tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59726254077619983662024-02-21T01:38:51.736-08:00Pure Land Buddhism - From East to WestPure Land Buddhism teaches that though life is suffering as the Buddha taught, we are not born to suffer. We are born for a reason, and that reason is to achieve a permanent, never-ending happiness while still alive. It is called absolute happiness, and it is just one step under Buddha's enlightenment. Once this stage is reached in this lifetime, it is assured, and upon death one then reaches enlightenment of a Buddha, a being of perfect wisdom and compassion, in the Pure Land.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-81207428186422630942015-06-26T13:53:00.001-07:002015-06-26T13:55:27.922-07:00Self-Reflection - Looking at One's Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last time, we went over the <b>4th Paramita of Effort</b> and how it
relates to the concept of our <b>karma</b>. </div>
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The <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b> teaches us
that the more good seeds we plant, the more happiness we will reap. </div>
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Doing good, consistently and on a regular basis, accumulates the momentum required toward acquiring the happiness that we want in our lives. </div>
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It is important to keep in mind which of the <b>Six Paramitas</b> we choose to focus on. That way we can actually find the opportunities to practice that virtue in our daily lives. </div>
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Shakyamuni Buddha taught that by focusing on just one of the paramitas with all our hearts, we end up doing all of the other five virtues.</div>
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To review, the Six Paramitas are:<br />
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1.) Generosity - Giving wisely to others</div>
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2.) Discipline - Keeping our promises</div>
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3.) Patience - Watching our temper</div>
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4.) Effort - Working hard toward doing good<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>5.) Self-Reflection - Looking at one's self</b><br />
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6.) Wisdom - Practicing the Law of Cause and Effect</div>
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The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5th Paramita of Self-Reflection </b>means to take a look at ourselves very intently. We review carefully our various thoughts, words, and actions. We focus from within and search inside for who we really are. It can also be called as <b>contemplation</b>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by taufiq hussien available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Etched onto the ancient Greek temple
of Apollo at Delphi are the thought-provoking words: "Know
Thyself." ... A wise passage, but in what way or how exactly do we
come to access knowledge of ourselves?<br />
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On the one hand if we are overanalyzing our shortcomings too much, we
may punish ourselves harshly for things that don't really matter. But on
the other hand if we are overflowing with self-confidence, we may be making mistakes
or harming others <u>in ways we don't know</u>.</div>
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So how do we become aware of our own blind spots and aspire higher
toward serious self-improvement... all in a balanced, steady way?</div>
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Before we begin self-reflection, we should try to calm down.<br />
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Next we should concentrate on what's been troubling us as well as what's been happening to us lately.<br />
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Then it's a good idea to examine what kind of environment we are in currently. What kind of people or influences are surrounding us?<br />
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Lastly and most importantly, how are we choosing to respond to the events occurring in our lives?<br />
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There are many, many ways to approach and practice Self-reflection.</div>
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Think of your mind like a room in your home. Is the room in your mind messy or neat? Maybe both?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Christopher Gollmar available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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If we leave a room really messy often, it becomes hard to find important things. Like your keys before a very important meeting at work or say the day of a final exam at school for example.<br />
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You could go to the
normal spots to check for them, but what usually happens if they are not there?
Sure, you can go digging randomly around the room, but in your desperation you
may forget where you've already been. Things begin to get frantic and you go around in circles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Actually, the best way to find anything in a messy room is to <u>try
to clean up the room</u> first. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Christopher Gollmar available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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As you calmly start to put other things away where
they belong, suddenly your keys become more likely to appear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (Color Corrected) by Jillian, original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Self-Reflection is the virtue that encourages us to take a deeper, more serious look around what's in our mind.<br />
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Before tackling life's difficulties, are there bad habits stored somewhere within us that we don't need anymore? Have some of our positive traits been forgotten and left to collect dust in the corner of our minds?<br />
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Without understanding ourselves and our past well, we will repeat the same mistakes again and again only to get more and more frustrated. We become lost and unaware of the choices we made in those moments. Because if too many things are still troubling us<span style="text-align: center;"> from our pasts, </span><span style="text-align: center;">it's hard to move forward, isn't it?</span></div>
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When everything gets bad and we fly wildly out of control, life only seems to get harder for us.<br />
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Pure Land Buddhist teacher Kentetsu Takamori describes such a situation within a short poem. It is loosely translated as follows, "You kick your plate of food from its foulness in disgust, but who will clean up the mess?"<br />
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Instead of reflecting sensibly and seeing an unfortunate event clearly, we often seem to react quickly with our first impulse. Foolishly, we fail to realize the impact of our reckless choices made in haste.<br />
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The present is the key to both the past and the future.</div>
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It's of course good to be "in the now" as they say, but <u>gaining from the experiences within the now and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> being able to put them into practice in your future is best</b></u>.<br />
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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If You Are Caught Up
in the Here and Now, You Lose Sight of the Future<o:p></o:p></div>
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The great swordsman Chiba Shusaku (1794–1855) went fishing
one night with several of his followers. They set out with torches, heading
farther and farther to sea in search of fish, until they lost all sense of direction.
Which way was the shore?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shusaku himself grew flustered and had a series of torches lit while he peered in vain into the gloom. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Bloody Marty available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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As they roamed the sea with
mounting panic, the last of the torches burned out. The situation seemed
hopeless. But lo and behold, as darkness settled in, there in the distance was
the outline of land, looming darker still. The men whooped in relief and joy.</div>
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Days later, Shusaku recounted the incident to a fisherman
friend of his. The friend said smilingly, “That wasn’t like you. You should
know that you can’t see the shore with torches. Torches are used to light up
your immediate surroundings. If you want to see into the distance, they only
get in the way. When we want to look far off, we douse them on purpose.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As long as you rely on torches, you cannot make out the
distant shore.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (color-corrected), original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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If you are caught up in the here and now, you cannot look
ahead into the future.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p.103)<o:p></o:p></div>
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So when we notice our anxiety flaring way up in that moment, how can we restore ourselves?<br />
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The simplest advice: take a deep slow inhale using your stomach muscles. Then exhale. Repeat as needed. Of course, this can be a very challenging piece of advice to remember in a difficult time, but it is a skill that can be learned from practice and experience. When we face a crisis, it is good to maintain healthy breathing.<br />
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So we're breathing consciously, and now our immediate attention is needed toward a very troublesome event. Even if it seems we don't have much time, we can still take a brief moment for Self-Reflection.<br />
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Try taking a quick walk and getting some sunshine outdoors. We can grab a cold glass of ice water or get a healthy snack to restore our energy. Stress can rapidly deplete our body's energy levels. Another helpful idea could be laying down and resting our eyes and our mind for a few minutes. Find a quiet atmosphere.<br />
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Whatever we need takes to cool down... once we feel more centered, then we can have a better check on reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Once we find that rare moment's peace within the eye of our mind's storm, we can contemplate on the nature of ourselves with a heart that strives for
a gentle honesty of itself. This is how we come to know ourselves better.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Self-Reflection gives us the opportunity for growth, patience, and maturity. *And the time we make for Self-Reflection will reward us with insights that guide toward wiser choices.*<br />
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By first understanding our own needs, opinions, and ideas, it makes it a whole lot easier for us how to express ourselves. Then we can stand to benefit even more from seeking the further advice and help of our family, friends or support groups.</div>
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Usually the first thing we do whenever we see people we like,
especially if they look sad, is ask how they are doing. We wish to know if they are feeling alright or not, because we care about them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But how often do we stop to ask ourselves the same question? It's
easy to ask someone else what's on their mind, but it's a different matter entirely
when you're asking YOU the questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hey, how am <u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>doing?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What <u>feelings</u> am I <u>experiencing</u>
right now?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of <u>thoughts</u> am
I having? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is what I'm thinking lately <u>constructive</u> or <u>destructive</u>?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">***<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Could I have improved my actions in some way</u>?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Am I <u>just reacting</u> here or am I <u>seeing things clearly</u>?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Does what I'm doing, right now, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reflect <u>the person I want to be</u>?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What <u>positive condition</u> or <u>support</u> can I find right now<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to help me make the <u>best,
healthy choice</u>?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If I already know the right thing to do, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>what's stopping me</u>?</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As this asking-within process becomes more routine, then the importance
of surrounding ourselves with good conditions and avoiding bad conditions
becomes more apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diving deeply within, we see that pressing problems in our
life are really nothing more than <u>challenging reflections of ourselves and
our karma at that present moment</u>. These problems actually help us to see the elusive form of who we are. Realizing full well how we are behaving in difficult situations allows us to grow and change in dynamic ways we never thought were possible before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Buddhist philosophy, we all start out by learning and practicing the Law of Cause and Effect. These are the ABCs of Buddhism. We have to know very well that our present state is the result of our past actions. And what we decide to do from that present state forward is what determines our future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when times are going really well, we think we know the Law of Karma already and
become satisfied with our lifestyle and our conduct as is. That's when the mind of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">conceit</b> can emerge within us.<br />
<br />
Without a regular, moderated, and steady approach toward our own mindset, we become self-absorbed with a "me-first" attitude.<br />
<br />
When we do a lot of internal work, we have a tendency to reach a point where we think that our journey is pretty much complete. As we are, we must have made it to being semi-perfect already. We compare our own awesomeness to what others have done with their life. That's when we'll often jump at the chance to correct or counsel others because it makes us feel and look good. <br />
<br />
However, what other people need is encouragement, <u>not criticism or improvement</u>. Finding and correcting the mistakes of our own attitude and conduct should be our focus.<br />
<br />
Don't worry so much about everyone else. Buddhism reminds us again and again, just look at yourself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Your Fly Is Open, Too<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Observe the Behavior
of Others and Correct Your Own<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the early postwar era in Japan, when cars were
scarce, everyone got around by bus or train. One day I found myself riding on a
nearly empty bus. I picked a seat, sat back, and relaxed. Across from me sat a
distinguished-looking man in his fifties whose fly, I couldn’t help noticing,
was unbuttoned. (This was in the days before zippers came into common use.) I
contemplated what to do, but of course he had to be told. I slipped over beside
him and quietly let him know the situation, man-to-man. Some men might have
taken offense at being told such a thing, but not he. After a momentary look of
surprise, he thanked me politely and gave a rueful smile as he covered himself
with the magazine he’d been reading and did up his fly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Relieved, I returned to my seat, planted my feet on the
floor, folded my arms, and looked around again. Lo and behold, the
distinguished-looking man across the way got up and came over to sit beside me.
Wondering what on earth he could want, I tensed with expectation as he brought
his lips to my ear and murmured with a smile, “Your buttons are undone, too.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a start, I reached down and realized he was right... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlUNojR0luBgyMAEVMi9Z8cEaZUwTekokMgmL6-5H0vBd6ATX67jMiY_ebJKa9onWnd5aqHBdoFOZwYFjezKAF2CGI8h9lA0xi5tVuU-TF45AU5aLkBanZH-iayyhtiz_82lEwVpJa22q/s1600/4199675334_66c3e3d61d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlUNojR0luBgyMAEVMi9Z8cEaZUwTekokMgmL6-5H0vBd6ATX67jMiY_ebJKa9onWnd5aqHBdoFOZwYFjezKAF2CGI8h9lA0xi5tVuU-TF45AU5aLkBanZH-iayyhtiz_82lEwVpJa22q/s1600/4199675334_66c3e3d61d_z.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (cropped), original by Alex Proimos available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My cheeks burned in embarrassment. To cover my confusion, I gave a rueful smile
and thanked him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The proverb has it, “Observe the behavior of others and
correct your own.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was made to realize then that even such apparently obvious
sayings must never be taken lightly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i>, p.25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Buddhism places its emphasis </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>on fixing one's own self </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>rather than judging</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>or wanting to "fix" others.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing up, our parents should have taught us that when we
did something really good, we should feel awesome about it. "Great
job!"<br />
<br />
But other times when we did wrong or hurt someone, they should have
corrected our errors in an assertive, yet soft way.<br />
<br />
It is so much healthier to use positive reinforcement and avoid negative reactions as much as possible. This applies to misbehaving adults in our lives as well. Haven't you noticed the more something is forced or stressed on someone, the less likely the person will want to do it of their own good will?<br />
<br />
The best we can do is to be consistent with our own conduct and exemplify the beneficial attributes we wish to bring out in others.<br />
<br />
Are we being a good teacher or a bad one for others to follow? (Note: This can be really hard to spot!) Sometimes the things we despise in others the most is present in some way within us as well.<br />
<br />
Buddhism encourages us to open our heart through Self-Reflection. The teachings guide us to not spew anger or shut down whenever we don't get our way.<br />
<br />
We should Self-Reflect first before opening our mouths or taking action.<br />
<br />
This level of conscience requires growing up and assuming responsibility.<br />
<br />
Of course we should feel good about our own accomplishments, but even better, we need to take time to recognize and have gratitude toward all those people who helped us along the way in big ways or little ways. When's the last time you said, "Thank you very much," with all sincerity?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
And in those times when
we are at fault, we should try to correct those wrongdoings as soon as possible. We have to make the effort and apologize to those we have harmed. When's the last time you said, "I apologize for what I've done. How can I make things better?" It's tough to do this!<br />
<br />
Self-Reflection is a huge challenge we have before us everyday to maintain a healthy balance between celebrating our strengths and improving upon our weaknesses.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Buddhism, we are actually encouraged as best we can <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to have gratitude *for the people
who cause us trouble</b>.* <i>Why is that?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
"If we learn to open our hearts, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
anyone, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
including the
people who drive us crazy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can be our teacher."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
-Pema Chödrön<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
It seems impossible at first. But the more we practice forgiveness and patience in adversity, the more our suffering can heal inwardly.<br />
<br />
The Law of Cause and Effect teaches that blaming others or seeking revenge only brings more harm upon us.<br />
<br />
Even laughing at our enemy's misfortune and calling it "their karma" is a complete misunderstanding of how Buddhism works.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD8QnU79yBgIEKUw_1C-kQP5wa4oDjkvhBFX7_Wt5jYe5QBZQmqYBhGolWilDA7zbhxOU6zSK9sfLgd9shf-9X8znYKgRCIiz6OmNvHRvEtbHiZIFvivTpqdMjKgnqtCjzEt9htUr_4oQ/s1600/14026175267_8a2e0f2f36_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD8QnU79yBgIEKUw_1C-kQP5wa4oDjkvhBFX7_Wt5jYe5QBZQmqYBhGolWilDA7zbhxOU6zSK9sfLgd9shf-9X8znYKgRCIiz6OmNvHRvEtbHiZIFvivTpqdMjKgnqtCjzEt9htUr_4oQ/s400/14026175267_8a2e0f2f36_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If our intentions are negative and spiteful toward a negative person or event, we will receive negativity in our own future. It's because what matters most is what is in our mind.<br />
<br />
Sure we shouldn't beat ourselves up
after someone else has hurt us. Of course, the other person doing wrong to us should correct their
behavior. If they continue to do us direct harm, then you may want to consider distancing yourself from that person. But it is ultimately up to you to make that kind of decision to stay around or not. No one can convince you but you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
For now, just know that forcing any kind of change upon others doesn't work.<br />
<br />
This next story from the book, <i>Unshakable Spirit</i>, tells us the only way is <u>to be the change</u>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Change Yourself, and
Others Will Follow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The Samurai and the
Horse<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the Zen priest Bankei (1622–93) was still an acolyte,
every night he would sit in meditation. One morning after meditating he was
resting by a stable when a samurai came along to train his horse. As Bankei
looked on idly, it became apparent to him that the horse was out of sorts, and
balking at its rider’s commands. The samurai yelled at the animal and beat it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bankei shouted, “What do you think you’re doing!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The samurai paid no attention, but only whipped the animal
all the harder. Bankei kept on shouting, until finally the samurai dismounted
and walked over to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You have been scolding me for some time, I believe,” he
said quietly. “If you have something to teach me, I am willing to listen.” His
words were exceedingly polite, but it was clear that depending on what kind of
answer he received, he might erupt in anger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without hesitating, Bankei told him, “It is foolish to blame
only the horse for failing to listen to you. The horse has its own reasons. If
you want it to listen, you must encourage it to do so. To do that, you must
start with yourself. Do you understand?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a humble and intelligent samurai, for he nodded,
bowed, and left. Then, with a change of attitude, he remounted his steed. Sure
enough, the horse too was now a changed creature, and docilely obeyed his every
command.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFGFIHV3wNpsCjAcayyvjXgL6WfHvl7c_KcTYFUZQSdn-MtcASfSpo6R_gZChOdF6UulS2MltgVK0QQhnRDiLjQrDnkrs8ttAgXH5xpe3mOIJL0i1jyna6Hyupt1B_1oLa3IQs7ugH8X8/s1600/12804322344_4376828a3c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFGFIHV3wNpsCjAcayyvjXgL6WfHvl7c_KcTYFUZQSdn-MtcASfSpo6R_gZChOdF6UulS2MltgVK0QQhnRDiLjQrDnkrs8ttAgXH5xpe3mOIJL0i1jyna6Hyupt1B_1oLa3IQs7ugH8X8/s1600/12804322344_4376828a3c_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by Mary Harrsch available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People constantly blame others for their own faults, and
find no peace. The essential thing is to take an honest look at oneself and
correct one’s own attitude. Do that, and others will change too. Your home life
is guaranteed to be happier.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p.173)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The best we can do to help someone else is to improve ourself and demonstrate the change through our own improved attitude and behavior.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Each individual just has to come around from the error of their own ways in their own time.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>And we don't need to focus on fixing others, </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>because there is always plenty of work </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>to be done on ourselves. </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>B</u><u>y practicing self-reflection</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>and focusing on our own improvement, </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>w</u><u>e can learn to thrive and grow</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>from more experiences.</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whenever bad things happen, our first impulse can be to lash out at whoever or whatever is causing us pain. But Buddhism challenges us to rise above the other person's attitude or what they've done wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of revenge or retaliation, let's self-reflect using the following questions when we are in a time of adversity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"How can I grow </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and rise above </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this terrible situation?"</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Have I ever done </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
something even remotely similar </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like this to someone else?" </div>
<br />
<br />
Let's say there is somebody who we think is really spoiled, lazy or way too selfish. We should then reflect on ourselves. Have I been spoiled, lazy or selfish ever? As soon as we find a trace of that behavior within ourselves, we are more lenient and kind to the other person and are able to maintain better harmony.<br />
<br />
Our perception shifts entirely when we do this. We find the commonalities we have with others, rather than false notions of comparison or superiority.<br />
<br />
Here's another example for Self-Reflection. You feel another person is too stubborn, way too conceited, and never apologizes for anything. Think of the next question.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Have I ever exhibited</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some of these traits </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to other people</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at least once?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Our pride is one of our biggest challenges, largely because it remains unseen.<br />
<br />
But through Self-Reflection, we have the choice to reflect first and then actively project the best positive choice we want out into the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>** If we only see the flaws in others, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>that shows our understanding in Buddhism </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>is very shallow. **</b></div>
<br />
<br />
These days we often think that letting someone else have their way is a sign of weakness on our part. We seem to be the one who is "losing" at that moment.<br />
<br />
Yet actually the more powerful person is the one who has the ability to overcome their selfish desire and yield to another. Giving in requires a lot more mental stamina to do than getting what you want.<br />
<br />
Instead of declaring our own right-of-way, let's consider yielding to someone else. Kindness is thinking of others rather than always giving to the self. Think of how kinder the world would become if we all initiated this principle <u>first</u>.<br />
<br />
Giving more than taking is what brings us more happiness, and Self-Reflection is what helps us see more opportunities for generosity.<br />
<br />
The compassionate choices we learn from our Self-Reflections then make others happy as well as guide us toward the lasting happiness we want to create in our lives.<br />
<br />
The Six Paramitas will lead us on a journey of self-discovery to see our own imperfections. Only by trying to do the most good does this become clear.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Self-Reflection</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone makes mistakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether we put our mistakes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to use depends on how deeply</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we reflect on our actions. It is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
desirable to reflect until the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tears come.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
(<i>Something You Forgot Along the Way, </i>p.##)</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Self-Reflection helps us see when we're wrong. And it helps us gain the courage to apologize and say that we were wrong to someone else. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we don't take the time to look deep enough, we won't even realize that we're wrong. And if we don't realize our mistakes, we will continue to repeat them and hurt others the same way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This brings us to a more difficult Self-Reflection question.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What's worse doing
evil <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">intentionally</i>...<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>...or doing evil <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unintentionally</i>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
Let's think about this one for a moment.<br />
<br />
Our first guess is to say that intentional evil is obviously the worst of the two.<br />
<br />
But is it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine you have the flu, and you know it's the flu because you just came from the doctor's office. You're tired of being stuck at the house all the day which has too many piling mountains of used tissues. So even though
you know you are highly contagious, you decide that you want to go to a movie theater. You laugh in the crowded theater, but as you laugh you are spreading germs.<br />
<br />
But then one time as you belly laugh too hard, you hear your own cough and are reminded of the flu. You start to feel guilty and you begin covering your
mouth with a napkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> On the way home, you even pick up a surgical mask to wear so that you don't spread your infection to anymore people.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>The person <b>who knows he is sick</b> will takes preventative
steps to keep from infecting others. <o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L3dag9yUwsmAH8rH7OhP6LFHcKAR0Di3t7574DqGOOh5aBkjoSpWGQ75f37OPPQho4Er__neFDxszU0T1kcUg2RYfCs861nEWttajQM5rIfwrw4Mybah7iTYgtfPeDVieEcaeVgMyOPs/s1600/3492314399_0f687b9532_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L3dag9yUwsmAH8rH7OhP6LFHcKAR0Di3t7574DqGOOh5aBkjoSpWGQ75f37OPPQho4Er__neFDxszU0T1kcUg2RYfCs861nEWttajQM5rIfwrw4Mybah7iTYgtfPeDVieEcaeVgMyOPs/s1600/3492314399_0f687b9532_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Swerz available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>On the other hand, a person who is sick and DOES NOT KNOW
they are sick will go around infecting everyone without a moment of remorse or
guilt</u>.<br />
<br />
They don't even know they have a flu, so they cough and sneeze as
hard as they want without covering it. They spray their saliva and phlegm everywhere into the air proudly into people's faces without a single care. <i>They don't know about the harm they are inflicting.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuayEL2_aT571uMVADEg9yTnzkzncFFj4lu799fsXE5eXPe4shfPGBqUV20ll4O2F9G4ql2YTH9BEuA9XKEC4N-RNuv77WXvi2rVxSIGzKr9Hy9L-CAH_XFcfgDNk4XeI6yOGWRO2un4V/s1600/Sneeze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuayEL2_aT571uMVADEg9yTnzkzncFFj4lu799fsXE5eXPe4shfPGBqUV20ll4O2F9G4ql2YTH9BEuA9XKEC4N-RNuv77WXvi2rVxSIGzKr9Hy9L-CAH_XFcfgDNk4XeI6yOGWRO2un4V/s1600/Sneeze.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by CDC Public Health Image</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We self-reflect based on the
teachings of Buddhism. It's like our check-up that guides us toward the truth. The teachings, conveyed correctly, help us gently become more aware that we have a biased way of evaluating
ourselves.<br />
<br />
Only through Self-Reflection can we know that we're in a negative or toxic mood in the first place. Once we see it, then we can adjust ourselves so we don't spread our infection and hurt others from our condition. The more we observe and learn about how contagious or toxic our actions can be, the more responsible we become by taking preventative measures. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We turn to the Law of Cause and
Effect for guidance, because it is unwavering, universal truth. It tells us simply and clearly how we should <u>stop evil and do good</u>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've learned about some good things we can do in earlier posts, so what are some of the negative things we should stop doing?<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>We should refrain from committing the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ten Evils</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, which are</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">taught in the sutras</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. Doing these negative actions will only bring us more and more misfortune.</span></u><br />
<br />
<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></u>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ten Evils</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>
Each of the Ten Evils can be put into one of three groups: Karma of the Mind, Karma of the Mouth, or Karma of the Body.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Karma of the Mind</u> can be further classified as <b>Imperceptible</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Karma, </b>because our
thoughts can't be observed by others. Even though each thought is invisible, it is still stored in the form of invisible karmic
power within us. Surprisingly, we receive karma from all of our thoughts, even the ones we cast aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.) Desire - Thoughts that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">want</b> more and more<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.) Anger - Thoughts that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">rage</b> when we don't get what we want <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.) Envy/Ignorance - Thoughts that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">crave what another has acquired</b> for themselves or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">despises others with intense hatred</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Karma of the Mouth</u> can be classified as <b>Perceivable</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Karma</b>, because it can be heard by others. Everything we say is also stored as invisible karmic power within
us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4.) Lying - Saying things that are not true in order to harmfully deceive and get what you want<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5.) Double-Tongue - Telling one person one thing and then
telling the other person something completely different for one's amusement or gain<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6.) Flattery - Praising someone for the sole purpose of
winning the person over so they will perform our desires<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7.) Bad Mouth - Using bad language and insults to put others
down so that we can feel good about ourselves<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Karma of the Body</u> can also be classified as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Perceivable Karma</b>, because it can be
seen by others.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Every movement our
body makes is stored as invisible karmic power within us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8.) Killing - Taking a human life is an extreme act, but so
is the killing of an animal. If we eat meat, we are actually ordering someone
to kill a living being for our consumption. Even though we receive nutrition, taking the life of a living being, no matter how simple it may be, is still wrong. The animal didn't want to die for us.<br />
<br />
But even vegetarians
are killing other living beings. In order to grow vegetables, pesticides are used that
kill insects. <o:p></o:p>Some vegetarians have been known to become violent and attack those who do eat meat in defense of their cause.<br />
<br />
** True Pure Land Buddhism teaches that eating or not eating meat is not the main issue to dwell on, but to observe deeply and continually what kind of mind we have in our daily life until we discover the purpose of life for ourselves. ** </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether you are a carnivore or a herbivore, you may still
have angry thoughts that attack others in your mind. Such thinking is dangerous because failure to recognize our own capacity for terrible thoughts can be disastrous. Left unchecked, it can lead to the murder or injury of fellow human beings.<br />
<br />
That's why it's important to always keep Self-Reflection in our heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9.) Stealing - Taking what belongs to someone else and using
it as if it was one's own. The mind that takes a little will begin to take more and more. Even taking someone else's pen or using another person's paper without permission is wrong.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10.) Adultery - Lusting after someone who is married or in a
serious relationship disrupts a promise between two people who have made to each other. Only
anguish and hardship can come to oneself from this kind of selfish interference. Don't let envy or desire make this lewd action seem
appealing, even if it is glorified by Hollywood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although we may think that we are now on our very best behavior because we don't perform any of the seven evil acts of the mouth and body, we are still frequently concealing the other three evils of desire, anger and envy within our minds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Buddhism, <u>the mind is most important because
it is the source of the mouth and body</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let's say that you poured a lot of red ink at the source of a
fresh water spring high up in the mountains. That red color would then trickle
down all the rivers and eventually accumulate in the lakes of the valleys as
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OoNHlmOBfBAa4GSO9gwui4zHLrzrKdLi8hyphenhyphen97_GK6y_67URSNu_DAYtqe6pH7jGLMEiZm-rPTQ7p2oEnLJHbyNlG9IdIRPUAn_yxsk05lGdEAzgfAQaNOtgmjJ4eBthjO2E77wJ3AlFw/s1600/4660832612_c79e661d6c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OoNHlmOBfBAa4GSO9gwui4zHLrzrKdLi8hyphenhyphen97_GK6y_67URSNu_DAYtqe6pH7jGLMEiZm-rPTQ7p2oEnLJHbyNlG9IdIRPUAn_yxsk05lGdEAzgfAQaNOtgmjJ4eBthjO2E77wJ3AlFw/s1600/4660832612_c79e661d6c_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Esad Hajdarevic available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rather than looking only at what we say and do, looking at our mind is the most important thing. One bad thought can gradually corrupt us into performing many evil acts in the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Meditation can be a means of Self-Reflection. We can try to meditate to see our nature on our own and see what we come up with in the process.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some say that how we sit or a certain amount of breaths is required
for the right kind of meditation. That's not so important. <u>Seeing ourselves honestly and
implementing the change we learn in our lives is what matters</u>.<br />
<br />
Practice a way of Self-Reflection that works for you and keeps you happy and healthy. Meditation techniques are really nothing more than suggestions or guidelines to help you achieve and maintain a balanced, conscious approach to your life.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When looking within <u>what's most important is seeing
yourself as you really are in way that inspires and encourages kindness to others and personal growth</u>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Look to the Essence,
Not the Form<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“One of Shakyamuni’s main disciples, Sariputra, was doing
seated meditation in a peaceful and secluded mountain spot when Vimalakīrti, a
sage whom he had always admired, happened along and asked him what he was
doing. As the answer seemed obvious, Sariputra was put out and answered, with
irritation, “I’m meditating!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Aqj-WQkqIHVZJNJs5s19DajltMCCGfoVBX7vBAWQFyZtrS6Tx2PI0iLJcusQqD2SM8FmsU-Z4uJAO-7HOCclzW9phDnJjaNyc56Ly8kDkPiFM0u1oFkW8X1T5q2k6xtSeR-HYnOfueyO/s1600/4695658106_042a83f4f4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Aqj-WQkqIHVZJNJs5s19DajltMCCGfoVBX7vBAWQFyZtrS6Tx2PI0iLJcusQqD2SM8FmsU-Z4uJAO-7HOCclzW9phDnJjaNyc56Ly8kDkPiFM0u1oFkW8X1T5q2k6xtSeR-HYnOfueyO/s1600/4695658106_042a83f4f4_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Mutiara Karina available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perceiving Sariputra’s distraction, Vimalakīrti
retorted, “You call that meditating? If by ‘meditation’ you mean only sitting
without moving, you might just as well say the trees around you are meditating,
too.” In this way he pointed out that Sariputra was following only the outward
form of meditation, having lost its true spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we pursue the outward form while neglecting the inner
essence, the result is always pitiful.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit, p. 160)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are three other suggestions besides meditation that you can help with Self-Reflection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.) Reflect on kindness as you wake up and go to bed.<br />
<br />
In the morning, get up a little bit earlier and plan your day for a few minutes sitting peacefully. Think of how you can practice kindness. What do you need to feel good, so that you can be helpful to others?<br />
<br />
In the evening, review your whole day slowly in the evening for a few
minutes. What were the highlights? What were things you could have done better?<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.) Freely write down your challenges and share them with a trusted friend or family member.<br />
<br />
Journal your thoughts and write down any intense
feelings or the events that you are facing. Working things out on paper can sometimes give insights into your blind spots.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.) Calmly take in your past.<br />
<br />
Form a timeline of your whole life and reconcile all the events, both happy and sad, that have happened to you along the way. Learn from the past and decide where you want to go in the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are countless other methods and ways. However we decide to do it, the ability to do sincere Self-Reflection regularly begins an enormous ripple effect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nelson Mandela, who fought against racial separation and apartheid
in South Africa was jailed for 27 years. Later he triumphed by leading a
movement for social reform and even rose to become president of the country.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyw6A7c2rzBZXwn9mKXRSl0l8XBOt2KCK71s7rAmSWQLuNN1uMCn0L2OEz8NRgne37c8X-376mQLeP9kzwhaYdHXxrbvl6FycpbARrszc9ttjQFz86w6ibZfbkRv0LPV7233U8Md09gD4/s1600/Nelson_Mandela-2008_(edit).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyw6A7c2rzBZXwn9mKXRSl0l8XBOt2KCK71s7rAmSWQLuNN1uMCn0L2OEz8NRgne37c8X-376mQLeP9kzwhaYdHXxrbvl6FycpbARrszc9ttjQFz86w6ibZfbkRv0LPV7233U8Md09gD4/s1600/Nelson_Mandela-2008_(edit).jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by South Africa The Good News</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an interview after his presidency, Mr. Mandela was quoted as
saying,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"One of the most difficult things is not to change society - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but
to change yourself." </div>
<br />
<br />
All p<span style="text-align: center;">eople who have changed the world </span><span style="text-align: center;">first strived for
something greater inside themselves</span><span style="text-align: center;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">We must all gain the courage to look within. </span></b><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If our hearts are closed to who we are and how we are behaving in our daily life, we can't see any benefits to changing.<br />
<br />
Self-reflection is all about keeping our vulnerable channels open to receive, so that we can grow from what we perceive. Without this, our progress is limited and we can't learn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
"The greatest of
faults is to be conscious of none."<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
-Thomas Carlyle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are human, and we will make mistakes. All the time. Self-Reflection makes it
possible for us to recognize and improve upon our less than proud moments.<br />
<br />
By nurturing ourselves but still maintaining an analytical perspective on our behavior, it teaches us over time and experience, both how to be more forgiving and how to move on from the mistakes others commit against us.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we continue to dive within who we are, we come to realize that we can't really know everything there is about ourselves <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on our own</span>. One model in modern psychology seems to support this notion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two famous U.S. psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harrington Inghram, put their minds and their names together to form what's now famously known as the Johari Window.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Johari Window is a psychological group exercise that explores the known and unknown relationship between the self and others. Luft and Harrington investigated knowing who we are by looking through a window divided into four categories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.) The first category on the left is called the <i>Arena</i>. This is our public self, what's known to us and what others know about us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.) The second category, on the top right, is the <i>Blind Spot</i>. It represents all the things that others know about us but we ourselves don't know. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.) The third category, bottom left, is called the <i>Façade</i>. This is what we know about ourselves but what others can't see. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4.) In the fourth category, bottom right, is the <i>Unknown</i>. According to the Johari model, there is a part of us that always remains a mystery to ourselves and others.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFW7Kb71wgPEyihdoB6yu4xcu6_y9bXQp7IMNAzOC4AJ1PsinCFRMBXT-APHwjYv5VOcOWSJxEyZuFQHPV1ZieXffV_KuU2ongW7bKGDWDgvqpO47dbDlbvJt0BXVPQ4kqAecw0KR9CFG/s1600/Johari_Window.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFW7Kb71wgPEyihdoB6yu4xcu6_y9bXQp7IMNAzOC4AJ1PsinCFRMBXT-APHwjYv5VOcOWSJxEyZuFQHPV1ZieXffV_KuU2ongW7bKGDWDgvqpO47dbDlbvJt0BXVPQ4kqAecw0KR9CFG/s1600/Johari_Window.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Diagram (edited), original available from WikiMedia.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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If we are indeed on a journey to find out who we really are, how can we know ourselves at all, if parts of who we are always remain unknown to everybody? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Psychology helps us explore three of the four windows, but it cannot penetrate the realm of <u>what is unknown to the others AND the self</u>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Buddhism teaches us that there is a way to come to know that great unknown, the full 100% of who we are. We can realize our <b>True Self </b>and our purpose of life with certainty in this lifetime. And we will at last know where that True Self is going in the afterlife.<br />
<br />
<u>Knowing who we are completely is essential in attaining <b>absolute happiness</b>. Without knowing who we are, we can't really be happy.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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But the only way we can make earnest progress toward this grand, once-in-a-lifetime achievement is to listen to the teachings of Buddhism earnestly. This is why Self-Reflection remains important.<br />
<br />
Listening well to the Dharma means putting its lessons into practice diligently. It means we must think deeply on ourselves and try to do as much good as we possibly can. Along the way, we stumble and see more and more of our flaws that remained previously invisible.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The aim of a wise person is to see and know one's self <u>as it really is</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and <u>still</u> continually strive toward growth. </div>
<br />
<br />
This leads us to the <b>6th Paramita of Wisdom</b>, which is improving ourselves by practicing of the Law of Cause and Effect. Whereas Self-Reflection can be seen as the coming to an awareness of the best course of action, Wisdom is actually knowing how and when to implement the change.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wisdom is said to contain the practice of the other five paramitas <u>combined</u>: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Generosity + Discipline + Patience + Effort + Self-Reflection = Wisdom</div>
<br />
<br />
Practicing the Law of Effect deeply is what moves us forward on the path. In the next post, we will explore the Paramita of Wisdom through an explanation of the <b>Law of Cause and Effect of the Three Worlds</b>.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-76081374615324999942015-01-14T10:08:00.000-08:002019-04-14T06:55:45.673-07:00Effort - Doing Your Very Best<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the
earth has finally rolled around the Sun yet again, many have used this time
marker to carefully form their New Years’ resolutions. But how many of these
aspirations will actually come true? That all depends on how much <u>effort</u>
is devoted to making them come true.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MZzC9swpIZFV50w2PLj5v4nNdeEVaRYaMZL0_GPaJNl6t6jwqwbBQKR5UcMnCP2MrwCKNO_MhbuJJYC69S12xao5acQ53Oey__1xekdCt19Hqvzg8c7KNqyeurxGJR44ycjAIuoXL_sQ/s1600/3623934759_ea07e19b8a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MZzC9swpIZFV50w2PLj5v4nNdeEVaRYaMZL0_GPaJNl6t6jwqwbBQKR5UcMnCP2MrwCKNO_MhbuJJYC69S12xao5acQ53Oey__1xekdCt19Hqvzg8c7KNqyeurxGJR44ycjAIuoXL_sQ/s1600/3623934759_ea07e19b8a_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Edoardo Bartoccetti available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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The more of ourselves we put into
something, the greater the likelihood of our success becomes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
Buddhism, we’re encouraged to practice the most effort toward attaining <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">absolute happiness</b>. This means: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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1.) Listening to the
teachings of the Dharma<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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2.) Sharing Dharma
with others<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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3.) Following the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Six Paramitas</b> taught within Buddhism<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we’re not able to listen or share
the teachings directly, that’s when we practice the Dharma in our life and with
those around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we can give
freely to everyone, but we strive the hardest for those who belong to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Three Fields</b>. To review, the Three
Fields are the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Field of Respect</b>, the
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Field of Gratitude</b>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Field
of Compassion</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Field of Respect:</span><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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Buddha, Buddhism
itself, Teachers of True Buddhism, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Benefactors of True Buddhism.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Those who give all of themselves <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to share the teachings that lead the way to absolute happiness. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This field also includes those who have exemplary character <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and demonstrate a high level of ethics and moral conduct. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">These kind of individuals work diligently <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">morning and night, solely for the public good <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and the benefit of all mankind.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHAT WE CAN DO</b>: We can volunteer ourselves to help out at a
Buddhist organization, offer donation, food or household supplies to a Buddhist
temple, give a hand to someone of outstanding moral character, or lend our
assistance to various benefactors of mankind and their charities.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Field of Gratitude</span><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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Parents, Family
members, Doctors, Caretakers and Teachers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Those who have given all of themselves<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By either bringing us into this world or nurturing us <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so that we could live, survive <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and learn the way to be happy and healthy.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF6x_FzMA_X2oRTSQW-sH-VN0JTp5K-maqrKLodUOGlAlX-1bt8rz3t03VU_RkW3cyA5uQoF_uJvS4lbXiZsPWIW07PZyh7QN8s3pRAlP6m0E7SW6NjYHh2qYptpxEa9eeoy6hLeR2WOt/s1600/6014710672_21f32ce4e1_z-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF6x_FzMA_X2oRTSQW-sH-VN0JTp5K-maqrKLodUOGlAlX-1bt8rz3t03VU_RkW3cyA5uQoF_uJvS4lbXiZsPWIW07PZyh7QN8s3pRAlP6m0E7SW6NjYHh2qYptpxEa9eeoy6hLeR2WOt/s1600/6014710672_21f32ce4e1_z-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHAT WE CAN DO: </b>Treat
both our parents with loving kindness and make sure they are well taken care of,
show respect to doctors, caretakers, and teachers. We can write thank you
cards, give small tokens of appreciation, and try to brighten their days with a
smile as best we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Field of Compassion<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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Homeless, Poor, Sick,
Unemployed,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Victims of Disasters
or Violence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Those who are in desperate need and are suffering just to stay alive.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people are in actual dire
need of donation (such as food or water), help <u>and moral support</u>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KnVg8W0zPE2kk8x54-FP6Ync74ztbRbTnaOPKJehvMjn9qBKKwMW99LprFJMh7ZLXlcYlKD5qzQcvLNV6LKtlQojkkV6cdmKkhwYKqw1G2cvb7DMnrU54_2MGZXGnfpZA3AFEV5wcNEh/s1600/2905921539_7d0a4d50a5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KnVg8W0zPE2kk8x54-FP6Ync74ztbRbTnaOPKJehvMjn9qBKKwMW99LprFJMh7ZLXlcYlKD5qzQcvLNV6LKtlQojkkV6cdmKkhwYKqw1G2cvb7DMnrU54_2MGZXGnfpZA3AFEV5wcNEh/s1600/2905921539_7d0a4d50a5_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (text added) by Ed Yourdon, original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHAT WE CAN DO: </b>Offer
extra food or water we have to homeless on the street, volunteer at or donate
funds to shelters and non-profit welfare programs, lend a hand to a sick family
member, friend, or coworker, offer moral support to people looking for work,
and also just be kind to those difficult people in your life. Many times such
people are affected by trauma in their past and carry some kind of burden they
may not want to outwardly talk about. Even though it may not seem that what you
do makes a difference immediately, this will for sure bring unexpected joy and
the strength of patience to your life in ways we can’t begin to imagine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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***<o:p></o:p></div>
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The three categories above should
take up the vast majority of the effort we give toward doing good. But we can
of course do good anytime in our daily life whenever and wherever we possibly
can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fourth Paramita of Effort</b> is a reminder and encouragement for us to
actually practice virtue using our physical body and mind to help someone else
in need. It tells us we should put the best effort we can into all of what we
do, but especially when it comes to others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It could also be as little as just picking
up something from the floor that someone has dropped. It could be opening a
door or lending a helping hand during someone else’s move. At our work, it
could be assisting a coworker with one of their projects. It could even be putting
in a little unpaid overtime just for the company’s sake to ensure that the job
was done properly. At home, it could be picking up extra groceries for our
roommate or taking out the trash for our loved one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can apply the paramita of effort toward improving our lives in its many
aspects. This can include school, work, relationships, hobbies, skills, or
health. But as we strive to accomplish our own dreams and goals, let’s remember
to also think of others along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Contrary to what we think, helping others in
their dreams in no way slows us down. We only stand to gain according to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Law of Cause and Effect</b>. For our own
happiness and well-being, it is essential for us to build and maintain
harmonious relationships by understanding the needs of others. They will then,
in their own time, follow our example and come to our aid when we’re in need. By
sticking together, we can all help each other succeed even more than on our own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
every time we lend a helping hand to someone else, we are in actuality helping
ourselves feel better. Although it seems we lose effort or a material of ours
by giving it away, the spiritual value of our lives and the satisfaction and
joy we feel in life increases exponentially. What little we have suddenly doubles
or triple right before our eyes the moment we open our hearts to share it with
someone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bottom line, the more we help
others with anything we can, little by little, the more and more abundance and
gratitude we start to feel. This is the fundamental Buddhist concept of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Benefitting Others Benefits the Self</b>.
