many people to give up the religion in which they were born; to admit that their fathers were utterly mistaken, and that the sacred records of their country are but collections of myths and fables. - Robert Green Ingersoll

It is only by dispelling the clouds and phantoms of Religion, that we shall discover the sources of Truth, Reason and Morality, and the real motives that should incline us to Virtue. - Paul-Henri Holbach

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion. - Bertrand Russell

Zen

Zen is a special transmission outside the Canonical Scriptures; it does not depend upon texts. - Robert Linssen

Zen is everywhere … But for you, Zen is right here. - Suzuki Roshi

In Zen, poverty is voluntary, and considered not really as poverty as much as simplicity, freedom, unclutteredness. - Alan Watts

Don’t seek, don’t search, don’t ask, don’t knock, don’t demand – relax. - Osho

If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it? - Dogen

It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean. - John J Muth

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. - Shunryu Suzuki

Quiet the mind and the soul will speak. - Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavat

Sometimes, simply by sitting, the soul collects wisdom. Zen Saying

Chuang Tzu

To exercise no-thought and rest in nothing is the first step toward resting in Tao. To start from nowhere and follow no road is the first step toward attaining Tao. - Chuang Tzu

If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of all creation. - Chuang Tzu

Tao is a name that indicates without defining. Tao is beyond words and beyond things. It is not expressed either in word or in silence. Where there is no longer word or silence Tao is apprehended. - Chuang Tzu

Thus, those who say they would have right without its correlate, wrong; or good government without its correlate, misrule, do not apprehend the great principles of the universe, nor the nature of all creation. - Chuang Tzu

To him everything was in process of destruction, everything was in process of construction. This is called tranquility in disturbance. Tranquility in disturbance means that it is especially in the midst of disturbance that [tranquility] becomes perfect. - Chuang Tzu

When there is no more separation between 'this' and 'that,' it is called the still-point of the Tao. At the still point in the center of the circle one can see the infinite in all things. - Chuang Tzu

The sage has the sun and moon by his side and the universe under his arm. He blends everything into a harmonious whole. . . He blends the disparities of ten thousand years into one complete purity. All things are blended like this and mutually involve each other. - Chuang Tzu

The Teachings of the Buddha

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. - The Buddha

The good renounce everything. The pure don't babble about sensual desires. Whether touched by pleasure or pain, the wise show no change of temper. - The Buddha

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. - The Buddha

The truth is open for all who can understand. You must be lamps unto your selves. You must depend upon no eternal refuge, depend on no leader, and depend on no teacher. Look within. You are the Buddha. - The Buddha

The Way is in the heart. - Buddha

There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed. - The Buddha

There is no satisfying the senses, not even with a shower of money. The senses are of slight pleasure and really suffering. When a wise man has realized this, he takes no pleasure, as a disciple of the Buddhas, even in the pleasures of heaven. Instead he takes pleasure in the elimination of craving. - The Buddha

Those who find delight in freedom from attachment in the renunciation of clinging, free from the inflow of thoughts, they are like shining lights, having reached final liberation in the world. - The Buddha

Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. - The Buddha

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. - The Buddha

Through zeal, knowledge is gotten, through lack of zeal, knowledge is lost; let a man who knows this double path of gain and loss thus place himself that knowledge may grow. - The Buddha

Source: Sayings of the Buddha in The Dhammapada, Pali Cannon

Faith

The Meditation Posture

Whether we sit with our arms folded this way and our legs crossed that way is of little consequence. But it is extremely important to check and see if whatever meditation we do is an actual remedy for our suffering. - Lama Thubten Yeshe

In preparing for meditation, the environment should be one that is in harmony with the inner self. It is difficult to generalize in this area, since each one’s sense of harmony differs in some respect. Some like quiet. Some like warmth. Some like natural surroundings, and some like an assemblage of accoutrements to help them reach the meditative state.

The posture should be one that frees the body from any particular restrictive positioning of arms or legs. We recommend that feet be flat on the floor, uncrossed, and that hands lie loosely in the lap, palms down. If a member does not feel at ease in this position, he should not hesitate to alter these suggestions to suit his own preferences.