It is at the very heart of Buddhism and all its teachings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The more we brighten our mindset
through the practice of good deeds, the more it will for sure brighten our own future
with radiant worldly happiness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Law of Cause and Effect</b> teaches us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Good deeds bring good
results.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bad deeds bring bad
results.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
AND<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our own deeds bring our own results.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So all this extra effort we put in,
whether it is seen or unseen, accumulates good karmic seeds within our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Alaya Mind</b>. All the more motivation to
get off our rear ends and get out there and do good more work!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
on the planet has some special talent, gift, or ability to share with humanity.
It could be as simple as telling a funny joke, having a keen sense for
business, being a great friend, or simply having a warm and wonderful smile. Some
have already found what makes them shine, and there are some who haven’t found
it yet. Some find it early in life, while some realize it much later in life. It
takes everyone a different amount of time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But what separates people who have what
we would call “success” or an abundant amount of relative happiness from those
who do not? It is usually not because some are lacking in creativity or inspiration.
Success arrives to the people who practice working toward their goal everyday –
the mindset of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">diligence</b>. We all
desire the very best out of life, but very few of us perform the necessary
routine and often tedious steps required to bring wild, amazing success to
fruition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEu5axLCDTk7HOTlBIutZ7pj5caELplR3UHS9P11aAcMpFhoEWSc2HZHhLImh8RxE9-q8Bd51pgrSbJSr5NUWkck5hd_QSK4Q-GBBVjJCu8dlR7fZWRYDHcSEqqEG-atEa7e1AJspFUGq/s1600/11582972915_723443ec91_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEu5axLCDTk7HOTlBIutZ7pj5caELplR3UHS9P11aAcMpFhoEWSc2HZHhLImh8RxE9-q8Bd51pgrSbJSr5NUWkck5hd_QSK4Q-GBBVjJCu8dlR7fZWRYDHcSEqqEG-atEa7e1AJspFUGq/s1600/11582972915_723443ec91_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What we do instead (all too easily)
is envy the rich or people better off than us for their success. Rather than be
jealous of them, we should instead be encouraged by our rivals. Rather than
feel down about it, we should take it in stride and try to work harder for
ourselves. In this way, competition can be done in a healthy, sporting way
where everyone can benefit together. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The following story from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i> explains how a swordsman
became bitter about his rival until he learned what made his competition so
excellent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
What
Makes a Master Swordsmith<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This happened in fourteenth-century
Japan. In a bid to decide who was the greatest swordsmith in the land, eighteen
people were chosen, and each one made a sword. Among the submissions were
swords by master smiths Okazaki Masamune and Go Yoshihiro. After rigorous
examination, Masamune’s sword was judged the best.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yoshihiro was from central Honshu,
near the Japan Sea, and enjoyed a reputation as the finest swordsmith of the
day. He was full of braggadocio and unable to forgive anyone who got the better
of him. “There must be some explanation,” he thought, deeply disgruntled.
“Masamune must have bribed the judges.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
He traveled east to see his rival
in Kamakura, determined to settle the matter with a duel. When he arrived,
Masamune was just tempering a blade. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Sounds of rhythmic hammering came
from within the foundry. Yoshihiro cautiously looked inside and was astonished
by what he saw.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubByGR8x-ah23gYKVU5c5fPjXbh3q2G7ZjbBJUjAbA-0Nw0OzG9UGVhkZU7zlg2cEp6IkBp66u9jJqUC7s3MAhtXuMyFqkmeIX5tysiguZY_dj8klFX1j59ZMt4nL8uqQQvXpEDmuMkX5/s1600/3743500598_bc4cc432bd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubByGR8x-ah23gYKVU5c5fPjXbh3q2G7ZjbBJUjAbA-0Nw0OzG9UGVhkZU7zlg2cEp6IkBp66u9jJqUC7s3MAhtXuMyFqkmeIX5tysiguZY_dj8klFX1j59ZMt4nL8uqQQvXpEDmuMkX5/s1600/3743500598_bc4cc432bd_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by arbyreed available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Inside the spotless foundry,
Masamune was dressed in formal hakama and wielded the hammer with clean,
regular motions. There was something majestic in his appearance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Suspecting nothing, Masamune
welcomed his visitor from afar with full hospitality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yoshihiro made a full confession.
“Until now I doubted you, resented you, and was even determined to challenge
you to a duel, but that was a grave mistake. Now I have seen the dignity with
which you work, pouring yourself heart and soul into the making of a sword. In
comparison, when I get hot I strip down, and when I’m thirsty I drink my fill.
In fact there is no comparison between us. You have shown me that technical
skill and strength alone are not enough to make someone a true master.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yoshihiro then begged Masamune to
take him on as his disciple. At first Masamune modestly declined, but Yoshihiro
insisted, and so in the end he agreed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i>, pg. 177)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In order to succeed ourselves, we first
have to understand <u>what is the effort required to create the happiness</u>
that appeals to us. Then and only then can we make the steps toward bringing it
about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Contemplate your plans in advance, <u>then</u> execute them.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
laid-back or relaxed all the time, we can’t expect our lives to improve
dramatically. We can’t expect A+ results to appear on our report card without first
studying for the test AND doing the homework. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u>We’ve
gotta do what we gotta do;<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u>because
it’s the only way<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we can make our dreams come true!</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
have a really great wish in our hearts that we want to fulfill, we must put in
the effort required to make it happen. That’s what the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Law of Causality</b> teaches us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cause</b> is what leads to an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">effect</b>. If we don’t work hard toward
that cause, the effect isn’t going to manifest any sooner. It’s that simple.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So if we want something really AWESOME
as an EFFECT, it requires us to put in an AWESOME AMOUNT OF WORK as the CAUSE. A
story from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something You Forgot Along the
Way</i> shows the how we should perceive life’s challenges.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Success is the Fruit of Effort<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Long ago, there were two
merchants who always crossed a narrow mountain pass with dry good loaded on
their backs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQGvBshhzxeefttcnGxqQ2ndCVhssRK_TMvSfelZrvDmQTFf17hd4dbkN-dEboYLeRnUPOPuHqVGnR62yEME6RJ9wltnyqC2l5JAlq4aLTF-LaCh8N7U3hpBnxqKhmqyNWb9QGvIMngwa/s1600/9459435695_973954118f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQGvBshhzxeefttcnGxqQ2ndCVhssRK_TMvSfelZrvDmQTFf17hd4dbkN-dEboYLeRnUPOPuHqVGnR62yEME6RJ9wltnyqC2l5JAlq4aLTF-LaCh8N7U3hpBnxqKhmqyNWb9QGvIMngwa/s1600/9459435695_973954118f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by emzepe available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
day, one of them plopped down on a rock by the roadside. “Exhausting, isn’t
it?” he sighed. “Let’s rest for a while. You know, if only this mountain pass
weren’t so high, we could cross it easily and make more money.” He looked up
balefully at the steep pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
disagree,” replied his companion. “In fact, I wish this pass were higher and
steeper.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
do?” said the first man in astonishment. “Whatever for? Do you enjoy suffering?
How strange!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
companion explained, “If this pass were easy to cross, everybody would use it
to do business, and our profits would go down; if it were higher and steeper,
no one would cross it, and our business would prosper even more.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Successful tradesman must be not only astute in business, but bold in
endeavor. Success is the fruit of one’s effort. All that comes easy is poverty
and shame. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
harder the task, the more glorious the triumph.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p.176)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Successful
people have a totally different mindset than ordinary people. They push
themselves to their limits, so that they can enjoy success beyond the norm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who have a lot in life know the
importance of saving versus spending money as soon as its earned. They plan
ahead for great fun, but they also meticulously build a safety net of their assets
in case misfortune should arise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
These hotshots do vast amounts of
research to learn their trade and master life. They travel great distances
often on their own money to get the education or resources they need for
success. They are friendly and reach out to many different people, establishing
valuable contacts in many different fields. They put in the effort to follow
through on their promises, and people trust and respect them for that. Whether
they feel good or bad, they carry a strong smile to everyone they meet. The
spirit of good customer service as well as good business practice is none other
than to provide as many people as possible with a product or experience that adds
value and happiness to their lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But all others see around
successful people is the luxury that the rich live their lives in. They fail to
recognize or understand the great effort that was put behind the scenes. People
bent on success work around the clock, and it’s that commitment to excellence
that brings about the results they wanted and earned. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlFQ6WJyRlATre8s6TS2uJ-emT9iURH0tuQKn6D35EpE5aZJaq7AaO_Hj6QZ_M8u7VHatpLjZQOyIwkjFliZ2ln7A_JmBQqDphf3qizRkwsp5rYjyH5qWWbgn9eMBDYZ6kbBK-PXUKiO5/s1600/14189897314_0a2cb6aeb3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlFQ6WJyRlATre8s6TS2uJ-emT9iURH0tuQKn6D35EpE5aZJaq7AaO_Hj6QZ_M8u7VHatpLjZQOyIwkjFliZ2ln7A_JmBQqDphf3qizRkwsp5rYjyH5qWWbgn9eMBDYZ6kbBK-PXUKiO5/s1600/14189897314_0a2cb6aeb3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Word Art by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Someone may be born rich, but it
takes wisdom not to lose it all as an adult. Ever wonder why so many people who
win the lottery go bankrupt? It’s because being rich doesn’t automatically make
you financially secure or magically better at managing a budget. In reality,
the more you have, the more difficult it is to manage!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But most people don’t care to think
about or see this big picture. They just put in an ordinary or so-so amount of
effort in. And what happens? They will only get an ordinary or so-so result. This
point should be very clear by now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Practicing the 4<sup>th</sup> Paramita of Effort means going through the
extra trouble that others don’t. Most people when they finish a job have only
put in 80 to 90% of their efforts at best. They conserve their energy so they
can spend the majority of their energies on fun, goofing around or watching TV.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
That’s fine. If you’re happy where
you are, keep on keeping on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But know the only way to get your
biggest dream to come true is to strive higher and higher than everyone else everyday.
Reach toward that 100% more than anyone else does! Only through serious,
concentrated practice can we expect a dramatic, life-changing breakthrough. You
can do it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going
to college and getting your degree is a very important benchmark for young
people today. It marks the entrance into the professional labor force. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx2AgDZIAN7hbYr__JhlaZwtKCbyqteklsQTLoTFmTAhvhCUjety7ta5bI_EnK2eQmmlMBM745Hx8IX_3qCVwjn0td4af4hswGq2g3siqMTd2iVK0FecORRu6kqJ14T3rMYm5EqKK7Zvx/s1600/14222217954_f201ebd246_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx2AgDZIAN7hbYr__JhlaZwtKCbyqteklsQTLoTFmTAhvhCUjety7ta5bI_EnK2eQmmlMBM745Hx8IX_3qCVwjn0td4af4hswGq2g3siqMTd2iVK0FecORRu6kqJ14T3rMYm5EqKK7Zvx/s1600/14222217954_f201ebd246_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by COD Newsroom available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But
these days, there is a lot of criticism of the academic system because many
people with degrees are unable to get jobs. Even people entering the labor
force with master’s degrees are not necessarily guaranteed employment these
days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many
exercise furiously at the gym and enroll in weight-loss programs that boast
many new and inventive ways to get in shape. Some boast a certain style of
fitness like kick-boxing or yoga is the ultimate aim to health. They show
testimonials and photos of before and after. Others consume a variety of specialty
foods or vitamins. But what is the key ingredient to fitness or vitality in any
of these programs? What is the difference between a body like Arnold and a
couch potato?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It’s not the programs or the
products themselves. Of course eating right is important. But it’s the <u>mindset
of consistent effort dedicated toward a goal</u>. The product is just a means
toward that aim. Our will power is what actually makes it happen for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
How about the applicants who got the
best jobs from the ones who didn’t? What happened there? It’s not always intelligence
or being connected. <u>The answer is concentrated, consistent effort.</u> A
story from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i> shares
insight on how effort is all about doing the dirty work and at the same time
challenging our limitations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Perseverance is Greater than Proficiency<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cuda-panthaka’s Perseverance at Cleaning<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of [Shakyamuni]’s greatest disciples, Cuda-panthaka, was dull by birth and
unable to remember even his own name. One day Shakyamuni found him crying and
asked him kindly, “Why are you so sad?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Weeping bitterly, Cuda-panthaka lamented, “Why was I born stupid?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cheer
up,” said [Shakyamuni]. “You are aware of your foolishness, but there are many
fools who think themselves wise. Being aware of one’s stupidity is next to
enlightenment.” He handed Cuda-panthaka a broom and instructed him to say while
he worked, “I sweep the dust away. I wash the dirt away.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cuda-panthaka tried desperately to remember those sacred phrases from
the Buddha, but whenever he remembered one he forgot the other. Even so, he
kept at his practice for twenty years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdUFhBR_cawxExOFcp7JlMV9WTM_N-0CuBlfS9KaqrLbJ6E1_fZlY8NO4hrwEhjmTbOIivSZq0Wbn0yQIGonT8EwWQm3CEoMDMvoCYaGTcQucoQnhDKrxnS6jSyQnY1g8ctyqRuw5DNXt/s1600/4504929906_f993ebcb12_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdUFhBR_cawxExOFcp7JlMV9WTM_N-0CuBlfS9KaqrLbJ6E1_fZlY8NO4hrwEhjmTbOIivSZq0Wbn0yQIGonT8EwWQm3CEoMDMvoCYaGTcQucoQnhDKrxnS6jSyQnY1g8ctyqRuw5DNXt/s1600/4504929906_f993ebcb12_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by tsembo.thar available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once
during those twenty years, Shakyamuni complimented Cuda-panthaka on his
constant diligent effort. “No matter how many years you keep sweeping, you grow
no better at it, and yet that does not cause you to give up. As important as
making progress is, persevering in the same endeavor is even more important. It
is an admirable trait – one that I do not see in my other disciples.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
time Cuda-panthaka realized that dust and dirt did not only accumulate where he
thought they would, but in places he least expected. Surprised, he thought, “I
knew I was stupid, but there’s no telling how much more of my stupidity exists
in places I don’t even notice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the end Cuda-panthaka attained the enlightenment of an arhat, a stage at which
one I worthy of receiving respect and offerings. Besides encountering a great
teacher and the true teachings, it was his long years of effort and perseverance
that crowned him with success.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i>, p.156)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the last blog post, we learned about the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Third
Paramita of Patience</b>. We plant good seeds and wait, knowing full well that
they will produce good results. Now we can start to see that patience and
effort really go hand-in-hand. The more we balance these two elements, the more
success we can welcome into our lives. It’s important to work furiously and
quickly, but it’s more important to hasten toward our goal step-by-step <u>without
making waste</u>. Remember that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">turtle</i>
wins the race, not the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rabbit</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So for the very best results, we
should try focusing our efforts steadily just like Cuda-panthaka who cleaned
and cleaned, as best he could. He was well aware of his limitations, but tried
his best anyway. <u>As his awareness of his inability grew, it only made him
try harder and harder</u>. Suddenly, he began learning new things and growing. From
his experience, he noticed small things that others never even thought about
before. This is the nature of wisdom and how it is developed. We clean out the
darkest part of minds, knowing full well that no matter how hard we try, our
thoughts will never be spotless. <u>But we do it anyway</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Just like Cuda-panthaka, we can and
will achieve insight and success in time that we never thought possible. We do
this by constantly challenging ourselves and becoming aware of our own shortcomings.
The Buddha admired this follower so much because of his <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">tremendous</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">resolve. </b>That’s
what made him stand out from the rest. Success can come and go easily. <u>But
our resolve is the underlying characteristic that brings about success</u>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rSDMKxVlp5tzePwHO9u5AzA4tE9pXv87traz3h1gOemRNGt47PLoqZ6mMFVCv_ndheMg88HarHI4KNwllmXjL6iGoGvFLh3750-qymUQHccJhZLM5KhDcBi4MvYO8btcTa76TNz0iEmG/s1600/6831119632_0a2d4dc9ec_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rSDMKxVlp5tzePwHO9u5AzA4tE9pXv87traz3h1gOemRNGt47PLoqZ6mMFVCv_ndheMg88HarHI4KNwllmXjL6iGoGvFLh3750-qymUQHccJhZLM5KhDcBi4MvYO8btcTa76TNz0iEmG/s1600/6831119632_0a2d4dc9ec_o.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Diagram by Duncan Hull available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But only the wiser people can
concentrate their energies toward a single endeavor in this way. A story from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i> tells us the
disastrous consequences if we don’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Sticking to a Single
Path in Life<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
One night, a mouse fell into a
bucket. At first he tried mightily to jump out, but the bucket was deep, the
task hopeless. Next he tried to gnaw a hole in the side of the bucket, but the
wood proved too hard and too thick for him to gnaw through. Giving up, he moved
frantically to another place and tried gnawing there for a while, but the
results were the same. Again he gave up and tried a different spot. The stout
wood was impervious to his efforts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
After gnawing in vain all night
long, toward dawn, worn out in body and spirit, the mouse collapsed and died.
If only he had kept gnawing at the same spot the whole time, he might have
gnawed all the way through and escaped.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The world is full of people who
cannot afford to laugh at the story of the hapless mouse. Failing at one job,
they try another and fail again, changing their job over and over. Such people
may be called weak-willed; yet weakness is a general human failing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sticking to a single path in life
is hard to do. It requires a will of steel and ceaseless effort. The more you
waiver, the more your life’s efforts go to waste. Since this is the case, the
thing to do is weigh your options carefully to begin with, make a careful
decision, and carry it through with firm and unremitting effort. The entrance
to a commuter train at rush hour can be so crowded that it seems impossible to
squeeze another person on board—yet if you push on through, you’ll often find
there is plenty of room further in. No one should ever despair because the
entrance to his or her chosen career path is clogged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
There is an ancient saying: ‘The
persistent drip wears through stone.’”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
(<i>Something You Forgot Along the Way, </i>p.125<i>)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AZzuyDYxOrfATWDuUsXt85K5h6JorVv6GtYgvFDbwlT_0dW_e150gEfpANjSXpRSUtvbTkmgcSUVsvp_-fcA3b52kBLqciaYEqplP2NSHhyphenhyphenbGf8pL-x8C6p5Vlc3RJTDyr7slmYojv_-/s1600/31401636_b71a0482c1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AZzuyDYxOrfATWDuUsXt85K5h6JorVv6GtYgvFDbwlT_0dW_e150gEfpANjSXpRSUtvbTkmgcSUVsvp_-fcA3b52kBLqciaYEqplP2NSHhyphenhyphenbGf8pL-x8C6p5Vlc3RJTDyr7slmYojv_-/s1600/31401636_b71a0482c1_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Wolfgang available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people give up too soon on their dreams
rather than charge forward through the most difficult parts. They feel like
they have already worked too hard, and they feel that happiness should come
sooner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Demanding recognition, they often doubt cause and effect because the results are not showing in the way they wanted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnvNdV5zrpznQVMfI19PJcm1f92SP4ehX3M53qITZ5Dv_AhUWOWD3jw7u_ZR-kwQkoGzvtoEQccOAlC9bf1Qv4Ytw-u5aYNZgRsZGhV8uXuRsETxi8t049lq5Wl79L7WC5ay7sHPyX2iD/s1600/13236389744_0bc2969ae5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnvNdV5zrpznQVMfI19PJcm1f92SP4ehX3M53qITZ5Dv_AhUWOWD3jw7u_ZR-kwQkoGzvtoEQccOAlC9bf1Qv4Ytw-u5aYNZgRsZGhV8uXuRsETxi8t049lq5Wl79L7WC5ay7sHPyX2iD/s1600/13236389744_0bc2969ae5_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>he
Law of Cause and Effect can also be thought of as the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Law of Cause, Condition, and Effect</b>. It’s only known as the Law of
Cause and Effect to make the name easier to say. A cause cannot become an
effect without first encountering a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">condition</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you’ve ever had your own garden, you know that planting an abundance of quality
non-GMO seeds is important. Healthy seeds will grow into a large plant that
will bare many fruits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also
as a wise gardener, you must know the importance of just the right conditions.
For a plant to sprout and then grow up strong, it of course requires a certain
amount of sunlight, water, and the right type of soil. Too much or too little
of any of these elements and the plant could suffer or even die. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u>Only after
constant care and attention <o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u>over the conditions<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u>surrounding the
cause<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u>can flowers then emerge
and bloom.</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
For flowers to bud, they need certain conditions
unique to their own kind of plant. These conditions have to be around and in
just the right amounts for the buds to open up and reveal all the dazzling
color that is stored within it. The warmth of the season of spring allows this special
process to take place for most flowers. That’s when all the beautiful arrays of
purples, reds, yellows, and blues become a feast for our eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Later on in winter, flowers aren’t
able to bloom because the conditions for them to exist are not present. The
invisible, karmic energy of blooming flowers is suppressed until the snow melts
away and temperatures warm up again. (However, you can make an artificial
condition using science like building a greenhouse. Then it becomes possible to
grow almost any kind of plant even in snow!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Knowing how plants grow, live and
die serve as a metaphor that applies directly to our daily life. We have to be
the ones to clear out the snow that is accumulating in our own lives, or we
must work hard to find a way for flowers to bloom in our life by building
ourselves our own kind of greenhouse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl7_jCXHnpni4TuMt9eBeYKuylVd9P_QR3vALvxG77CgEeaXFCjybqjK8mtJotpW500aJ-T_SJ6jlYOM4ypcBZkmfeoQGPPzcPq8WV4hAbB1jRbTBzFlo3p3Yxq6CL6rzKwA6sAqOlQeT/s1600/14942848928_878c754573_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl7_jCXHnpni4TuMt9eBeYKuylVd9P_QR3vALvxG77CgEeaXFCjybqjK8mtJotpW500aJ-T_SJ6jlYOM4ypcBZkmfeoQGPPzcPq8WV4hAbB1jRbTBzFlo3p3Yxq6CL6rzKwA6sAqOlQeT/s1600/14942848928_878c754573_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (text added) by Doug Brown, original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
People doubt the Law of Cause and
Effect because they don’t understand that it operates well beyond this
lifetime. They look at the results of their efforts in the short-term and say,
“Look at all the hours I’ve put in at this job, and nothing’s happened.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OR “I think I’m a great person. I do charity
and volunteer work, and yet only bad stuff happens to me. Where’s all this good
I’ve been promised?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Rather than blame others or the bad
conditions around us, we should be striving to do the actions we want to
attract to our lives. We have to go out and seek those better conditions for
our lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We have been transmigrating for a
long, long period of time, since ages past. It’s beyond the scope of our
imagination as human being. Only now have we come to be a human after
incalculable aeons. Each one of us has uncountable karmic seeds, good and bad,
stored in our Alaya minds. That’s why each one of us has a completely different
destiny based on these karmic deeds from the past. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It’s true, sometimes the deeds of
many lifetimes past will show up and it seems like we have no control over them.
We suffer tremendously and don’t know why. Yet it’s important to know that life
will always have suffering, even after one attains absolute happiness. However,
when one attains absolute happiness the suffering of life transforms
completely. This is why it’s our <u>purpose of life</u>. It’s our common purpose
to have the root cause of our suffering eliminated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Until then, however, there is
always something we can do about our situation right now in the present. We can
listen to Buddhism. We can do positive things for ourselves and those around
us. We can avoid doing negative things that keep us from being happy. By doing
more good and less bad, we are planting the right kind of seeds for our future.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On Seed-Planting</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><br /></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Don’t worry about
when the <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
seeds will sprout.
Just plant them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The world is full of
people who<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
spend all their time
thinking<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
about the crop
they’ll reap,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
without ever planting
anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p.98)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
So we can’t let
ourselves get down when we don’t see good results right away. Like the farmer
whose livelihood depends on the success of his crop, we’ve got to keep trying
to do good until the harvest finally comes. Vicious droughts and thriving rains
come and go. But lasting happiness is something we have to work steadily toward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq4R_ZVr8BfIpFuPuYuISN4S_r560dx0vWWKQ01LajtAYmXIVGEQcwWzjCV3ZyLpL_VlaULL_pgzv3gVWcdCS8WqipBg-ji9Jp3U5guaCyH7vnxq2g-N5w0MZw-2GeXPwWLUQgxES-Y3t/s1600/367687156_8f5225e370_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq4R_ZVr8BfIpFuPuYuISN4S_r560dx0vWWKQ01LajtAYmXIVGEQcwWzjCV3ZyLpL_VlaULL_pgzv3gVWcdCS8WqipBg-ji9Jp3U5guaCyH7vnxq2g-N5w0MZw-2GeXPwWLUQgxES-Y3t/s1600/367687156_8f5225e370_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by IRRI Photos available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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By listening to
the teachings, it may seem we have already received momentary peace of mind and
understanding. We should remember the dharma in our daily life and put our best
effort forward to put it into practice every day. Once we do this, our
perspective begins to transform dramatically. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And once our true
self and the truth finally become one at long, this is the split-second moment when
we attain absolute happiness forever, permanently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The one who knows the
truth is happy. (LISTENING TO DHARMA)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The one who seeks after the truth is happier. (EFFORT)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The one who has
attains the truth is the happiest. (ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>So
let’s listen to the Dharma and make serious efforts. Share the teachings with
family and friends. Practice the Six Paramitas. You only stand to learn more
and more about yourself on the path toward enlightenment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUqsDpAFMsIYjkssgISvz9BT-yEmhlllBM3T3aUivlZkNGlE_nQunDBOBMsLBn-UNkO708mN2jNgDcYw5x6SiE4VgFTTqtSQ2y9NGYtzfAUgB_h-sqE7aQFIfDW0CW1NXQGzVIheqDF8z/s1600/8643887401_022da7f7a3_z-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUqsDpAFMsIYjkssgISvz9BT-yEmhlllBM3T3aUivlZkNGlE_nQunDBOBMsLBn-UNkO708mN2jNgDcYw5x6SiE4VgFTTqtSQ2y9NGYtzfAUgB_h-sqE7aQFIfDW0CW1NXQGzVIheqDF8z/s1600/8643887401_022da7f7a3_z-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Ed Escueta available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-69195939351303326102014-12-01T20:03:00.001-08:002015-01-14T10:09:21.665-08:00Patience - Counting to Ten When Angry<span style="font-family: inherit;"> So far, we have covered two of the <b>Six Paramitas </b>taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. Each paramita is a virtue that we practice by doing good deeds. Keeping a paramita in mind each new day, we remain focused on doing more and more good throughout our lives. In doing this and listening to the teachings deeply, we come closer to knowing our <b>True Self</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Now the time has finally come to go over the third paramita of... <b>patience</b>.
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Generosity</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Discipline</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patience</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Effort</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Self-Reflection</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wisdom</span></div>
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Below is the Chinese symbol, <i>Nin</i>, meaning patience. Can you see how this
pictograph is trying to communicate that idea? Hmm...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Lb1ELswXh6SLu03nKPWYSHxdsATLBx22fkTmEkzMhau_Zf37WRGbEKvNk0vzDZTVyhsUQI_em29G2bXBDdh7tqm2kaZkpVDrakTZQMhJ1ZBQldx5RAKA5fC93cKvtTQk807S7CrHefuO/s1600/929543411_8504c3f6e8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Lb1ELswXh6SLu03nKPWYSHxdsATLBx22fkTmEkzMhau_Zf37WRGbEKvNk0vzDZTVyhsUQI_em29G2bXBDdh7tqm2kaZkpVDrakTZQMhJ1ZBQldx5RAKA5fC93cKvtTQk807S7CrHefuO/s1600/929543411_8504c3f6e8_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by mliu92 available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This rather complex-looking kanji character above can be divided into two
smaller parts. The top one is a sword. You can almost see a handle on the left
with the large blade slightly curved at the right end. The bottom portion is made
of three dots and a swerved line that together represents the concept of the
mind or heart.</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iLeCJR4RDXC5vKk77pEr1abPWeDk2hKTNTjn_4Yn7UWhZkhmoLsIpAs6SSROamY6JVDbiN6_XCalXx1joGeFDvzuCeQsvXbM-E84sok5-G6IcJrUuGE6iGj8aP-3vwRZxYSf14ehqnVu/s1600/zzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iLeCJR4RDXC5vKk77pEr1abPWeDk2hKTNTjn_4Yn7UWhZkhmoLsIpAs6SSROamY6JVDbiN6_XCalXx1joGeFDvzuCeQsvXbM-E84sok5-G6IcJrUuGE6iGj8aP-3vwRZxYSf14ehqnVu/s1600/zzz.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo (edited with labels) by mliu92 available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The exact meaning of these ideas can seem a little vague at first. With some imagination, it can be interpreted as "a mind that waits with
strength and calm under the anticipation of a coming sword's advance."
Perhaps this made more sense to a Samurai or a skilled Chinese warrior.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<i>But how do we exactly go about getting more patience </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in
this modern, fast-paced world?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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To know the answer to this question, we must know what our nature is very, very
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passions</b> and nothing else.</span></div>
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Of these, there are three worldly passions that trouble us the most. They are
known as the <b>Three Poisonous Passions</b>: <b>Desire</b>, <b>Anger</b>, and <b>Envy/Ignorance</b>.
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Desire</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is the desperate longing for
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We all want something really tasty to <b>eat</b> from time to time. Everybody
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUmYxVtg80vuZI8OvjrH9UIaRmmD9IxsHrg2TWDQZFa3i1apDT-qMwmlgB_GP6zCtYjrGnmwmpAhWVVLhOL3-32zehpw95yn8TSOVgL8y3oYgxrAVtZtGtwUxHKlB8zfgRvXgv58ijG16/s1600/6907405338_58ac14c43e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUmYxVtg80vuZI8OvjrH9UIaRmmD9IxsHrg2TWDQZFa3i1apDT-qMwmlgB_GP6zCtYjrGnmwmpAhWVVLhOL3-32zehpw95yn8TSOVgL8y3oYgxrAVtZtGtwUxHKlB8zfgRvXgv58ijG16/s320/6907405338_58ac14c43e_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Kurtis Garbutt available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Deep down, we all want to have <b>romance</b> in our lives or to feel a
closeness with someone special. Everybody likes being at least a little bit <b>popular</b>,
and for the room to be all smiles when we enter. At the end of the day, don’t
we all desire a good night’s <b>rest </b>in a cozy bed?</span></div>
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All these things are known as the <b>Five Desires</b> in Buddhism: <b>food,
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**Even if we have billions of dollars at our command, still our desires persist
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We get angry and blame others hoping that rage
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way. This venomous ire cuts all our enemies back down to the level <i>where we
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItDbvPrGzm_ksj1FZlID9i4xWQzTqgD_bteg9w8ohjO7TlFHTaeFjFETgPweaPNPpZEv76XRO9J67u1YPGfxf5ttxSUSxJiGJni5mTB7UxViuvhnDK3lo3uamtB0QUlBBnbWwnijoaBDu/s1600/65575145_86e96620e5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItDbvPrGzm_ksj1FZlID9i4xWQzTqgD_bteg9w8ohjO7TlFHTaeFjFETgPweaPNPpZEv76XRO9J67u1YPGfxf5ttxSUSxJiGJni5mTB7UxViuvhnDK3lo3uamtB0QUlBBnbWwnijoaBDu/s320/65575145_86e96620e5_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Za3tOoOr available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Envy / Ignorance</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is when we can’t show this anger directly because it’s
socially unacceptable for us to so. We are unwilling to express it because it
is inappropriate given our standing. It festers, hidden away inside us,
becoming dark and twisted in our private thoughts.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqx2ah79zF_ywJfvCf2Q09N5qWzbBFM6jNQNUFYznntnjcxmmVTCI5nYZ3FqMOiag5t5oG3VSi3BCs9Cn23j3zmbgxnffVr6avqQlOjhgSH9-uKaOpIV9Sc1wqCEDmmSg1Vysw1_mjE-F/s1600/2211185265_c5b3ab3fb2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqx2ah79zF_ywJfvCf2Q09N5qWzbBFM6jNQNUFYznntnjcxmmVTCI5nYZ3FqMOiag5t5oG3VSi3BCs9Cn23j3zmbgxnffVr6avqQlOjhgSH9-uKaOpIV9Sc1wqCEDmmSg1Vysw1_mjE-F/s320/2211185265_c5b3ab3fb2_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Ferran Jorda available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Our partner seems to be flirting with someone we don’t like, but given the
situation we can’t say anything about it without appearing meddling. Or our
boss becomes unfair at work, and we’re unable to go against his or her final
decision. Our friend is thriving at his business, and we feel that this success
should actually be ours instead.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
So envy is really just anger that has been concealed within. The one who
harbors these feelings of hatred within is the one who receives the most of
their destructive effects. Others, however, may feel the effects of envy
indirectly through a jealous person's attitude. Grudges only become more and
more self-tormenting with time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
However, once all that silently-kept hatred reaches the breaking point, we then
show it outwardly as anger. Whenever this happens, we put blame on whatever bad situation we are facing in the moment. Fuming with anger, we have no right mind to reflect accurately on how our own past actions may have contributed to our situation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Instead we falsely believe the current misfortune came to us because of someone else's deeds
or some mysterious external force like bad luck. Some incorrectly perceive it to be all the work of misaligned planets within
astrology. Always looking for the next external thing to put fault on, we deny any possibility that such a negative event occurred to us
because of something we ourselves have done.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
And so when we finally lose our patience, we are letting “that @!#$
person” know, as well as the world around us, that we’re not happy, and we’re not
gonna take it any longer. Honestly, haven't we all done this? In our anger,
we've said to others firmly, “HEY! YOU better listen up! I’m getting sick
and tired of this, and now, <i>I mean business</i>. You’re going to give me
exactly what I want or else.” We sound a lot like robbers when we're mad, don't
we?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> O<u>ur own unfulfilled desire is the underlying
motivation for all the fuss.</u></span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHcV9AgzGAuKyIxSOhJS7aF5T_mVIYnvrwft85EFmn3EV-1HvXvsLvYOEi4zP22iTf2tBkni5C5C-i9NT5233LthDTySXoZTpnx_pxeVAu23lHDts6q-C6200KqU2UzLrkqrgnN2Kb9ID/s1600/8571370038_887557f1c4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHcV9AgzGAuKyIxSOhJS7aF5T_mVIYnvrwft85EFmn3EV-1HvXvsLvYOEi4zP22iTf2tBkni5C5C-i9NT5233LthDTySXoZTpnx_pxeVAu23lHDts6q-C6200KqU2UzLrkqrgnN2Kb9ID/s320/8571370038_887557f1c4_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Pedro Vezini available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Spewing with fire, our angry mind feels that threatening words or harming
others in some way will make them better understand us. We think it will make
them obey our wants and demands. This is an awful, foolish way of thinking,
don’t you think? Anger never makes things any better… doesn't it only make
matters worse? And yet when we’re mad, we’re not thinking about what’s positive
or productive, are we? No, we aren't. When we’ve lost our temper, we've lost
our ability to think rationally. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Justifying our anger, no matter how reasonable we think it is at the time, is
completely useless. Even responding to someone else in anger serves no
real purpose. A story from <i>Something You Forgot Along the Way</i> shares an
insightful and historical moment when one man became very mad at the Buddha.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i>Abuse
That Is Not Accepted</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shakyamuni
and the Heretic</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
One day a young heretic approached Shakyamuni and began to heap abuse on him.
Shakyamuni listened silently, and when the heretic finished, asked gently, ‘Do
you sometimes invite your relatives over to your home on festival days and
entertain them?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Of course I do.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘What if they didn’t eat the food you served them? What would you do then?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Nothing. The food would just be left over.’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘You gave me much abuse just now, but if I decline to accept it, whose will it
be?’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Even if you decline to accept it, it is still yours, since I gave it to you.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘No, for if I do not accept it, you have given me nothing at all.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Well then, explain what it means to accept or not accept.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Accepting what is offered means yelling back at someone who yells at you,
returning anger for anger, hitting back when someone hits you, or fighting back
when someone picks a fight. If you remain indifferent, then you have not
accepted anything.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Do you mean that you never lose your temper, no matter how you are abused?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Solemnly, Shakyamuni replied with a verse:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The
wise man knows no anger;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though
storms may rage against him</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
mind is placid and calm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Answering
anger with anger is for fools alone to do.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘I was a fool. Please forgive me.’ The young heretic [kneeled] in tears before
Shakyamuni and swore to follow him.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p.49)</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
When children get angry, parents can make them go sit in a corner until their
rage gets a bit cooled down. But unfortunately as grownups, no one can tell us
to go into a corner. We couldn’t tell really angry people around us,
"Excuse me... you uh. Um yeah, I'm sorry. You actually need go to into the
corner for a little while." That would only make anyone who is ticked off
even more upset!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The best thing for us to do is carefully step away from any person who is
really, really upset until they can resolve themselves. We should try to give
ourselves and people who are angry around us time and patience in heated
situations. Do as the Buddha instructs us:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t
respond to anger with anger.”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuRCUFqbjB-ZTZUbenZcIaDxmYLzy63zfD7JrGgvT-JF_v7qpttuTUkb5QVztSOKpLKJLwt9LTjInAA0KMZC9xWvbYRoXp439HSHEQ4EaNgZTQOj0dkeeNgGSiCf91OUMgi8wn7mneGlT/s1600/2398247751_148bc0940b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuRCUFqbjB-ZTZUbenZcIaDxmYLzy63zfD7JrGgvT-JF_v7qpttuTUkb5QVztSOKpLKJLwt9LTjInAA0KMZC9xWvbYRoXp439HSHEQ4EaNgZTQOj0dkeeNgGSiCf91OUMgi8wn7mneGlT/s320/2398247751_148bc0940b_z.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art by Tommaso Meli available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But why is it that despite knowing
this... we still get angry when we're in a jam? It is the work of those pesky 108 worldly
passions boiling and churning inside us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Our suffering from not getting what we really wanted in that very moment, right
there and then, foolishly leads us to believe that anger is the best remedy. In
selfish desperation, we feel blowing up will do the job. But trying to fix our
problems using anger just leads to our own downfall. In the end, it injures
everyone we know <u>and most especially, ourselves</u>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
To help us better understand anger, the Buddha teaches us about how our <b>karma
</b>functions within the <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good
deeds bring good results.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bad
deeds bring bad results.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Own
deeds bring own results.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Since anything we do in the fit of anger is a bad deed, we shouldn’t do that.
So what should we do instead? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Deeply learn this wisdom... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
opposite of anger is patience.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We are encouraged to practice patience as much as possible
within the 3<sup>rd</sup> paramita. It is a very good virtue for us to focus on
because it treats and remedies our poisonous anger in the best way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
When things get rough, rather than react quickly, we must try to be patient.
Sometimes, we got to just put up with those super-annoying people or bothersome
chores in our life. When things don't go according to plan in our lives, anger
is not the solution. It's only adds more to the existing problem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
But we’re not angry all of the time, we think. "It's not such a big deal
right now, so I'll work on my temper later." It becomes less important on
our to-do list, and so we forget and it happens again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Now let’s read a story from <i>Something You Forgot Along the Way</i> that
sheds light on just how difficult it is to perceive our own anger and why it's
something that needs to be evaluated in the here and now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i>Change
Irritation to Appreciation</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Born
with a Short Temper?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
A man went to call on a priest for advice. ‘I was born with a short temper,’ he
confessed. ‘They say getting angry only makes matters worse and they’re right.
After I let off steam I feel rotten, and I regret hurting other people’s feelings,
but by then it’s too late. Is there anything I can do to rid myself of my short
temper?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The priest smiled genially. ‘Well, well, you certainly were born with an
interesting item,’ he said. ‘If I am to fix it, though, I need to examine it.
Do you have it with you now?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Well, no,’ said the man. ‘I have nothing to be upset about now, so I can’t
show it to you.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘That’s odd,’ said the priest. ‘Since you told me just now that you were born
with it, it must be somewhere on your person. Don’t be shy, just go ahead and
bring it out for me to see.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘No,’ repeated the man, ‘it’s not here.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Then where is it?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘When you put it like that, I don’t know what to say. Right now it isn’t
anywhere.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
‘Of course it isn’t. No one is born with a short temper. The next time you
start to blow up in irritation, ask yourself where that fit of temper came
from. The answer is, it came from you yourself. To say you were born with it,
as if it’s not your fault, is shirking responsibility.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Patience doesn’t just happen, but must be cultivated, It is all a matter of
attitude.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Change irritation to appreciation.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p. 42)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Through looking within ourselves deeply (<b>5<sup>th</sup> Paramita of</b> <b>Self-Reflection</b>),
we learn that our own anger makes us think up very terrible, terrible ideas. At
times, we can think absolutely horrifying things about others. This anger,
unchecked, causes us to actually do those things we will regret the most in
life. After it's all over, we feel really bad about what we said and did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E0ttBgQHsqPHzRmCZwGlnb9Wpg1hK7zIvCo-P5nHpSvEMAURG2wwJQQc5tBLRPmPy26FOsKSOSNCGFTnpBevt9UHf9b1ny6EkO3Pip2FRHzrW5uxMbtwS1f6ajQhzZMeRAtv8vtB_K6m/s1600/11974950944_b1eb33e491_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E0ttBgQHsqPHzRmCZwGlnb9Wpg1hK7zIvCo-P5nHpSvEMAURG2wwJQQc5tBLRPmPy26FOsKSOSNCGFTnpBevt9UHf9b1ny6EkO3Pip2FRHzrW5uxMbtwS1f6ajQhzZMeRAtv8vtB_K6m/s400/11974950944_b1eb33e491_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> So what is something practical that
can be done about this? You’ve probably heard the answer before, but never
really <i>counted</i> on it when you were really mad. A story from the book <i>Something You Forgot
Along the Way </i>reminds us of this timeless advice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i>Count
to Ten When Angry</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Or
You May Find Yourself Weeping Alone</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
A zoo hippopotamus became
pregnant. Her keepers waited eagerly for the birth, but when the time came, to
their great disappointment the baby hippopotamus was stillborn. In searching
for the reason, they found that when the mother was transferred to a different
room during her pregnancy, she had for some reason gone berserk with anger, and
this episode had resulted in the death of the fetus. I remember being shocked
on reading this account of needless tragedy in the newspaper. Anger, it seems,
releases toxins into the system that can destroy physical health.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The effects of anger on humans are just as disastrous. One often hears accounts
of street quarrels that turn into fights in which someone collapses in rage
before even landing a blow. And there is a famous story of an eminent priest
who spent forty years reciting the Lotus Sutra, only for all the merit so
painstakingly acquired to be lost in a moment’s angry outburst.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
When blood rushes to the head in a fit of anger, we may say and do things we
would never dream of ordinarily – and as a result find ourselves standing alone
in a charred wasteland, weeping bitter tears. But if in the moment of anger we
take a second to think why we are outraged, what it is that so upsets us, our
indignation often melts away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
If you have been [criticized] even though you are in the right, there is no need to
blame your [accuser]. Eventually he is bound to come round and beg your
forgiveness. No one is a match for the truth. If you discover that you are in
error, then follow the proverb, “It’s never too late to mend.” Take swift steps
to correct the matter and improve yourself. To defend yourself furiously even
though you are wrong is the height of folly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The aftermath of anger is dreary emptiness. So when you
get angry, count to ten, and when someone else gets angry, steer clear of him
or her. This is the wise counsel of ancients.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p.84)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
So when our blood pressure shoots up, we have to take <u>our own personal time
out</u> and <u>really examine ourselves</u> when we get really upset.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What
<i>exactly</i> is making me so angry right now?”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just
doing this step is already half the battle.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Normally when we’re very angry, we’re not making sense. So the more you think
deeply about what exactly is making you angry, the more that anger has a chance
to evaporate. Then you can reflect more accurately from the other person’s
point of view. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Next time when we’re really, really fed up and angry, let’s actually <b>count
to ten</b>. Here’s a sample exercise so you can learn for yourself how the
cooling down process works.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
CAR JUST ZOOMS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU FROM ACROSS THE OTHER LANE. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">YOU
HIT THE BRAKES. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">YOU
SWERVE OUT OF THE WAY. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">JUST
IN TIME.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <u>YOUR
HEART IS RACING</u>.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TURNS
OUT THAT IT'S A FLASHY, RED SPORTS CAR </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THAT
SPEEDS OFF AHEAD OF YOU.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUJctJb-0qvjl29wMKEixJ5jPr-_BakrIOysb82QezkVJXIqpR09Nxs8SIV-rDG5W716GyLxh8eA5Go9anT5RahwJJ9PWHGygcqMU8gSWs6vaeZiE7CoEDCLAiRwV3BXCcGUD904kL4e8/s1600/6270853311_f4cacc2fc6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUJctJb-0qvjl29wMKEixJ5jPr-_BakrIOysb82QezkVJXIqpR09Nxs8SIV-rDG5W716GyLxh8eA5Go9anT5RahwJJ9PWHGygcqMU8gSWs6vaeZiE7CoEDCLAiRwV3BXCcGUD904kL4e8/s320/6270853311_f4cacc2fc6_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Pablo Ullola available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
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</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10…
9…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
can’t stand that @!$%*!! I’m gonna show him!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8…
7…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s
just some rich jerk who thinks he owns the road or something.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6…
5…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
can’t stand people who drive like that, but I shouldn’t get so angry about it.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4…
3…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
least I wasn’t injured or anything. He really should pay attention for the
safety of others.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
wonder if that person is rushing to the hospital, or is having a terrible
day from bad news.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
wonder if <u>my driving</u> contributed to his behavior in some way. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">0.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
I ever</span></u></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> cut someone off another
driver </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and
not realized it?</span></u></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This countdown process gives us time to cool down our thoughts. Our
introspection helps us get back on track again. Then when our patience isn’t as
boiling anymore, perhaps it’s only at a simmer, we can start to think, “Hmm, is
what I am angry about really worth getting this worked up over? Isn’t there
some other kind of solution or compromise? What can I do to make this situation
better in a positive way next time?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be
a hero...</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Count
to ten whenever you get angry.</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
We do this counting to remind ourselves that anger doesn’t bring us closer to
what we really want. Counting to ten is really easy. Sometimes even children
less than two years old can do this. <u>But it takes real maturity as an adult
to remember to count whenever you get really mad or feel stressed out</u>. Ten
simple numbers can keep us away from misfortune or disaster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good
deeds bring good results. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bad
deeds only bring bad results.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
own deeds bring our own results. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Doing wrong actions in the throws of some uncontrolled, childish tantrum only puts on display
for everyone to see that our mind is going completely against reason and the Law of Cause
and Effect. This is a senseless mind. We’re planting the wrong kind of seeds.
But when we're ticked off, we don’t understand that a negative result will come
to us from our angered words and clenched fists. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHEN
WE'RE CALM, THE TRUTH REMAINS VERY CLEAR</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
own deeds bring our own effects.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet
we can’t agree with this </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">when
we let ourselves get too angry!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHEN
MAD, WE FALSELY THINK</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">周小逸 Ian</span><br />
<div class="attribution-info">
</div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<strike>Others' deeds brought this bad result.</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>"Obviously, it's ALL <i>that person's fault</i>. I'm not responsible for anything.</strike></div>
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<strike><br /></strike></div>
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<strike><br /></strike></div>
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<strike><br /></strike></div>
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<b>Since both the statements above </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>go against the Law of Cause and Effect, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>they must be ruled out from our thoughts.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b>The Law of Cause and Effect is not a truth that was made to suit our human convenience. It's not something that turns on and off whenever we want it to, like a light switch. It is a <b>universal truth</b> that permeates the <b>Three Worlds</b> (all time) and the <b>Ten Directions</b> (all places). The following is a passage from <i>Unshakable Spirit</i> that explains this lesson clearly in just a few lines.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hurry Up and Be Patient</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The Law of Cause and Effect holds true</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
throughout the universe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until cause and condition come together,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the effect will not emerge. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's important to wait patiently </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hurry up and plant the seeds, and then wait</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without any impatience."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
(<i>Unshakable Spirit, </i> p.88)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Buddhism says that we have been transmigrating since the beginning less past, planting a countless number of <b>karmic seeds</b>. There are so many karmic seeds stored in our <b>Alaya Mind </b>that we cannot begin to even fathom everything that's inside our karma.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are not able to understand the relationship between all the causes and effects within our lives with this human mind made solely of worldly passions. And so we often doubt the <b>Law of Causality of the Three Worlds</b> whenever it brings us a suffering so severe that we don't understand where the cause came from.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We think that our anger in an unpredictable tragedy is justified. Yet when we truly think deeply... after a long inhale and exhale... any kind of anger never brings any true form of solace or happiness.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we are angry at life, we feel "It's no more Mr. Nice Guy. I gotta get even, because I've been so taken advantage of." But these are more bad seeds that will only bring us more misfortune in the future. <u>When we do this, we are doubting the Law of Causality.</u> We should instead be planting good seeds all the more, as soon as possible!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<b>A seed not planted will never grow.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Every seed planted will surely grow.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fuMi0FmdT-cVR9yR3xLFzrVf2ReMXzZTJiq30L3W7ISGvQJVD_hyiBo0rLLRzSoiS46Rg_B-WTAgX_Sg5pI0KSt3vBgPEiTPSKaFS6jWL4b_9ZW7EFKIjtJ2lPwoHD7BzNmzyv3eYeEv/s1600/3591149835_2737d44ba0_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fuMi0FmdT-cVR9yR3xLFzrVf2ReMXzZTJiq30L3W7ISGvQJVD_hyiBo0rLLRzSoiS46Rg_B-WTAgX_Sg5pI0KSt3vBgPEiTPSKaFS6jWL4b_9ZW7EFKIjtJ2lPwoHD7BzNmzyv3eYeEv/s320/3591149835_2737d44ba0_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by f2b1610 available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>If
we plant orange seeds, we get oranges</u>. <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If we plant cucumbers, we get cucumbers</i>. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can't plant the seeds of orange and in your right mind expect to harvest cucumbers.<br />
<br />
Would you buy cucumber seeds if you wanted to grow orange plants?<br />
<br />
<br />
That wouldn't make any sense.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>IN THE SAME WAY </u><br />
<br />
<br />
Bad deeds NEVER produce good results.<br />
<br />
Good deeds NEVER produce bad results. <br />
<br />
<br />
Yet when we're angry, we are <u>desperately wanting to eat an orange</u>...<br />
<br />
while we ourselves <i>are planting cucumber seeds</i>. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Choose the right kind of seeds </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>for the happiness </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>you wish to plant </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>in your life!</u></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This in turn means that when
we are feeling adversity, we must, to some degree, accept that what has happened
to us is because of our own karma from ages past. Of course, some traumatic experiences especially early in life are
still beyond our capacity to accept. This is only natural. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, as we reflect over all the
various evils that we’ve done in this life alone… do we have an accurate count?
Is it really possible for us to fathom exactly how bad our own deeds are from
our own perspective? We are a <i>little bit</i>… biased. Aren't we? With time, don't we forget and lessen the severity of what we've done wrong?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did you eat for lunch
today? Was it tasty? How about yesterday's breakfast? Maybe it wasn't all that fulfilling because you were in a rush. But what about what
you had for lunch two weeks ago today? Do you remember the taste? ... How about five years ago? ... Ten years ago?… Our memory gets more and more hazy as time keeps on ticking. We can't keep accurate tabs
of what we did wrong or right. And yet, why is it that our mind has such precise accuracy for what others did wrong to us? <br />
<br />
Buddhism challenges us to examine our own mind, first and foremost. It encourages us with
the Law of Cause and Effect to reflect on ourselves and our own deeds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bad things must have happened to us for a reason. Sure, we may not
comprehend the cause of it from the narrow span of this lifetime, but however terrible that event was,
it still drove us toward this precious moment where we are listening to the teachings of Buddhism. Because of our past experiences, we have become open and searching for life’s true
purpose in the present. This is a tremendous blessing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdov7gvwxiAbNh3nSFLGQrZzJ9Omo07wwTb-d3Nw0aFHNkS70ZVlKmBCA0DblTGxyCqUdBVN9ZBVTiobcmex4PEDibh-U_3G-upYpELR68ZAfAj2kgdTCY28LrOV-XSLlL4tipDyTD6O39/s1600/6675005111_52eaf332c7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdov7gvwxiAbNh3nSFLGQrZzJ9Omo07wwTb-d3Nw0aFHNkS70ZVlKmBCA0DblTGxyCqUdBVN9ZBVTiobcmex4PEDibh-U_3G-upYpELR68ZAfAj2kgdTCY28LrOV-XSLlL4tipDyTD6O39/s1600/6675005111_52eaf332c7_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Crystal Coleman available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can assign at least some percentage of responsibility on tragic events
that befall us, however small. We can start with as low as 1% my responsibility, and work our way
up later to 10% and 25%. Then in other cases we might start to think… maybe it was mostly my
fault.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A story from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit </i>demonstrates
the transformation that occurs when you reflect positively and make
amends amongst catastrophe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Window Frame Hurts Too</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Winsome Mother and Child</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
happened once when I was riding a train on my way to give a speech. The car
interior was spacious us and quiet, with many unfilled seats. Feeling relaxed,
I spread myself out and opened up a book I’d brought along. After a while,
tired from reading and lulled by the rhythmical vibrations of the train, I
began to nod off – only for my dreams to be shattered by an ear-splitting
whistle and the metallic screech of brakes. Apparently the driver had found an
obstruction of some kind at a crossing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
shock of the sudden stop threw me forward, but I managed somehow to stay
upright. In the same instant, the shrill sobs of a little child rang out. I saw
then that the seats across the aisle in front of me were occupied by a young
mother and her child, who had apparently been amusing himself by sitting with
his forehead pressed against the windowpane, watching the scenery fly by. When
the train jerked to a stop, the tot’s head banged sharply into the window
frame. His wails grew louder and more frantic. Afraid he was hurt, I jumped up,
but to my relief there was no sign of injury. Then I witnessed a scene so
heartwarming that I was deeply touched. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
the child’s pain lessened, he gradually quieted down while his mother rubbed
his head reassuringly and murmured soothing words: “Sweetheart, that must
really hurt. I’m so sorry. I’ll rub it for you and make the pain go away. But
you know, you weren’t the only one who got hurt. The poor window frame did too!
Let’s run it and make it feel better, shall we?” The tot nodded, and sure
enough, he and his mother began to pat the window frame.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGWnw10O7sR4LbNuJr9uRUz_xVYXJ770O9ubl9UVRXoyfil_sQJ6O5g52ImF9trNI-3XVx7qg1QdlGntLufdkTvR-mT7NcbGW8N2Hh35UTEdVDNRur_DeJNdMTmuivj-l-alJ_A2pGkCK/s1600/23730018_75be177acb_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGWnw10O7sR4LbNuJr9uRUz_xVYXJ770O9ubl9UVRXoyfil_sQJ6O5g52ImF9trNI-3XVx7qg1QdlGntLufdkTvR-mT7NcbGW8N2Hh35UTEdVDNRur_DeJNdMTmuivj-l-alJ_A2pGkCK/s320/23730018_75be177acb_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Andre Mouraux available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt ashamed of myself, for I had assumed she would say something more
along these lines: “That must really hurt. I’m so sorry. It’s all the fault of
this naughty window frame. Let’s spank it and teach it a lesson, shall we?”
Such a scene is common enough, giving a toddler a vent for his rage and
allowing the moment to pass.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All too often, when faced with
difficulties, we cope by searching for someone else to blame for our suffering.
Perhaps, I reflected, we<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>implant this
response in our children without meaning to. The child is father of the man,
goes the saying, and surely parents have enormous influence in shaping the
character of small children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People who think only of themselves and cannot empathize with others,
end in darkness. The act of making others happy itself brings happiness. Those
who would set their sights on the Pure Land must keep to the high road of benefiting others as well as themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I left the train wishing true happiness to that mother and child with
all my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i>, p.48)</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
***</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By taking ownership of
everything that happens to us, it does not mean we become masochistic and take everything out on ourselves. It is
not some critical form of self-punishment. It's ownership of one's destiny. We become more responsible in the present because we know our actions will tremendously impact our future.<br />
<br />
W<u>e may not always understand the cause of a bad experience, how it came to us, or where it came from</u>. But we can accept that tragedy has now occurred to us… so what should we do about it? We must start planting
good seeds so that we can reap good results.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1Gh-B4sn0pQVKH3aRWLntYMj96vA1sPQyNmArkTBIPdd1vS13IPVzhOH15B7fruci5_OOgDrS2iWNHHalaRyxWr0NPTivk-XR5pPVAgwSvx1dtISjN-dr_BlDQecUzxArH9TpUYdQj2U/s1600/6477009555_ba58b7c1f0_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1Gh-B4sn0pQVKH3aRWLntYMj96vA1sPQyNmArkTBIPdd1vS13IPVzhOH15B7fruci5_OOgDrS2iWNHHalaRyxWr0NPTivk-XR5pPVAgwSvx1dtISjN-dr_BlDQecUzxArH9TpUYdQj2U/s1600/6477009555_ba58b7c1f0_o.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by AuthenticAng11 available on Flickr.com </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By being patient, we are believing deeply in the Law of Cause and Effect.
“Even though misfortune is all around me, I am going to keep doing what is
right.” This comes from knowing that good seeds bring good results deeply.
However, this is a very, very difficult to do. But still it can be done. I know you can do it. (I'll try my best too!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To conclude this post on patience, here are some insightful words from my
Buddhist teacher, Mr. Takamori Kentetsu and his book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once a monstrous typhoon made a direct hit on Japan. Inside a country
school, pupils and teachers sat in mortal terror as the building swayed and
creaked. No one knew what to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally the teacher jumped up. “Everyone, go out and face the wind!” The
children obediently ran outside – only to be blown about at the mercy of the
wind. Instinctively, they tried to walk downwind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No!” shouted the teacher. “Crawl into the paddy, hold tight to the rice
stalks, and head INTO the wind!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Surprised at the ferocity in the teacher’s voice, the children did as
they were told. Soon the school building downwind from them collapsed with a
great crash, but luckily no one was killed or injured.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjdV0if7m22HFD7Q60Q99zBfKC5lRkJWZD3yPw3fpS3uzFRUWEzfiFsjXjKJLrbvoH-xPK_0RYprMxL-Z0N3vxrw4x2Z1pNUb6XRrt1gzCrNFWk9aQbDQMkdCQUI8fOgfLsPBYwnmAX28/s1600/8147228135_b6ed4cd3ee_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjdV0if7m22HFD7Q60Q99zBfKC5lRkJWZD3yPw3fpS3uzFRUWEzfiFsjXjKJLrbvoH-xPK_0RYprMxL-Z0N3vxrw4x2Z1pNUb6XRrt1gzCrNFWk9aQbDQMkdCQUI8fOgfLsPBYwnmAX28/s320/8147228135_b6ed4cd3ee_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Vinoth Chindar available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is like
that. We know it’s important to face trials head-on with calm and courage, but
doing so is hard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even little
things can be grating. From the time we get up till the time we go to bed, one
thing after another gets under our skin. The tap may be too cold or too hot, the
coffee too strong or too weak. Weather is seldom to our liking, and people at
home or work can be impossible to get along with. On top of it all, disasters
and tragedies befall us. Life brings suffering, sadness, and pain. Happiness is
rare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way to deal with life’s
frustrations is to face them individually, head-on, in the moment. “Get through
this somehow.” When you face a trial, tell yourself, “Just get through it,” and
the burden will ease. When you are suffering, and showing kindness to others
seems impossible, tell yourself, “Just get through this,” and you can do it
with a smile. When courage is needed, tell yourself, “Just get through it,” and
find strength to forgive. Walk forward step by step into the storms of
suffering, telling yourself, “Just get through this!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unshakable Spirit</i>, p.185)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This story can be interpreted many ways, but it contains within it the very spirit
of patience.<br />
<br />
We must face the storm of our own anger and troubles in life with calm and look within to find strength. If we let the wind of our anger sweep us away, we lose our tempers and get lost in the storm.<br />
<br />
If we instead go INTO THE WIND, and face that direction that is challenging us head-on with patience, we find come to know ourselves more deeply while at the same time make our way to safer ground. As hard as things may be around us, we must first take the initiative for the change occur from within. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Let us strive to interpret everything in a positive way.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> - </b>Takamori Kentetsu </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people wait around miserably for happiness to just come along by itself magically with intentions alone. This is not the right kind of patience. Some things in life no matter how hard we try just prove to be impossible. The best choice is to walk away or avoid conditions or people that are bad for us.<br />
<br />
But the key is that throughout it all, our minds are what shape the way we perceive the world around us. Thinking negatively, our words and actions will also be negative. Everyone around us will then react negatively to us. Suddenly, we blame them for how they treat us, and we become even more pessimistic.<br />
<br />
A pessimist is someone who publicly proclaims that they have given up on trying to do good. They feel the world is too negative to ever get any better. So they go about their lives never making a true effort themselves. They discourage those around them from even trying to do good. Stop trying is motto for life. Does this sound like a healthy, solid plan for <i>your</i> life?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J8uHWQZYthclYOso5V_x3kiXNSyVMudVOwQq0wIhQr2kyhngcS1EnUNzBGwUuUpxNP6TkQHgRr_-ldmOi11h5jJTw9m943WlPSd-0BDwfIyPTpzD2hEbYKIItdln51SANsyeKsl0sp3p/s1600/6116705124_e8f0f74945_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J8uHWQZYthclYOso5V_x3kiXNSyVMudVOwQq0wIhQr2kyhngcS1EnUNzBGwUuUpxNP6TkQHgRr_-ldmOi11h5jJTw9m943WlPSd-0BDwfIyPTpzD2hEbYKIItdln51SANsyeKsl0sp3p/s1600/6116705124_e8f0f74945_z.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by ARMLE available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Conversely, an optimist is someone who faces the adversity that life dishes out with a smile. They smile even when it hurts, and seeing this, the people around them want to help such a special person.<br />
<br />
We must make the best of our life in the present moment in order to build toward a better future. Patiently choose hope and positivity everyday, but remember also to put in the work (<b>4th Paramita of Effort</b>). We will cover this next time.<br />
<br />
Keep on listening to Buddhism patiently as well as practicing its teachings, and for sure, in no time, <b style="text-decoration: underline;">you will</b><u> become the happiest person in the universe</u>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-1634396577925102282014-10-24T23:55:00.000-07:002014-10-25T00:16:21.307-07:00Discipline - Keeping Your Promises<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
The second paramita is <b>keeping your
promises</b> which is also known as <b>discipline</b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHtNyhlXXP-SCPcFdO2UlynAPBHNagPI-pThPpDL2FdHw5P3yt6sePTsL7Yb9UIwgrd5bsdyWuAQQkfr0EpWN9EeMRyxrYSYm8JqtW8X8xu6e9BC7wJrUqNhyVL_auIey-nEVaL30o5KT/s1600/crypto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHtNyhlXXP-SCPcFdO2UlynAPBHNagPI-pThPpDL2FdHw5P3yt6sePTsL7Yb9UIwgrd5bsdyWuAQQkfr0EpWN9EeMRyxrYSYm8JqtW8X8xu6e9BC7wJrUqNhyVL_auIey-nEVaL30o5KT/s1600/crypto.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by crypto available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I
think no one likes to hear the word DISCIPLINE.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Some may want to hide when they hear it. It sounds threatening, like
something you really don't want to do. Our first inclination may be to run from
all the added responsibility associated with the word discipline. But
discipline doesn't always mean you're going to detention or you're being
punished.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>It's actually a really good trait
to have and practice regularly</u>.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> That's why Shakyamuni Buddha taught it as one <b>the Six Paramitas</b>. We must work hard to perform this virtue of
keeping our word with others, because it benefits our lives and those around us
greatly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We receive karmic merit by trying to do our best and by being consistent with
our words and actions. All Six Paramitas are meant to help us do the most good
so we can then be happy as a result of that effort.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.) Generosity</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2.) Discipline</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.) Patience</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.) Diligence</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.) Contemplation</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6.) Wisdom</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In order to keep our promises, we first need to have at least some sense of
discipline. This becomes the driving force behind what make us accountable for
what we say and do. If we don’t first understand the value in doing this, we won’t make any
effort toward being disciplined and people will lose faith in us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The only way to keep our promises is to follow them through all the way until
the end. Having discipline means whenever you agree to do something, you should
actually take the time to do it, just as you said you would, exactly when you
said you would. Even when it's difficult for us to accomplish, keeping promises
is a wonderful way for us to earn good karmic merit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> And yet when it comes to getting little jobs done or completing small favors
for someone, sometimes we may cut corners. Often because the promise is made
with family or friends we think or feel that we can get away with it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcmVL2kez5Uadach_5Xa9YHXKwbCnn7HjlSKBlab74020fPlKDo4D3J3Td1FWXPyKwfHjdKVxRoPE9QT_YILL_heapYeZU42totWqGuH0GWq_lGSgUk3C5inrSOAYx91y33FJlYWnt_Hv/s1600/1471150324_a52068a957_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcmVL2kez5Uadach_5Xa9YHXKwbCnn7HjlSKBlab74020fPlKDo4D3J3Td1FWXPyKwfHjdKVxRoPE9QT_YILL_heapYeZU42totWqGuH0GWq_lGSgUk3C5inrSOAYx91y33FJlYWnt_Hv/s1600/1471150324_a52068a957_z.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Carmella Fernando available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Well, since no one is really looking, I guess I’ll take the easy way out
and make an excuse,” we think to ourselves. “I’m sure they won't notice if I
skip it this time.” We think that all those minor promises are too unimportant for us to be
troubled with our valuable time. “If it’s such a small promise, I bet they won’t care. Then why
should I bother? Besides, I’ll just make it up to them later.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> But these things begin to pile up and store in our <b>Alaya Mind</b>. Broken
promises become invisible karmic power that remains within us. The <b>Law of Cause
and Effect</b> tells us that every little effort and little decision we make in
life comes back to us, both big and small.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The following short story from the book <i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i> demonstrates why we shouldn’t "let the small
things go." Too often, our mind can fail to catch the different between good
and bad.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ***</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> A samurai was on a journey. His retainer fell behind, so he paused to wait
for him. At last the retainer came rushing up, out of breath.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "What were you doing?" asked the samurai.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "My straw sandal broke, so I was fixing them."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Who gave you the straw?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "No one. I took it from some rice plants laid out to dry by the side of
the road."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Did you ask permission first?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "No," said the retainer. "Nobody would care about a stalk or
two of rice. Everybody does it, anyway."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "You fool," said the samurai. "I won't put up with such
an attitude. Everyone else may allow it, but I will not. Go back and ask the
owner's pardon."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The samurai well knew that those two excuses - "Everybody does
it" and "It's so small it doesn't matter" - are always on the
devil's tongue.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBX52Rzg2D3THrMEp-uhSNmDzkJJM_TuQZyFzfgeiimQ-vqKO241oy5GlrrrqCffHbZ2ADo7BAnecAJG5T3d0tcgqTrs54EakR39PoGfjSgjz0NWo_DKfz6zv5I_3nt8caRCxhaM_Z75Y/s1600/4858423236_a4742d5170_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBX52Rzg2D3THrMEp-uhSNmDzkJJM_TuQZyFzfgeiimQ-vqKO241oy5GlrrrqCffHbZ2ADo7BAnecAJG5T3d0tcgqTrs54EakR39PoGfjSgjz0NWo_DKfz6zv5I_3nt8caRCxhaM_Z75Y/s1600/4858423236_a4742d5170_z.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by A.Davey available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ***</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Even those two rice stalks could have been used by the family to make sandals for themselves, rope, or matting. Although it may seem like there is plenty,
they all still belong to the farmer that harvested them. So when we go the extra distance for even the
little things in life, it builds up our character and how we're seen by others around us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Your integrity is a great factor in what determines whether you're respected
or listened to. The backbone of that integrity is making the hard choices to do
the right thing. That means whether you are watched or unwatched... on the clock or off the clock. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> So we should always keep strict tabs of what we say and what we do in our
lives. We can’t just let our mouth run and hope that everything we said will
work out in the end. It needs to be written down, so we won’t forget. That kind
of extra care becomes our own discipline.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> If we say and do things that will later reflect poorly on us, eventually we
will experience misfortune from those wrong actions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Intentions and kind words are great, but coming through on what we've
promised is always the best. This added effort and persistence also strengthens and matures our ethics.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> To make a promise to someone but secretly have a mindset of not doing it or
not being able to do it is extremely terrible. It's not only hypocritical, but
it's also very mean to deceive others in that way. When people rely on your words and actions, remember that they are relying on YOU.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> A <b>buddha</b> is different from a
deity in that a buddha is not omnipotent. Buddhas are not capable of performing
miracles or creating a reversal of someone’s karma out of thin air. They are however omniscient, which means they see all, hear all, and know all. So
the wisdom of a buddha is able to see through any mind tricks we may play with
ourselves to get out of what we promised.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> What's most important in Buddhism is <u>our coming to
know our true mindset</u>. By searching within and practicing self-reflection, we
continually improve our own level of moral conduct little by little everyday. We do our best
even if we must sacrifice short-term personal gains.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We work so hard to uphold promises because trust is such
an important component to human life. We need it to survive. It makes
society function better, and all our lives easier as we come to depend on services and
products. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Imagine you go shopping in a department store. There
are a lot of different items to choose from. Ultimately, you will end up
choosing the product that you think works the best and is the most reliable for
the price. As you pay the bill, you are trusting
the vendor and the quality of their product. We hope they will deliver what they say will.
Our trust in a company or product determines the choice of whether we will buy
it or not in the future. Business and profit thrives and depends on this confidence.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> If a popular restaurant boasts that it has organic
foods and high quality ingredients, you might pay more for such a culinary
experience. However, if online reviews spread news that the business owner actually buys
his or her products from low-quality suppliers, then that restaurant owner’s
reputation will inevitably suffer and customers will visit other restaurants
instead. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> When we buy a product at the supermarket, we want the food there to be fresh. We look at the date on the packaging to
determine if it is still good. We inspect produce to ensure it is edible.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcE-zLse-bwzhFkMgG_KjCgrCSErRyeOm6iCYoP7TvLMUBqAaF83WRDOJ31FcFtnRTEW1c5aPRHAsg56tP_ib6Aa-shSkF7UDsjEJ-XvTa2MUXNUm1yMtgwSQkUH76XoULSXZ6ZFpkjtd/s1600/5237986683_f8e38a251e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcE-zLse-bwzhFkMgG_KjCgrCSErRyeOm6iCYoP7TvLMUBqAaF83WRDOJ31FcFtnRTEW1c5aPRHAsg56tP_ib6Aa-shSkF7UDsjEJ-XvTa2MUXNUm1yMtgwSQkUH76XoULSXZ6ZFpkjtd/s1600/5237986683_f8e38a251e_z.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Moyan_Brenn available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> If we get home and open the container and find
that it’s already spoiled, we lose trust in that product.
If we take a bite of the apple we just bought and it's rotten, we get upset with store and demand a fresh one. Trust in business is worth billions of dollars worldwide. And yet our
reliance upon each other is worth more. It is of inestimable value.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We need people to trust us, and without this trust, it’s very difficult for us to survive. Gaining peoples' trust
is critical for our well-being. And the best way to be trusted is to
keep your promises. All of them. Try your best to be a person of your word. You will feel a change in you right away.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> "OK, OK. I get that promises are important," you say. "But what happens when you fail to keep your word a
little bit?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Think of it like this. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Say someone you know is
always late when they make plans to meet with you. Over time, do you believe this
person will arrive on time? Not really. You end up bringing a book or something with you to occupy the extra time you have to wait. You are inconvenienced by this person, and whether you realize it or not, you're confidence in that person plummets as the behavior becomes careless habit. When they promise other things to you, you
begin to doubt them because they are already careless with your
time as it is on a regular basis.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq3kRwmkEQnRDcLcgJtC__O_cD2uKydGjrUKsSjsiIwf-dVirvQyPKOl2Kf2rgh2tTqZsDYPc-Jq-y6_k7yTTo9Gau5fJ9qpln2OIDxXBdLvFH5emeSCbVJCX38MSvKgx9ymVZ5IDJgJr/s1600/3591949353_865a81cb53_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq3kRwmkEQnRDcLcgJtC__O_cD2uKydGjrUKsSjsiIwf-dVirvQyPKOl2Kf2rgh2tTqZsDYPc-Jq-y6_k7yTTo9Gau5fJ9qpln2OIDxXBdLvFH5emeSCbVJCX38MSvKgx9ymVZ5IDJgJr/s1600/3591949353_865a81cb53_z.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by IDS.photos available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thus, it’s
very important to understand that whenever you are late </span></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">you
are <u>stealing</u> someone else's time. </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> This time could be used for really important tasks.
It is time that could be devoted to finding <b>the purpose of life</b>. Our time on
Earth is so limited. It is our most precious resource we have as a human being. So don’t take others’
time like it’s some casual matter. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Let’s do the math together. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (Don't worry, it's just multiplication.) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If
you are 10 minutes late to a meeting with six people, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">how much time have you
stolen? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">10
minutes X 6 People = 60 minutes</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You
have stolen one full hour of time!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQISzl6sniVSQdwl3bola4vIcTBB5TpYWQcdu5z1aFqaWtrpy1rtGaHI6uQarnMrAtLvfXgb7DWk-4VqnoCW-eyNvYuDZlqs-epUOwaJIvfSBEQ5P1gAHeHGzXUWoIYQ8y1Ts6bAZ8PMJK/s1600/208429093_4dd80e6410_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQISzl6sniVSQdwl3bola4vIcTBB5TpYWQcdu5z1aFqaWtrpy1rtGaHI6uQarnMrAtLvfXgb7DWk-4VqnoCW-eyNvYuDZlqs-epUOwaJIvfSBEQ5P1gAHeHGzXUWoIYQ8y1Ts6bAZ8PMJK/s1600/208429093_4dd80e6410_z.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Paul Aloe available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We have not even a minute of time to waste, so be
cautious of appointments you keep with family, friends, and even businesses. They will come to be grateful to
you for your reliability and rest their trust in you.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The challenge before us is to keep our promises <u>all the time</u>. It
doesn’t matter whether that promise is big or small as we stated earlier. Our words should always
match our actions, or we will suffer according to the Law of Cause and Effect.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> There is a story that reflects the importance and
severity of keeping you word.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Once upon a time, there was a very wealthy king who
decided he wanted to create a secret underground chamber. He wanted to make
sure that no one knew of its whereabouts or its function. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Many artisans and builders were selected to build
the facility in a very remote location. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QT9PFnlFQ25Bfuqf0-c2eeKlu2sDsUJAw5DEK-Efp82j-PXHBZ46MQY20JwxbiU6amzx5C8pJyDGW4gPIqRKMsJZC3hadSljVKBH77_59hwB1d8B8M4TaxV1_6UMNT4-fEbOmf3IaRRP/s1600/3407760302_46be1dd8f8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QT9PFnlFQ25Bfuqf0-c2eeKlu2sDsUJAw5DEK-Efp82j-PXHBZ46MQY20JwxbiU6amzx5C8pJyDGW4gPIqRKMsJZC3hadSljVKBH77_59hwB1d8B8M4TaxV1_6UMNT4-fEbOmf3IaRRP/s1600/3407760302_46be1dd8f8_z.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Jari Juslin available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Upon the completion of the project, the
king ordered all the workers to be executed. If anyone was left alive, they
could reveal the secrecy of his project. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> However, the last man in line waiting to be killed begged
for his life with all his heart. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> “I will never tell anyone,” he said on his
knees with hands clasped. “Please spare my life!! I beseech thee, Your Majesty!!” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Hearing his earnest plea, the king was still doubtful. “You’ll
never tell anyone or even speak of it? Are you sure?”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> “Yes, your majesty I promise!”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> So this one person was spared from a death sentence
because he made a sincere promise with the trusting monarch.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> However, over time this promise became too difficult
for him to keep. He started to have a lot of mental agony. Only he knew in the
entire kingdom of the king’s secret project. It was too much to bare.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Put yourself into his shoes. He knew something that
no one else in the entire kingdom knew. This burning secret was something he couldn’t tell his parents, his
significant other, or even his best friend. He couldn’t tell anyone at all or his life would be put on the line.
Imagine how painful that would be to hold something like that inside.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> If we hear something that no one else knows, we want
to tell someone right away. This is very basic human psychology. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> So this man’s deep mental anguish intensified ever
since the moment he made the promise. Finally one day, he reached his breaking point. He couldn’t hold it anymore, so he found thought of a way he could let it out with no one knowing.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> So he went deep into the mountains. There he found a
cavern and wandered a vast distance deep within it. Once inside as far as he
could go, he checked all around making sure that there was no one else in this
cave. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1PLsL4gQ3MRAq5C57ez2x9xEnLFoV3h6pi-6zuHENt1eta-7217qDmsZ0ApzW3iR98SzgWEjq1VQGFRfhmXRpQToGbTrXAIt-S4F6PyXwg2KgkJZvLYM5270TXIao7ZReNykZlIzH8OE/s1600/8262038035_3cee99e201_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1PLsL4gQ3MRAq5C57ez2x9xEnLFoV3h6pi-6zuHENt1eta-7217qDmsZ0ApzW3iR98SzgWEjq1VQGFRfhmXRpQToGbTrXAIt-S4F6PyXwg2KgkJZvLYM5270TXIao7ZReNykZlIzH8OE/s1600/8262038035_3cee99e201_z.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by scott1346 available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Once he saw that it was clear, he shouted at
the top of his lungs, “I KNOW WHERE THE SECRET ROOM OF THE KING IS!!!”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The sound echoed and echoed. “I KNOW… I KNOW… I
KNOW…” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Outside the cave at the mountain’s precipice grew a very
big tree. This very tree was cut down to be part of the king’s new residence. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD-9GzpHeMl2q-SaxIDbDD5Ce2-DxOMuJxl6sqeFJ0mmaRgvTtpG4EzBaby5DR3GN1RWgl-PXBsryfngqb1O_ZfEyyj3UWNb-cRBAbkzvJ0GE5QaKRsxkN8xPiY6D4FQUYsvRnvoJRt-g/s1600/3053827442_18c6603570_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD-9GzpHeMl2q-SaxIDbDD5Ce2-DxOMuJxl6sqeFJ0mmaRgvTtpG4EzBaby5DR3GN1RWgl-PXBsryfngqb1O_ZfEyyj3UWNb-cRBAbkzvJ0GE5QaKRsxkN8xPiY6D4FQUYsvRnvoJRt-g/s1600/3053827442_18c6603570_z.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Adam Baker available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Then one night very, very late while the king was
resting, he awoke from a faint echo he
heard that escaped from within the wooden walls.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> “I know… where the secret room… of the king is…” </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The king became enraged, and he knew exactly who was
responsible. He jumped out of bed and ordered the immediate arrest of the worker who had betrayed his promise. For breaking his word, he was sent to be executed.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUiv2dMmHNNngws7GiYFVJ4Nz7FILPoKWrvhGDHdEHk1XIEyhJpuJJtN3UWalHGiMdoL8eH4_liV_6S6koMc4Pg4hGB80M3plX0Lkhp6d8tZjHGefNMcVo2lh9FJtE0ro-oeszPdUVZBB/s1600/2208439930_677b9f8595_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUiv2dMmHNNngws7GiYFVJ4Nz7FILPoKWrvhGDHdEHk1XIEyhJpuJJtN3UWalHGiMdoL8eH4_liV_6S6koMc4Pg4hGB80M3plX0Lkhp6d8tZjHGefNMcVo2lh9FJtE0ro-oeszPdUVZBB/s1600/2208439930_677b9f8595_z.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by pepergrasss available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">***</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> This story comes directly from the sutras of
Sakyamuni Buddha. It demonstrates through storytelling the meaning behind the popular expression, “If
these walls could talk.”</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Once we make a promise, it may not be life-or-death
as it was in the last story. But we must endeavor to keep promises with a very strict
resolve. If we don’t, our reputations will go down. We must have a firm determination.
If our mind is fluctuating even a little, we shouldn’t make that promise in the
first place.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> When we do manage to keep promises regularly, others
and their trust for us increases. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Regardless of where we live in the world, we are all
part of community. There are a lot of people around us, and we should try to imagine what it feels like to be them. Since we’re not alone on some far off deserted
island, we need to behave and cooperate so that everyone will happy and
harmonious.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYxODCyXTCFTa-5dzKA8iDdBSpWL9hGXQuUByZnghRvSXVTd7vyeUoT5ZgFKWHPGGtD22PkQBE-1RiMxPS8lA-V78nylr3lK_Tz57mML0NGgXlWg0kQLtlIcfazzP23MHLd4qtnKiodRq/s1600/40727794_d95dc73ecb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYxODCyXTCFTa-5dzKA8iDdBSpWL9hGXQuUByZnghRvSXVTd7vyeUoT5ZgFKWHPGGtD22PkQBE-1RiMxPS8lA-V78nylr3lK_Tz57mML0NGgXlWg0kQLtlIcfazzP23MHLd4qtnKiodRq/s1600/40727794_d95dc73ecb_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Niall Kennedy available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We must always try to be considerate of others and
their needs. Don’t cause inconvenience to those around you. Why would you want
to do that?</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Read the atmosphere around you. Is it okay to say what
you’re about to say right now? Is there a better way to say it? Will it cause anyone
pain, irritation, or inconvenience to other person? How will that person think
of me if I use these words?</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The mindset that reflects on how others are doing
can often be tiring and even painstaking. But we have to do it anyway for our own good!</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Everyone around you has emotions, even those who
seem really grouchy or completely unfeeling have worries and concerns concealed within them. Because we live with others
we must be mindful of those feelings. If you ignore how others feel and just
say or do whatever you want, you won’t have many successful friendships or relationships. You
will be seen as someone who can’t be trusted.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So we must make an important resolution in our life.