Even thought we speak of man’s duality, of his spiritual and physical sides, we should never lose sight of the fact that he is but ONE person. There is little we do in life that does not involve both the spiritual and physical selves. When we sit to meditate, the level of our meditation depends a lot upon our physical comfort at the time. If there is any irritant at all in the physical environment, our meditations is affected. A person is more apt to enjoy spiritual communion with the inner self when physical health is up to par. And a person is more apt to enjoy physical health when the spirits are high and the inner-self is pleased with its accomplishments. In practical application, it is best that you constantly think of yourself as a whole person, with physical and spiritual needs interdependent.

When both environment and physical condition are in harmony with your inner self, you are in a position most conducive to success in meditation exercises.

When Times are Hard

When times are difficult and hard to live in, the mystical techniques we have learned have their greatest potential for success. When life is too comfortable we realize little success in applying those principles which can bring about those circumstances we desire to establish in our lives.

When we are confronted with emergencies and difficult problems, the application of mystical principles has its greatest power and almost miraculous results can be seen. Many people’s experience points out that remarkable results can be achieved when a sincere and dedicated appeal is made to the Cosmic after all else has failed. These experiences should give us comfort and confidence that the Cosmic is willing to work on our behalf during times of great need.

These principles of Cosmic assistance have greater efficacy during times of emergency or great stress. It is a fact that when our appeal to the Cosmic is strong and persistent, results will soon be realized. This applies mainly to those who have been following the mystical path for some time and living its life.

Living in harmony with the Cosmic is more than simply meditating for a few minutes each day and reading mystical literature. It means living the mystical life and living by the conditions it requires of us. These conditions imply that we must become as tolerant as the Cosmic, as loving as the Cosmic and as broad and as universal in our thoughts and conduct.

If in our thoughts and conduct we are biased, selfish, envious, jealous, or hateful, no harmony with the Cosmic can exist, even if we entertain these inharmonious feelings only occasionally. The central rhythm of our daily living should be kind, loving and generous, full of our praise and sympathetic understanding. We must accept that there are spiritual forces within our beings and in the universe, and seek daily to attune ourselves with them. This is living the mystical life and being in harmony with the Cosmic. The Cosmic will protect us, counsel us, and care for our, and respond readily with all the necessary forces it commands.

Living such a life is not as difficult as we might believe, and our experiences in life will grant us every opportunity to gain a proper understanding of how we should react to all the circumstances with which we are confronted, as long as we desire and week self-improvement.

The time is rapidly passing when merely reading about the mystical life will have any value for us. We must become involved and dedicate our lives to some useful purpose or the opportunities of a cycle will pass us by.

Whatever our goal in life, whatever our desires for achievement may be, the mystical life can make these possible. Living in harmony with the Cosmic reveals talents and abilities we little realized we possessed. We find that our minds and consciousness are uplifted and charged with a power and desire to succeed in all we do, and our hearts and total beings will be filled with a spiritual love all humanity. Our thinking will be broader and our sympathies and feeling of compassion will grow stronger. Life will bring greater joys and happiness and we will sense a divine purpose for our mission in life which will bring the greatest gift of all, Peace Profound.

- Source Unknown

God

The Universe and You

The Universe imparts lessons to ALL so we can learn and grow without exceptions. - Unknown

The universe is a communion and a community. We ourselves are that communion become conscious of itself. - Thomas Berry

The universe is completely balanced and in perfect order. You will always be compensated in full for everything you do. - Brian Tracy

The universe is driven by the complex interaction between three ingredients: matter, energy, and enlightened self-interest. - Marc Scott Zicree

The universe is energy that responds to expectations. - James Redfield

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. - Eden Phillpotts

The universe is neither good nor evil; rather both moral extremes exist within it. - Unknown

The universe is not hostile, nor yet is it friendly. It is simply indifferent. - John Hughes Holmes

Truth

Be a lamp to yourself. Be your own confidence. Hold on to the truth within yourself as to the only truth. - Buddha

Few men have depth enough to hear or tell the truth. - Luc de Clapiers

If I hear the way of truth in the morning, I am content even to die in the evening. - Confucius

Man is here to search for truth, and to search until he finds it. And he will enjoy it all the more that he has had to search for it. - Reuen Thomas

Those only who can bear the truth will hear it. - Arthur Helps

Truth is both the way and the goal, the direction to the destination and the destination itself. - Unknown