</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“I
will never cause trouble to others as best I can.”</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> This means keeping our appointments and running our schedule
to always be on time.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> There are two kinds of people who approach life with
two very different mindsets. Look at the chart below and evaluate which one reflects your
behavior the most. Take note of what you are already doing and the areas that may
need improvement.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u>Time
Keepers \ Promise Keepers</u> <u>Time
Wasters \ Promise Breakers</u></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=Put effort into being on time =Stay calm even when very late</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=Arrive before than the fixed time =Arrive around the
fixed time or later</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=Aim at being at least 30 minutes earlier =Often forget they even made
appointments</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=</span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Give
themselves leeway</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">, use time wisely =<b>Always seem
to be out of time</b>, disoriented</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=Prepare early, do things efficiently =Delay work, rapidly
finish at the last minute</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=Care about others and their time =Don’t
care or think time is too important</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">=<b>Apologize sincerely from heart for lateness</b> =<b>Blame external factors like
traffic or others</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Let’s look at the last line. Say there is a meeting
at work that begins at 9:00 a.m. A person calls from the road saying that they
got caught in traffic. They arrive 20 minutes late to the meeting and finally take their
seat. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> However, everyone else in the room managed to be there at the meeting on
time. How did <i>they</i> do it? One person even lived in that very same neighborhood as the
late person. However, the time keepers in the room left an hour earlier so that
they could make it. Was the difference really the traffic, or does it come down
to a <i>personal</i> issue with time management?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtCWyuWldfw2tkD_E9t1WdU_G4FJDFeI1PiXpxR4UKNg7EMDo6AITcnNSS6mqGfObJM_tdGpfeHJMwI1CTnKmfdfvpFYR0Af7VSG_knNY71NHdWfZfDGKHntaGoJahiy1wky2DyGfaSwT/s1600/15356331122_e62acf6283_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtCWyuWldfw2tkD_E9t1WdU_G4FJDFeI1PiXpxR4UKNg7EMDo6AITcnNSS6mqGfObJM_tdGpfeHJMwI1CTnKmfdfvpFYR0Af7VSG_knNY71NHdWfZfDGKHntaGoJahiy1wky2DyGfaSwT/s1600/15356331122_e62acf6283_z.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Word Art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Promise and time keepers say, “I have to keep this
appointment at 9:00 a.m. This needs to happen 100%. It’s important to everyone
else, so I can’t be late even one minute. What can I do to make sure that I’ll make it? … Well,
first I need to avoid the traffic that always builds up at that time near my
street. Maybe I should come in to the office early that day so that I can
prepare. That means I’ll have to go to bed early, and then…”</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> People who break promises instead seem to make very clever
and rather ingenious excuses, “So sorry, I’m late,” they begin with feigned
remorse. “There was so much traffic because of the construction on the freeway
today. I checked the traffic report, but it wasn’t mentioned so I got stuck. I would have
tried side streets, but there were so many stops signs, and the police lately have been
giving out tickets.” <i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>When you think about it, </i></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>why do all these obstacles </i></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>only seem to occur to this same person?</i> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> If this was the real reason, why do they still continue to be late in this way in
the future? They become late again, but this time it is another excuse that becomes more
far-fetched and elaborate. Bottom line, time wasters and promise breakers don’t
feel responsibility for the inconvenienced they’ve caused. If they did, it
wouldn’t be a recurring issue.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Again, the big difference is in the mindset of these
two very different kinds of people. A promise or time keeper is genuinely sorry
when they break a promise. They resolve never to do it again. Promise breakers
only care about their own convenience.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <u>Promise keepers put their priorities on others and
meeting the expectations of their peers</u>. Promise breakers aim at just getting
by themselves, and everyone else comes after they do.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The key to being a promise keeper is understanding
the fundamental Buddhist concept of <b>Benefiting
Others Benefits the Self</b>. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0ai6l4DdZTDcfwBgbyD4WlbS68Xy5X5n7Snv_1R92A8HB0E1Hfl-dXULDNz8wohtZfxiGMCld9HxzUy5PwRwPN3EfFG236jrBDgRZg1MGjYCEQQGS7rjqyh33e5rOuAajwu7rlEqbHJ_/s1600/562954687_f114cddd98_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0ai6l4DdZTDcfwBgbyD4WlbS68Xy5X5n7Snv_1R92A8HB0E1Hfl-dXULDNz8wohtZfxiGMCld9HxzUy5PwRwPN3EfFG236jrBDgRZg1MGjYCEQQGS7rjqyh33e5rOuAajwu7rlEqbHJ_/s1600/562954687_f114cddd98_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Amanda West<span style="font-family: inherit;">mont available on Flickr.com</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We come through for each other because <span style="font-family: inherit;">it's too hard to go it all alone</span>! We can use <span style="font-family: inherit;">any</span> help we can get from our friends. </span></span></span>Now, let’s <span style="font-family: inherit;">take a <span style="font-family: inherit;">look at</span></span> a story that <span style="font-family: inherit;">demonstrates <span style="font-family: inherit;">that</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">why this</span> mindset is so critical.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">***</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> One day a man visited hell and saw that everyone was
starving, miserable and skinny to the bone. Although there was plenty of food, they
used three-foot chopsticks to eat. No one could eat a single bite because they
were all desperately trying to feed themselves with these unusually large
chopsticks.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Then the man visited heaven. There he saw the same
buffet on the table as there was in hell. He expected everyone to have small chopsticks,
but no… they were also using the same three-foot chopsticks. Only this time, everyone
was feeding each other. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> “Oh, you want broccoli! Here you go! Could you pass
me a bite of that chicken? Thank you so much!”</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Those who put priority on others go toward the
light. Those put priority on themselves can only head toward darkness.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">***</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> People who are mindful of others work harder, because they realize the benefit. <u>They become encouraged by how it makes others as well as them feel good</u>.
When they fail to deliver, they sincerely apologize because they care. They <span style="font-family: inherit;">get</span> that the only way to
prevent their own failure is to prepare exactly what they need in advance. Promises become
very important for them to keep. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Making preparations early and thinking of others first is
a very good <b>cause</b>. The good <b>effect</b> that emerges from it becomes a very valuable
asset to us. That asset is called trust. Of course money, land, and treasures
are good tangible assets to have. Trust may be invisible, but it is an
asset of immeasurable value. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Become a person who does exactly what you say you
will do. The trust you will receive from others will be worth more than 100
million dollars. As we learned earlier, you earn people’s trust and make it your own by being on time
and keeping all your promises. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Let’s read a story from <i>Something You Forgot Along the Way</i>, that helps us understand this
value behind keeping all our promises, even the small ones.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">***</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Promises Are to Be Kept"</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
A young man was taking a walk one day when came upon a shabbily-dressed little
girl crouched by the side of the road, weeping as she clutched some broken
pieces of pottery.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DgM-NsmNbo82Q00xzh0vKPNHUeVaHuXMYg0sB86m5FOkrDQMOZi9mSAZam6xcWkQArcA-lYSyV4IfGrvdSrbDRLrHGkQbp_RH9EU9DFFtHdO91wYAJh2L9Zog9kdNng4tkGP_8Y4LDJY/s1600/14901513268_260713efce_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DgM-NsmNbo82Q00xzh0vKPNHUeVaHuXMYg0sB86m5FOkrDQMOZi9mSAZam6xcWkQArcA-lYSyV4IfGrvdSrbDRLrHGkQbp_RH9EU9DFFtHdO91wYAJh2L9Zog9kdNng4tkGP_8Y4LDJY/s1600/14901513268_260713efce_z.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Chris Pelliccione available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Gently he asked her what the trouble was. It seemed that she
was an only child whose only parent was seriously ill. She had borrowed a
one-liter jar from the landlord and was one her way to buy milk when she
dropped the jar and smashed it. She was crying in fear of a scolding.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Feeling sorry for her, the youth pulled out his wallet and checked it, but he
was a poor scholar, and the wallet was empty. “Come back here tomorrow at the
same time,” he told her. “I’ll give you the money for another jar of milk.” He
shook hands with her and went on his way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
The following day he received an urgent message from a friend: “A wealthy man
is here, someone interested in sponsoring your work. He’s leaving in the
afternoon, so come right away.” Yet going to meet the rich man would have meant
breaking his promise to the little girl. The young man quickly sent his reply:
“I have important business today. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I must
ask him to return another day.” And he kept his promise to the child.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
The would-be benefactor at first took offense, but on hearing what had kept the
scholar, he was thoroughly impressed and became his most ardent supporter.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Rich people can be touchy and difficult to deal with. They tend to think that
their money entitles them to have their way with everything. Even those who are
not rich will all too often break any promise and bend any principle for the
sake of money, becoming its slaves.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
The Chinese character for “making money” is composed of elements that can be
read “trusted person.” In other words, money comes to those who are worthy of
trust. The basis of trust lies in keeping a promise regardless of its cost to
oneself. Promises that cannot be kept should not be made. He who breaks a
promise not only inconveniences others but inflicts damage on himself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">***</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Trust is very important for our development and our
own sense of self-worth. <u>And bottom line, it’s simply the right thing to do.</u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Even if the scholar gained a fortune, he would
regret not helping the little girl. Her anguish at following short on his promise became a price that would be too much for him to bare. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> There was no price that could be put on the guilt he would feel inside. First the benefactor was angry, but he soon
discovered that this scholar was the kind of person who put others before himself. It made
the benefactor realize that actually <u>this was someone he could trust and and do business
with in the future</u>. The benefactor’s mind changed because he discovered the
intangible value of trust within that scholar. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Even small promises become the basis for a deep trust.
Once we win this trust, it then becomes part of us, even
though we can’t see it with our eyes. Having the trust of others nurtures our virtue and also gives us
confidence and self-respect. This is why we must keep even the small promises and make double-sure that
they are met! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> A common feature among millionaires is their ability
to follow through with their promises. Droves of people depend more and more on the
services that they provide in their businesses, and these millionaires endeavor to come through every delivery, every time. As a
result, they earn a vast fortune from their efforts that accumulate and gain interest over the years. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Our bank account may not be like theirs now, but we too can
pay this same level of care and attention to our promises and build up our own trust. It will bring us
happiness, and in time we too may thrive in business by making ourselves dependable.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The second paramita of discipline tells us to<b> abide
by the precepts taught in Buddhism</b>. This comes through self-reflection. But we must also put it into practice by carefully
moderating our words with our actions. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> People who don’t keep promises won’t get anything truly
special out of life. People who keep promises will have many blessings from many,
many people. They develop reliable networks and friendly contacts who are also dependable and willing to lend
support. It's also a recipe for a lasting relationship.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFYH3VUim8X12d7cvVgQ7qFamprksU07XpiTmGocGTbhS-jgEoPCDtXfhtPnznnsQh0TcUht43y1XrveRoYtSw8jogH00iCPqqSPeYOKGksStq51vcBLebrCZfmb_Ot_jOWfQEcy9d-lG/s1600/4650762539_79315af873_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFYH3VUim8X12d7cvVgQ7qFamprksU07XpiTmGocGTbhS-jgEoPCDtXfhtPnznnsQh0TcUht43y1XrveRoYtSw8jogH00iCPqqSPeYOKGksStq51vcBLebrCZfmb_Ot_jOWfQEcy9d-lG/s1600/4650762539_79315af873_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Christian Ditaputratama available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> After we start to keep our promises, we will
see the positive effect it has on our lives. We will experience first-hand the direct relationship that exists between <b>causes and effects</b> taught in Buddhism. It's also the moment when we learn the true meaning of a promise in our heart and aim to carry each one out diligently
until it is 100% accomplished.</span> Even if it causes you inconvenience here and there,
keeping promises is worth it in the long run because it is the very basis of human trust. </span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Yet sometimes, no matter how hard we
try, we may not be able to keep a promise. In this unfortunate case, <u>we
should give a wholehearted apology</u>. We never want to break promises
because we don’t want to cause any trouble whatsoever to others. Life is
bothersome enough as it is. Let’s not try to be the kind of people who cause
people discomfort and anxiety from our words and actions.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Good
deeds bring good results.</b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bad
deeds bring bad results.</b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Your
own deeds bring your own results.</b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We must manage our time beforehand (<b>cause</b>), so that
we can actually fulfill the promise (<b>effect</b>). That effort must of course come before the
deadline runs out. <u>So a great way of keeping track of promises is keeping a
daily planner.</u> Whether it is digital or paper, either way it will help you become a better time and promise keeper.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89vKScMKXae3MFq1dZ3U8KI-K0ny2JUTyEcs_OWLU-PiPWccWaGPnn3useQhPDmuVLrduEdwZ0xEkUb-kuXxNKUvEG5QIjcW9a9nEdjk2u8onfdMlJm1K3Imt-JD0TQa9zI7kNVCEcYCg/s1600/4827013488_60953318d3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89vKScMKXae3MFq1dZ3U8KI-K0ny2JUTyEcs_OWLU-PiPWccWaGPnn3useQhPDmuVLrduEdwZ0xEkUb-kuXxNKUvEG5QIjcW9a9nEdjk2u8onfdMlJm1K3Imt-JD0TQa9zI7kNVCEcYCg/s1600/4827013488_60953318d3_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Generation Bass available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The more we coincide with what we say and do, the better we feel inside. Others
will think of us as special people and treat us kindly. They will receive us with greater
respect and admiration than those who are not dependable.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The Law of Cause and Effect reminds us that we'll always receive exactly
what we put out. The more we push through to keep our promises, the more greatly
we're rewarded when it comes back around to us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> And if possible, </span><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">keeping an accurate account book of your expenses
will help build your credit and save you money</span></u><span style="line-height: 115%;">. Studies have shown that those who keep records of their expenses end up with thousands of dollars more at the end of the year. Using this method,
you can also keep track of what you promise to pay to others. This includes all
those piling bills and debts. Banks will then trust you more with loans, services, and
rewards as a result of all your payments arriving on time. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> John D. Rockefeller had his start as a humble bookkeeper.
Rockefeller made 50 cents a day when he first started work. But he always kept
a red expense book that monitored every single penny he earned and spent. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9I03a5v53TGMMVwh93mz1xTCeddmZOpSRRpcNFmkbPvYVrGqu4H58zmo2DmrPtpKpeQ-mezjk9uxd5wZn0nYaKV624Sj6a5vDCaQIIpncH6zojYSwIHQ1vXu0YDkX7jUMF_7lmYx_DL3/s1600/14998876451_4db8318e92_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9I03a5v53TGMMVwh93mz1xTCeddmZOpSRRpcNFmkbPvYVrGqu4H58zmo2DmrPtpKpeQ-mezjk9uxd5wZn0nYaKV624Sj6a5vDCaQIIpncH6zojYSwIHQ1vXu0YDkX7jUMF_7lmYx_DL3/s1600/14998876451_4db8318e92_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by aehdeschaine available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Every
single cent was accounted for and written in this book. Many employees
ridiculed how meticulous Rockefeller was with his expenses. But from those
modest beginnings of managing small amounts of spare change, he began investing
dollar by dollar. Rockefeller rose in status, ultimately becoming one of the savviest businessmen
in United States history. The name Rockefeller became a household word synonymous with wealth, and yet people fail to remember that it all began with
care for a single penny.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> So keeping your word with bills and expenses can
even yield along with it financial gains.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAXpaIYsceI6jsqQAHwO3_P-nu4yKHTCInO7UCK1D_y6p45eSXpW-YQuUNKHQsURPaXVizrU2JdLPwllIB4WN77EiGgkrS16mo3Ujp_g4IrXTYs_CwQTcy9nGy5O3HsKCo335beIlxCVs/s1600/6757849129_54c4f1ab10_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAXpaIYsceI6jsqQAHwO3_P-nu4yKHTCInO7UCK1D_y6p45eSXpW-YQuUNKHQsURPaXVizrU2JdLPwllIB4WN77EiGgkrS16mo3Ujp_g4IrXTYs_CwQTcy9nGy5O3HsKCo335beIlxCVs/s1600/6757849129_54c4f1ab10_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by 401(K) 2012 available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We, human beings, learn by doing. It is practice that
makes perfect. So keep your promises beginning today! If you add a little
discipline to your life, you can only stand to win the trust of others and gain
happiness as a result. You may even generate more money with this mindset. So it's win-win. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> However,
to actually do all of this is of course… <u>easier said than done</u>. ;-)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76fJMIzagDm4zWvhngDDDqFHBW-THTMpPcy_n0lJto-uxbEW3Xm4nQ_6g10a0dGb26IiF_PG_UiBvOjveOKha-RIOVlcHcCve5CMZHbv-rw_8MJJ-E4O2xydFwL1aK6lOp-4JwjvRzut-/s1600/10797722765_1cf2c9b607_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76fJMIzagDm4zWvhngDDDqFHBW-THTMpPcy_n0lJto-uxbEW3Xm4nQ_6g10a0dGb26IiF_PG_UiBvOjveOKha-RIOVlcHcCve5CMZHbv-rw_8MJJ-E4O2xydFwL1aK6lOp-4JwjvRzut-/s1600/10797722765_1cf2c9b607_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Original Photo by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<![endif]-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-73316319407335682392014-09-18T14:14:00.002-07:002014-09-18T14:22:05.524-07:00Suggested Reading - Pure Land Buddhist Book Reviews<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAfyrZdbU348jsHG4jvdfhMQH-HKgFrRweT1BEyaiYZPxthtzrtyeu5Bpkc2HVllRNj7WDdzXkll3MDZW_SsAP0IJ9Q-mR7DPjLuEAjO1jMZOvjGNs26c-A8poh3mLf8qV9Uf015D7iTH/s1600/65179_211532202314244_656246360_n.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">These
are all personal book recommendations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I, personally, as well as
mirrorofdharma.org, do not receive funds of any kind for advertising
these books. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I
only wish for those reading Mirror of Dharma Blog to explore these
titles for the purposes of learning Buddhism.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Please read and share with your family and friends </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">some of these very insightful book titles. </span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1.) <i>Something You Forgot Along the Way </i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available on Amazon.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: small;">This
is a wondrous book for beginners of Buddhism as well as those who wish to
learn Buddhist wisdom without converting from their own religion. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The
book is composed of 65 enlightening short stories. Each one reflects one or more of the
virtues contained within the <b>Six Paramitas</b>. (Generosity, Keeping Promises, Patience, Effort, Self-Reflection, and Wisdom)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Author Kentetsu Takamori is a Buddhist teacher, lecturer, and author for more than five decades. He is the chair of one of the largest Pure Land Buddhist schools in Japan and the world. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KentetsuTakamori" target="_blank">Author Kentetsu Takamori's Facebook Page</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Mr. Takamori's book is filled with wise quotations from
philosophers all around the globe that reflect the universal truths taught in Buddhism. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But a picture can be worth a thousand words, so his work also features exceptionally beautiful
photographs of nature sprinkled throughout the book. They are visually appealing to the eyes offering a moment of nature's peace within our often hectic urban lives.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This thought-provoking piece of literature is a great addition to have on your coffee table. Reflecting on one story a day will strengthen you as you move forward on your spiritual journey. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It will definitely provide you with guidance and insight.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Gift this to a family member, significant other or friend. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Lastly, here's a sample
passage I'd like to share from it: </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Wonderful Fruits</span> </span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our struggle is, in the end, a struggle with</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the self </span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">–</span> a struggle that must be carried</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">on. Like muscle training, developing the</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">soul is an extremely painful process.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Endure and persevere.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tangible things may get stolen,</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">disintegrate, break, disappear; the</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">invisible treasure of the soul is</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">indestructible. Whatever pain you suffer</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">will be rewarded in full.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Wonderful fruits will be yours.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Something You Forgot Along the Way, p. 54)<b><i> </i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2.) <i>If you plant seeds of happiness, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>flowers of happiness will bloom</i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ctCNq9pW5YAt8f5VCCFAo76PRDh_8-CzyoiPGL_00eiKaaB9N3F9EynhyphenhyphenGP61glw2yb8v6H8QRKreFSjtDq9972zrwG02krGe-mOfSpxGYmFyc8cHjSBCTi_AbY9v7tcpHvgDb20JV2x/s1600/71f4+2haOlL._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ctCNq9pW5YAt8f5VCCFAo76PRDh_8-CzyoiPGL_00eiKaaB9N3F9EynhyphenhyphenGP61glw2yb8v6H8QRKreFSjtDq9972zrwG02krGe-mOfSpxGYmFyc8cHjSBCTi_AbY9v7tcpHvgDb20JV2x/s1600/71f4+2haOlL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available on Amazon.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This wonderful
book came out just last February and is selling strong. Its pages teach us the <b>Law of Cause and
Effect </b>in a very practical way. We all can relate to the handy spiritual advice written in here. <br />
<br />
The author, Kazushi Okamoto, shares his vast experience teaching thousands of Buddhist lectures over the years. He has talked one-on-one with scores of people and has shared all his insight from counseling so many individuals over the years.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seeds-of-Happiness/492912774173506?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser" target="_blank">Seeds of Happiness Book Facebook Page</a></span></div>
<br />
Likewise, we too can learn how to
apply Buddhist wisdom directly to our own challenges. Here is one passage that explores how we deal with blame in our lives:<br />
<br />
"Generally, there are two types of reactions: The first is to take things out on others. People of this type blame all their failures on other people and criticize those around them. The second type takes things out on themselves, criticizing themselves more than necessary. The type of person who ignores his own responsibility and criticizes others tends to be an object of dislike to those around him, all unawares. But he may not suffer much from the pangs of self-hatred.<br />
<br />
The overly self-critical person who is quick to take all the blame may very well be regarded as a nice person. But, lacking the self-confidence in himself, he will suffer in silence from emotional distress.<br />
<br />
If the root of the problem really is in yourself, you must of course reflect on it and amend it. But to assume that everything is 'my fault' or 'my responsibility' is just to hurt oneself without reason, and is not a good thing at all."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
(If You Plant Seeds of Happiness, Flowers of happiness will bloom, p. 76)</div>
<br />
The book goes on to give a real-life example that occurred to a woman who felt overwhelmed with demands at work. Step by step, Mr. Okamoto reveals insights into her story which also provide us with the keys for success in our relationships. <br />
<br />
Filled with brilliantly inspired cartoons and insightful lessons, this is a wonderful and necessary addition to the library of someone seeking their <b>True Self</b>. It also yields to us a greater understanding of how exactly the universe operates according to the principles of <b>Cause and Effect</b>.<br />
<br />
I highly encourage this book for beginners to grasp fundamental concepts in Buddhism on a deeper, more heart-to-heart level. You'll find no other self-help book out there is quite like this. You will be pleasantly surprised.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3.) <i>Unshakable Spirit</i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available on Amazon.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<i>Unshakable Spirit </i>is another collection of short stories that teach the Buddhist virtues of wisdom and compassion. By examining the heart of Buddhist philosophy and way of life, each story explores the beneficial effects of patience, harmony, and effort and how they directly contribute to our own happiness due to the universal truth contained within the Law of Cause and Effect.<br />
<br />
By looking squarely at ourselves as being responsible for our own destiny, we refrain from blaming others. We endeavor toward keeping peace with one another, because in a cooperative spirit our independent efforts can become doubled. If we consistently and persistently choose to do the right thing, in time it will bring happiness for sure.<br />
<br />
One by one, the diverse tales from cunning strategic moves made in battle to tender insights made from motherhood, we are made to see our own nature and are further encouraged to make the best choices that lead us to our own happiness. Rather than be one who reacts in a rash manner to catastrophe, we become one who knows the wisest steps to take first with an "unshakable spirit."<br />
<br />
Here's a short excerpt: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>On the Solemnity of Truth</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Truth has no relation to human thought</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or convenience</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether we accept the truth or not,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whether it amazes us or not,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whether we feel right about it or not,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whether it suits our convenience or not</div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">–</span> none of this has any bearing on the truth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Herein lies its solemnity. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
(<i>Unshakable Spirit</i>, p. 102)</div>
<br />
This is an introspective and cultural work that explores the depths of self. Though each story is short in length, its content can be contemplated for much longer than it takes to read. Make sure to pick up this little book of wisdom when you get the chance. It will be worth the read for sure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4.)<i> The Story of Buddha: A Graphic Biography</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eATe1X0RApA0ZlljRSQZc0HDGzrqVbFw1hq_R1E8HaL1FmHhXEBGu48HS6D3W6kqRxEoyr6cyM9SEy1SmoRWbueZdiihoBEpPciZxQRB3z27s-PlVSriJwEbE2wv9TldKyZSAkTDH4yS/s1600/buddha_cover-211x300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eATe1X0RApA0ZlljRSQZc0HDGzrqVbFw1hq_R1E8HaL1FmHhXEBGu48HS6D3W6kqRxEoyr6cyM9SEy1SmoRWbueZdiihoBEpPciZxQRB3z27s-PlVSriJwEbE2wv9TldKyZSAkTDH4yS/s1600/buddha_cover-211x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available on Amazon.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Knowledge of Buddhism begins with knowing who was the Buddha. This Buddhist comic book
is very unique in that it is an animated look at one of the most
revolutionary spiritual figures in history, Shakyamuni Buddha.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BuddhismManga?ref=profile" target="_blank">Story of Buddha Facebook Page </a></div>
<br />
Learn
about Prince Siddhartha Gautama and follow his journey from royal life to ascetic practices to Buddhahood
through riveting animations and expository dialogue. This is a must have
for those who simply love all things anime as well as those who prefer learning visually.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5.) <i>You Were Born for a Reason: The Real Purpose of Life</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZZD99txJksfjZQ0OsiGUddpGPienn6KxOexbkLmkGmpDjLP7V_rAQdGX059827GtwX2XBW8GhupC5-GH5tv7m3btyp_8B3FVBE1biqrsV0mIPeFLXvOSkOHFqkbqBLwPx4tc48tsf5wj/s1600/REASON_front1-199x300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZZD99txJksfjZQ0OsiGUddpGPienn6KxOexbkLmkGmpDjLP7V_rAQdGX059827GtwX2XBW8GhupC5-GH5tv7m3btyp_8B3FVBE1biqrsV0mIPeFLXvOSkOHFqkbqBLwPx4tc48tsf5wj/s1600/REASON_front1-199x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available on Amazon.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<i>You Were Born for a Reason</i> can almost be described as the essential textbook for Pure Land Buddhism. This is for someone very interested in studying Pure Land Buddhism and perhaps wanting to become a more serious follower of the Pure Land path.<br />
<br />
The first half of the book explores the facets of our lives and reveals to us the Buddha's truth that "having and not having is the same." It beckons us to think deeply on ourselves and our own life. We are then presented with the idea of an attainable absolute form of happiness.<br />
<br />
The second half of the book teaches us through the experiences of a monk by the name of <b>Master Shinran</b>. Through his journey from <b>self-powered Buddhism</b> to <b>other-powered Buddhism</b>, we understand the root meanings and teachings of the Pure Land School.<br />
<br />
A sequel to this book is currently in the process of translation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">6.) </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Unlocking Tannisho: Shinran's Words on the Pure Land Path</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVTYrQsDiT9gR9VEl8X31Vb4BJqYkZj1VuwQX2ryXd5Z-w2gnTE7IsOwjBYyiaJnMcAB6B5BroF9HBc3mClGtU8tdkmZjgAV6TmwPjizWinhgvQVJ3wweCVz-FgWQnHNneibzJ8bmZb8t/s1600/unlocking_200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVTYrQsDiT9gR9VEl8X31Vb4BJqYkZj1VuwQX2ryXd5Z-w2gnTE7IsOwjBYyiaJnMcAB6B5BroF9HBc3mClGtU8tdkmZjgAV6TmwPjizWinhgvQVJ3wweCVz-FgWQnHNneibzJ8bmZb8t/s1600/unlocking_200.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Available on Amazon.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<i>Unlocking Tannisho</i> is a powerhouse of Pure Land Buddhist study and information. However, this book is not recommended for those who are new to the teachings as there could be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding.<br />
<br />
The original work <i>Tannisho </i>was a very famous piece of Pure Land Buddhist literature published several hundred years ago. The title literally means, "Lamenting the Deviations." It goes on to explain common mistakes and false beliefs that were made by priests who misunderstood the teachings. The book was so controversial that it was kept hidden from the general public's view for centuries.<br />
<br />
The book <i>Unlocking Tannisho</i> is the latest and most authoritative translation and commentary on the <i>Tannisho</i> ever written. This book is aimed at the level of religious scholars and serious students of Pure Land Buddhism. It is a must-read for those seeking the truth and who have all ready built a solid foundation by having read all the other books listed above.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/IchimannendoPublishingInc" target="_blank">Pure Land Buddhist Books - Publisher Facebook Page</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Buy a copy of one or more of these precious books!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Or see if a copy is available at a library near you!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXWbAZ2Wia-cu_3UsvgXUYuDQcYTB2EoFX_eBay_a5FiPFmPgQn8frIBpYOINrfjC9oHz5HG18YwKk-IPeJIGuHlilhZ1fHcbra-eKPjAMAfxc3ppgnEcN7hfGqBAbvvFGaAbt5ahwyIb/s1600/6333984637_7d08596f9e_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXWbAZ2Wia-cu_3UsvgXUYuDQcYTB2EoFX_eBay_a5FiPFmPgQn8frIBpYOINrfjC9oHz5HG18YwKk-IPeJIGuHlilhZ1fHcbra-eKPjAMAfxc3ppgnEcN7hfGqBAbvvFGaAbt5ahwyIb/s1600/6333984637_7d08596f9e_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Loughborough University Library available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-40731856328185216072014-09-08T14:34:00.000-07:002019-04-14T06:58:20.421-07:00Generosity - Sharing the Dharma with Family & Friends Up to this point, we've discussed the first <b>paramita</b> of <b>generosity</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Donating materials or money</b> when it is <u>given deeply from the heart</u> greatly contributes to our overall happiness and well-being as well as to those around us.<br />
<br />
We also learned about seven special ways that we can give for free on a daily basis. Here's a little recap:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Seven Good Deeds that Don't Cost Anything</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.) Having a kind, warm look in our eyes</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.) Smiling as best we can authentically</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.) Speaking with compassion & using the gentlest wordings</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.) Lending a hand & using our physical efforts to help people</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">5.) Expressing our gratitude with feeling & showing respect to others</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">6.) Giving up our seat or letting someone else go first</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">7.) Sharing a meal or opening up our home for someone who is in distress</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> And lastly, we found out that we get the most of our donations and kind acts when we give them wisely in each of the <b>Three Fields</b>: <b>Those We Respect</b>, <b>Those We're Grateful Toward</b>, and <b>Those in Desperate Need of Compassion</b>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Now moving forward, the second category of generosity is <b>Sharing the Teachings of Buddhism</b>. This means to share what you've learned from the <b>Dharma</b>
with the people of your life. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Giving the gift of Buddhism is in itself
the very best way we can practice and give kindness. And now thanks to modern technology, we can even
conveniently share it with anyone online!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">
As we ourselves continue to listen to Buddhism, we learn more
and more about who we really are gradually. Often times what we find out
about ourselves can be very difficult to come to accept.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But if we endeavor to push forward and keep seeking, we can and will attain absolute happiness -- all at once in just one split-second moment -- and, simultaneously discover our <b>True Self </b>at the same time. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLLPZbLhddUreUnXmUydaYyYpuzG2N2CT3AlWJJS-KHQ5hi_KsFpG4nsKpnvtsdcKH79q5n5FUkemYhBLQ5Nm3gnnMSJaMKzinfvNuVqjCVsTCwa39PLsPDZRsocvIvxwtsTyhEPQ75N_/s1600/8231205714_47444c1613_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLLPZbLhddUreUnXmUydaYyYpuzG2N2CT3AlWJJS-KHQ5hi_KsFpG4nsKpnvtsdcKH79q5n5FUkemYhBLQ5Nm3gnnMSJaMKzinfvNuVqjCVsTCwa39PLsPDZRsocvIvxwtsTyhEPQ75N_/s1600/8231205714_47444c1613_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Graphic by Paul Inkles available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our <b>purpose in life</b> is to successfully obtain this once-in-a-lifetime
experience of "WOW!" for ourselves and to then live on in gratitude and
celebration of achieving eternal happiness. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We were born as human beings
for the sole purpose of experiencing this blissful feeling like none
other. In, Buddhism, it is also known as the <b>Path of No Hindrance</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We guide others toward obtaining this spiritual liberation by sharing
the Buddha's teachings with kindly words and comforting smiles. Our
personal opinions and objections get placed aside when we share. We hold
back our own desires to make quick value judgements or to share
personal opinions. Priority is given to the guidance that is found within the
teachings in order to help others find the right way. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To share Buddhism with others effectively, we must first learn how to <u>truly listen to others deeply</u>. We have to carefully understand and examine the other person's state of mind and condition before we begin sharing the Dharma. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By listening to others fully, we gain wisdom and learn about situations that we ourselves might face in the future. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxpxZCFXiQoPw05OuCwDkML8wmklLmbKd2_o8kD6OUtX9ONMzSb0YF54YB1aQ1vCM9aX64xnpATT1wlb8h0yvUO77mq43oV4v0I0whXUJLp0XURygqyr7vc6XmWrvNotNb1yLakRSBZ3M/s1600/5957786486_aa554ea86a_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxpxZCFXiQoPw05OuCwDkML8wmklLmbKd2_o8kD6OUtX9ONMzSb0YF54YB1aQ1vCM9aX64xnpATT1wlb8h0yvUO77mq43oV4v0I0whXUJLp0XURygqyr7vc6XmWrvNotNb1yLakRSBZ3M/s1600/5957786486_aa554ea86a_z.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Comic by James Clayton available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sharing Buddhism also develops our own capacity to have patience and
compassion. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now the importance behind why we seek after the teachings is that we are facing a
grave problem... literally. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is only a limited amount of time for
us here on Earth, and precious time is constantly ticking away night and
day. All of us have this very crucial matter of mortality to face and
solve, all while we're still alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The teachings of Buddhism reveal to us a truth that is very difficult
to hear or find anywhere else addressed in this same way. One Buddhist
master by the name of Shinran used these words, "This world is as
fleeting and unstable as a burning house." This doesn't paint a pretty
picture for where we live.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Though there is something we can all do about it, many of us choose to
ignore the problem and put it off to some other time. <u>Yet the thing we procrastinate the most about is our own impending death.</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Even when we hear about death occurring on the news, we all keep trying to live
life to the fullest despite what we hear. We want to remain ignorant that death is coming up for
us too. We sweep that problem under the rug for as long as we can, out
of sight and out of mind. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But the more we try to run and hide, the more we
come to find that all those worldly pursuits of happiness we fight so hard for every single day... keep letting
us down again and again. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>It's because all those worldly pleasures aren't capable of lasting in the first place</u>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If we just pursue the good times relentlessly and do achieve fame and
fortune, we are still inching closer and closer to the final moment of
death. <u>Ignorance is not bliss in the long run.</u> Death happens suddenly and without notice to every person on the planet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We never know when that last moment will strike for us. But
it's really coming for me one day, and it's really coming one day for
you too. It is scary. I know.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's exactly why sharing Dharma is thus the most precious gift we
can offer ourselves or others while our life force still remains strong.
Being born a human being gives us this tremendous opportunity to uncover
our True Self. Knowing who we are is a kind of bliss that we've never
known for uncountable aeons past. Now, finally, we can obtain it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But with more than 7,000 sutras to study, this is no easy task.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b>That's
why it's so important for us to find a good teacher who can guide our
understanding of the Buddha's words. By observing and listening to true
Buddhist teachers directly at a Buddhist center, you can learn about the
Dharma in the best way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then when you decide to share Buddhism on your own, you can invite the
people closest to you over to your home for a spiritual chat. Here and
there, you can bring up Buddhism in conversation whenever and wherever
you feel that it is comfortable to do so. If you want to form a study
group, you can hold a talk at a library, cafe, or public space that is
suitable for study.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When Buddhism becomes a big part of your life, it is because you are
moved deeply to discover your purpose of life. You realize that there is this
very grand endeavor we all have in our lives. We are all born for this reason. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then when you attain it
and feel that true happiness inside yourself, you can't just keep such a
profound feeling of peacefulness all to your lonesome. If you actually
find the meaning of life, you must of course share that wisdom with all
your family, friends, and loved ones. And the world even!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Imagine for a moment that you go to a very delicious and famous Italian
restaurant. You order a pizza there, but up until your first bite, you
couldn't believe all those rave reviews you read online. "No pizza can
taste that delicious," you think to yourself. But everyone kept going
on and on about how wonderful the pizza tastes there. It makes you
start to wonder. But you can't really know whether that pizza is delicious or not
until you actually go there, order it, and take a bite.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXNK7FLakSGC9FlMTNeet9iMM6cs2vSgYPJYgpeaqLIa_VHjitr4pNI3Fatz2bj2D9fOxuPgGor4jNtef250MSnzNryYmxrziAdNPGRZ1BdAaP_DVVY_VZzS_c5cVUzS2vHckcGdAazfs/s1600/1468432595_bb87f9f13b_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXNK7FLakSGC9FlMTNeet9iMM6cs2vSgYPJYgpeaqLIa_VHjitr4pNI3Fatz2bj2D9fOxuPgGor4jNtef250MSnzNryYmxrziAdNPGRZ1BdAaP_DVVY_VZzS_c5cVUzS2vHckcGdAazfs/s1600/1468432595_bb87f9f13b_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Ragdoll available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That first mouthful represents that split-second moment that reveals to you just how great the flavor really is! Wow!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The first thing you'd do is spread the word to all your friends, "Hey, you gotta go to this pizza place and try it! I'm serious. I
thought all the people were exaggerating, but now I know better. You
won't believe how good it is until you try it."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You'd want everybody to share in the same wonderful experience you just
had. Likewise, when we experience a real sense of contentment from the wisdom of the Buddha's teachings, we also can't wait
to share that joy we found with those closest to us. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sharing Buddhism begins with finding one person -- YOURSELF!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once you begin to discover more about your True Self, you will develop a
stronger karmic connection with Buddhism. Over time, you will then
naturally develop a wish to share with others. But it's totally up to you
and your own discretion.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you do talk to your family and friends about the Dharma, you will
find out all the little gaps in your own understanding. (I'm still
learning every day even as I try to write this blog.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sharing Buddhism with others begins by talking
wholeheartedly with just one person at a time. Even though there are so
many people in the world in desperate need of the truth, the spread of truth
begins patiently and accurately with one person. We give our all to them and share as best we can in each lesson. By focusing on teaching
to this one individual, gradually our knowledge base and experience will
expand, and we can be able to share with larger groups.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's very important to have empathy for the feelings of those who
follow a different sect of Buddhism or a different religion altogether.
Learn from them as well as teach them. But keep in mind that every religion or
spiritual group has its own different idea about where our path in life
leads. Sometimes, putting it all together and finding the right one can be confusing. But this is an important task you must
decide for yourself.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzhkIWWNL103Q5aEFJefJsy8q3gVsQkEGYKd17mRzfih65aCn8_tQN2Bzu9_Aokp3Ut2FuZBIuCjW0yMg0hQ1mP2IU42UQpr0B546HgHAyU9P9DtEmQIOX51iPdHsiaGz5NnfndFIOK0x/s1600/1052287271_16e046a3c3_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzhkIWWNL103Q5aEFJefJsy8q3gVsQkEGYKd17mRzfih65aCn8_tQN2Bzu9_Aokp3Ut2FuZBIuCjW0yMg0hQ1mP2IU42UQpr0B546HgHAyU9P9DtEmQIOX51iPdHsiaGz5NnfndFIOK0x/s1600/1052287271_16e046a3c3_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by EnKayTee available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the beginning, we are still making up our minds, and we may need
time to find our exact spiritual direction. But when we know that we
wish to dedicate ourselves and follow the Pure Land path, we then become
mindful of continuing on the course that is taught so we can reach the finish line as soon as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We want in our hearts to bring everyone toward happiness, but ultimately the choice is
up to every person to make. Teach with the most energy to those
open-minded persons who express a real thirst for the teachings.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>
Remember, the Dharma is not something that can be forced or pushed onto
someone. Each person must find the truth at their pace. We can only
wish in our hearts that everyone obtain absolute happiness quickly.</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And when teaching, it's better to find a person's question accurately
from a Buddhist teacher than to answer incompletely or in a round-about kind of way. You may be
answering incorrectly if you do so. We must guide people in the right direction,
first and foremost.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's why we make our best effort to encourage others to
visit a Pure Land Buddhist center. This is the best place for us to
directly learn the teachings. Once there, we can learn in the best way
how to share the teachings. By visiting a Buddhist center or meeting
with Buddhist friends, we can all find the answers to our innermost
questions together.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been said that, "Material weath may be treasure for a lifetime,
but the Dharma is a treasure for all eternity." Money and possessions
can only bring us temporary pleasure while we're alive in this world.
Once we die, we must leave behind all our treasures, our possessions,
and... even our loved ones. We must go it all alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This sad fact is what makes death so very difficult and painful
for all of us. This world is the only home we've come to know. At death,
we must leave with nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For all these reasons, death is our most crucial matter to
solve. It's also why a sensitivity to the nature of how all things are <b>impermanent</b> is essential in Buddhism. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Without this inclination, people remain focused only on the pleasures
of life until they get old, sick, or die. People worry a great deal
about having enough money for their retirements, but that's only an
issue if you live that long. Old age is not guaranteed. Death is
what's certain.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by ~C4Chaos ~C4</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%;">無秩序</span> available at Flickr.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having a keen sense of impermanence drives us to make continual efforts
toward studying the teachings. It pushes us to listen more carefully so
that we can find out once and for all who we really are on this
journey... BEFORE it's too late and death comes knocking for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Even if we forget all about our own death and become overly
consumed with worldly desires, we will still lose those closest to
us sooner or later. And so we are reminded again but in a way that hits us so deeply we can't deny it any longer. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It has
been said that we cry the most at funerals because we're crying two
times -- once for the person who has left us, and once for ourselves
because we too must go one day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"Ties in this world last only for a time.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>We are husband and wife,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>parent and child</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>for a short period only.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Once this reality sinks in,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>we cannot help treasuring</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>each moment</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>of our brief association."</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>-Takamori Kentetsu </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Listening to Buddhism leads us toward finally attaining our one and
only purpose in this life, to attain that everlasting, constant,
thriving joy inside us. It's not something we get after we die. <u>We must discover it in this lifetime while we're still alive.</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once
we have finished this momentous accomplishment of life, we simultaneously
discover our eternal self at long last. For it is only when we know
ourselves that we can be truly happy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The gift of Buddhist truth is the most precious gift of all because it
has the power to dispel the darkness of our anxious minds surrounding
the issue of where go in the afterlife. It clearly illuminates once and
for all -- while still living -- what happens to us after this life
fades away. Imagine the peace of mind knowing that.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once this wisdom is known to us with 100% certainty, we experience what's known in Buddhism as the <b>level of true settlement</b>. This level of true settlement is the <b>51st level of enlightenment</b>.
We live the remaining course of our natural lives still full of all the
worldly passions that come with being human. But when one who has
attained the level of true settlement dies, they are then granted <b>Nirvana</b>, or what known as the <b>52nd level of enlightenment</b>. This is the highest level of enlightenment. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's when we are reborn as a <b>Buddha</b> in a blissful world known as the <b>Pure Land of Amida Buddha</b>.
Once there, we become a buddha. Then in our own time, we choose to leave
the Pure Land and return to this suffering world and other worlds like
it as buddhas in order to guide others to absolute happiness. Unlike
humans, however, buddhas possess the faculties of perfect <b>wisdom</b> and <b>compassion</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is through the Buddha's great wisdom that we are guided to
understand, once and for all, the meaning of this unique, precious,
often turbulent journey as a human being. We realize the true wonder
behind being human. It's a blissful, shimmering experience that makes us
want to yell from a mountaintop, <b>"WOW! How wonderful and blessed I am
to have been born human! I am the happiest person in the universe!"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And even with this joyous expression, the fulfillment of such
an absolute form of happiness cannot be fully described, for it is an experience which is beyond words and even human
understanding.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once absolute truth is finally realized within us, the
preciousness of Buddhist wisdom becomes completely crystal clear. That's
when we know where we are going in the afterlife without a shadow of a
doubt, and we know ourselves completely, through and through. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cgooXyhm16Hjf1Q5QHGEFBlb01zhv1jCiU2fYYV2_uIs7mOiWC89gT0rhYzNYlI9CZDNJ1l0K4eiJvOgFRfk4SFdDXys9_qIZad_FYdA7eMp1P9dLX_uNqDWbHlnVwMcicx_b-wmkfNR/s1600/14361607399_8c2eb2004d_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cgooXyhm16Hjf1Q5QHGEFBlb01zhv1jCiU2fYYV2_uIs7mOiWC89gT0rhYzNYlI9CZDNJ1l0K4eiJvOgFRfk4SFdDXys9_qIZad_FYdA7eMp1P9dLX_uNqDWbHlnVwMcicx_b-wmkfNR/s1600/14361607399_8c2eb2004d_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of all the wisdom out there, the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism are the very best gift we can
provide to anyone, because these teachings contain within them the supreme
truth that guides all humanity equally to absolute happiness without any
discrimination whatsoever.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I wish to share with you now all the links and resources that have
guided me thus far on my own quest. By learning deeply from this
knowledge yourself, you will then be able to advise others freely as you
wish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-79237756801300174102014-07-25T14:28:00.001-07:002014-07-25T14:28:15.122-07:00Generosity - Giving Wisely in the Three Fields Let's continue to learn about the first paramita of <b>Generosity</b>. So far, we've learned about the benefit of giving and its subsequent positive effect on our lives and our environment. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrXA3QlldtpG40TYouVfsIveQGGsC-vl59BqwObr9hhiF8GOkdhpm91izLi4OwnezpgpTfv41Eg-HhKoc8JgbIFQLWAYEcJhjLrmdXrPxkhAstc_ahXidAhgoIAFF9rerPOXkWXx8WbSj/s1600/bk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrXA3QlldtpG40TYouVfsIveQGGsC-vl59BqwObr9hhiF8GOkdhpm91izLi4OwnezpgpTfv41Eg-HhKoc8JgbIFQLWAYEcJhjLrmdXrPxkhAstc_ahXidAhgoIAFF9rerPOXkWXx8WbSj/s1600/bk5.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by BK available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But -- when you think about it -- is giving really better than just saving it all for yourself? Can it really be proven that sharing is better than being selfish? Well, there may not be exact proof, but let's demonstrate how giving is better in a "sort of" scientific way.<br />
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Back in the olden days, bathtubs were wooden and often in a more round, circular shape.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XivXviR-uYtGlFR33jH5m2fb4iT8ia-fq3V_FUeMFg6z1mBpH3ULrp2D0ffcTX1FmlbMwSQrKP8y36G72o1ZDF_HoBnd4SRhOxzhN-mSEIrhyphenhyphengxHLTr7rE5SpIIf8KzMP55e7Z9MxGHs/s1600/gorgeroux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XivXviR-uYtGlFR33jH5m2fb4iT8ia-fq3V_FUeMFg6z1mBpH3ULrp2D0ffcTX1FmlbMwSQrKP8y36G72o1ZDF_HoBnd4SRhOxzhN-mSEIrhyphenhyphengxHLTr7rE5SpIIf8KzMP55e7Z9MxGHs/s1600/gorgeroux.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you're in a bath, you of course want nice, warm water around you to sooth your tension. "Ah, so relaxing..."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCOLCKy6uNG8fj-CRiKZGljWPjiLZV_zfd8KHiBzisoc-kK-d7H6ELtL4MJKc4BXJjcQza-bUc-fmnVdAURavKXe4iHBOsOXlkBsHUF_xA6bTttxx9jSDbCG9mDZJ2Lwb7O4xvGL3HkPT/s1600/rafael+edwards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCOLCKy6uNG8fj-CRiKZGljWPjiLZV_zfd8KHiBzisoc-kK-d7H6ELtL4MJKc4BXJjcQza-bUc-fmnVdAURavKXe4iHBOsOXlkBsHUF_xA6bTttxx9jSDbCG9mDZJ2Lwb7O4xvGL3HkPT/s1600/rafael+edwards.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Rafael Edwards available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Naturally as you stay longer in the tub, the water around you begins to cool. Your first inclination is to then draw what's left of the remaining warm water <u>toward</u> you. Frantically your hands try to <u>bring in</u> the warmth. "More, more... I want MORE!"<br />
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However, this action only seems to bring more of the cooler water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFezSteflgYASjuIxCvnd8wbKmWqYvqlRKE_VQrwIW6384rrRhPNLjo0_lvQi5Kse04baaoCZJUQFlhjKYneTNbIAQ1YA5lyzedYG4-d9AlN-bCdh3YAcg5jQ7J-71rQbrtmvT_1xIiy1a/s1600/bath1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFezSteflgYASjuIxCvnd8wbKmWqYvqlRKE_VQrwIW6384rrRhPNLjo0_lvQi5Kse04baaoCZJUQFlhjKYneTNbIAQ1YA5lyzedYG4-d9AlN-bCdh3YAcg5jQ7J-71rQbrtmvT_1xIiy1a/s1600/bath1.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
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In order to receive more warm water, you have to <u>push away</u> the warm water near you. At first, it seems to go against your logic, but sure enough, the warm water is then able to <u>circulate around</u> and <u>come back warmer</u> than before.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF4XZ64q-CDkNbJCINj6gYqktrIw8RKkQH_6wDLyVtNIMVXzum4KkObiEQkvlw0mjTXywg0SqIOS23OLzDj-N0KPXE4LQNb6AghVJEZW_-rXKVtEsxka2uADSLkuViAAsKDZ11kD9F2lU/s1600/bath2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF4XZ64q-CDkNbJCINj6gYqktrIw8RKkQH_6wDLyVtNIMVXzum4KkObiEQkvlw0mjTXywg0SqIOS23OLzDj-N0KPXE4LQNb6AghVJEZW_-rXKVtEsxka2uADSLkuViAAsKDZ11kD9F2lU/s1600/bath2.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*** FYI - if you decide to try this bath tub experiment for yourself, know that it still works the best in wider, round tubs.***</span></div>
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</tbody></table>
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You receive more warmth by pushing the water away from you rather than toward yourself. This is the Buddhist concept of <b>Benefiting Others Benefits Yourself</b>.<br />
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When our <b>greed</b> drives us to only satisfy our own needs, we end up wanting more and more just to satisfy our ever-growing loneliness. But as soon as we begin to share what we have with others, we become more contented with what we have. This is the reason behind why giving is so beneficial. <br />
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Now that we know that we receive more when we give more, we may be inclined to go out on a giving spree. "Woo Hoo! Here's some money for you... and you..."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dejy5-cEtqhtwPhkepn9ecHphWfRo4uUecj6tMzMBPkyQdSylMuVZ8Hy3-UbKXPrOHla3A_6yWTT7vmr8_dgjt2qNW0NTOVNKTszgj6XhC0H9lszWdYRbdaSCMB2NpvX83nUgTkkbH_f/s1600/4634992731_63ec506cba_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dejy5-cEtqhtwPhkepn9ecHphWfRo4uUecj6tMzMBPkyQdSylMuVZ8Hy3-UbKXPrOHla3A_6yWTT7vmr8_dgjt2qNW0NTOVNKTszgj6XhC0H9lszWdYRbdaSCMB2NpvX83nUgTkkbH_f/s1600/4634992731_63ec506cba_z.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by elycefeliz available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cqDe38C2GJ3b5vLGp0zAF0T8laJaHVwCo4l6Bzzs84C77FWvfyed5JbfYVIPUrXpULAGHnmImBShyphenhyphenYgysorUOwtk5xqKY0ksp56lPe2KcRaYMkzCpjRGpbdXwNCjBmVckINydZo51ewz/s1600/Matthew+Burpee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cqDe38C2GJ3b5vLGp0zAF0T8laJaHVwCo4l6Bzzs84C77FWvfyed5JbfYVIPUrXpULAGHnmImBShyphenhyphenYgysorUOwtk5xqKY0ksp56lPe2KcRaYMkzCpjRGpbdXwNCjBmVckINydZo51ewz/s1600/Matthew+Burpee.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Matthew Burpee available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Hey there, wait a minute! Not so fast! It's not as simple as it seems...<br />
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To be wise with your money, you shouldn't direct your most generous donations to just anyone and everyone. If you do that, you will waste what precious resources you have and end up in ruin yourself.<br />
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Keep in mind, we still must have enough to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. Without being careful and planning our assets, our good intentions of giving could end up causing ourselves and our family financial harm instead.<br />
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To understand the <b>cause</b> and <b>effect</b> relationship behind an act of generosity, let's reflect on the <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b> one more time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Good deeds bring good results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bad deeds bring bad results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your own deeds bring your own results. </span></div>
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The three lines above represent universal truth. This means that these words remain true at all times: past, present, and
future. They also apply everywhere throughout the
entire universe. The Law of Cause and Effect always remains true without even a single exception. <b></b><br />
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In Buddhism, the term <b>law</b> is not like the legal rules made by man. The laws made to govern a society can differ from country to country and can even change with public opinion over time. Scientific laws can even be altered as new advances in our understanding are made. The Law of Cause and Effect, however, is <b>unchanging, unwavering, </b>and<b> boundless.</b><br />
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<b> </b>Let's say you give a few dollars to someone who seems impoverished, but that person secretly has bad intentions with your money. You may think it must then be the fault of the other person and not your own, but if that person uses your kind gift to do bad things it counts as a bad deed for you as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A-3DiitGoDIcz-ziq4FLbF5CMcaqjIGyPMR1C9nXBfZ2I5zy7FnxtkeGhG6AHGZl1B55VzZcOeykcOlvV-Nnvbv8F90wYQqz_BUQhKizwc4NgSBiRpkHNDc0-9WdHVHYaRU7bqeLJcMh/s1600/5747629074_d484394fa5_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A-3DiitGoDIcz-ziq4FLbF5CMcaqjIGyPMR1C9nXBfZ2I5zy7FnxtkeGhG6AHGZl1B55VzZcOeykcOlvV-Nnvbv8F90wYQqz_BUQhKizwc4NgSBiRpkHNDc0-9WdHVHYaRU7bqeLJcMh/s1600/5747629074_d484394fa5_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by David Goehring available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Even if your intentions remain the very best, helping a thief remains wrong. Of course, going out and intentionally committing bad <b>karma</b> is still the worse act between the two. But it's still important to know that when we accidentally or unknowingly do wrong, <u>it still will yield us a form of negative result.</u><br />
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If you give a sudden windfall of money to the wrong person, you may be paying them to feed their addiction problem or even to commit crime. Once under the influence of a drug or narcotics, the results can be very dangerous to that person's health.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k8aq2tvQgXgcEPaRuRQzufvqPz8MkgdSL9CKbT_kpM-0m5JjCCt2IV-QMjpnl9IqFO_P2h6dMhTj298mqJpI3CrJqTx-PmgrXDdz9jSba73wXyU1zUN7BjAUWEpGBiUEa8X1fZvK7AbR/s1600/3032674548_46a0589567_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k8aq2tvQgXgcEPaRuRQzufvqPz8MkgdSL9CKbT_kpM-0m5JjCCt2IV-QMjpnl9IqFO_P2h6dMhTj298mqJpI3CrJqTx-PmgrXDdz9jSba73wXyU1zUN7BjAUWEpGBiUEa8X1fZvK7AbR/s1600/3032674548_46a0589567_z.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Roberto Trm available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now if a criminal receives those funds, the lives of others are then put in peril. No matter how well-intentioned you are, putting others in harm's way, even by your own mistake, can't produce a positive result.<br />
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Whenever we experience or even see bad results happening in our environment, we should reflect on our own
actions to investigate if we ourselves are contributing to those problems in some
way. By considering how we directly affect others and the world, we learn how to make better decisions that receive better results for our own future and those around us. <br />
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Many times we forget that it is our responsibility to decide how best to give <u>the right kind of help</u> to <u>the right person</u>. That's why whenever we give, we must remember to have both <b>wisdom</b> and <b>compassion</b>. It's very important to think deeply if a person or group will use the resources we offer in the same way we intended. <br />
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All causes have effects; all effects come from causes. So according to the Law of Cause and Effect, that means human beings, life on Earth, and everything in the universe as we know it all exists together within a continuous chain of interconnected events. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf9NJbq8bdnDunjBqYixCrhn9VB_iOJF-wCFyrSOVQ-21M74nqwoBrV6kzkNDzp1oBDkJ6OmvTTqAQexiQbu2re1llyFWHVl8LMmlM6gpuZa1DKf66hgvIp1tY7hIOEeMqbnYZYWuXMr5/s1600/bk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf9NJbq8bdnDunjBqYixCrhn9VB_iOJF-wCFyrSOVQ-21M74nqwoBrV6kzkNDzp1oBDkJ6OmvTTqAQexiQbu2re1llyFWHVl8LMmlM6gpuZa1DKf66hgvIp1tY7hIOEeMqbnYZYWuXMr5/s1600/bk4.jpg" height="419" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Since all our actions become causes that will bring us effects down the
road, it is wise for us to focus our most generous actions toward the
most favorable <b>conditions</b>.<br />
<br />
A condition is something that assists or helps a cause bring about an effect.<br />
<br />
<b>Shakyamuni Buddha</b> taught us how to utilize our generosity effectively by a metaphor known as the <b>Three Fields</b>.<br />
<br />
Each of the Three Fields represent a type of person or group that act as the very best of conditions for us to harvest good effects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The Three Fields</u></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Field of Respect</b></u><b> </b>-</span> We owe the most
gratitude to <b>Amida Buddha</b>, <b>Shakyamuni Buddha</b> and <b>true Buddhist masters</b> like <b>Master Shinran</b>. (We will learn more about these important figures in Pure Land Buddhism in future posts.) For now it is important to know that they have all helped guide us toward
the true teachings so we can obtain absolute happiness in this life.<br />
<br />
To those around us who actively dedicate their lives to Buddhism, we must also definitely show our respects. We can offer donations and/or words of gratitude in order to support their continuing activities of sharing <b>Dharma</b> with the world.<br />
<br />
The role of any good Buddhist teacher is to transmit the truth that is contained within the sutras in a accurate, easy-to-understand way. Even though some who teach Buddhism may appear more prominent to us than others, <u>what remains of most importance is to honor the teachings themselves more than any one person</u>. It is the teachings of Buddhism that we revere the most since they are what contain the truth, a truth that is so rare to find. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf2tn0hmKqJ7ptWz6EvOUcTjCqQ2IZr9uFfXv5s_1vZxmYSKs6NCnefCZdFkcRgTnZpsI8YoJRCIYjzfysPcM0syd0xhGNkq26YKuVAy9yWD9igzmjRWOrg4UktGoMDzDsJzgX4RIRKib/s1600/Amitabha_Sutra_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf2tn0hmKqJ7ptWz6EvOUcTjCqQ2IZr9uFfXv5s_1vZxmYSKs6NCnefCZdFkcRgTnZpsI8YoJRCIYjzfysPcM0syd0xhGNkq26YKuVAy9yWD9igzmjRWOrg4UktGoMDzDsJzgX4RIRKib/s1600/Amitabha_Sutra_book.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo shared by Wikimedia Commons</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> The Field of Respect also includes people who exhibit the very best qualities of virtue. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">They set examples for us to follow by demonstrating exemplary character, morals, and ethics in their everyday lives. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> I</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ndividuals </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">who perform continual, benevolent actions to help mankind </span>are also
worthy of our admiration and support. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">They include humanitarians from all walks of life. </span>We must respect leaders who have spent their lives working for the common good of mankind and the fair treatment of all peoples. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Field of Gratitude</b></u> - </span>This field represents people
who have done a lot for us in the past, and so in turn, they rightfully deserve our tremendous gratitude. <br />
<br />
Our
<b>parents</b>, whether we like them or not, brought us into this world and
cared for us well enough to be alive right now. Our <b>teachers</b> and <b>doctors</b>
are also worthy of our gratitude for taking care of us and giving us
the knowledge we needed to live healthily. Our <b>family</b> <b>members</b> and even <b>close friends</b> can be there for us in our most difficult times and help us with their loving care and support.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MFi5Dg4T3UU-7LP4c-yckaCpSX4ead_liauz15dves8OFwHWQnsbG_j3gDQzLc0egKTU7OI167R6SrFAFAG3k5HCItNN-niy9wteSfuJzg9yPvrnhqm39m560E5sIwBu10AVJpicE9sG/s1600/2550630513_8d83f82b7a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MFi5Dg4T3UU-7LP4c-yckaCpSX4ead_liauz15dves8OFwHWQnsbG_j3gDQzLc0egKTU7OI167R6SrFAFAG3k5HCItNN-niy9wteSfuJzg9yPvrnhqm39m560E5sIwBu10AVJpicE9sG/s1600/2550630513_8d83f82b7a_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><u><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by thegoinggreenboutique available on Flickr .com</span></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovTBD_ry_8h4XXWnK5GyT_q7zB3kvNugF3Rw3MjdMdj7faGRZQgiYMUZTvBZiOnFgFKWCraWYu2GUSyIQOIwNOtEDHr89JXlGTbO91fQxg_yR3kAVz9cqEVzHq9D_bgnCl3rzq9vjeU1n/s1600/6284181389_36af02b058_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovTBD_ry_8h4XXWnK5GyT_q7zB3kvNugF3Rw3MjdMdj7faGRZQgiYMUZTvBZiOnFgFKWCraWYu2GUSyIQOIwNOtEDHr89JXlGTbO91fQxg_yR3kAVz9cqEVzHq9D_bgnCl3rzq9vjeU1n/s1600/6284181389_36af02b058_z.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZxa27tVly_UynXFjoZaUQ3y43Vuk8lhaFRMUfOVugWq5wdGLmJY2nQY-wjLpu-Gfp7pBWV4vz0csberA7vVGBUmj6yMDuAE7IdMI5CmOai7cp5zfkCiAr948t0hEgGhTLgpHarE5I5WB/s1600/8295609984_a14536efe8_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by cybrarian77 available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCvW1aoLtt4bfUFrajMY0uCgN1YX1G8gkG0-x_ymxTrbp7ic02_BbLbUBFYB_Gpxh9BbQFoQ5FeULQ3Fse7M8dg6S4zvLUXatmJLv1q8h9B_DBg52T88ZQdZWnbzi3slz83iqDY8n9CWx/s1600/2670224692_489f3831b8_z.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCvW1aoLtt4bfUFrajMY0uCgN1YX1G8gkG0-x_ymxTrbp7ic02_BbLbUBFYB_Gpxh9BbQFoQ5FeULQ3Fse7M8dg6S4zvLUXatmJLv1q8h9B_DBg52T88ZQdZWnbzi3slz83iqDY8n9CWx/s1600/2670224692_489f3831b8_z.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Lisa Brewster available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4AFxC_2YRNUALxWm-fGpS9M4MgsgcFeOgezCnIqggwfPMdgnLmeIK8CW1RRjszM1Op8V_sgpQhEmKvYbydx8DoDWpmyloZwkoqEKF6WE42TJDAyrqeOq8jeaAtUQbZi-FRfoIdhYjVyr/s1600/6183642874_3e8c8cb9dc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4AFxC_2YRNUALxWm-fGpS9M4MgsgcFeOgezCnIqggwfPMdgnLmeIK8CW1RRjszM1Op8V_sgpQhEmKvYbydx8DoDWpmyloZwkoqEKF6WE42TJDAyrqeOq8jeaAtUQbZi-FRfoIdhYjVyr/s1600/6183642874_3e8c8cb9dc_z.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Terrie Schweitzer available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Whenever others go out of their way to help us, we must show our appreciation. To help us remember to say thanks, Buddhism
teaches us that gratitude has three stages.<br />
<br />
First, we must <b>know what we should be grateful for</b>, then we must <b>feel grateful inside toward the person</b> who offered us that kindness, and
then we should <b>repay our gratitude</b> to that person in some special way that honors what they did for us fully. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1.) <u>Knowing Gratitude</u> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">In Japanese, the Chinese character for gratitude is <i>on</i>. <i>On</i> is made up of two pictographs. The top square box means <u>cause</u>; the various four lines below represent <u>mind</u>. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 恩 </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Now let's explore what the two ideas in this character actually signify. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> When we're grateful for getting a gift, we're happy and experience that gift as an effect. This effect has come from a cause that occurred in the past. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (Friend buys us a gift.) ---> (We enjoy it.)</span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cause -----------> Effect</b></span></span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">When we discover the cause of why we're happy, we realize the gratitude we owe to the person who provided us with that wonderful, happy experience.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> So to understand the two concepts together, gratitude is a <u>mind</u> that knows the <u>cause</u> or source of where happiness comes from. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> This means that the first stage of gratitude is </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">simply to recognize or remember </span>when others have shared a kindness with us that we enjoyed.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> To do this, look around and take in all the things around you that you can be grateful for. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are so many people we can easily forget to thank. Just think a</span>ll the beautiful flowers in your city must have been tended by a skilful gardener. This person deserves our thanks (even if it's at first just in our mind from afar) for providing us with such a beautiful sight to see. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlBv_7HmIYlNNdP5N2cig6DsWUZxzmn7jeHBtnnrJ9cM6_rFJGEiRKBdW28PGSGgTNYAQ-fS3gLPNjIK4nKVIKIEVmoHF-uCOZn2cKiazS3xMZ3uJMk0siry98DNyAElHYP5qQmjsaEU/s1600/5650367750_9ce14d92dd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlBv_7HmIYlNNdP5N2cig6DsWUZxzmn7jeHBtnnrJ9cM6_rFJGEiRKBdW28PGSGgTNYAQ-fS3gLPNjIK4nKVIKIEVmoHF-uCOZn2cKiazS3xMZ3uJMk0siry98DNyAElHYP5qQmjsaEU/s1600/5650367750_9ce14d92dd_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Garry Knight available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Consider the people in your life who deserve a lot of gratitude. Remember those times when you were given help right when you needed it the most. Think of people who helped you along the way that you might have forgotten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2.) <u>Feeling Gratitude</u> - Once you discover someone or something to be grateful for, allow yourself to really feel
inside all the kindness that you received. Always reserve a big space in your heart for this tremendous feeling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3.) <u>Showing Gratitude</u> - Finally, we must repay that kindness by showing our gratitude in some form of expression. It could be a sincere word of thanks, a
gift as a token of appreciation, or a helping hand with a favor they need. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">A thank-you card or letter is a wonderful way of showing gratitude. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Showing our gratitude by saying or doing something nice increases the feeling of thanksgiving in our lives as well as rewards the kind person who helped us so much. Then we can continue to share that same kindness we received to others which expands the</span> feeling of thanksgiving even more. This is what it truly means to "pay it forward."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Field of Compassion</b></u> -</span>
People in the Field of Compassion are in desperate need just to stay alive from either the wages of <b>war</b>, <b>illness</b> or <b>poverty</b>. This field also includes those who lost everything from the devastation of a <b>natural disaster</b>. We must do our best to help <b>young children</b>, <b>the elderly</b>, and <b>disabled persons</b> who are genuinely unable to provide food and shelter for themselves. Even those who face <b>extreme financial ruin</b> from a layoff or long-term unemployment deserve our sympathy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYHeKUggSE2iW58ftBZi8zpKPpr9owCvWpohay8rigOXjBSCAAYq3nV_s4y2MAy7QmYeKdD90exriihW3anXGK48P1DFr2T7z6EANaGK32jxmJUfwL-I8lHE0NW8p19vJzSeNj6Ul44cK/s1600/2781512569_90957584a5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYHeKUggSE2iW58ftBZi8zpKPpr9owCvWpohay8rigOXjBSCAAYq3nV_s4y2MAy7QmYeKdD90exriihW3anXGK48P1DFr2T7z6EANaGK32jxmJUfwL-I8lHE0NW8p19vJzSeNj6Ul44cK/s1600/2781512569_90957584a5_z.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Jared Polin available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49eg3BGrTGRI_5We3x1lAeOQxRMXy68lun5Xo7Q_P2aGG1j3NBFqV6ds4GECW5B-vT9ej0toHph_3qO4G-Jro2GNVN2eaeu0sGeE30tgDdkzBS1hwYEU2rVDljZNdYMGpTipttfnz0xzu/s1600/4864287194_75b50dff8c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49eg3BGrTGRI_5We3x1lAeOQxRMXy68lun5Xo7Q_P2aGG1j3NBFqV6ds4GECW5B-vT9ej0toHph_3qO4G-Jro2GNVN2eaeu0sGeE30tgDdkzBS1hwYEU2rVDljZNdYMGpTipttfnz0xzu/s1600/4864287194_75b50dff8c_z.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by UNICEF Canada available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyII5neL76hzXDwUyjMw-JG5P0WW5qpxZ3RFQBw0Cwhv-LW9LQ7KUlw2phIWZAJ_9MiRw_YAW5DuPcU4ndWuG5P3Kha35MTdQSOVBg76lUMGmZKj4WXVI14gVTN4WDq-2aDVoAsBaWS5Fz/s1600/11519437335_49c3717e3c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyII5neL76hzXDwUyjMw-JG5P0WW5qpxZ3RFQBw0Cwhv-LW9LQ7KUlw2phIWZAJ_9MiRw_YAW5DuPcU4ndWuG5P3Kha35MTdQSOVBg76lUMGmZKj4WXVI14gVTN4WDq-2aDVoAsBaWS5Fz/s1600/11519437335_49c3717e3c_z.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by United Nations Photo available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnr-TKDf6SmQsZ3cl39zRUp0i2vblEBA5mRay-GSi_WsdqXkkRYQPnrhmTQ2fr4RS-y-qmK2-IHnOrDiALlDdex0sa5FIsehiwR8-K6rZ2btP1e2bec4DB2_WllqJson-2ncVv0g_YWsN/s1600/14331482796_17fc2f14b5_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnr-TKDf6SmQsZ3cl39zRUp0i2vblEBA5mRay-GSi_WsdqXkkRYQPnrhmTQ2fr4RS-y-qmK2-IHnOrDiALlDdex0sa5FIsehiwR8-K6rZ2btP1e2bec4DB2_WllqJson-2ncVv0g_YWsN/s1600/14331482796_17fc2f14b5_b.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by MediaStorm (cropped) original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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When someone is in real
distress, we must do what we can to help them, whether it's providing them with a loan, making a
donation to a worthy cause, guiding them to a substance abuse program, or gifting someone an item that they really need like water, food or clothing.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, just offering our hearts and sharing words of encouragement can be a tremendous benefit to people in hard times.<br />
<br />
Ivan Turgenev is the author of the classic literary work, <i>Fathers and Sons</i>. During difficult years of recession in Russia, Turgenev once had a poor person come knock at his door to beg for alms. But being in the midst of poverty himself, he had nothing tangible to give the beggar who had come all the way to his doorstep.<br />
<br />
So instead the author firmly embraced the man at his door. Tears fell from his eyes as he said, "Brother, I am so sorry I have nothing to give you."<br />
<br />
Recalling the occasion many years later, that man said he had never expected to receive a hug from Turgenev.<br />
<br />
"Never in my life had I received anything as precious as his genuine and giving spirit that day."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51UMniHDAB-Fz-xEhBzeBA3h0ACGRDJhd7UQupTxWEptJytbAv1K383SN_Rs6ELCkpogaD8xvtle-B5iMLa-0pCx9Ie2ROqELE-Uq2kYxN6XdtjfhXsYP-9hTAnGKEaUbJ3i99cPTbNIp/s1600/cele.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51UMniHDAB-Fz-xEhBzeBA3h0ACGRDJhd7UQupTxWEptJytbAv1K383SN_Rs6ELCkpogaD8xvtle-B5iMLa-0pCx9Ie2ROqELE-Uq2kYxN6XdtjfhXsYP-9hTAnGKEaUbJ3i99cPTbNIp/s1600/cele.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
***<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
Good fortune grows for us as a direct result of our own planting of good seeds. Seeds represent the actions we choose to perform on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
By planting good actions in each of these Three Fields, a crop of good effects will be able to grow the quickest and yield a better result for us. And before long, those seedlings will surely sprout and then bloom into happiness for us.<br />
<br />
Now a farmer planting seeds might think he's actually losing because he is giving up his seeds at the time of planting, but once the time of the harvest comes he gets exactly what he planted... and many times over. <br />
<br />
Understanding the value of giving in no way makes it easier to give. We always remain full of desires known as <b>worldly passions</b>. In Buddhism, it is taught we are made of <b>108 Worldly Passions</b>. The three main worldly passions are <b>Desire</b>, <b>Anger</b>, and <b>Envy\Ignorance</b>.<br />
<br />
We can often become way too busy with these desires. Then we start procrastinating and become stingy when it comes down to actually sharing with others or helping them.<br />
<br />
The Buddha shared a parable about someone who decided to put off giving until later. It's the story of a man whose greed to give became more important than the act of giving itself.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once upon a time, a farmer living in the countryside decided to invite a lot of people to his home for a party. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Hmm, what can I offer everyone that evening?" he thought. "Well, I know I have a cow in the stable, so I definitely should serve fresh milk to drink."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The man went over to the cow and began to ponder how much milk the animal could produce for the number of guests he wished to invite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9WEeiuH6_gXmCcj6MuGEisHh_SAfIvHb_0Mx3d_DtSzDv0uLL1nYJf5aSrLKSdkuJ13iVwQPG8gVQOig3V_CaayjKYqEBn4wOy1r6JWU8tFIcyJ3pkY9P6rUz9TxU69FT-Xe3LpIOk75/s1600/5164932569_2b79737026_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9WEeiuH6_gXmCcj6MuGEisHh_SAfIvHb_0Mx3d_DtSzDv0uLL1nYJf5aSrLKSdkuJ13iVwQPG8gVQOig3V_CaayjKYqEBn4wOy1r6JWU8tFIcyJ3pkY9P6rUz9TxU69FT-Xe3LpIOk75/s1600/5164932569_2b79737026_z.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Sara B. available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
"One cow surely can't supply enough milk for everybody. There's just too many people. Now, if I work too hard by storing up all that the milk, it won't be as fresh and is most likely going to go bad before they get here. Hmmm, what to do..."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then the thought struck him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Ah--HAH! I got the answer! I won't do anything! I'll just keep all the milk INSIDE the cow until the moment I need it!! HAHAHA!! This is brilliant."</div>
<br />
Soon the day came, and all the guests arrived at his front door.<br />
<br />
"Welcome, everyone!!! Please take your seats. I'll be right back with some milk! You'll all love the fresh taste!"<br />
<br />
Everyone became overjoyed with anticipation. Meanwhile, the farmer quickly sped over to the barn and began to squeeze the cow's utters. But not a drop came out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkJ6jBJPEni0NWgPL6EgNNY9ByBjZ8rGWS8aJN3SvkFgcu20vBjvDMdJZ7bJZEi60_H9Sbt9pCJQoHtgPjelwDcZUDKO2jynl1jXz4in4BHvcVMc1jua83SnX5HpWm4w63-iVS9odo6Zi/s1600/7815289690_303bbf3834_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkJ6jBJPEni0NWgPL6EgNNY9ByBjZ8rGWS8aJN3SvkFgcu20vBjvDMdJZ7bJZEi60_H9Sbt9pCJQoHtgPjelwDcZUDKO2jynl1jXz4in4BHvcVMc1jua83SnX5HpWm4w63-iVS9odo6Zi/s1600/7815289690_303bbf3834_z.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Dennis Jarvis available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
"WHA--?! That's strange!" the farmer gasped. "What on Earth did I do wrong? There isn't any milk coming out at all!"<br />
<br />
Slumped over from embarrassment, he went back inside to the party and confessed to all his guests that he had made a mistaken calculation. All of them went home very upset and quite disappointed.<br />
<br />
The Buddha shared an insight with everyone about the farmer's mindset.<br />
<br />
"I often hear people say they will give plentifully when they become rich," Shakyamuni began. "Such people are just like the farmer in this story. They only dream about giving abundantly in the future without taking the proper steps to give in the current moment. They falsely believe that at some other time they will begin to donate in vast quantities."<br />
<br />
"Instead their greed continues to endure as the right amount of wealth never seems to quite arrive. For those who think this way, giving thus becomes impossible."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
A cow delivers fresh milk when it is milked regularly at a moderate pace.<br />
<br />
In the same manner, we should be consciously and consistently giving all the time whenever we can. Instead of planning some day to give next week, we should get started right away, <u>today</u>.<br />
<br />
Let's do our best to perform wisely-planned good deeds in each of the Three Fields: the <b>Field of Respect</b>, the <b>Field of Gratitude</b>, and the <b>Field of Compassion</b>. As we practice sincere acts of giving toward these three types of individuals, we will become happier and come to know ourselves better as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J4aRsa5HrW96FI6cIhBE070o5V7pfK8JyffxHxXEGTfDiY4qwgQ3SsI-FQUrcKdLhJOM9Yk_tAnel1nq3r1cc4_PleoBokWC75KRj1wHpIj5O1py8nw3DDNIWSfMnsoIF8lL2QD0JM1H/s1600/3421924821_0f77ef41e5_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J4aRsa5HrW96FI6cIhBE070o5V7pfK8JyffxHxXEGTfDiY4qwgQ3SsI-FQUrcKdLhJOM9Yk_tAnel1nq3r1cc4_PleoBokWC75KRj1wHpIj5O1py8nw3DDNIWSfMnsoIF8lL2QD0JM1H/s1600/3421924821_0f77ef41e5_z.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Bill Gracey available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Although practicing generosity toward each of the Three Fields is very good for us, there remains one good deed that is the very best -- </span>listening to the teachings of Buddhism.<br />
<br />
Next time, we will explore the paramita of <b>Generosity - Sharing the Dharma with Family & Friends</b>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-48087150671300664712014-06-30T15:54:00.003-07:002014-07-01T09:09:54.641-07:00Generosity -- Give the Most from the Heart <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--> In the last
lesson, we learned that the <b>Six Paramitas</b> are <b>Generosity</b>,<b> Accountability</b>,<b> Patience</b>,<b>
Effort</b>, <b>Contemplation</b>, and<b> Wisdom</b>. <b></b>To review,<b> </b>the word<b> paramita</b> means virtue in ancient <b>Sanskrit</b>. These virtues act as bridges toward obtaining <b>absolute happiness</b>.<br />
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<br />
But since there are so many kinds of good deeds, we may get lost and then not end up doing any. For this reason, <b>Shakyamuni Buddha</b> condensed
all the good deeds we can possibly do into six categories of virtues. Buddha taught us to do any one of them or even two or more
if we’re able to.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In this post, we will learn about the first paramita of <b>Generosity</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDotDKwKTEHwyTNd7FciDtGMUFWjRP6yEvQkYaPn3bpmhBf7HgGB1eUz72vywGKvSLcrPXZ2TPL5L_9PnBwOPAEip46kGS1banJMG0F2VAn-_Bld3GOMGtY6C0aw8pHWUxLGvt7VthRyXp/s1600/3386629036_0b929ebb7f_b.jpg" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Ed Yourdon available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<br />
This simply means having a charitable mindset toward others <u>but also acting on it</u>. We found out last time the big idea behind <b>Buddhism</b> is for each of us to stop doing evil and to do more
good. Being generous toward others is an easy and kind way for us to do this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUPN0NuBUZgbSvXV5T7crzx9diU_Y4Cg65oMNCZSZmreimXbsd_mpQTbYiz74ri9SZhO5G3zP1UnGdrUPrX0HhGcD-wTaUkFqWsfEJu3mypOYAkHQk9nwt_L-n4VgKSekUMcZP1NeDJUq/s1600/14094107700_c72126a045_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUPN0NuBUZgbSvXV5T7crzx9diU_Y4Cg65oMNCZSZmreimXbsd_mpQTbYiz74ri9SZhO5G3zP1UnGdrUPrX0HhGcD-wTaUkFqWsfEJu3mypOYAkHQk9nwt_L-n4VgKSekUMcZP1NeDJUq/s1600/14094107700_c72126a045_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shared Word Art by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
There are two kinds of giving: <b>Giving
Materials or Money </b>and <b>Giving the Teachings of Buddhism</b>. Here we will focus on the first category, Giving Materials or Money. This means helping people and making them happy
by giving them something they need. Shakyamuni Buddha taught us that this is a really good
thing for us to do for others. </div>
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<br />
However, it's important to note that the real value of giving does not depend on the amount of money or
materials. <u>It is all about the intention behind the giving</u>. Let’s get more insight from this historical Buddhist short story.</div>
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*** </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once upon a time there was a poor woman called Nanda. One
day she went to listen to Buddha deliver a sermon. The hall was brightly lit
with oil lamps that people from all over town had brought as offerings.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVurYPfoFmMWUt31m4PbZqr5BY8WDyXfw6VqnDgZ-dGE9FnMhmUcaLPy0FQkOyk0k5i-BHG_39PgAasW5BCrvtn-92vG8BFKrN3xeViQWsPNOiRdVOm8ERUOo_NovPG8PO_I2zyX5xL_6-/s1600/6466241869_f16f0aa098_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVurYPfoFmMWUt31m4PbZqr5BY8WDyXfw6VqnDgZ-dGE9FnMhmUcaLPy0FQkOyk0k5i-BHG_39PgAasW5BCrvtn-92vG8BFKrN3xeViQWsPNOiRdVOm8ERUOo_NovPG8PO_I2zyX5xL_6-/s1600/6466241869_f16f0aa098_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Geoff Stearns available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Oh, how I wish that I could offer a lamp, but I could never get even close as poor as I am," she pondered. "Hmmm... but there has has to be at least something I can do."<br />
<br />
Nanda was filled with resolve but the
high price of oil was a hefty challenge. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nanda's hair was beautiful, long, and shiny. She decided to sell it in order to raise funds. A compassionate person was willing to buy her locks of hair for a petty amount of money.<br />
<br />
With this small windfall, she went straight to an oil seller and asked to buy the oil needed for one lamp. </div>
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<br /></div>
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“Let me get this straight, <i>you</i> want to buy oil enough for an <i>entire</i> lamp?” the merchant said sheepishly.
“Don’t waste my time. Look at this change. It just isn’t enough.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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But she begged and pleaded, “Please give me some amount of oil! Anything,
please I beg you.”</div>
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The merchant’s heart began to soften, “Sister, tell me the truth. Why would you
want that much oil anyway? You’re poor. I can tell by looking at your clothes made out of rags. You’ve
got much better ways to spend this money. Why not save up for a coat or more food for your family?”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Nanda shared with him the reason she needed the oil. It was
so she could offer a lamp to light the hall for the noble Shakyamuni Buddha and his teachings.<br />
<br />
"A coat may warm me through cold nights, and more food may help me and my family endure a few more days. But the lectures of Shakyamuni Buddha are timeless and help me understand about the crucial matter of my afterlife." </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I see. So this is to make an offering?" the merchant thought for a moment
and looked upon her compassionately. "Well, in that case I’ll give you a special
discount this time."</div>
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<br /></div>
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Nanda was overjoyed, "Oh thank you, kind sir! Thank you so much!"</div>
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It was just one little light among many, but it was the very best that
Nanda could offer. Of all the thousand lamps, hers burned the brightest. The
other lamps lasted through the night, but in the morning they all had fizzled out.