Truth is universal. Perception of truth is not. - Unknown

Truth is within ourselves. - Robert Browning

Truths kindle light for truths. - Lucretius

The truth waits for anyone who wishes to find it. - Unknown

The words of truth are always paradoxical. - Lao Tzu

Truth is both the way and the goal, the direction to the destination and the destination itself. - Unknown

The Appeals of Buddhism

The Buddha's message of non-violence and peace, of love and compassion, of tolerance and understanding, of truth and wisdom, of respect and regard for all life, of freedom from selfishness, hatred and violence, delivered over two thousand five hundred years ago, stands good for today and will stand forever as the Truth.

The Buddha taught that we must develop a heart of wisdom, a heart of love, a heart of understanding, to overcome the prevailing vices that have plagued man since the beginning of time.

Buddhism can teach humanity to walk the Middle Path of moderation and have a better understanding on how to lead a richer life of peace and happiness.

In the Three Greatest Men in History, H.G. Wells states:
'In the Buddha you see clearly a man, simple, devout, alone, battling for light, a vivid human personality, not a myth. He too gave a message to mankind universal in character. Many of our best modern ideas are in closest harmony with it. All the miseries and discontents of life are due, he taught, to selfishness. Before a man can become serene, he must cease to live for his senses or himself. Then he mergers into a greater being. Buddhism in a different language called men to self-forgetfulness 500 years before Christ. In some ways, he was nearer to us and our needs. He was more lucid upon our individual importance in service than Christ was and less ambiguous upon the question of personal immortality.'

Buddhism wins by the warm touch of love, not by the cold claws of fear. Fear of the supernatural and the doctrine of everlasting hell-fire have no place in Buddhism.

Buddhism is saturated with this spirit of free inquiry and complete tolerance. It is the teaching of the open mind and the sympathetic heart, which, lighting and warming the whole universe with its tiny rays of wisdom and compassion sheds its genial glow on every being struggling in the ocean of birth and death.

In Buddhism, there is no personal judge either to condemn or to reward but only the working of an impersonal moral causation and natural law.

Prayers

Why do you waste time praying? The answer is to make yourself feel better by pretending you did something when you did nothing. Praying works exactly the same as ‘making a wish’ does for kids. Sometimes life brings you what you want and sometimes it doesn’t. Why would you not trust your magic God to already know what to do to ‘heal the land’ or cure someone’s cancer, or make it sunny for your barbeque on Sunday? Will you change God’s mind away from his Divine plan. - Unknown

The Mind

The mysterious powers of the human mind – and man’s amazing psychic powers – operate under universal laws. These laws operate regardless of anyone’s lack of understanding, disbelief, or ignorance. - William Clement Stone

Be master OF mind rather than mastered BY mind. - Japanese Proverb

Even when in the midst of disturbance, the stillness of the mind can offer sanctuary. - Stephen Richards

Open the mind, and the soul will speak. - Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

The mind tends toward stillness but it is opposed by craving. - Shui-ch'ing Tzu

There is no effect in the exterior world that does not spring from an inner source. There is no motion that does not first occur within the mind. - Jan Roberts

When mind is still, then Truth gets her chance to be heard in the purity of the silence. - Sri Aurobindo

Whoever knows that the mind is a fiction and devoid of anything real knows that his own mind neither exists nor doesn’t exist. - Bodhidharma

Let thy chief fort and place of defense be a mind free from passions. A stronger place and better fortified than this, hath no man. - Marcus Aurelius

If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few. - Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

Spiritual

The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth. - Ram Dass

Just as in learning to swim or in learning a language, often toiling on with no apparent result, there comes a day when suddenly we realize we can do it, - how we know we know not; so it is in spiritual matters. - Forbes Robinson

The spiritual path is not a solo endeavour. In fact, the very notion of a self who is trying to free her/himself is a delusion. We are in it together and the company of spiritual friends helps us realize our interconnectedness. - Tara Brach

There is no coming to consciousness without pain. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own Soul. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. - C. G. Jung

Spirituality does not require that you work hard toward achieving a result in the future as much as it requires you to be fully “present, sincere and committed now, with absolute honesty and willingness to uncover and let go of any illusions that come between you and the realization of Reality. - Adyashanti