Only Nanda’s kept right on shining.</div>
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yO_o7o6PNMKHtwANuUsPtbKlnpPjJQiQPfhNJZb8WEPJXJU29RO8heYBC7BoF1u6doI1MtULheD_X7429sXCaMqjV_G_CjeRLu3sQaHY1cPbuFjwUUYVjiikDGhCk_nmpkUq4Hu1GQiK/s1600/894676683_6072e47470_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yO_o7o6PNMKHtwANuUsPtbKlnpPjJQiQPfhNJZb8WEPJXJU29RO8heYBC7BoF1u6doI1MtULheD_X7429sXCaMqjV_G_CjeRLu3sQaHY1cPbuFjwUUYVjiikDGhCk_nmpkUq4Hu1GQiK/s1600/894676683_6072e47470_z.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by +rex available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
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Buddha’s disciple Maudgalyayana tried to put it out, but the
wick seemed to keep on relighting. He went to the Buddha to find some kind of an
explanation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"What could be the meaning of this, Buddha?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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"You lack the power to extinguish the source of that lamp's light," The Buddha
began. "You might even pour the waters of the seven seas on that flame, but it would still
burn on."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This sincere donation was all because of the charitable mindset of a poor woman
named Nanda. Even suffering from her own miserable poverty, she managed to offer her very best. This story gives to the saying, "One light from a poor person
outshines the glow of a rich man’s 10,000 lights."</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The merit of a gift doesn't depend on its amount. The true abundance of a gift comes from when it is given from all the heart.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let’s open up our hearts and be generous to others. We must also be just as resourceful as
Nanda was. Sharing what you have will not only bring its own rewards, but it will continue
to shine brightly for you and help light the way through the night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Here is another historical Buddhist story. This time it is about a rich man who greatly wanted to build a center of Buddhism, but faced tremendous obstacles in order to have it built. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">***</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> During the time of the Buddha, a man by the name of Anathapindika had become delighted listening to the teachings. He greatly wished to build a monastery and so went out on a search to find the perfect spot.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He searched long and hard, but it wasn't long before he stumbled upon a beautiful stretch of forest. It was not too far away from the city, but at the same time it wasn't too close to the center of town to be too hectic. It was a beautiful stretch of land with plenty of nature, and there was no sign of any wild beasts or poisonous snakes. </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsiIn-YJHi3AqXNKcsHJN2lq1FZTIVqDuKPF3zG5oAoWS893w7B2YiRPgTz-oLsoCqTolHH00lj_LF4YNHg3HQSvEe_f2RnAIZM6jPoy0d80ENx3oypLgKF0AGSeDlKdVoYDTjBiUjKCv/s1600/13720576775_ccfe354acc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsiIn-YJHi3AqXNKcsHJN2lq1FZTIVqDuKPF3zG5oAoWS893w7B2YiRPgTz-oLsoCqTolHH00lj_LF4YNHg3HQSvEe_f2RnAIZM6jPoy0d80ENx3oypLgKF0AGSeDlKdVoYDTjBiUjKCv/s1600/13720576775_ccfe354acc_z.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Scott Wylie available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Upon investigating who owned the land, he discovered that it belonged to King Pasenadi's son, Prince Jeta. Anathapindika scurried over to pay him a visit.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "You what?" Prince Jeta shouted. "You want to buy my most prized land?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Yes, your highness" replied Anathapindika. "To build a monastery where people can hear the Buddha preach."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "No, no, and no. I do admire your cause, but I'm sorry. It is simply out of the question. That precious land is simply not for sale."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Please, reconsider..." he begged, overflowing with emotion. "Your highness!! This would be to help spread the wondrous teachings of Buddha."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Prince Jeta replied coolly, "Tears and even your philosophical reasoning won't move me even an inch."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "YOUR HIGHNESS PLEASE!!! But you must understand...!!!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Threats won't budge me either. Have you forgotten exactly who it is that I am? Why not just find some other land? There are plenty of others to choose from."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Because this land is perfect, sire! Surely someone as astute and knowledgeable would easily see the benefit that this could provide..."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Your charm and praise, though greatly appreciated, won't work either I'm afraid. Please leave my sight at once. That is all." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "But your majesty, <i>I'll do anything</i>!" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> At these words, Prince Jeta became intrigued by Anathapindika's persistence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "All right, all right, all right. Settle down or else I will charge you and your behavior as defiance to the crown!" Prince Jeta said waving his finger authoritatively. "If you really want that land so badly, Anathapindika, I'll give it to you. But you first must cover the entirety of the region that you desire for this temple -- in gold coins! I'll agree to trade you all the land you want in exchange for the gold that you rest upon <i>every square inch of soil</i>."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Anathapindika's face took on a puzzled expression for a moment but then lit up with a smile from ear to ear. "Oh, thank you, Prince Jeta! THANK YOU, YOUR MAJESTY! I'll begin work on it right away, sire--"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Hey, you know I was really kind of kidding, don't you?" but before Prince Jeta could say another word Anathapindika made haste out of the castle. "Hah! I guess I'll let him try," he said looking over at one of his attendants. "But still he'll never come up with that kind of money. It's impossible."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Anathapindika began calculating all of his assets and found creative ways to stretch his budget. </span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMp1bt5YZJub2BsJu96YS0pFRGRl54MTlW3L7ZZTk5C6JXw5TYgsd39weiT6RzHV_LU4RRdh9o5gnjpanLEy1XV_kCeDdwKfrOUKpV8BAUzUg6krvgxCkS2m0u5CXL6eBIE6KO6gzNPSK/s1600/8228640_921246eaa3_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMp1bt5YZJub2BsJu96YS0pFRGRl54MTlW3L7ZZTk5C6JXw5TYgsd39weiT6RzHV_LU4RRdh9o5gnjpanLEy1XV_kCeDdwKfrOUKpV8BAUzUg6krvgxCkS2m0u5CXL6eBIE6KO6gzNPSK/s1600/8228640_921246eaa3_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Jeff Belmonte available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He might just be able to cover the amount of gold needed, but he realized that by including the donations of others it would deepen the bond others have with Buddhism. So he posted signs all over the city asking for donations of any kind to help build, furnish, and supply the monastery. People all over the city began to donate materials and money.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> After observing the villagers carrying various items of value away from the city, Prince Jeta ordered one of his attendants to investigate Anathapindika's activities. The attendant quickly returned back to Prince Jeta with a look of complete bewilderment.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Your majesty," said the attendant in a daze. "That man you received the other day, Anathapindika... well, he is now in the process of spreading gold over your lands at this very moment. I've seen him with my own eyes spreading the gold coins himself. Many of the villagers are even leaving donations for the new temple."</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Prince Jeta couldn't believe it. He mounted his horse and rode over to his forest. Sure enough, Anathapindika was at the halfway point spreading gold coins over the land. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Wait. Stop right there!!" Prince Jeta shouted. Anathapindika stopped to look at the prince. All the villagers turned their eyes toward the prince as well. The prince scanned his land covered in gold and observed all the donations from the villagers. His facial expression slowly became softer. </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Your determination and regard for Buddhism amazes me," said the prince. "Let me contribute the other remaining half of the land as an act of charity to this grand new temple."</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And so Prince Jeta and Anathapindata built together what was to become the famous Jetavana Monastery.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpHUu9tuYvDim1SLuu7FeP9ubr9IKTPujdyzb-EzwWoM55zfHKMylhv4Z1ozJfb1Df0w2L-6zJYmegbVKN8VBWO5Eb6JoCrZDNWUo-RKNEzGxjjD5LKlq4f-ldCwY445xhnPmgWbe2BTL/s1600/9244560072_878f593bb6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpHUu9tuYvDim1SLuu7FeP9ubr9IKTPujdyzb-EzwWoM55zfHKMylhv4Z1ozJfb1Df0w2L-6zJYmegbVKN8VBWO5Eb6JoCrZDNWUo-RKNEzGxjjD5LKlq4f-ldCwY445xhnPmgWbe2BTL/s1600/9244560072_878f593bb6_z.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Photo Dharma available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But some still might hear this story and think to themselves, "Well, I'm not able to give anything as great as Anathapindika. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I'm flat broke. </span>Since I have next to nothing to give, I can't offer anything. And since I can't give like you say, it seems like I'll stay in bad shape."</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Again -- what matters most in giving is <u>what's in the heart</u>.<b> </b>Having a heart that wishes to give and share is what is most precious. Even if you have nothing you can give, you can still give many gifts that come from the heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, Buddhism teaches there are <b>7 Ways of Giving for Free</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">1.) <b>The Gift of a Warm, Friendly Look</b> -- </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Welcoming people with your eyes can be a tremendous gift you can give to anyone for free. It lifts the spirits of those around you and gives comfort to
people who may be feeling down. It has been said that eyes are the window to the soul, so show the world a soothing radiance with each glance. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vVe1R3o0EGHlwMjJ4ddrxYk2sd-duXJsyHmSRaZnE253UzotfNW3EfUEy0o0RLlNaIH0qlQiV3RWkubLp4s04Q9QOhMlaO4eygYgc7pPvYZhwlKC6rX0wIlEjbwCUjozzuX9KxUEO6xv/s1600/2110112841_4ca16ddbe1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vVe1R3o0EGHlwMjJ4ddrxYk2sd-duXJsyHmSRaZnE253UzotfNW3EfUEy0o0RLlNaIH0qlQiV3RWkubLp4s04Q9QOhMlaO4eygYgc7pPvYZhwlKC6rX0wIlEjbwCUjozzuX9KxUEO6xv/s1600/2110112841_4ca16ddbe1_z.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Ehsan Khakbaz H. available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">2.) <b>The Gift of a Soothing Expression</b> -- Smiling is another way to share with others a peaceful, easy feeling. Greeting others you meet with that first smile is something truly wonderful to receive and can be done at no cost. When someone gives you a heartfelt smile, it can often ease your suffering and melt away all life's little troubles for a while. It makes you and the other person feel joyful in unison! A little grin can even calm people down, and it promotes harmony. Everyone else will start to get along better and smile by following your example. Instructions to smile: simply pull each corner of your mouth toward your ears and put your teeth on display! Don't be shy!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9QT_otCoLWR0ArSdJpVyAnnbjva-Amv6ckZEA_dkj3BRXeAeCmxi_f7Wi5srVJRdgmDZ88lY0GDl_P9gWtYOd_EMqf5rfO1J7OWhtllMABc7A46x_AZjVhiZzO6hGr54cNc2vvg3f16z/s1600/497273200_c91e949b4c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9QT_otCoLWR0ArSdJpVyAnnbjva-Amv6ckZEA_dkj3BRXeAeCmxi_f7Wi5srVJRdgmDZ88lY0GDl_P9gWtYOd_EMqf5rfO1J7OWhtllMABc7A46x_AZjVhiZzO6hGr54cNc2vvg3f16z/s1600/497273200_c91e949b4c_o.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Jesse Barker available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">3.) <b>The Gift of Gentle Words</b> -- Say nice things to people. Give up using sarcasm if possible. It's such a rare blessing to hear words from someone who is speaking from the heart. Whenever we hear someone genuinely sharing warmth, it makes us feel really happy inside. Listen to others and take a sincere interest in their well-being. Offer uplifting support when you reply. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6jEbkR5Z-zZOEs4WGrpcsQk7pMHPpY7lIX4z1y6P1h6LqaFEsMzLmwS4JHUZ0zvhE63k9PTqlEzMUZo-fdM5s0I1nS6q86n1FZ5ZhHG78gdgfxBoiPwriWFBHbNJ4yRBv8qtwhMp_iN7/s1600/9509417226_b918869637_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6jEbkR5Z-zZOEs4WGrpcsQk7pMHPpY7lIX4z1y6P1h6LqaFEsMzLmwS4JHUZ0zvhE63k9PTqlEzMUZo-fdM5s0I1nS6q86n1FZ5ZhHG78gdgfxBoiPwriWFBHbNJ4yRBv8qtwhMp_iN7/s1600/9509417226_b918869637_z.jpg" height="337" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shared Word Art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">4.) <b>The Gift of Help through One's Effort</b> -- This means really getting down to work by doing physical labor for a friend, a charity, or for society. Use your muscle and get your cardio by lending a helping hand to someone in need. It could be lending a hand during someone's move, opening a door for someone, or picking up something that someone has dropped on the floor. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lxaqtvTVzA1-MfuBFwbpX4bS3oHNG2-7t9lzJl3BsgRe0_eoiJ1pjfoh3_bNGTZL9wq7fzmyaBh4uorbekGKEZNzSkm4V9PP5zSAXR1nLoG2vB0Oa0BsYHXd5V1JCcIPeGIvrdX2bZJv/s1600/10041257185_65371249b7_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lxaqtvTVzA1-MfuBFwbpX4bS3oHNG2-7t9lzJl3BsgRe0_eoiJ1pjfoh3_bNGTZL9wq7fzmyaBh4uorbekGKEZNzSkm4V9PP5zSAXR1nLoG2vB0Oa0BsYHXd5V1JCcIPeGIvrdX2bZJv/s1600/10041257185_65371249b7_z.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Feed My Starving Children available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">5.) <b>The Gift of Gratitude from the Heart</b> -- This is saying thanks to someone and really meaning it. Not just "Thanks," but <b><u>"Thank you very much!!"</u></b> said with gusto and real enthusiasm. Gratitude is a very powerful force. It's contagious and capable of doing very great things for this world. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TKQG4luq7-Uy23WrYA2-snuJkfVu-MXGXiCEdtqleIOOCo7hyzgfHi_D-IFYJQqSn83hSMVrcodrlA8RPQnAv1na5c5Y0dI2F4ZfZB80ey05ckz8hS8yVUGTfhzlmDncygPgebf3SuIa/s1600/9497397754_178da3f3ee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TKQG4luq7-Uy23WrYA2-snuJkfVu-MXGXiCEdtqleIOOCo7hyzgfHi_D-IFYJQqSn83hSMVrcodrlA8RPQnAv1na5c5Y0dI2F4ZfZB80ey05ckz8hS8yVUGTfhzlmDncygPgebf3SuIa/s1600/9497397754_178da3f3ee_b.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shared Word Art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">6.) <b>The Gift of Giving Up Your Spot</b> -- In our lives, we assume various positions and hold onto various entitlements. Giving up your Spot means letting someone else have that treasured parking space. Just be patient and give others the right of way at an intersection rather than speeding ahead. Offer the last seat on the bus or train especially to the elderly or disabled. You can yield your spot as chairman of the board as you retire, or even resist the temptation of your last bite to share it instead. It's not only about giving up your seat; it's about thinking of others first before thinking of yourself. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj757pfpzWhBX7_n5x8XnGjJcSdzU0jXBX4aVLhFmsKhAMz5Ywe6VhFCjDVxjXt4EFNVnClhX4GgGC_8YXptMWnqDdgJ7T1yNSnodHecqjGdygZk23AvX5rjyN5-ObN0K9q9o9LeTCgg-l_/s1600/385150543_f6f10178ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj757pfpzWhBX7_n5x8XnGjJcSdzU0jXBX4aVLhFmsKhAMz5Ywe6VhFCjDVxjXt4EFNVnClhX4GgGC_8YXptMWnqDdgJ7T1yNSnodHecqjGdygZk23AvX5rjyN5-ObN0K9q9o9LeTCgg-l_/s1600/385150543_f6f10178ef_b.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by isa available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">7.) <b>The Gift of Sharing a Meal and Offering a Night's Stay</b> -- This means to offer someone in the middle of a difficult journey in life a meal and a place to spend the night. When another is in a time of great twists and turns along their path, this can be a very precious, comforting gift. Most of us have a little bit extra in the fridge and how better to use it than to help out a friend in need. So clear off the couch and freshen the linens in the extra bedroom!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGolMnjb3Ff5gY953_YcRhnyVVtXpsAy4GN8Z6uR7vNsMdgVRk0H5h3BpMujpGemo5EMBQ9GmPpoyXs-43cYiXmxXofxX-TN0vB74GpWE6Fk9CbVot3WNRR0QXKmIY04d7A6i17FuSP4dt/s1600/11110151613_a8f00300c9_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGolMnjb3Ff5gY953_YcRhnyVVtXpsAy4GN8Z6uR7vNsMdgVRk0H5h3BpMujpGemo5EMBQ9GmPpoyXs-43cYiXmxXofxX-TN0vB74GpWE6Fk9CbVot3WNRR0QXKmIY04d7A6i17FuSP4dt/s1600/11110151613_a8f00300c9_b.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shared Word Art by BK available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> These are all things we can do anywhere and at any time and without any cost to us. All we have to do is try it and it is sure to work! These efforts we do for others are rewarding to us because of the Law of Cause and Effect.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Good deeds bring good results.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Bad deeds bring bad results.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Your own deeds bring your own results.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <u>Our actions are what decide our fate</u>. That's why it's so important to do as much good as we can for others all the time. We can only benefit from it!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Pgj_Bu0FqvJYGRicvDCUK-1evxtvl4By3XXqrG17ur0AJMZGcRiQDTA9IcnLQ_19rBPALQQdOPtIe-aMiB23kpCFNeh-K-YaOMqujvnDmJyyE1x3huYYq_VD8E3YITq1OIcne4N7bNi1/s1600/10508407485_24f9bf9c32_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Pgj_Bu0FqvJYGRicvDCUK-1evxtvl4By3XXqrG17ur0AJMZGcRiQDTA9IcnLQ_19rBPALQQdOPtIe-aMiB23kpCFNeh-K-YaOMqujvnDmJyyE1x3huYYq_VD8E3YITq1OIcne4N7bNi1/s1600/10508407485_24f9bf9c32_z.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Word Art by Celestia Chua available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So let's go out there and use kind words and avoid all that negativity, criticism, and insulting language. Instead be nurturing, considerate and caring with your friends and family. Try to focus on giving from your heart as well as smiling a little bit more throughout life. </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8eD9rZNwuEPiy2TMLzFQuyvmJPCCRj1F3Wxy_Cyx3mAEPJ9hMlHqQTF7cSqOKX5JLRK7GEot9HUqTzKUCqQ4uXrYvTgzC1YJ3ee0Lr-nkFogvxpmN3c2tJZs8UKKlrzuSICqKEQsPP7f/s1600/2274024363_f968c46c19_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8eD9rZNwuEPiy2TMLzFQuyvmJPCCRj1F3Wxy_Cyx3mAEPJ9hMlHqQTF7cSqOKX5JLRK7GEot9HUqTzKUCqQ4uXrYvTgzC1YJ3ee0Lr-nkFogvxpmN3c2tJZs8UKKlrzuSICqKEQsPP7f/s1600/2274024363_f968c46c19_o.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In the next post, we will learn the importance of who we should give our best effort to. Just as important as it is to plant good seeds, it is also important to know the best place to maximize our efforts. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The translation of </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Śākyamuni has many different spellings. Up to this point, Sakyamuni has been used, which was the phonetic translation without accent symbols. In order to come closer to the original sound, Shakyamuni will now be used. Both forms are still acceptable, but this alternate spelling is preferred. Soon past posts will all be updated to reflect this change.</span> </span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-17353620756357641142014-05-29T01:46:00.001-07:002014-09-04T16:33:17.132-07:00Six Paramitas - Why It's So Important to Do Good<!--[if !mso]>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3XbUHpDNcYYnyjldEEwqAmpPzK3OAdsP2KZ2OqSmOk6VpKTkPct3oX6cPiOrJSIUOAfr-ucDzwmUGqNbYPr1K-3KqetMEvTij_q7BzQk2uETRERZbBXtqxJUlof0C7SZEHMHqrJ2Tu5a/s1600/6501835741_1ddd4b59a6_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3XbUHpDNcYYnyjldEEwqAmpPzK3OAdsP2KZ2OqSmOk6VpKTkPct3oX6cPiOrJSIUOAfr-ucDzwmUGqNbYPr1K-3KqetMEvTij_q7BzQk2uETRERZbBXtqxJUlof0C7SZEHMHqrJ2Tu5a/s1600/6501835741_1ddd4b59a6_z.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by United Way of Massachusetts & Merrimack Valley available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Everybody knows (or should know) that giving is rewarding. It fills us with a sense of pride as we see our happiness become doubled within the hearts of others. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But when life starts to feel more and more like hell, the idea of doing good for someone else suddenly becomes further and further away in
on our minds. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> "Things can only get worse for me now," we say to ourselves. "I do have to take care of myself after all. Why should <i>I</i> be the one to help <i>them</i> out? I'm the one who needs help. Come on, if life is going to be so cruel like this to me, why should I bother helping other people? They should be helping me. Anyway, it doesn't matter. I might as well just give up since it seems like my
whole life is already ruined."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
When we lose our strength and get tired of carrying that heavy burden, we can start to blame the world for what it's done to us and want everybody to just leave us alone. We can't understand why such bad things we didn't deserve seem to only happen to us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Yet if we really, really want to have a positive change for the better in our lives, we first have to recognize that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>we are the ones who have to make that change.</u></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>We ourselves </u></span>need to make the effort toward bringing that change about.</u> We can't just bury
our heads in the sand and expect things to magically improve.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4moQTXw8JStHZErCUCiXAB3Lfq9EucUSO4-B7cgfXMT_Zs289you4TlfJud7J9fILjKX1sK4HtXWkJjTE2sIkMk1R6fBmE0clirCxzTY7iFPfuDz96sSMM_8MJXpyP0Q1bdWuCLuzWjnB/s1600/2898021822_95279b8d07_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4moQTXw8JStHZErCUCiXAB3Lfq9EucUSO4-B7cgfXMT_Zs289you4TlfJud7J9fILjKX1sK4HtXWkJjTE2sIkMk1R6fBmE0clirCxzTY7iFPfuDz96sSMM_8MJXpyP0Q1bdWuCLuzWjnB/s1600/2898021822_95279b8d07_z.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Peter available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
If it's too hot outside, we have to cool ourselves down by getting a cold glass
of water. If we're getting out of shape, we need to exercise at the gym or go
out on a walk everyday. If we're not meeting our deadlines at work, we need to put
in some overtime or to reorganize our projects more efficiently. If we're
struggling at school, we need to sacrifice our weekends to do homework or to
seek the aid of a good tutor. These examples show how <b>cause</b> and <b>effect</b>
are linked. We make the change we want to bring about with our own day-to-day choices. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The foundation of Buddhist teachings is the <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b>.
According to Buddhism, the following three lines which are written in the sutras
represent <b>universal truth</b>, applicable at all times and at all places.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good
deeds bring good results. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bad
deeds bring bad results. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your
own deeds bring your own results. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This means waiting around aimlessly for something good to happen does not make
what we want to happen come about any sooner. Only using the power of intention to wish what we
want to come true will not work well for us either. If we want good results to
actually manifest in our lives, we of course have to think it, but then we have
to get up, get out there, and get working toward doing that good.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ygufW8_NRPnOb_ErmtzvdZltEmwONpmkc240CqvDeoqWXBnr5Js7MJ9VD56dIizeFRQG7FLNQF_GxrXYUcV9mj9t2-j7zYTf6hfjntHYucupRMnxOmeO0NZtqkJZnF32fHo3fUURYlPh/s1600/5325422564_25e8de385e_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ygufW8_NRPnOb_ErmtzvdZltEmwONpmkc240CqvDeoqWXBnr5Js7MJ9VD56dIizeFRQG7FLNQF_GxrXYUcV9mj9t2-j7zYTf6hfjntHYucupRMnxOmeO0NZtqkJZnF32fHo3fUURYlPh/s1600/5325422564_25e8de385e_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by Evan Courtney available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We of course need to relax in order to restore our energy, but </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we can't manifest our dreams if we're always away at leisure. </span>The greater our efforts, the greater the energy and momentum that brings about those results. Being lazy only
brings us more laziness sooner. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But we're unwilling to accept this high level of responsibility behind creating our own results. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We don't want to be judged by others</span>, and no one wants such a heavy burden on their shoulder. So when things go wrong, we often list off an excuse or find someone else to blame for our current
misfortunes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> However, once we begin to realize in depth how <b>Causality </b>works, we try our best to get
ourselves back on course. We focus our minds toward planting all the good seeds
we can to better the lives of those around us as well as ourselves. Doing good in this way speeds us toward achieving
our ultimate purpose in life.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
So it's all just cause and effect. Just do a lot of good and I'll be happy. Is
that all there is to it? Can Buddhism really be this simple?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Let's get some insight from a very chance encounter between a Buddhist monk and
a Confucian philosopher that took place hundreds of years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRMQZadH2WU2mgF11iSIQwE2RGZL-DyRWTuS2GAYMoitelPQxQxn_4Tw-0OdpJZ7gwLYkRyfCTRvFsu_37KPXFBj9Quwdng0roiUdvk0F2EjvNqqn2Vwdj0vdbOdgkr8V3irt6XJlZRLC/s1600/Rebecca+Selah.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRMQZadH2WU2mgF11iSIQwE2RGZL-DyRWTuS2GAYMoitelPQxQxn_4Tw-0OdpJZ7gwLYkRyfCTRvFsu_37KPXFBj9Quwdng0roiUdvk0F2EjvNqqn2Vwdj0vdbOdgkr8V3irt6XJlZRLC/s1600/Rebecca+Selah.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Rebecca Selah available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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</td>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
In China, there was a famous Buddhist monk by
the name of Bird's Nest. He liked to meditate on branches high up in the trees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
One day, the famous Confucian poet Bai Juyi was walking through the forest and
spotted the treetop monk in meditation. Seeing this rare opportunity to meet with another
great philosopher, Bai Juyi decided to playfully tease him from below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"Hey up there!" said Bai Juyi. "Isn't it dangerous
to sit high in a tree with your eyes closed? You may doze off and hit the
ground." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"It is YOU down there that is in danger!" said Bird's Nest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Even though way up in such a precarious place, Bird's Nest was seeking for a solution to his
mortality, a danger that awaits each and every one of us. Down below, Bai Juyi realized how keen the monk's awareness must be for such a quick-witted response while still in meditation. He decided to introduce himself to this exceptional monk plainly and
forgo all the usual formalities associated with his own title. In this way,
both could speak comfortably to the other.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"I am the rather insignificant Bai Juyi. Might I ask your name, good
monk?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"I am the insignificant monk Bird's Nest."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"Ah, so it is indeed the famous Master Bird's nest I am speaking
with?" Bai Juyi said as he devised a way to test the knowledge of this
well-known monk. "Well, I'm very pleased to run into you, because you see, I've been
wondering for a long time about Buddhism. Since I have you here, could you tell me in just a few words, what it is that Buddha
teaches?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Bird's Nest said simply, "To refrain from all
forms of evil and pursue good. This is Buddhism. In fewer words, stop bad deeds
and do good deeds."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"Hah-hahahaha!" Bai Juyi erupted in laughter. "Even a
three-year-old child could figure out that! Hah-hahaha--"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"--A child of three may know it," interrupted Bird's Nest. "But
even a man of 80 years still finds it rather difficult to carry out, wouldn't
you say?" </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This made Bai Juyi reflect deeply. It’s very true that little kids quickly seem to grasp the
difference between right and wrong at an early age. Yet why is it that once they grow up
into parents and grandparents they still run into the same problems? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Ethics and morals may succeed at making us appear virtuous to the outside world with what we say and
do. <u>But Buddhism is different in that its primary focus is within the mind</u>. We
have to make sure the good that we do with our words and our physical efforts
comes from the very bottom of our hearts.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
If you do good, good things will happen to you! If you do bad, you will head
toward misfortune. You reap the results of the seeds you yourself planted. So
if we really understand the Law of Cause and Effect completely, we'd naturally
quit doing bad actions and do more good actions! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
However, it's just too difficult to see how <b>Cause and Effect</b> works in
relation to all the miscellaneous events that happen to us everyday. It's even
more difficult to clearly see how we behave toward others with real accuracy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Since we have a bias toward our own choices and our own perspective, it is this
same bias that causes us to doubt Causality when things don't seem to be going
our way. "But I'm such a great person," we think. "I don't
deserve all this bad treatment that's happening to me. Something went
wrong."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
But if we really put our minds to work, are we really successfully
doing good <u>all the time</u>? Are we really able to determine the true severity of
our own mistakes? How much real effort are we sincerely putting toward doing
good? How about all those small acts of kindness we put off or never get around
to actually doing? "Those little ones aren't as important," we
justify to ourselves. "No one will notice, so who cares? I'll wait for
something better to do with my time."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Yet there is actually so much to gain by all these small acts of good. We should
make special effort toward completing them as best we can. If we keep a
positive mindset with all we endeavor, great or small, we can only stand to gain. Even moments
that appear to be setbacks can suddenly take on new meaning. To understand this
further, let's read a short story. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
Good Regardless</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Stone in the Center of Town</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
A king once slipped out of his castle in the middle of the night when
nobody was looking and laid a great stone in the center of town.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDjlty0b-P81x6BZPIc2hDpg5psMKnH1ScRl2rtVrThb8M6HRhzBJzQAE9u-gsTIYtofbo9RR2VhYUehOpaBvgpatOX-jCw9cXj954qVk_hLykrY9vCpFQx3ktx-OXoScucq2n0i7_t5_/s1600/2300949427_5d0db48146_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDjlty0b-P81x6BZPIc2hDpg5psMKnH1ScRl2rtVrThb8M6HRhzBJzQAE9u-gsTIYtofbo9RR2VhYUehOpaBvgpatOX-jCw9cXj954qVk_hLykrY9vCpFQx3ktx-OXoScucq2n0i7_t5_/s1600/2300949427_5d0db48146_z.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Joel Penner, available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
In the morning, a drunken soldier tripped over the stone, fell, and hit his
head. "Who put this blasted stone here?" he snarled. "I'd like
to teach that damn fool a lesson." Cursing, he went on his way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Soon a gentleman on horseback came by and just missed running into the stone.
He came to a stop and said, "Whew, that was close! I could have been
killed. What a dirty trick to play!!" Muttering, he trotted on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
After another interval, a farmer came by, pulling his wagon. "What's
this?" he cried. "Somebody put a big stone here. It's dangerous and
blocks the way." Grumbling, he gave the stone a kick and went on by.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
None of them thought to remove the stone.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> A
month later, the king assembled the people in the town square and admonished
them. "I am the one who put the stone here," he said. "But none
of you made any attempt to remove it for the public good. That is a sign that
my reign is flawed. Today I personally will remove the stone."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
When he did so, underneath it was a bag marked, "For Whoever Moves the
Stone Out of the Way." It was full of gold and jewels.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEsfsk4VTfsCid3sLYnSSxdhucXOBqmaiRWIkJCYEvTfgVOyM0W4n_CwLa_BhhDjVqyLNwBHowSglxe-ktU9ux3k19L7IKxB2XYMBKMrRO0GAuWdHH_ZM61yotnRSDOsjb3kLLdzA_OOC/s1600/5292999062_18ae73c224_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEsfsk4VTfsCid3sLYnSSxdhucXOBqmaiRWIkJCYEvTfgVOyM0W4n_CwLa_BhhDjVqyLNwBHowSglxe-ktU9ux3k19L7IKxB2XYMBKMrRO0GAuWdHH_ZM61yotnRSDOsjb3kLLdzA_OOC/s1600/5292999062_18ae73c224_z.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Kurtis Garbutt (edited to enhance color), original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Good deeds,
even those that go unseen, always bring a reward.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i>, p. 162)</span></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
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<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Whether it's moving a stone out of the way to picking up trash on the
street when we see it, everyone would start doing more good if they knew a
great reward awaited. Because, deep down, we all want to be recognized and
applauded.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.break.com/video/awesome-flashmob-reward-for-picking-up-bottle-2028163"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.break.com/video/awesome-flashmob-reward-for-picking-up-bottle-2028163</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
From flash mobs to reality TV to stardom, the desire for <b>fame</b> is in our
very nature. But very few people can carry out the self-discipline and the consistent
effort of virtue that it requires. Most people notice all the problems they have stacked
up around them only to walk away or put it off. “Maybe later...” we say to
ourselves. “Next week seems better for me... or better yet would be next month...”
Sound familiar? Do those words sound like you’re getting any closer to what you really
wanted? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Our past experiences may fool us into thinking that doing a favor for someone else will keep us from being happy.
"Hmmm," we think to ourselves. "This favor is going to end up taking up a lot of my time. If I don't get around to
it, I'm sure someone else will step in instead of me. I don't have to be the one."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Yet passing off these little acts of kindness to someone else proves that we
don't really understand that doing good will bring good results. "This good is just so little, so it won't really amount to much anyway," we think. "I'm
better off doing something else of more importance." But that self-interested thinking reveals how skewed our perspective can be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
We need to reflect on our actions and see all the good around
us that we can possibly do. Skipping over the little things is actually
negligence on our parts, and it's also letting us miss out on this one-and-only
chance to receive something that is actually really, really wonderful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
But still we persist, "Why bother? Even if I do go out of my way and do
this for them, it won't really bring me a good effect. The effect I will notice
in my life will be really small, so why should I care at the end of the day?
I've already got a lot on my plate as it is." This self-serving
mentality demonstrates the ignorance at our very core and our complete
incapability of understanding the Law of Cause and Effect. Buddhism reveals to us just how
extremely short-sighted our nature is. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"The Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna (ca. 150-250) expressed the reality of
human goodness in this way: 'Even if you pour two or three jugs of boiling
water on a frozen pond four miles around, the next day, the ice there will
swell up.' In other words, boiling water may have the power to melt ice, but overnight
it too will freeze. In the same way, human goodness is overwhelmed by our
overriding capacity for evil."</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>You
Were Born for a Reason</i>, p. 133)</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZbtTl2viUMonIG5BtQeC4wstYr8w0QWoP02L5Epjv1NnRy1DjyzGBklh-hObe2ZVcfzBplUmo2vsDnxz81taqy1U60J1an2vanCMipIqGRmsILrtEQgUh9EFGpsAgyWP3TjQwA6nl35y/s1600/12895369843_590489205f_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZbtTl2viUMonIG5BtQeC4wstYr8w0QWoP02L5Epjv1NnRy1DjyzGBklh-hObe2ZVcfzBplUmo2vsDnxz81taqy1U60J1an2vanCMipIqGRmsILrtEQgUh9EFGpsAgyWP3TjQwA6nl35y/s1600/12895369843_590489205f_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by TheTurducken (edited to remove debris), original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But can that be an accurate portrayal? Doubt arises in our minds. Well, with so many millions and
millions of benevolent people working diligently in charity organizations and
as volunteers, how can Nagarjuna make such a claim that human goodness is "overwhelmed
by our overriding capacity for evil?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"Let there be no misunderstanding. The sort of person under consideration
here -- one who feels pity and compassion for those in unfortunate circumstances
and take action to help them, only to be brought up short by the realization
that his benevolence is tainted by ugly pride -- is by definition one whose
heart is sincerely set on doing good; otherwise, he would be incapable of such
a deep realization. The more we try to become good, the more we see that our
'evil nature knows no end,' and the more we are driven to repent and to strive
to overcome our natural bent toward evil."</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>You
Were Born for a Reason</i>, p.134) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
There are so many grand possibilities to do good in this world. But once we
begin to do a lot of good for others, there is the chance of getting carried
away with unseen pride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
For that reason, there are three things we should take into consideration when
we do good. In Buddhism, they are known as the <b>Three Spheres of Emptiness</b>
(<b>or the Three Empty Wheels)</b>. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Three
Spheres of Emptiness</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZbtTl2viUMonIG5BtQeC4wstYr8w0QWoP02L5Epjv1NnRy1DjyzGBklh-hObe2ZVcfzBplUmo2vsDnxz81taqy1U60J1an2vanCMipIqGRmsILrtEQgUh9EFGpsAgyWP3TjQwA6nl35y/s1600/12895369843_590489205f_z.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5972625407761998366" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5972625407761998366" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5972625407761998366" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRMQZadH2WU2mgF11iSIQwE2RGZL-DyRWTuS2GAYMoitelPQxQxn_4Tw-0OdpJZ7gwLYkRyfCTRvFsu_37KPXFBj9Quwdng0roiUdvk0F2EjvNqqn2Vwdj0vdbOdgkr8V3irt6XJlZRLC/s1600/Rebecca+Selah.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRMQZadH2WU2mgF11iSIQwE2RGZL-DyRWTuS2GAYMoitelPQxQxn_4Tw-0OdpJZ7gwLYkRyfCTRvFsu_37KPXFBj9Quwdng0roiUdvk0F2EjvNqqn2Vwdj0vdbOdgkr8V3irt6XJlZRLC/s1600/Rebecca+Selah.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1st<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sphere</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2nd Sphere</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>3rd Sphere</u></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">But I gave… ...so much... ...to that ingrate! </span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: small;">(Pride as a Giver) (Pride in the Gift) (Pride over the Receiver) </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1<sup>st</sup>
Sphere)<u> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But</b> <b>I gave</b></u>
= (Pride as a Giver)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
fact we did good for someone can inflate our pride,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and
give us a false sense of superiority.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
should try to forget</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">or
lessen the importance of our act. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2<sup>nd</sup>
Sphere) <u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So much</b></u>
= (Pride in the Gift)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
greater the act or gift we provide for someone else</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the
greater the tendency to demand more respect from it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
should try to forget what we did</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to
not become attached to our offering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(3<sup>rd</sup>
Sphere)<b> <u>To that ingrate</u></b> = (Pride over the Receiver)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
we do a lot for someone and they are thankless,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we
can have spite toward them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
should be grateful to others and give back</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">without
keeping track in our hearts of who we gave to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Some may wonder why good deeds should be forgotten, especially if one has been
taken advantage of by that someone else. But when performing good deeds it's
also important to have wisdom of who to give to. We'll find out more on this
topic in the next post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All the more than <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7,000 sutras</b> of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sakyamuni Buddha</b> teach the importance of doing good, yet there is just
one simple and true test of our understanding. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Knowing
something without putting it into practice </span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is
the same as not knowing it.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
We can say we know good deeds bring good results, but until we can practice it
everyday without fail in our everyday lives -- we don't really know it. This
is because the more we endeavor to do good, the more we are revealed about our
true nature. Without taking the initiative to put it into practice, we can't
make any new breakthroughs in knowing ourselves at any real depth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Because there are so many virtues that we can try to practice, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sakyamuni Buddha</span> narrowed all of them
down into six distinct categories. They are known as the <b>Six Paramitas. </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In ancient Sanskrit, the meaning of the word <b>paramita</b> can be compared to a bridge. So in Buddhism, the Six Paramitas are each like a bridge for us on the journey toward reaching <b>absolute happiness</b>.</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Six
Paramitas</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1st Paramita - <b>Generosity</b>
(Give to Others)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2nd Paramita - <b>Accountability</b> (Keep your Promises)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3rd Paramita - <b>Patience</b> (Remain Calm in
Adversity)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4th Paramita - <b>Diligence</b> (Make Sincere Efforts)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5th Paramita - <b>Contemplation</b> (Reflect on
Yourself)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6th Paramita - <b>Wisdom</b> (Improve Your Self by Serious
Practice of the Law of Cause & Effect)</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 6</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">th Paramita of Wisdom is a culmination of the first five paramitas </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<b>Generosity</b>,
<b>Accountability</b>, <b>Patience</b>, <b>Diligence</b>, <b>Contemplation</b>) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">cumulatively practiced at the same time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Buddha taught that
we should freely choose whichever or however many of these we feel that we can
do easily. Then once we've chosen, we try to perform them with all our might!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next posts, let's go over
each one carefully starting with the first paramita of <b>Generosity</b>.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-17602900955117104112014-03-31T11:18:00.003-07:002014-03-31T11:34:33.944-07:00Worldly Passions - Envy / Ignorance<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we lose out on what we really wanted to our rival, we can often feel bitter <b>envy</b> toward that person. We believe that their happiness should have really been ours, and so now we want to take it from them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In highly competitive sports, our fierce drive to victory can often get our blood boiling when we fall just a few points behind. It pains us to see someone else win the praise and recognition that we were so desperately wishing for ourselves.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q60Ehyphenhyphenjyj_59LXzZ_OTTa4b7k8YYbon3RfWjRDXmn2iMiMpT1wOPSDYflkBQ9pzaTLeqg4oKrDtg9MGKedIlWf5bh52eZKa6XDh-csBYDnTzBKYEpZlWnGQ-ieq-9NlhlUtxlQKt2FiG/s1600/6862391542_642eaac802_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q60Ehyphenhyphenjyj_59LXzZ_OTTa4b7k8YYbon3RfWjRDXmn2iMiMpT1wOPSDYflkBQ9pzaTLeqg4oKrDtg9MGKedIlWf5bh52eZKa6XDh-csBYDnTzBKYEpZlWnGQ-ieq-9NlhlUtxlQKt2FiG/s1600/6862391542_642eaac802_z.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by National Assembly for Wales available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Even if our very good friend shows off their wealth buying the very
latest smartphone, we still get a little <b>jealous</b> inside. When that annoying neighbor of ours keeps parking his fancy car in our driveway, we can't help but hold a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">grudge</b> against him and ceaselessly <b>complain</b> about his rudeness. </span>If the person we can't stand also happens to be in a position of authority like a
boss or a teacher, it can fester into
<b>resentfulness</b>. After these negative feelings go unresolved for too long, <b>hatred</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> can emerge</span>. </span></div>
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And then when we're in a better position, we begin to look down on others. From a
distance, we can even become amused by the suffering of others. Let's say our
recently-promoted coworker is fired shortly after her appointment. With
the position now available, we smile and quickly see her loss as our
gain. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though we may not think so, we are <b>taking delight in others' misfortune</b> unknowingly in our day-to-day lives. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> This toxic mindset within us that curses others for their happiness and
takes pleasure in their misfortune represents</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the last of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Three Poisonous Passions</b>, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the <b>worldly passion of envy/ignorance.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
An envious mind has a total lack of awareness because its actions do
not actually lead to real happiness. It is foolish because it only
brings about more suffering. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For this reason, this worldly passion is also known
as <b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ignorance</span></b>. Even Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Envy is ignorance."</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkREDn4__ZJoZ3cxLNdDufK2s5FvlAa2YEiBATOj1N94rc3yQKVkEhPkRnWk6KYHmDE_En8xg8kBktcJrUf-Jgfv3tQOwG2qa3klPld4pAgWt-zx8sOzmpWCeQ0E0O-C4CjkjKLQlrZv_h/s1600/8526518805_8a9188c1c4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkREDn4__ZJoZ3cxLNdDufK2s5FvlAa2YEiBATOj1N94rc3yQKVkEhPkRnWk6KYHmDE_En8xg8kBktcJrUf-Jgfv3tQOwG2qa3klPld4pAgWt-zx8sOzmpWCeQ0E0O-C4CjkjKLQlrZv_h/s1600/8526518805_8a9188c1c4.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by mtchlra (edited to remove brands), original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Yet we continue to fall
victim to envy because we fail to fully grasp the <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b>.
When we envy others for what they received instead of us, we are rejecting the notion of
<b>karma</b>. The reason we challenge <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Causality</b> is we doubt the relationship between a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cause </b>and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Effect</b> we have experienced. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good
deeds bring good results.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bad
deeds bring bad results.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your
own deeds bring your own results.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> When things are going our way, we of course have no problem agreeing with the words of <b>Sakyamuni Buddha</b>. But the moment we lose out on what we really, really wanted is the
very same moment we instead go looking for someone else to blame. That's when a multitude of
vengeful feelings rise up in us all aimed at that miserable person who we think is really at fault for our troubles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
our minds, we feel downright entitled to what they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
don’t
deserve it as much as we do, we think. And so we begin to envy them and
have a lot of animosity toward them. However, putting others down for
their own results shows a complete disregard of the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Because what must be understood about karma is that without even a single exception, <u>all
happiness is the result of a past action</u>. Whenever something good happens
to us in our life, it is only because we must have done something good in the
past. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Everything that occurs in the universe has a cause. So all happiness in our
life must have its own respective cause. People who are happy right now are
feeling that way because they themselves produced a past cause for their current
happiness. And that cause was performed by that very same person who is now happy.
Still we can learn about this and say we understand the foundation of Buddhism, but only when
it’s convenient to us. The more we sincerely look into our nature, the more we
discover that we are not able to think this way <u>all the time</u>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Deep down, we
still demand to know why that person is better off right now and not us.
We think they couldn't
have worked as hard as we do, or they simply don’t deserve it as much as
we do. Our jealousy and spite churn us up and make us feel worse
inside. In the end, this mentality will only lead to more regret,
because performing
more bad deeds will always bring more bad results. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
So whenever we fail to
achieve something, we must look within and begin to take our own steps
toward happiness. Remember, envy does not get us to the finish line any
faster.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNLvF8AAgLmo7wK4v4kOHfXMST1JyXREcj12g3lpo-0Cs18YZ9Iv8few8FDb6bvYTx617uHgNbVjaJxROIEfHexwSGN0fE1Ypo4_3cluGTARg7TcRRnnCN5GBy5FAO6BT1YS5GSff4cjc/s1600/144188977_8edebe0390.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNLvF8AAgLmo7wK4v4kOHfXMST1JyXREcj12g3lpo-0Cs18YZ9Iv8few8FDb6bvYTx617uHgNbVjaJxROIEfHexwSGN0fE1Ypo4_3cluGTARg7TcRRnnCN5GBy5FAO6BT1YS5GSff4cjc/s1600/144188977_8edebe0390.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Original
Photo by lanier67 available on Flickr.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
What's stopping us is that we are unwilling to confess that we’re
unhappy about our own shortcomings. Maybe we didn’t try hard enough, we
fell short of our goal, or we gave up on it. But in the end, we didn’t
yet plant that right seed that was needed to get what we wanted when we
wanted it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
if we feel we've been dealt a bad hand, the Law of Cause and Effect
tells us that something we did in this life or a past life earned us
those unfavorable cards. Rather than accept bad fate as our own and
plant good seeds as
quickly as possible, we prefer to point the finger and harness our
misery
toward someone or something in the outside world. We call it bad luck to
avoid taking any responsibility. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
But it is our present thoughts, words, and efforts that direct the flow
of our future happiness. No matter to what degree our suffering
persists, we must continue to perform good deeds in order to get good
results. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The envious mind thinks
that our bad results are caused by the deeds of others. </span></span>But this kind of mindset</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> adamantly defies the truth.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know from the Law of Cause and Effect that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">our own bad deeds are what bring our own bad effects. </span>So of course thoughts, words, and efforts made in the outburst of an envious wrath
will only produce bad results for our future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Even so because of this
worldly passion, we can still justify to ourselves doing wrongful
actions. Say the car behind you speeds up and cuts you off dangerously.
You think to yourself, “Oh, they think they can do that to me! No way!"
Your foot hits the gas pedal to the floor. "Now, I’m really gonna show
them,” you mutter as your odometer climbs. Your car then zooms by with
the roar of your engines. As you quickly swerve back into the lane, they
slow down and vanish down the other road. "There! I really showed them.
My cutting them off must have been OK to do <u>this time</u>!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
“this time” is
once again that mind of ignorance at work. Whenever we don't see
immediate results, we doubt the Law of Cause and Effect as being flawed
in some
way. There must have been an exception of some kind, we believe.
However, the Buddha
assures us this universal truth is constant and transcends all time and
space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> To explore further, let's review the story of the thief who blamed the rope. The thief, bound by
the rope, blames the tightness around his wrists for his present suffering. But
it was the thief himself who stole. Now in custody, he is supposed to be
reflecting on his past wrongdoings. Instead, he holds a grudge on the rope that
he sees confining him at the moment.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s not just the thief who thinks this way. We're all the same way. Everyone
blames their misfortunes on the rope. Whenever we blame others, we are blaming
the rope. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Take the case of the good wife who has a
good-for-nothing husband. The husband never works, drinks all the time, sleeps
around, and yells a lot. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We think that the husband is the obvious cause of the wife’s suffering. But the
cause for her suffering is actually her own past actions. Why did she have to
marry that man, out of all the potential suitors she could have loved instead?
She’s suffering now that she is married to him. If she hadn’t married him
though, she wouldn’t have suffered. She liked him and chose him. This created
her karma.</span>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Our suffering comes from our own past causes. This wife may blame her husband
and say that it’s all his fault. But she is still believing that the rope is
the main cause to blame for her suffering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
So as we have learned, the worldly passion of ignorance is in direct conflict
with the Law of Cause and Effect. The opposite of this ignorance is <b>wisdom</b>.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sakyamuni Buddha</b> taught it as one of
the <b>Six Paramitas</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Six
Paramitas</span> </span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: large;"> <b>
1.)</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Kindness 2.) Keeping your Word 3.) Patience
</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">4.) Effort 5.) Self-Reflection 6.) Wisdom</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Wisdom is believing steadfastly in the Law of Cause and Effect. It’s the mind
that is determined toward <b>doing as much good as possible</b> and
<b>avoiding all that is evil</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
We hear that good deeds bring good results, and bad deeds bring bad results.
But occasionally, results don’t come soon enough. If we don’t get our reward
right away, we think it was a waste of our time doing the work. But this is still ignorance. Let's listen to a short
story that helps us understand why cause and effect can be so hard for us to
grasp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"One October, a man went on a trip to the East. A cool breeze blew through
the fields of ripened grain that stretched in waves of gold as far as the eye
could see. Nearby a farmer was leisurely at work, smoking a pipe, his face
creased in a smile.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOFzHRIa819pC2t7E15fzebVVrwNYTO7FxaGqcMGP1dRbwxEnWf2LQqYul0GEP7WntIHdfJEgB03GCfQklW1KWi2I2bhh1yN4rvY4Vz7Fnqn8Pq9UmVx8WUZk5cQcD9ImLhMI5SaQCNUT/s1600/Shinsuke+JJ+Ikegame.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOFzHRIa819pC2t7E15fzebVVrwNYTO7FxaGqcMGP1dRbwxEnWf2LQqYul0GEP7WntIHdfJEgB03GCfQklW1KWi2I2bhh1yN4rvY4Vz7Fnqn8Pq9UmVx8WUZk5cQcD9ImLhMI5SaQCNUT/s1600/Shinsuke+JJ+Ikegame.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Shinsuke JJ Ikegame available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Later the man returned to the same country, and found waves of gold harvested
into neat sheaves, lying piled by each house. From within came the sounds of
contented conversation and laughter. The man said to himself, 'This is a
paradise. Imagine that -- people here reap a great harvest with no trouble!' He
could only envy such good fortune, and went and told his neighbor all about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
His neighbor decided to take a look for himself. He set off at the beginning of
May and arrived to find everyone covered in mud and sweat, hard at work.
Thinking this was strange, he finished his business and went home. When he came
by the following month, he found people sweating buckets in the hot sun, hard
at work as before, with no golden waves in sight and no sheaves, either. He
fumed, 'My neighbor pulled a fast one one me. This is no paradise -- it's a
perfect hell.'</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3S8h7ze5Twev6m_dapgVQDpIkPtLvkmF28ZamlCF5cp6FFeRUTGRIK_fY8BQcVF9gZJTSA3mSuWFfnwoxq35EKVccTSny92_e1JYEU7eMYf6oTHwIxg4PSAv1RY3enjF7OJoKHRNCJCL/s1600/800px-Planting_Paddy_Nepal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3S8h7ze5Twev6m_dapgVQDpIkPtLvkmF28ZamlCF5cp6FFeRUTGRIK_fY8BQcVF9gZJTSA3mSuWFfnwoxq35EKVccTSny92_e1JYEU7eMYf6oTHwIxg4PSAv1RY3enjF7OJoKHRNCJCL/s1600/800px-Planting_Paddy_Nepal.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Krish Dulal available on Wikimedia Commons</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Hidden in every success story are tears.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
A seed that is not planted cannot grow. People ignorant of this fundamental law
of cause-and-effect are greatly to be pitied."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i>, pg. 168)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Without first planting the seeds, we can never receive the results. Even if we
don’t receive them immediately, they will surely come. Most of us give up early
on doing good if it doesn’t pay off right away. When very bad times come, we
feel foolish to do good at such a desperate time. Yet it is the most crucial
time for good to be done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Ethics and morals aren’t the only fields where the Law of Cause and
Effect
is applicable. Science, medicine, politics, economics all study the
relationships between the causes and effects of our world. Cause and
effect works everywhere, all the time. It applies in both of the
Americas, in
China, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Islands, even the North Pole, and
out on Mars too. It
applies whether people know about it or not. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Now that we know about it, the
key to create our own happiness is to strive toward performing positive
virtues like the Six Paramitas everyday. That way, we can accumulate and
enjoy future happiness as a result of those actions.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The outcome of others is dependent on their efforts.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">***<u>Our outcomes are
dependent on our own efforts.</u>***</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> All too often the people we live with are the
ones with which we also argue, blame and compete with the most. This next short
story illustrates how reflecting on our own past actions during conflict can help reach better harmony in the home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"A family that was always at loggerheads lived side by side with a family
that was as peaceful as could be. A, the head of the quarrelsome family, was
mystified by how well everyone got along next door. Finally one day he called
on B and said in desperation, 'Our family is always quarreling, as I'm sure you
can tell, and I don't know what to do about it. I see that everyone in your
family gets along beautifully. Please tell me what your secret is.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
B replied, 'There's no secret in particular. It's probably because everyone in
your family is always in the right. Over here, all of us are always in the
wrong, so there's no quarreling. That's all there is to it.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Certain that he was being ridiculed, A was about to explode in anger when a
loud crash sounded from inside the house. It sounded as if a piece of crockery
had fallen to the floor.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HShtWMcI7PwGt3pqWNfYTCgTrfIr8Tj22YEYVe3mk0SyFnI07AuJCsSxaEV7k8c286mfL9QTha5DeQchXvPiAywZNvFXFR5O5YQzWTSgzEhHHNCyoOwo1HQ1c3r2r7TdrgfN78kbiYAC/s1600/Kristian+Thorgersen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HShtWMcI7PwGt3pqWNfYTCgTrfIr8Tj22YEYVe3mk0SyFnI07AuJCsSxaEV7k8c286mfL9QTha5DeQchXvPiAywZNvFXFR5O5YQzWTSgzEhHHNCyoOwo1HQ1c3r2r7TdrgfN78kbiYAC/s1600/Kristian+Thorgersen.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="character-name-holder"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Original Photo by Kristian Thøgersen available on Flickr.com</span></span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The voice of a young woman said penitently, 'Mother, I'm so sorry. All because
I didn't look where I was going, I went and broke that dish that meant so much
to you. It's my fault. Please forgive me.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
'Nonsense,' said the voice of her mother-in-law. 'It's not your fault at all. I
kept meaning to put the dish away, and never got around to it. I never should
have left it there in the first place. I'm the one who has to apologize.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Then it dawned on A: 'I get it. Everyone in this family is always in the wrong,
and says so. That's why there is no quarreling.'</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
I cannot condemn others though their sins be red as wine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
For their offenses pale next to those of mine." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i>Something
You Forgot Along the Way</i>, pg. 168)</span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
So we really don’t need to worry all that much about who’s right and
who’s wrong. Because we're all made of worldly passions, we're all wrong
in some way or another! We practice wisdom when we choose to not blame
others, and instead choose to look within at our own causes that
contributed to our own suffering.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2kgYE3QHWrDVJNXHhh3XxvwmxRk-Z52mkcHkebcIlhUWF62ASZ2Zlc5nP2R27AnCJ-terjqy8yU7-KcUkA6jy35KrKSZJcggoIF9Glbh76FAG2VpE9pb5O651MzJLy6ljJrpc5l1apP5/s1600/10506833856_459ff95ce7_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2kgYE3QHWrDVJNXHhh3XxvwmxRk-Z52mkcHkebcIlhUWF62ASZ2Zlc5nP2R27AnCJ-terjqy8yU7-KcUkA6jy35KrKSZJcggoIF9Glbh76FAG2VpE9pb5O651MzJLy6ljJrpc5l1apP5/s1600/10506833856_459ff95ce7_z.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo Art by Celestine Chua available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Instead of feeling resentful about what others have or their superior ability, work
harder toward developing your own skills and you will reap the results. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The only way to
get better at any endeavor in life is to keep practicing at
it. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of our efforts
will be rewarded. But if we don't try toward those goals, then of course we
can’t possibly succeed at them. Effects can’t happen without a cause. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">still no matter how much we try to perfect this, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we as human beings always remain with the worldly passions of desire, anger, and envy/ignorance. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Yet another troubling aspect of our envy/ignorance is that it causes us to take pleasure when people under
us experience setbacks. We can all think this way, even if the misfortune seems particularly amusing to us.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by woodleywonderworks (edited to remove brands, resized) original available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Germans even have a
word, <b><i>schadenfreude</i></b>, which means delight in others’ misfortune. We enjoy seeing
someone caught in a rain shower with no umbrella, we laugh at someone
frightened by a barking dog, and we are tickled by the sight of a well-dressed
woman on the verge of tears after being spattered with mud by a passing car. On
the way to a fire, we are disappointed to see that it has been put out. The
Japanese have a saying that, ‘away from home, the bigger the fire, the greater
the fun.’ Likewise, to ‘watch a fire on the opposite bank’ means to look on
others’ troubles with unconcern, as having nothing to do with oneself. To take
pleasure in such tragedy is indecent, we know, yet despite ourselves we are
morbidly fascinated, enjoying the spectacle and incapable of working up any
sadness. What does it say about people that viewer ratings and sales of tabloid
newspapers never fail to go up when some big scandal or atrocity occurs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reports of
another’s good fortune, whether it be a promotion, a wedding, or a new home,
leave us resentful. In contrast, on hearing that someone has failed in
business, gotten a divorce, or suffered some other misfortune, we secretly
smirk. What if our inmost thoughts were laid bare for all to see? People would
surely call us monsters and flee our presence.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Were Born for a
Reason</i>, p. 129-130)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jealousy, envy and resentment are all feelings
that repulse us when other people do it to us. But it is so difficult to observe in ourselves when we're the ones doing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Out of a total awareness of this horrible mindset within him, a Pure Land Buddhist monk by the name of <b>Master Shinran</b> came to the following conclusion about his true nature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ‘Therefore
I am neither good nor wise, nor do I have any intention of being diligent. My
spirit is one of nothing but indolence, and inside I am nothing but empty,
deceitful, and fawning at all times. It has been impressed upon me that there
is no truth in me.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Were Born for a Reason</i>, p.130)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> So our <b>True Self</b>, according to Pure Land Buddhism, does not actually contain any truth
in it at all. Even after many, many hours of deep self-reflection, at our core we as humans
beings are continually stirred by desire, anger, and envy/ignorance. We are these Three
Poisonous Passions and nothing else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Buddhism
encourages us to reflect deeply on our mindset so we can make the right decisions to plant good seeds. By</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> listening deeply to the teachings</span></span> and practicing
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Six Paramitas</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">,</span>
not only do we bring
ourselves more happiness for our future, but we simultaneously uncover
vain and self-interested thoughts we never knew we had before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Then all at once -- in a
split-second moment -- our True Self will be revealed to us exactly as
it was for Master Shinran. We will see clearly all the
ugliest aspects of our desire, anger, and envy/ignorance. We will know
ourselves fully for the first time as we really are. Knowing the true
reality of ourselves is
the only way toward finding a real and everlasting happiness. So let us
listen to the teachings earnestly until that moment when we find it for
ourselves.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-32019710641458087392014-01-28T15:31:00.001-08:002014-01-28T15:31:46.281-08:00Worldly Passions - Anger<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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In the previous blog post, we learned about the nature of <b>desire</b>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> When our desires get blocked in ways we don't like, we
experience the <b>worldly passion</b> of <b>anger</b>. </span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by dickuhne available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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If someone or something stands defiantly in the way of our heart’s wishes, we
become indignant and our blood begins to boil. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not getting our way for an extended period of time results in a full-blown
fury. </span></div>
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When we're ticked off, we lose so many important things because of our own
anger. For example, getting mad at relatives, loved ones, coworkers, or friends
can result in the loss of a valued relationship, support, or contact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> On a
grander scale, when countries get angry at each other it can escalate into war
or military conflict. Even religious groups can clash ferociously, despite a mutual aim toward greater good. </span></div>
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When our deepest desires become disrupted, it can lead even
people with the best intentions to argue and turn to violence.</span></div>
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It’s all because as humans we are constantly pulled, twisted, and spun around
by our worldly passions. As these desires become increasingly denied, our rage
mounts all the more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though this anger
is destructive, poisonous -- even toxic to us -- we persist with furrowed brows
and clenched fists as if it were the only way.</span></div>
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There’s a short story on the nature of
anger I'd like to paraphrase from the book <i>Unshakable Spirit</i> (pg.
20-21). </span></div>
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Once there was a very rich household. The
owner had a servant who would take care of all the meals, laundry, and
other various domestic affairs. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On his estate, there was a farm with various kinds of livestock including a large number of sheep.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by goingslo available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In the afternoon, one of the sheep managed to sneak its way into the kitchen and eat all the foods that
the servant had prepared for the evening’s meal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Upon hearing the bad news, the owner yelled at the servant, blamed him for not securing the kitchen, and insulted
him for failing at performing his duties. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Feeling humiliated, the servant began looking around for a place to now take out
his anger. His eyes landed on the offending animal who had been wandering around outside. Without thinking, he ran to the
fireplace, got out hot coals, and hurled them onto the poor sheep. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Robert S. Donovan available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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In a state of anger, we feel strongly justified within ourselves to do anything we want and
begin to lose all sight of our own faults. During this time, <u>all
we can see is the wrong that others have done to us</u>. </span></span></div>
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Now taking out your rage on an animal is certainly morally wrong, but we still
perform similar actions in fits of anger in our daily life. Examples include
throwing the cell phone down after hearing bad news, slamming our car door, or
throwing a stack of papers up in the air. Although these acts may seem harmless to us at first glance, any kind of uncontrollable anger can become like a spreading wildfire that leads us to do more outrageous and reckless things later on. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Jo Naylor available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Getting back to the story, wool is known to be very flammable. So
in the case of this poor sheep, its coat immediately caught fire once it came into contact with those hot coals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In times of great stress,
humans and animals alike have a desire to run back home for comfort. So the
sheep, naturally, went fleeing back into the barn where all the other sheep were
resting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> As soon as that unfortunate sheep made its way in flames into that
barn, all the other sheep began to catch fire one by one. Within a short time, the
entire barn caught fire. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwIZ25zaOxcCYCCkfQm-LZNMgyLszQhkCPiIhHa8tnhir9P_WCMukBUjlCtpnLdjwiauHKdHBOixhZVhIq9ViAYESqXP7EAG7mujPlbE9W4jXA-98UXSSpxQT-fxsU4qSltzffI6xxGbr/s1600/3432444933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwIZ25zaOxcCYCCkfQm-LZNMgyLszQhkCPiIhHa8tnhir9P_WCMukBUjlCtpnLdjwiauHKdHBOixhZVhIq9ViAYESqXP7EAG7mujPlbE9W4jXA-98UXSSpxQT-fxsU4qSltzffI6xxGbr/s1600/3432444933.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Chuck Grimmett available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The sparking flames fanned out toward the owner’s house, and gradually everything began to smolder into just ash.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTP3kM8TZEkqmROPLasyL2sgaXFRCajQYZa_UPAqpgZa5EaTXV_csFGmMHVv29N4MoS3RQ2T7UeabUXBRFcUFvsn6vuYoW8JByj5i5ChNmX3Yp_vEeL6-B9soI6iZOEjffWlcLYCCcMQuT/s1600/3433258096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTP3kM8TZEkqmROPLasyL2sgaXFRCajQYZa_UPAqpgZa5EaTXV_csFGmMHVv29N4MoS3RQ2T7UeabUXBRFcUFvsn6vuYoW8JByj5i5ChNmX3Yp_vEeL6-B9soI6iZOEjffWlcLYCCcMQuT/s1600/3433258096.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Chuck Grimmett available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Anger
begins in thoughtlessness and ends in regret.</span></b> </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The
seeds that we choose to plant in our own mind are what manifests into our own
misfortune. At the very source of our
mind we can find greed, and this greed flows directly out of our worldly passion
of desire. As our greed continues to thrive but becomes blocked for some
reason, the resulting conflict lights the fuse for our worldly passion of anger.</span></div>
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"One person's anger spreads out in waves without end. Know that anger is the enemy, and patience
is the foundation of long-lasting peace. He who expresses anger with his mouth
is an inferior man. He who grits his teeth and does not express his anger is a
middling man. He who shows no sign of anger even when he is boiling with rage
is a superior man."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Excerpt
from <i>Unshakable Spirit</i>, pg. 21) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Our thoughts will still cleverly try to spin us into thinking that if we don't get more upset, we’ll end up losing more. But this useless way of thinking doesn't serve us. In fact, it can only bring us more harm.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>The opposite of anger is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">patience</span>. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We gain so much more with</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a calm, enduring mindset during turbulent
times. As we will see in the next story, it's actually in your best interest to keep your cool.</span>
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"A certain Swiss philosopher was famous for his even temper. A woman who
worked as his housekeeper for 10 years swore that she never saw him so much as
frown in anger. </span></div>
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One time a prankster offered to pay her if
she could make her employer, a friend of his, lose his temper. The housekeeper
thought and thought, and decided what to do. Her master liked his bed neatly
made, so she deliberately left it unmade. The next morning she fully expected a
reprimand, but he only commented, smiling, 'Say, last night when I went
upstairs, the bed wasn't made.'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH_C9DAH_oJpZV2d3rHUcZ7Vd0y9ctKn4m0ZLDg3kZyRiVfGAjK6k5ubT3SQmWMeEhyphenhyphenHYsTnoH4ChrsxY7-WnyZ9m3g7N9jQHGyzWQ6pKxKGNwO6z-WleD-RJEQ7sdDt-gVHB6UkQIYoq/s1600/3801227660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH_C9DAH_oJpZV2d3rHUcZ7Vd0y9ctKn4m0ZLDg3kZyRiVfGAjK6k5ubT3SQmWMeEhyphenhyphenHYsTnoH4ChrsxY7-WnyZ9m3g7N9jQHGyzWQ6pKxKGNwO6z-WleD-RJEQ7sdDt-gVHB6UkQIYoq/s1600/3801227660.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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One night wasn't enough, she thought. The next night she left the bed unmade again.
In the morning he said, 'You know the bed wasn't made last night either. You
must have been busy. Make it tonight, will you?' But she didn't.</span></div>
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On the third morning the philosopher
summoned her to his study and said, 'I see you didn't make the bed again. You
must have your reasons for not doing it. Anyway, I've gotten used to making it
myself, so from now on I'll take care of it.'</span></div>
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The housekeeper had expected a thorough
dressing-down. At this show of generosity, she broke down, fell at her
employer's knees, and sobbed out the whole story, begging his forgiveness. The
philosopher never left off smiling. He bore this undeserved ill treatment with
admirable patience." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Excerpt
from <i>Unshakable Spirit</i>, pg. 19-20)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Patience is a very good deed to practice. It benefits not only you, but those around you greatly. In
Buddhism, this is known as the concept of <b>"Benefiting Others Benefits the Self." </b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The gain in giving to others becomes more evident once we understand the <b>universal truth</b> taught within the <b>Law of Cause and
Effect</b>. </span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good
deeds bring good results. </span></b></div>
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</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bad
deeds bring bad results. </span></b></div>
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</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Our
own deeds bring our own results.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Even when we know this wisdom from the sutras, defiance of the Law of Cause and Effect still
remains at the deepest part of who we are. In the next post, we
will discuss further the next worldly passion of <b>ignorance</b>.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-37784923052640916272013-11-26T13:55:00.000-08:002019-04-14T07:08:49.668-07:00Worldly Passions - Desire Very soon at December's end, countries from all around the world will celebrate the coming of a new year. The exact date may vary for some nations, but it’s still an occasion where people will mark the passing of 365 days of time with creative and quite unusual customs.<br />
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In Latin countries, twelve grapes are eaten, one for each
month in the year. It is meant to bring good luck and fortune.</div>
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Thai people throw water on each other in hopes that it will bring rain for their crops. They also release birds from their cages and return fish back into streams for good luck.</div>
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In Japan, the bells in temples are rung 108 times. This is because Buddhism teaches that we have <b>108 worldly passions</b>. These passions are said to be blind because we are entirely driven by them, causing us constant trouble and torment. So a New Year's tradition arose that striking the bell 108 times banishes all the worldly passions that caused us suffering from the passing year.</div>
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However, we know from the <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b>, little rituals that promise luck are not true. In order to receive good fortune, we must first plant the good seeds ourselves. </div>
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In the case of a bell dissolving all our worldly passions, this is also untrue -- no matter how many people still practice it. It may be fun to ring in the New Year, but believing anything will follow your action besides a loud "GONG!" noise is surrendering yourself to a false superstition.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfEC6ef-b-ypzgqSDRpuYBMvBidl-UF3lwV8hcmGcIC_rboE1Qqltsj0oaRcjgDnFgPA8jCbq83O1bOYu7VjGGJVRDatfivOF0cX4vLmCPgCzdWgrhCiH_XuuUQ0ZavKP_P8wuq01-2Dn/s1600/MIKI+Yoshihito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfEC6ef-b-ypzgqSDRpuYBMvBidl-UF3lwV8hcmGcIC_rboE1Qqltsj0oaRcjgDnFgPA8jCbq83O1bOYu7VjGGJVRDatfivOF0cX4vLmCPgCzdWgrhCiH_XuuUQ0ZavKP_P8wuq01-2Dn/s320/MIKI+Yoshihito.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by MIKI Yoshihito available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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What is true is that we are made up of worldly passions and nothing else. Buddhism explains that worldly passions never vanish within us as long as we're living, and attempts to remove them don't even leave a dent.</div>
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You can think about it like a snowman. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7deCoo2aCwCjLVb6YdUxYc19YJFMhKL132DdZHBYbdZZ7S59hMag9_QdTEQGRRxpAhqpWGx67lvqd3e3_XfVSXTWPof_DpQITQpREf2MSQW0Z7QqmP75xL5LxqT2Ry9HGCQNh2db-y8E_/s1600/islandjoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7deCoo2aCwCjLVb6YdUxYc19YJFMhKL132DdZHBYbdZZ7S59hMag9_QdTEQGRRxpAhqpWGx67lvqd3e3_XfVSXTWPof_DpQITQpREf2MSQW0Z7QqmP75xL5LxqT2Ry9HGCQNh2db-y8E_/s320/islandjoe.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by islandjoe available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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If you take away all the snow from out of the snowman, what do you have? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpnt1owlGmmFPzxWYqEaWvIOkiGcoflrCUfaDLzU7my-ewoLiLSTFvikFJExYKNpja48ul48bEo3xkHFYgyH6RD4CAyI-K-AgP3RlQyFtSo28cdNpZBAjr1-XD0m-sNYNoebAoWjJtXcq/s1600/mrsdkrebs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpnt1owlGmmFPzxWYqEaWvIOkiGcoflrCUfaDLzU7my-ewoLiLSTFvikFJExYKNpja48ul48bEo3xkHFYgyH6RD4CAyI-K-AgP3RlQyFtSo28cdNpZBAjr1-XD0m-sNYNoebAoWjJtXcq/s320/mrsdkrebs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by mrsdkrebs available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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You don't have anything. Without snow, a snowman loses form and ceases to be what it is supposed to be. </div>
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It's the same with us. If you remove all of our worldly passions, there is nothing left. </div>
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Sakyamuni Buddha used the number 108 to represent the idea that our worldly passions are seemingly countless. </div>
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Yet within this large number of passions, there are <b>Three Poisonous Passions</b> which are the most dreadful of all. These passions reflect the very nature of all the other 105 worldly passions.<span style="font-size: small;"> They are <b>DESIRE</b>, <b>ANGER</b>, and <b>IGNORANCE</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Three Poisonous Passions</span></u> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DESIRE - </span> </div>
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It's the constant longing we have to get something. </div>
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If we don't have it, we really want it. If we have it, we want more of it. </div>
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And no matter how much we are satisfied, we will still have new cravings arise within us.</div>
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There is no end to our limitless desire.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib3jjYV9QaYuyWj8Z29Jk6GUqHeoR7VcOwOuT_iEims9JO-ATvF0Woh1lSnMjl9bCiIdsHgeZb6ruystldWBa7oC5NuKYpj4x6rbfPLMans-ofTCxraBc8q24_QkrLa2GyZmxtqi9TDKn/s1600/Ani+Carrington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib3jjYV9QaYuyWj8Z29Jk6GUqHeoR7VcOwOuT_iEims9JO-ATvF0Woh1lSnMjl9bCiIdsHgeZb6ruystldWBa7oC5NuKYpj4x6rbfPLMans-ofTCxraBc8q24_QkrLa2GyZmxtqi9TDKn/s320/Ani+Carrington.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Ani Carrington available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Our desire can be compared to the deep, blue sea. </div>
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Our wants come to us like waves, one after another.</div>
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The deeper the water, the deeper the blue becomes in color.</div>
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If we always get what we want, we can endlessly drown in our own greed. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">ANGER - </span> </div>
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It's the fury within you of being denied anything you think you deserve. </div>
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We can yell at people we love or curse strangers over the slightest offense.</div>
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Our anger can spread uncontrollably and become unpredictable.</div>
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The more we feel betrayed, the angrier we become. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl2hCno58pyT4LY698w9mVS9y2BSF_tWIM8ZxnHSG3_07JhkM2dUl8wQvX6djNQE-Fc73tmQGmw5hYb2_KJebepmVQEFC7ksxa08ur3SPS11BJRwunXgdIJ7LwpYo21fUQXLTPWDywPfy/s1600/wwarby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl2hCno58pyT4LY698w9mVS9y2BSF_tWIM8ZxnHSG3_07JhkM2dUl8wQvX6djNQE-Fc73tmQGmw5hYb2_KJebepmVQEFC7ksxa08ur3SPS11BJRwunXgdIJ7LwpYo21fUQXLTPWDywPfy/s320/wwarby.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by wwarby avaialble on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Anger can be likened to a fire, because it burns at high heat.</div>
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Flames span outwardly scorching everything it touches quickly.</div>
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We turn red when we're mad because our blood is boiling.</div>
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Left unchecked, it can torch everything in our life like a wildfire.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">IGNORANCE </span>-</div>
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It's the venomous feeling we harbor deep within us.</div>
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We secretly envy our superiors, curse those who cross us, and delight in others' misfortune.</div>
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Everyone else is to be blamed for our misfortune, and we resent them for it in our minds. </div>
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Not taking responsibility for our own fate is defiance of the Law of Cause and Effect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPf0DwjeNalth_D-P-aUMRPLdTAC0p8xNr6yzE6Z-j4anaprzW15XdDTncXdDeRF2XF7i-agOKhktNQaz5tdZ1HUobJF4w4au8Um-nv6qBVHfDnOx8201vjHgwpuaoXcRoaGJH62f7iEc/s1600/Darco+TT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPf0DwjeNalth_D-P-aUMRPLdTAC0p8xNr6yzE6Z-j4anaprzW15XdDTncXdDeRF2XF7i-agOKhktNQaz5tdZ1HUobJF4w4au8Um-nv6qBVHfDnOx8201vjHgwpuaoXcRoaGJH62f7iEc/s320/Darco+TT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Darco TT available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Ignorance leaves us totally blind to the truth, and so it can be said to be pitch black.</div>
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These ugly feelings are dirty and filthy and spread like a disease or pollution. </div>
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We distort the world with our own private, warped views.</div>
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The nature of ignorance is dark and ugly, because it is so hard to see clearly within ourselves.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, let's take a look at the first worldly passion.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Desire</span></u></div>
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Buddhism teaches that Desire can be further broken down into five categories. </div>
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They are <b>Food</b>, <b>Wealth</b>, <b>Love</b>, <b>Fame</b>, and <b>Sleep</b>. </div>
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They are known as the <b>Five Desires</b>.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Five Desires</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FOOD</span> <span style="font-size: large;">-</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WvsyEr2kKRyQLC_1v46svHMkAyyH0aAWUG2IX5rIwtQ-BG3__sQ3w2GsqcwbJrw0XA0uOVy2hKTFcEIR1UgRmpHqHZWlXcGlNYxy1oXTJSk5SHdgiJrJBAqZf7TnMulu0HENfOlpPhBm/s1600/elsie.hui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WvsyEr2kKRyQLC_1v46svHMkAyyH0aAWUG2IX5rIwtQ-BG3__sQ3w2GsqcwbJrw0XA0uOVy2hKTFcEIR1UgRmpHqHZWlXcGlNYxy1oXTJSk5SHdgiJrJBAqZf7TnMulu0HENfOlpPhBm/s320/elsie.hui.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by elsie.hui available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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It's the pleasure we get from eating a delicious meal.</div>
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We love to eat at restaurants and have home-cooked meals.</div>
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People enjoy fad health diets or binge on holidays like Thanksgiving.</div>
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Even with dessert, we'll still be hungry for more.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WEALTH - </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00HL61nCxxMm_SH4rw2L0UkorxwHApwGyIgi-7xmMPFjD8XvnV8CQ_HdcKmqN7WoAgHzpOcxpH-cjEXjF9WP385F1M-JOmAFO4UitDm6esYD1ZZhWdGiVg-NXHJg5xcn1eTgnk9F3mmM0/s1600/epSos.de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00HL61nCxxMm_SH4rw2L0UkorxwHApwGyIgi-7xmMPFjD8XvnV8CQ_HdcKmqN7WoAgHzpOcxpH-cjEXjF9WP385F1M-JOmAFO4UitDm6esYD1ZZhWdGiVg-NXHJg5xcn1eTgnk9F3mmM0/s320/epSos.de.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by epSos.de available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the urge to stockpile money and not pay people back.<br />
We want to brag about our new smart phones and cruise in our new cars.<br />
Whether we're rich or poor, we revel when funds rise within our bank accounts.<br />
There is no amount of cents that decreases our desire for more money.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">LOVE -</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkU-s0IYnvP5sBKhp6k6kxBncVH-DtQq5wfCsn4LRdlHxQPenOS281LKvW8TdR1Z0VgHtNVPmX71gJsN7VhNZOsSZ4iqf5GCwbXewmifO8FsDqgnxKdfmjCxqaJ-ydnroh4-gpP0WG24V/s1600/kainr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkU-s0IYnvP5sBKhp6k6kxBncVH-DtQq5wfCsn4LRdlHxQPenOS281LKvW8TdR1Z0VgHtNVPmX71gJsN7VhNZOsSZ4iqf5GCwbXewmifO8FsDqgnxKdfmjCxqaJ-ydnroh4-gpP0WG24V/s320/kainr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by kainr available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
It's the wanting intimacy from another man or woman physically and emotionally.<br />
We watch attractive people on the street and get excited when we get to talk to them.<br />
There's an intense feeling that burns to be near the person we love.<br />
Our heart beats expectantly for the next burst of romance and passion.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">FAME -</span></span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtzegJvjidQlMBsAqeWZrTP-bV5n1Qqp6pLOeElem4y_QI2MHzAcRQBO_jN8NJKkildRUgkLFIl5FexGu6BZ1GPfmQY93fGdtOcgRnWrzfZSkf7Dd8Yug7XKRz3jm0-GWiooIctMbOddf/s1600/Gareth.D.Jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtzegJvjidQlMBsAqeWZrTP-bV5n1Qqp6pLOeElem4y_QI2MHzAcRQBO_jN8NJKkildRUgkLFIl5FexGu6BZ1GPfmQY93fGdtOcgRnWrzfZSkf7Dd8Yug7XKRz3jm0-GWiooIctMbOddf/s320/Gareth.D.Jones.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Gareth.D.Jones available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span>It's the thrill of being praised and honored by someone special or a large group of strangers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We want to have fans like a movie star or be held in high regard like a president.<br />
Deep down we secretly just want everyone to think we're cool.<br />
No man is an island; we always have the desire to be liked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span> <span style="font-size: large;">SLEEP -</span></span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqKsZ7cW-I6Q4a7QSDhimFBWwpP2yktWQS-E48TTYPERWLFjDPiwaezF1FK6yqhyphenhyphenW1q_-lB_PUmCpuCf7zWT1wl2D47nyGtJtUF4TsizG5Mnn3vgVrt1YHdHDCRIuxECaj63e0aQpmGQA/s1600/Matt+Erasmus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqKsZ7cW-I6Q4a7QSDhimFBWwpP2yktWQS-E48TTYPERWLFjDPiwaezF1FK6yqhyphenhyphenW1q_-lB_PUmCpuCf7zWT1wl2D47nyGtJtUF4TsizG5Mnn3vgVrt1YHdHDCRIuxECaj63e0aQpmGQA/s320/Matt+Erasmus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Matt Erasmus available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's that yearning to sleep in, relax on the sofa, and just be plain lazy.<br />
We hit snooze to escape going to school briefly or take a sick day just to stay in bed. <br />
All we want to do is just chill out and take it easy. <br />
The longer we are awake, the stronger our need for sleep.</div>
<br />
<br />
At the mercy of these five desires, we slave to them in some form or another. We will to go to such great lengths just to get satisfaction, even if it causes to pain those around us.<br />
<br />
Now of course we should do serious soul-searching if we sense that we are greatly troubling others with our desires. Self-reflection can sometimes catch when we are being too lazy in our studies or when we've been taken over by the luring idea of an illicit affair. We may even overcome the temptation of stealing the last bite on the plate at the family dinner, but our worldly passions will keep flaring up despite our best efforts. They remain as a filter by which we perceive all of our experiences for every moment we're alive... up until our very last breath.<br />
<br />
In the next post, we will take a look at the second poisonous passion, Anger. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-65591224179600206032013-11-04T09:27:00.000-08:002013-12-08T11:49:49.944-08:00Law of Cause and Effect -- The Three Worlds We've learned so far from the Law of Cause and Effect, that <u>every effect has a cause</u>.<br />
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<br />
So of all the various ages, time periods, and decades we could have been born in... what exactly determines when is the moment we're born?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNFR6Y9MzE3_twqKeAeguuad9Ec07kmfjqmCN8mGqvTgP8V73sArIpgOtqiZqygmv_R-5jGq_JQIQisgTRsAZ5bC9efjBN7m6Cs3KabG_NwicU4a9J36TKcwkLprAIkG7Paw7WrN7BW-S/s1600/Alan+Cleaver.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNFR6Y9MzE3_twqKeAeguuad9Ec07kmfjqmCN8mGqvTgP8V73sArIpgOtqiZqygmv_R-5jGq_JQIQisgTRsAZ5bC9efjBN7m6Cs3KabG_NwicU4a9J36TKcwkLprAIkG7Paw7WrN7BW-S/s320/Alan+Cleaver.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo Art by Alan Cleaver available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Answer: the Law of Cause and Effect.<br />
<br />
There are now more than 7 billion people alive
today with nearly 200 countries in the world. We could have been
born in so many different cities and places on this planet. So what
determines where in the world we're born? Or how we even came to be born to our parents?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by woodleywonderworks available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Answer: It's still the Law of Cause and Effect.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Good Cause, good effect.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bad cause, bad effect.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Own cause, own effect.</b></span></div>
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Let's review briefly.</div>
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<b>Cause</b> refers to our deeds or actions.<br />
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<b>Effect</b> means our resulting experiences.</div>
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Good deeds lead to good results; bad deeds lead to bad results. Our own actions determine the good or bad experiences that happen to us.</div>
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So, for example, let's say you were born in United States. The cause for your birth had to occur before you were born.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Law of Cause and Effect applies throughout all of the <b>Three Worlds</b>. In Buddhism, the Three Worlds represent time.<br />
<br />
The Three Worlds are the <b>Past World</b>, the <b>Present World</b>, and the <b>Future World</b>.<br />
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The <u>Past World</u> includes all our lives from before our present life. </div>
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The <u>Present World</u> is the span of our life from birth to death. </div>
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The <u>Future World</u> represents our afterlife.<br />
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We've performed countless deeds in our past lives. All these past actions from before our human experience are what determined in this lifetime what our gender would be, the city we were born in, and even our date of birth. We could have been born at a time of war or a time of peace. Our family could have been richer or poorer when they had us. All of these <b>karmic</b> factors are determined by the deeds of our past life.</div>
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Children born to the same parents have different faces, personalities, and talents. This is because each one of them has their own individual <b>karma</b>.<br />
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Our destiny changes over time as a result of each choice we make in the present.<br />
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Now if someone chooses to take the life of another, they may face the death penalty for their actions. But why is it that if someone takes the lives of 10 people, or even 100 people, they can still only be put to death one time? Under ordinary law, the consequences for the other murders can't be prosecuted. </div>
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But if a worker is paid a salary of $100 a day and then works for ten days straight, would it make sense to only get paid $100? No, of course not. Ten days work would deserve $1,000. One hundred days of work would merit $10,000 of wages. </div>
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If the causes vary, then the results should also vary. </div>
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A murderer can face the death penalty in this life only once. However, under the Law of Cause and Effect, they have to face the repercussions of every life they extinguished in a future life.<br />
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And just because a bad seed remains undetected does not mean that the person who planted it is safe. It may take
time, but the bad effect will most certainly emerge for that person. </div>
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<b> <span style="font-size: large;">A seed that is planted will surely grow.</span></b></div>
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<br />
Let's review a scientific example of a cause with a delayed effect. More than 30,000 years ago, a squirrel buried the fruit of a flower in the arctic region of Siberia. Forgotten over the ages, it became covered over with an icy cold permafrost and remained perfectly preserved in sub-zero temperatures. Then in February of 2012, Russian scientists were able to grow a healthy, living plant from the fruit of that flower. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by captainmcdan available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99Qzq36xV6HONz8cSfv8eNfIuatVlLB6l5m8Z_7eVhse69Nsnr9MojGozkYtcq1X7516HPSjBY6NB5fJRNE2i_8_l2ETPv8E2qP_g5lUs7V4Wn-Bq8ij0RmRcpVMGz-yRSvY4C6buNo5X/s1600/5853575759_4a4354e7f9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99Qzq36xV6HONz8cSfv8eNfIuatVlLB6l5m8Z_7eVhse69Nsnr9MojGozkYtcq1X7516HPSjBY6NB5fJRNE2i_8_l2ETPv8E2qP_g5lUs7V4Wn-Bq8ij0RmRcpVMGz-yRSvY4C6buNo5X/s320/5853575759_4a4354e7f9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by tasaarni available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Likewise, karmic seeds that we planted long ago before we were born can still become effects within this lifetime.<br />
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This means that all those bad things that we ourselves have done and kept secret in our hearts and minds for sure, will come back to us one day.<br />
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<u>Every cause in the universe has an effect</u>. According to Buddhism, this has always been and will always be the truth. </div>
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In order to reveal to us how our destiny is shaped, Sakyamuni Buddha shared this insight within the Cause and Effect Sutra: </div>
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<b>If you want to know the seeds of the past, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>look at the fruit of the present. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>If you want to know the fruit of the future, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>look at the seeds of the present. </b></div>
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What does this mean exactly?<br />
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The way to know what you did in the past is to look at what's happening to you right now. Whatever you're doing at present will determine what type of experience you'll have in the future. </div>
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There are many practical examples where this can be witnessed easily. Someone with good grades now is someone who studied hard in the past. Someone who's lazy now and makes no effort can't expect good results in the future. </div>
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However, because of all the countless past causes contained within our <b>Alaya-consciousness</b> (storehouse consciousness) since the beginningless past, there are a vast, incomprehensible combination of consequences that can occur to us while we're alive. The only missing component preventing them from occurring is the right <b>condition</b> to bring them about.</div>
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The Law of Cause and Effect as it relates to concept of time and condition is known in Buddhism as the <b>Law of Causality in the Three Worlds</b>. </div>
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Looking deeply </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into our present </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reveals both </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the past and the future.</div>
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<b>The present is thus the key to the past and the future.</b></div>
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This is the reason </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why Buddhism teaches </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the importance of the present self </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and being in the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NOW. </div>
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But did you know even the word "now" is in the past before you finish saying it<span style="font-size: small;">? </span><br />
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When you say -- "Now!"-- as soon as you utter the sound "N-" from your lips, it enters the past by the time you arrive at the "-ow!" It's a tiny, one-syllable word, and yet with this example we can clearly see how time within the Three Worlds is all connected.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by katerha available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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The more we strive to understand the Law of Cause and Effect, the more we strive to discard bad intentions and practice good intentions.<br />
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We aim at getting rid of bad thoughts, so that they don't occur to us later on. The result of doing bad things only brings more bad results into your mind. <br />
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We want to set our minds on positive thoughts, but then <u>follow through with them</u> so that they become actions as well. </div>
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Because whatever we choose to do now... these choices will be the results we are going to end up harvesting for ourselves later. This is why we should fear evil and turn to the light with all our hearts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by _Virdi_ available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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If you don't want bad results, stop doing bad deeds. If you want to be happy, do good deeds. </div>
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This is the conclusion of this series on Law of Cause and Effect. I encourage you to read lessons on Law of Cause and Effect here on this blog. Continue to review and study it often, because this universal truth is both the foundation of Buddhism as well as the compass that points the way for all toward a happier life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/science/new-life-from-an-arctic-flower-that-died-32000-years-ago.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Arctic Flower Article from New York Times</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-5920709776758965512013-10-14T06:50:00.000-07:002013-10-14T06:50:08.677-07:00Law of Cause and Effect -- Karmic Power So let's recap what we've learned so far about the Law of Cause and Effect before explore karmic power in more depth.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Good causes produce good effects. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bad causes produce bad effects. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Own causes produce own effects.</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Causes mean our actions, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>or in other words what we do.</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Effects mean the result of our actions, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>or in other words what we experience in life.</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Good deeds bring us good experiences, and bad deeds bring us bad experiences. Our own actions determine what kind of experiences we bring into our lives. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Nicole Yeary available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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The concept of individuals determining their own future through the power of their own deeds is known as <b>karma</b>.<br />
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Karma is an invisible, indestructible energy that never fades away. It is this karma that has the power to determines whether events are favorable or unfavorable to us in any given situation.<br />
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This <b>karmic power</b> is stored in what is known in Sanskrit as <b>Alaya-vijnana</b>, or "<b>storehouse mind</b>." It is like a spiritual storehouse holding all your karmic power. All our karma is stored here eternally without limit. This is the <b>true self </b>that transmigrates lifetime to lifetime within the cycle of birth and death.<br />
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We can imagine this mind works almost like documents stored onto your computer. You first input data into the word processor by typing with your keyboard. All the letters and spaces you type translate into digital information which the computer then stores invisibly within its hard drive. The hard drive is very compact giving it the power to store a lot of information. <br />
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Likewise, our physical brains also hold a lot of data. Over a lifetime, the brain of a scholar can often hold the contents of an entire library. His head doesn't have actual paper books in it. The contents of the books are stored invisibly within his mind.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Tulane Public Relations available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Now because of the invisible nature of karmic power, it can often conceal certain causes and effects from our perspective. Let's look at an example that demonstrates this idea. <br />
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Every year in Japan, the cherry blossom trees bloom in the springtime. It is a national pastime to have a picnic under the trees to observe their beautiful pink, white and rose colored-leaves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by rumpleteaser available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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However, one creative Japanese poet wrote about the cherry blossoms during the winter and composed this curious work: <br />
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<i>Year after year</i></div>
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<i>Cherry blossoms bloom again</i></div>
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<i>on Mount Yoshino</i></div>
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<i>Split the tree and look inside -- </i></div>
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<i>where are all the flowers?</i></div>
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In spring, we can see all these beautiful cherry blossoms in abundance, but the poet is asking us here... where is the power to bloom flowers in winter?</div>
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Hidden within all of them is the power to bloom a flower. You can't chop the tree in half and see with your eyes where these flowers are hiding. Science may be able to pinpoint the location of where the organic chemistry of the flowers can be found, but you won't find <i>actual</i> flowers anywhere in the tree. So where are they?</div>
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Sure, all the trees contain the tiny biological energy that make cherry blossoms. This power is a cause that remains dormant until the right condition comes along. That right condition is warm, spring weather. When this cause and condition combine, beautiful flowers bloom as the effect. </div>
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Trees that are sickly or malnourished no longer carry the biological energy required to create flowers even in spring. So a condition alone isn't enough. Without a cause, there's just no result. There must be a cause and condition for an effect. </div>
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If cold weather makes spring arrive late, then the blossoms arrive late as well. In that case, the cause was ready, but the condition delayed the effect. If the winter is mild, then cherry blossoms can bloom sooner. The sooner a condition comes, the sooner it can become an effect.</div>
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So the energy in the cherry blossom trees is unseen. With the right condition, only then can the visible result of cherry blossoms emerge.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Zdenko Zivkovic available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Karmic power is invisible too, but once it combines with the condition, it becomes an effect. If you where to look for it with a microscope in our body, you wouldn't be able to find it.</div>
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As we learned earlier, the Law of Cause and Effect runs through the Three Worlds. In the next post, we will learn how our karma relates to our past and future.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-18716831613667799172013-10-08T04:26:00.002-07:002013-10-08T04:26:25.401-07:00Law of Cause and Effect -- Own Cause, Own Effect Relationships and marriages take a lot of work. If both people don't put in the necessary effort, they often fall apart. It requires a very special balance between two people who are committed to each partner's well-being while remaining firmly centered themselves.<br />
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But we often hear all the stories of how a good wife got stuck with a good-for-nothing husband. He may gamble, abuse alcohol, and then takes it all out on his wife, who only wants what's best for him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Christiano Betto available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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It's obvious to scold him for this wrongdoing and rightly so... especially if he's causing her to suffer. But according to Buddhism, is this bad spouse to blame for <i>everything</i> in this scenario?<br />
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Let's re-examine what the Law of Cause and Effect says.<br />
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<b>Good deeds, good results.</b></div>
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<b>Bad deeds, bad results.</b></div>
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<b>Own deeds, own results.</b></div>
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A good cause produces a good effect, and a bad cause produces a bad effect.<br />
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Sow watermelon seeds, and surprise! You get a watermelon!<br />
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Cause, of course, means our actions, and effect means our fate. So if we do good deeds, good things will happen to us. If we do bad deeds, bad things will happen to us. This point is clear.<br />
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But there's one more phrase to reflect on from above:</div>
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<b>Own deeds, own results.</b></div>
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<b>Own deeds, own results = Own cause, own effect</b></div>
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This means if you drink a lot of alcohol, the person next to you is not the one who becoming intoxicated.<br />
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You're the one who receives the effects and gets drunk.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by CarbonNYC available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Let's say you're taking a college class. When you study hard, your grades will go up from that effort. Your classmate who didn't study does not receive the benefit of your diligent hours of memorizing the textbook.<br />
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Others' cause, own effect is not possible. Someone elses' deeds never determine your results.<br />
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<strike>Others' deeds = own results </strike></div>
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<strike>Others' cause = own effect </strike></div>
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No chance!</div>
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On the surface level, it may be easy to agree with, but when we experience this principle firsthand, we begin to question it. As soon as bad things start happening, it's especially hard to accept this. How can we think this way when others are the ones making our lives hell? We blame and hate them for the misery we feel they alone have created for us. </div>
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However, there's an old saying that helps us reflect on this frame of mind: <br />
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<b>"The thief blames the rope that binds him."</b> </div>
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Hundreds of years ago, thieves were tied up with rope once they were captured. Today, of course, police officers use handcuffs. Either way, a thief can no longer move freely once he is detained. He begins to think that the rope is the real cause behind his suffering. </div>
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"If only it weren't for this rope, I'd be free!" he mutters to himself angrily. "It's all the fault of this stupid rope."</div>
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All the thief's rage is projected onto his current situation of being tied up. He sees this as his main problem and nothing else. </div>
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Buddhism says that this is a foolish way of thinking. What got him tied up in the first place was his own actions. He should really be blaming himself for all the valuables he took from people. All the rope in the world couldn't bother this thief, if he hadn't been stealing to begin with. </div>
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So to blame others for our misfortune, especially using phrases like "It's all <i>your</i> fault!" or "<i>You're</i> the one to blame!" makes us exactly like the thief cursing the rope.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Suhamshu available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Everyone's suffering is the direct result of their own actions. </div>
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Own cause, own effect. Every time.</div>
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So what about the good wife who was stuck with that bad husband earlier?<br />
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Well, the cause of her suffering still stemmed from her own past actions. He may really be a terrible person to be with. But had she never married him, she wouldn't have suffered as much. There are plenty of men in the world. Of all of those prospective bachelors, she chose HIM to fall in love with. If she married someone else, things would have been much different.</div>
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Without any doubt, the cause of her suffering comes from her past deeds.<br />
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But now you may think -- "But what about the husband?!? Don't tell me he's completely off the hook for being a jerk!" </div>
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The husband isn't the cause of her troubles. He's a bad condition for her.</div>
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Only when a cause and condition come together can an effect arise.</div>
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<b>Cause </b>= Wife's past karma (actions)<br />
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<b>Condition</b> = Husband's negative behavior<br />
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<b>Effect</b> = Wife's agony </div>
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This universal truth could really be called the Law of Cause, Condition, and Effect, but it's referred to as as the Law of Cause and Effect for short.</div>
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Now let's imagine rice seeds as the cause. You'd like to grow some rice, but can you start planting anywhere? You can't just put some rice seeds on the carpet in your apartment or onto a solid block of ice and expect rice to grow. The rice seeds would never sprout in those places.</div>
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Rice seeds need sunshine, a lot of water, rich soil, and hot, humid temperatures. These are good conditions for rice seeds. When the cause of rice seeds comes together with these right conditions, stalks of rice become the result. </div>
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So the cause of the wife's suffering was stored karmic power from her past, and the husband became a bad condition to her in the present. When these two forces combined, the effect became her suffering.<br />
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If the the wife's suffering continues despite her own positive efforts, she might have to consider a separation or divorce. This drastic step may be necessary, especially if her husband becomes violent or abusive. If we try to do as much good as possible but we don't receive good results, we may need to work on acquiring better conditions for ourselves.</div>
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So to implement the Law of Cause and Effect into our lives, we first become mindful of all the seeds we ourselves plant. This is because they will come back to us in the future as causes.<br />
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Then as good Buddhists, we try to be good conditions for others in hopes they follow our own example.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Natesh Ramasamy available of Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Then as we've just learned, we must also be mindful of external conditions present in our life. By choosing the right conditions to surround ourselves in, we encourage more good causes to have a greater opportunity to flourish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please make sure to come back for the next installment in the Law of Cause and Effect series on karmic power.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-43638665341413152002013-10-03T18:07:00.000-07:002013-10-03T18:07:18.971-07:00Law of Cause and Effect -- Buddhism Essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <b>Law of Cause and Effect</b> is the foundation of <b>Buddhism</b>. Without understanding this universal truth, one's knowledge of Buddhism cannot progress. The more we understand the Law of Cause and Effect, the more we can then put the teachings into practice.<br />
<br />
If Buddhism is like a tree, that would mean that the Law of Cause and Effect is like the roots and the trunk of that tree.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzYCYJOXzGH1n20qAmnwG0-nSiYmPEId162bP9u8Z9hkad1sWiUl3eTq1FBRpk_15Cl7z-v8A-3qcZItgkbCspN6FwA49rsaxI7AY326wOO_S8ulJ3F0inisqUfkVTvrs2SqTwK29mIZP/s1600/9235101992_18783299e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzYCYJOXzGH1n20qAmnwG0-nSiYmPEId162bP9u8Z9hkad1sWiUl3eTq1FBRpk_15Cl7z-v8A-3qcZItgkbCspN6FwA49rsaxI7AY326wOO_S8ulJ3F0inisqUfkVTvrs2SqTwK29mIZP/s320/9235101992_18783299e1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Nicholas_T available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If the trunk is cut or the roots are severed, the tree would die. Likewise if you don't understand the Law of Cause and Effect, you won't get what the teachings of Buddhism are all about.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO4syxNaEc0X1EGO9xeWYoXYZ9LHWAeXzbDWhw9uKGDdr-Rv_1UV7G6fDaojwl8lOwsWGekm27VomI0y_jNIfsvd7ScUZ73xRsAwvOY86i70q4JAIyVj6O7mJ0GEbtRku18dQH5B7pl_-/s1600/355893349_81c8b27af5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO4syxNaEc0X1EGO9xeWYoXYZ9LHWAeXzbDWhw9uKGDdr-Rv_1UV7G6fDaojwl8lOwsWGekm27VomI0y_jNIfsvd7ScUZ73xRsAwvOY86i70q4JAIyVj6O7mJ0GEbtRku18dQH5B7pl_-/s320/355893349_81c8b27af5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by CmdrGravy available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
First, the word <b><u>law</u></b> used in Buddhism is different than the
traditional use of the word in the court system.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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By Buddhist definition, a law is a truth that never changes within the <b>Three
Worlds</b> and the <b>Ten Directions</b>.<br />
<br />
The Three Worlds consist of the <b>Past World</b>, the <b>Present World</b>, and the <b>Future
World</b>.<br />
<br />
The Past World represents the time before we were born as a human being.<br />
<br />
The Present World spans the time from our birth to our death in this lifetime. <br />
<br />
The Future World is the eternity following death.<br />
<br />
Our life flows eternally through these three temporal worlds of the past, the present, and the future. <br />
<br />
Looking through a closer lens, the world of the past is not only our countless past lives but also last year... yesterday... an hour ago... and the breath you just let out.<br />
<br />
Similarly, the world of the present is this year... today.... this hour... and your current breath.<br />
<br />
Then the world of the future becomes next year... tomorrow... the next hour... and the next breath you take in.<br />
<br />
So in Buddhism we learn that the three temporal worlds meet in every breath we inhale and in every breath we exhale. Every passing moment of our lives is represented within these Three Worlds. <br />
<br />
Understanding how the Law of Cause and Effect functions in relation to the Three Worlds is known as the <b>Law of Causality in the Three Worlds</b>. Knowing this on a deep level reveals the importance of the present moment and leads us closer to understanding of who we are in that now. <br />
<br />
Moving on to the <b>Ten Directions,</b> they are North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest,
Southeast, Southwest, Up, and Down. This is a very thorough way of saying
everywhere.<br />
<br />
This makes the Law of Cause and Effect valid at <u>all times</u> and in <u>all places</u>.<br />
<br />
Now laws in the United
States do not necessarily apply in Japan or the United Kingdom. Drivers in these island nations must
obey a traffic law which requires them to operate their cars on the left
side of the road. Here in the U.S., however, we drive on the right side of the road. <br />
<br />
<u>JAPAN</u> <u>UNITED STATES</u> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYNOJ6zBwcr8DhuLWNNdoiZS_8NSp3OsoESlg-PFhOb_qQsHeVBPPw9Vm73o_Tz1MQQLPUR6Hx_-zjiov07BNaQ6Qv8GrrLIW2GDmgJKuhs5D6ZPzkeprF5itsorrsaEfkxPj9o5yZ6lM/s1600/910566457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYNOJ6zBwcr8DhuLWNNdoiZS_8NSp3OsoESlg-PFhOb_qQsHeVBPPw9Vm73o_Tz1MQQLPUR6Hx_-zjiov07BNaQ6Qv8GrrLIW2GDmgJKuhs5D6ZPzkeprF5itsorrsaEfkxPj9o5yZ6lM/s200/910566457.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnMYdpKpvtNGnAv9Rs4jI2vosmve-WyJnBShdZV7UaeacPHi4KznwHaXZ9kp-UL9wOD0YUpraN9M2tNaXkYizk27gE0zbnj_KaLydBw6ZNW3i7uk-eawvDKLVdI184hq4HDvjE2BqFgl_/s1600/3261221101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnMYdpKpvtNGnAv9Rs4jI2vosmve-WyJnBShdZV7UaeacPHi4KznwHaXZ9kp-UL9wOD0YUpraN9M2tNaXkYizk27gE0zbnj_KaLydBw6ZNW3i7uk-eawvDKLVdI184hq4HDvjE2BqFgl_/s200/3261221101.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Both are a law in each country, yet each gives opposite instructions on what is the proper way
to drive. Depending on where you are in the world, laws are subject to the differing viewpoints of the people living in that country.<br />
<br />
As the years roll on, laws can change. Many of them can come into question or be challenged as society progresses. Laws fluctuate based on the perspectives of the public at the time.<br />
<br />
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<u>CIVIL RIGHTS - 1960s</u> <u>GAY RIGHTS - 2010s</u><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7A86ouDYyhjXE4CB6Eajnmu9wFYAB1RC5vyLoz5VK0Gcep3gyo7H5t-H-q8nNZbDmIFA8P8UQRTyvtVaIdR8SSmScGQ-phVgCVsVRMcooeiUASMbWFg8FPim2Er0TAaqFQVYoiH_YAXb/s1600/5279334489_0932f7f0d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7A86ouDYyhjXE4CB6Eajnmu9wFYAB1RC5vyLoz5VK0Gcep3gyo7H5t-H-q8nNZbDmIFA8P8UQRTyvtVaIdR8SSmScGQ-phVgCVsVRMcooeiUASMbWFg8FPim2Er0TAaqFQVYoiH_YAXb/s200/5279334489_0932f7f0d9.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Kheel Center, Cornell University, available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsiyyjkVvJmnqEB38qATJkPv5oanTXH30wOhYfPTQbQnPJ_jGKXHJi74cHnETqq9nrTje-oHor8kZt22vSOrkHpxCVRTPg5fWHjkDLW0oEQDgiFU4LV2MuPPGhDCHRavx4INXJjEIgLDJ/s1600/3035564775_826a71f24f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsiyyjkVvJmnqEB38qATJkPv5oanTXH30wOhYfPTQbQnPJ_jGKXHJi74cHnETqq9nrTje-oHor8kZt22vSOrkHpxCVRTPg5fWHjkDLW0oEQDgiFU4LV2MuPPGhDCHRavx4INXJjEIgLDJ/s200/3035564775_826a71f24f.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by chadmagiera available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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But since the Law of Cause and Effect never changes and is always valid in all time and space, it is <b>universal truth</b>.<br />
<br />
So now let's move on to define
the terms <b>cause</b> and <b>effect</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A cause is the <u>reason</u> that leads to an effect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cause = Reason</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An effect is the <u>result</u> from a cause.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Effect = Result</b></div>
<br />
<br />
The Law of Cause and
Effect is the energy force behind why things happen, when they happen, and who they
happen to. Every event in the universe has a cause. There is not a single effect
that has ever occurred without a cause, even though sometimes we falsely think that things can happen without cause. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpBnXal9Mt32tzuidgZipCg8Fb8xrl3J8wizuuq5ON5lfKNxeeaIercbhiVRKfdMSIfxA2VXG9HEtIrnd-VVzPb8tAbM3CzYw4ZbSAbfDGJGyxnS1wyawIvgAYQFStgcNLM75G4EoECgl/s1600/7071912257_07f4809ea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpBnXal9Mt32tzuidgZipCg8Fb8xrl3J8wizuuq5ON5lfKNxeeaIercbhiVRKfdMSIfxA2VXG9HEtIrnd-VVzPb8tAbM3CzYw4ZbSAbfDGJGyxnS1wyawIvgAYQFStgcNLM75G4EoECgl/s200/7071912257_07f4809ea3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Stewart Black available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For example, let's say an aircraft in flight suddenly crashes into the ocean. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnqGsuR233Zk8lXPFCRgjVDbarrOhInwDwo-x4OSQjLEpr3xtFvVtuQVvoiiCz4LBq47OChcJcWla5hMfLCoNC8r1XNd9m6m7YM1qo6HYy-c5qYAL6HyrdlSmHlzZbTV-CSrDubcAdEE0/s1600/7470265444_1bc433ab5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnqGsuR233Zk8lXPFCRgjVDbarrOhInwDwo-x4OSQjLEpr3xtFvVtuQVvoiiCz4LBq47OChcJcWla5hMfLCoNC8r1XNd9m6m7YM1qo6HYy-c5qYAL6HyrdlSmHlzZbTV-CSrDubcAdEE0/s320/7470265444_1bc433ab5e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by elias_daniel available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Search and rescue teams are dispatched to comb the waters for survivors, but there is not even a trace of the plane or its flight data recorder (the black box).<br />
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When this happens, the cause of the
accident is said to be unknown. But just because there is no evidence
of the cause, does not mean that there is no cause. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Law of Cause and Effect
states there must have been some very real reason that made the plane
crash. The pilot could have gotten sick or have steered accidentally
into a
storm. There may have been unforeseen engine trouble, or the plane may
simply have
ran out of fuel. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurwlgPRRSirecjxybSqpVYGB2B-zJ6kTv1uhpqvvb3guYJiYs65w6Ja5CzJWNraABLXXOfHDoWNYp9a4hcE04AR92MFtHmRMIvNAhPGcjNvaL4YXdtU4F6TM9V5E-S7yF3N3vuvOi_mqk/s1600/823625925_c4877aac7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurwlgPRRSirecjxybSqpVYGB2B-zJ6kTv1uhpqvvb3guYJiYs65w6Ja5CzJWNraABLXXOfHDoWNYp9a4hcE04AR92MFtHmRMIvNAhPGcjNvaL4YXdtU4F6TM9V5E-S7yF3N3vuvOi_mqk/s320/823625925_c4877aac7e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by BobMacInnes available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Just
because it is unexplained to us or we can't figure out why does not mean there is no cause. Every phenomenon in the universe, no matter how strange, has a cause. Never in a
million or even trillion cases can there be an effect without cause.<br />
<br />
Sakyamuni
Buddha taught us that the most important thing for us to consider about our future is this relationship between cause and effect. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Law of Cause and Effect </u></b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Good cause, good effect.</b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bad cause, bad
effect.</b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Own cause, own
effect.</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Here the
word "cause" means an action, and "effect" means an outcome.<br />
<br />
Buddha revealed the Law of Cause and Effect to us so we can see that we determine our future by our own choices now.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Practice good actions, and you will get good outcomes. </b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b> Practice bad actions, and you will get bad outcomes.</b><br />
<b>Whatever you practice is what you alone will receive. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Using farming as an example, if you plant watermelon seeds, you will get watermelons. And
if you plant radish seeds, you will get radishes. Whatever you decide to plant is what will grow. You can never
plant watermelon seeds and receive radishes. It's just not possible!<br />
<br />
Even if a farmer hits his head and plants seeds without knowing what kind they are, he can tell instantly what kind of seeds he planted by what grows there later.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nR06AOBLaxn6n-_TIHfKi3vXOrI39cTuZ8LV3GLKYwUlf-U-JIMZlnWI84RJCNU6RfaTILhL_QmVbGT_G6uoFMfuxPPAzfRX079WNYhCIgvVK3EbhmH7SOHQdm0LW5BLyemtzzH1ZG1o/s1600/5773302979_61906ac1fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nR06AOBLaxn6n-_TIHfKi3vXOrI39cTuZ8LV3GLKYwUlf-U-JIMZlnWI84RJCNU6RfaTILhL_QmVbGT_G6uoFMfuxPPAzfRX079WNYhCIgvVK3EbhmH7SOHQdm0LW5BLyemtzzH1ZG1o/s200/5773302979_61906ac1fc.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Amy Gaertner available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E5jiGHt4ULzY6WsZx1G_REwy-5RDX2wtGENIKKO4PqgPqOk-hFWsQw8X2Nj_mJ7xHYvsdB7rk2IDPkR-7dfltTonqx_b_ei951RnfqtamiMcgJxTFFJ6Sjul_yAU8KzTO3uXjS9UH1wl/s1600/2178364113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E5jiGHt4ULzY6WsZx1G_REwy-5RDX2wtGENIKKO4PqgPqOk-hFWsQw8X2Nj_mJ7xHYvsdB7rk2IDPkR-7dfltTonqx_b_ei951RnfqtamiMcgJxTFFJ6Sjul_yAU8KzTO3uXjS9UH1wl/s320/2178364113.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
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"Oh, I must have planted watermelon seeds here!" he exclaims upon seeing the watermelon.<br />
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In this way even though we don't remember what seeds we've planted, we can tell by the results we currently receive in the present. <br />
<br />
Some may challenge this and ask, <i>"Wait, but can't good causes lead to bad
results sometimes?" OR "What about bad causes leading to
good results?" </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer to both these
questions is: NEVER!
</div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i><s>Good cause =
Bad Effect </s></i> Impossible!
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><s>Bad Cause = Good Effect</s></i>
No Way!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
According to the Law of Cause and Effect, we are always the ones who determine our own destiny, for better or for worse.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we hear terms like <i>fate</i>, <i>destiny</i>, and <i>fortune</i>, they can often be misleading because they imply events are fixed in advance by other forces. But in Buddhism, these words still represent the effect created by our own past choices.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S8g8tWSBAqHP9_AEP7wVEc51txJfImRgPPLnfdNpS2FJIKI1poQgR1wuWe22R2TCgTOKUCuxa6yS7Zd2elzVCIY1tF3VQMFXOoeCJussVBAmJVCsNTvJtWje34uupjSD3kUozqJrDq8t/s1600/219551219_b55edecd9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S8g8tWSBAqHP9_AEP7wVEc51txJfImRgPPLnfdNpS2FJIKI1poQgR1wuWe22R2TCgTOKUCuxa6yS7Zd2elzVCIY1tF3VQMFXOoeCJussVBAmJVCsNTvJtWje34uupjSD3kUozqJrDq8t/s200/219551219_b55edecd9f.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by docksidepress available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's because the forces of nature, our lives, and everything in the universe operate by
the Law of Cause and Effect. This absolute principle is the universal truth, always and everywhere, without exception to anyone.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We all want the
good life, and we all of course want to avoid bad times. The Law of Cause and
Effect reveals to us that the good or bad choices we make in every, single, given moment make or break our
future moments.<br />
<br />
It is completely up to you to decide your own fate. And all you have to remember is... <br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stop
Evil; Do Good.</span> </b></span></div>
<br />
Find out more about the Law of Cause and Effect and the role of condition in the next post.<br />
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<![endif]-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-20230121356465227582013-07-31T17:00:00.000-07:002013-07-31T18:11:39.221-07:00Sticks and Stones May Break Bones But Words Can Kill It doesn't take a shred of bravery to talk about someone badly behind their back. When someone we look down upon isn't around, our criticisms of them fly around the room freely, and we think that no harm can come to us from judgements shared privately amongst friends.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art created by NeoYas available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In an attempt to make our language more offensive and mocking, we start to imitate television and movies, passing off our nasty evaluations of people as "poking fun" or "just kidding." We give people monstrous nicknames, make fun of their looks, mock their intelligence, or craft humiliating jokes at their expense. Our sarcastic words can take on very threatening qualities, but we don't even take the time to realize it. We defend ourselves that we're just "blowing off steam" or that we are sarcastic by nature. That may be, but it doesn't stop us from having to pay for it later.<br />
<br />
There's an old saying that goes, "The mouth is the gateway to calamity." In Buddhism, all our actions are subject to the Law of Cause and Effect. That means everything we think, say, or do... CAN and WILL be used against us. When we are are using thoughtless and heartless words, we are performing a bad action. Bad-mouthing as an action plants seeds of karma that will later come back to haunt us with terrible consequences. And we'd better be prepared, because it'll be equal to the negative feelings we projected onto the person we didn't like.<br />
<br />
As we've learned from the Law of Cause and Effect, a good deed makes a good result. A bad deed makes a bad result. Everything we do determines each of our own individual results to come.<br />
<br />
So if you talk badly about that guy at your work, it is you who will later have to face negative consequences. But you might be thinking, "Well, what I'm saying isn't that bad..." or "She deserved it. I don't care." <br />
<br />
However, Buddhism stresses that various evils come out of our mouths as easily as a yawn. Most of the things we say about others goes unchecked and we think it's OK, when in fact -- those words are <u>abusive</u>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWmOfbYVMDs4KbL9U9coIzHKurF7AxIrZTsvEbPT7Rt0s2NZH-kMR2_j7q2EC6sQH7wy5ck3F-vcKpxgYbs4kxxA60bCDsz3Nn6IrVZCV9QprOv-5eRWNzhsGBQ-zlvPhtp_O05dpRXjg/s1600/6649198985_ee7c749f15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWmOfbYVMDs4KbL9U9coIzHKurF7AxIrZTsvEbPT7Rt0s2NZH-kMR2_j7q2EC6sQH7wy5ck3F-vcKpxgYbs4kxxA60bCDsz3Nn6IrVZCV9QprOv-5eRWNzhsGBQ-zlvPhtp_O05dpRXjg/s400/6649198985_ee7c749f15.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo taken by LauraLewis23 available at Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
Bad-mouthing someone is a form of abuse. It includes saying negative things, putting people down, and cursing at them. Sometimes in the movies, we become entertained by actors and comedians who skillfully word their clever insults about other people. It may be amusement for a couple of hours with a bowl of popcorn on a Friday night, but when we invoke the same foul language toward someone in our life, the negativity it creates will only bring harm down the road for us. Even if you don't mean the words you are saying, they are still hurtful and carry a negative energy. <br />
<br />
Why is it so easy to be critical of someone who isn't present? Haven't we all experienced moments where we've felt criticized? Yet in those moments, when we found out people had been saying "You suck" behind our backs, it didn't feel all that great, did it?<br />
<br />
Talking badly about someone is like killing them. Each negative word you're using against that person becomes like a murder weapon. In this way, our words continue to torment others unknowingly day in, day out.<br />
<br />
Here's a short story from the book, <i>Something You Forgot Along the Way</i> to use as an example.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A very old woman, over 120 years of age, once had a visitor who commented, "You must have had many rare and interesting experiences over the course of your long lifetime. Will you please share one of those memories with me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I'm sure lots of things did happen, but my memory isn't what it used to be; I'm afraid I have forgotten them all," replied the old woman, shaking her head.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The visitor sympathized, saying that was only natural for someone of her advanced years, but persisted, "Isn't there at least one thing you do remember?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Well if you must insist, I'll tell you. I have painful memories of being killed 24 times." The old woman mumbled these mysterious words half to herself, her wrinkled face settling into a frown. When asked to explain, she began to tell her story bit by bit in a sorrowful tone, pausing frequently.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"During my lifetime, I've seen the births of many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But it is the way of life that death can strike anyone, young or old, and so it sometimes happened that a child or grandchild of mine would predecease me. We've had a total of 24 funerals in this house. Each time, I overheard people who came to offer their condolences say, 'If only the old woman had died instead!' They at least would whisper it in another room out of deference to me, but my grandchildren and great-grandchildren would deliberately say such things to my face. Their words killed me again and again."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's bad enough to know people are talking about you behind your back, but when you hear it directly it's even worse. These days because of the Internet, people criticize others and go on to say dreadful things about others in posts or comments. If we choose to ignore this problem, it can quickly escalate and even become lethal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUrkmePXgW-3Pq3R6NWVfsgUJfMkmLtn0oncT729sd6Igdz8x5lF8tqXP_EYYCAQcCYtfaFmHszXM7PbwraBQLNfGjgOjs-yFccAB8YeD3rEBy4gX-ObEUNVOC9Rd2XmHHq1Emeq53UsA/s1600/7330424504_b528c2d4b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUrkmePXgW-3Pq3R6NWVfsgUJfMkmLtn0oncT729sd6Igdz8x5lF8tqXP_EYYCAQcCYtfaFmHszXM7PbwraBQLNfGjgOjs-yFccAB8YeD3rEBy4gX-ObEUNVOC9Rd2XmHHq1Emeq53UsA/s400/7330424504_b528c2d4b6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art Photo by TRF_Mr_Hyde available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Take what happened to Paris Jackson, 15-year-old daughter of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Paris was cyberbullied on Facebook and various social media about rumors of her father mistreating children. Even though a court of law found Michael not guilty of these charges, many believed he was guilty of criminal activity. These people became so scornful and negative that they directly ridiculed Paris and her own childhood, slandered her father in grotesque ways, and demoralized her life so much so that the teenager even attempted suicide last June. This type of verbal abuse, even though the only sound to express them was the clicking noise from letters on a keyboard, still managed to cause a young girl so much internal suffering that she lost all hope for her future and along with it her own will to live. <br />
<br />
How many careless jokes have we made about celebrities without thinking of them as human beings or even how their families might feel about hearing those uncaring remarks? When we speak badly of others, we must be so careful. Words have the power to kill. <br />
<br />
Just this month a committee in Ireland formed up to analyze the negative impact of cyberbullying on their local children. The report claims that social media substantially affects children's mental health using the incidents of four teenage suicides in Ireland that occurred in rapid succession. Officials are calling for child protection guidelines and age restrictions on social media. <a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/cyberbullying-report-says-internet-is-affecting-irish-childrens-mental-health-29429502.html" target="_blank">Read the full story from online news site -- Independent.ie</a><br />
<br />
What does that say about all of us making remarks, direct or indirect, about others and their misfortunes? Even to those who appear guilty or who we presume deserve our criticisms, we gain absolutely nothing by passing on our own judgements just to hurt them more and more.<br />
<br />
It's in common practice today to send a nasty text message or IM (instant message) about someone who's in the same
room. What does that say about our nature? We must reflect on all of our words, whether they're spoken or digital, and imagine if someone else was
saying those same filthy words to us face-to-face. And having a thicker skin isn't always the answer to everything when you take into account that doing so is hurting other people.<br />
<br />
The most casual joke or reference then has tremendous power to do us harm! Even if no one finds out about what you did, eventually you must face the repercussions of your own karma. It's definitely something to think about and to continue to take seriously.<br />
<br />
Let's find the nice qualities in others and help people develop their talents. When we realize we're saying something in the wrong, we should correct ourselves and apologize swiftly. Because a word to the wise, we're not really all that wise with our words.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-9972186836698777542013-07-24T15:00:00.000-07:002013-07-24T15:07:22.548-07:00Know Gratitude, Feel Gratitude, Express Gratitude In an earlier post, we discussed the gratitude that we owe to our parents. Without them and all their efforts, we wouldn't be where we are today. Despite any hardships they have put us through, they helped shelter us, feed us, clothe us, and take care of us enough to experience the joy of life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJLS4s6iZlAZUCfHDgt1aG0x5_Y7Foe__wN51LetwnAzrN9k5OUCNl4H3GVOIGN13Z-k4EB_KIn89bMGnlqMz9mHG3WuuW0ViuKXLsrEOUKTgZPWOMdCWNXZYiYhXMkdq-a0M1bGNsReV/s1600/4759535950_7bca6684c8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJLS4s6iZlAZUCfHDgt1aG0x5_Y7Foe__wN51LetwnAzrN9k5OUCNl4H3GVOIGN13Z-k4EB_KIn89bMGnlqMz9mHG3WuuW0ViuKXLsrEOUKTgZPWOMdCWNXZYiYhXMkdq-a0M1bGNsReV/s640/4759535950_7bca6684c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art by woodleywonderworks available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Knowing gratitude is essential to feeling happy. The Chinese character for gratitude is <i>on</i> (pronounced: OH-nn). It contains two symbols, one represents "cause" and the other is "mind."<br />
<br />
We learned from the Law of Cause and Effect that everything has a cause. Throughout our lives we have received many blessings and benefits. Each one of these has a cause. Gratitude is the mind that knows that cause.<br />
<br />
Everything around us, the air we breathe, the trees that shade us, the plants, the earth we stand on, the animals. There is so much to be grateful for! We've all run under a tree either in sweltering heat or in a heavy rain. Likewise, we are sheltered and helped many ways in our lives. <br />
<br />
Our parents or caretakers played the largest roles of providing for our lives, but when we get down to think of it, countless other people come to mind as well. Family members who helped us through tough times, and friends who surprised us with gifts. Doctors helping us through medical issues, and nurses carefully monitoring our conditions. Our teachers and counselors instructed and offered us advice on how to succeed in life. Farmers and cooks labored to make and prepare us food. Builders and architects constructed the home we live in. Politicians and representatives try to provide us with a safe and prosperous society. Scientists and inventors made it possible for me to thank them directly with this blog!<br />
<br />
There's no end to the number of people we could thank for all we've received in this life. We think our lives and everything around us simply runs automatically. But for every beautiful flower in the park or on your street, there is also a gardener taking care of it. Our very survival depends on the help of others. Think about that -- your own survival.<br />
<br />
Once this is understood, we realize that dissatisfaction in life comes from taking for granted the blessings of nature, the people around us, and everything we have. What if they suddenly weren't there anymore? Think about how much you rely on these things, and you suddenly can't help but be grateful for them!<br />
<br />
Take a moment to thank the people in your life for things you may have taken for granted. The Buddha said that "An ungrateful person is worse than a beast!" He taught us the importance of knowing, feeling, and expressing gratitude. Here are the easy steps.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>What to Do</u></div>
<ol style="text-align: center;">
<li>Know Gratitude -- We need to know what we're grateful for.</li>
<li>Feel Gratitude -- We need to feel grateful.</li>
<li>Express Gratitude -- We need to show it!</li>
</ol>
The Buddha taught that those who feel no gratitude are lower than beasts. But even animals can show great loyalty, love, and gratitude to their providers.<br />
<br />
Recently, a man from Utah got a service dog to help him with his anxiety. The two formed a strong bond, but his dog, Shadow, began to panic every time his owner went away to work. Shadow would chase him every time he tried to leave on faraway trips and even while he was working with very high-profile clients.<br />
<br />
Another point to mention, the man happened to be in the hang-gliding business.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFyyDXq_HrwfzGEM782UqBsRehX4KOd8Q9HtO8KqZzmi97VJ3ty4NxPgaPdLgfGWDvqxZCNojKaMajXyEFJe0d2bWjpWtBdqR4LF30A0V6ohxc2i1lWLeJykpfhcQru1lpeWrxGnczIhy/s1600/Shadow_SS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFyyDXq_HrwfzGEM782UqBsRehX4KOd8Q9HtO8KqZzmi97VJ3ty4NxPgaPdLgfGWDvqxZCNojKaMajXyEFJe0d2bWjpWtBdqR4LF30A0V6ohxc2i1lWLeJykpfhcQru1lpeWrxGnczIhy/s640/Shadow_SS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of the McManus Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Dan had decided that the solution was to finally take his K9 companion along. He and his Shadow have been soaring ever since. <br />
<br />
"They're here to teach us how to love
unconditionally and without expectation," said Dan McManus, owner of
Eagles Nest Hang Gliding. "I'm grateful to have that dog to remind me of that daily. They're here for such a short period of our lives."<br />
<br />
Shadow was happy to be along with best friend, Dan, no matter what the altitude. <br />
<br />
"We meet their needs to have a pack. They're pack
animals, social animals," Dan says. "They don't remember yesterday's argument or
mistake or problem. They're just grateful you're there everyday."</div>
</div>
<br />
We as human beings should consciously keep in mind what we owe to others, be grateful inside for it, and act on that gratitude. That's how we earn the trust, admiration, and respect of others.<br />
<br />
An ingrate is someone who doesn't know or feel gratitude. No matter how much wealth or knowledge a person may acquire, if they don't have gratitude in their heart, they are spiritually broke and most likely to be untrustworthy. It is truly a shameful state, one that is to be pitied.<br />
<br />
All the karmic blessings we have received in life are like payments. Because we have received these payments, we must repay these debts with kindnesses. Yet so often we neglect to repay our debt of gratitude in the slightest. Here are three steps to avoid completely.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>What Not to Do</u></div>
<ol style="text-align: center;">
<li>Forgetting Gratitude -- Leads to Failure in Life</li>
<li>Ignoring Gratitude -- Results in Loss of Trust</li>
<li>Defying Gratitude -- Destroys Your Life</li>
</ol>
Grateful people are the most successful. Those who take kindness for granted lose respect with others. If you repay kindness with animosity, you yourself end up in ruins.<br />
<br />
Today try to find as many people as you can, and try to 1.) know gratitude, 2.) feel gratitude, and 3.) express gratitude to each person.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6AleIecGsbx4zEbmyCsgviVvrwlHheRI9w3yc1jeNERWFeovEUdT8oejV88fgn49hdsMtZusnTFRmOiemx-SGtBI5RuZLKD4d8bGokpvmotD4-Y_Jc3Cf1yNzn7vdoCWBTVGCbT7Hm2D/s1600/2755905578_fc00060caf.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6AleIecGsbx4zEbmyCsgviVvrwlHheRI9w3yc1jeNERWFeovEUdT8oejV88fgn49hdsMtZusnTFRmOiemx-SGtBI5RuZLKD4d8bGokpvmotD4-Y_Jc3Cf1yNzn7vdoCWBTVGCbT7Hm2D/s400/2755905578_fc00060caf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art by adihrespati on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If times are really tough right now and you can't find anything to be grateful for, I offer you this quote that's helped me. They are words to reflect deeply upon.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The unhappiest person in the world is one who has no sense of gratitude."<br />
--Takamori Kentetsu, author of <i>You Were Born for a Reason</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As soon as you find one thing, even something small, your entire mindset and outlook can improve dramatically.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lastly, if you wish to receive more blessings to be grateful for, you must always remember to focus your efforts first on giving. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-67060850174650424012013-07-17T12:40:00.001-07:002013-07-20T23:12:24.979-07:00A Trip to Heaven and Hell There is an old Chinese parable with roots in Buddhism that tells about the difference between heaven and hell. The story varies with many different embellishments and translations, but essentially its timeless lesson remains the same.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Once upon a time, a man decided to go sightseeing to the Land of Utmost Bliss and the Land of Incessant Suffering on a day trip.<br />
<br />
It was just about lunchtime in the Land of Suffering when he arrived. Before him he saw a bounteous selection of delicious foods, beautifully arranged on each of the dinner tables.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhlh2n0yfW2ayRh51KB3sxCTmruy8ECZGGoXnSTTj-PhbNU10CXXpZrKl6mShq_PJ5168RELj3yvRWL0OK0r8Y-9ooJArY0NtyBPpdhAuoTUWjgrT_25vmPfX-Tb3s0834VycLnZoBEM3/s1600/5419119148_c14fd77958_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhlh2n0yfW2ayRh51KB3sxCTmruy8ECZGGoXnSTTj-PhbNU10CXXpZrKl6mShq_PJ5168RELj3yvRWL0OK0r8Y-9ooJArY0NtyBPpdhAuoTUWjgrT_25vmPfX-Tb3s0834VycLnZoBEM3/s400/5419119148_c14fd77958_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original photo taken by sanfamedia.com available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
"What the...?" the man looked around in confusion. "Can this really be the Land of Suffering?"<br />
<br />
At that very moment, all the inhabitants of the Land of Suffering arrived for their meal, looking pale, starved, and fatigued. They sat down with sour expressions and scornful looks in chairs at each table.<br />
<br />
The attendants in the Land of Suffering carried to each of the guests a set of very unusual chopsticks. Curiously, each chopstick was gigantic. They were approximately three feet in length.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5-Fxq3rjyp-f-JXnXVTdTgFpEI18LCp3Mk2aIHeeVGMubkNTB_7J3jBKGE1O4xmzc3G9HtBzMReXTKnjaGKNmYjtf4zfS5ZPVuyRpp6z2W7OAqKdmUIg2AR9fIgflYFINHYDJZs79O3H/s1600/4967258989_8ef250045d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5-Fxq3rjyp-f-JXnXVTdTgFpEI18LCp3Mk2aIHeeVGMubkNTB_7J3jBKGE1O4xmzc3G9HtBzMReXTKnjaGKNmYjtf4zfS5ZPVuyRpp6z2W7OAqKdmUIg2AR9fIgflYFINHYDJZs79O3H/s400/4967258989_8ef250045d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo taken by alamodestuff available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
All the unfortunate guests of the luncheon grabbed their large chopsticks greedily and reached for the best foods that they saw. Then they tried to devour each bite... but because of the extremely lengthy chopsticks, all the delicacies kept falling to the floor or were just out of reach from their mouths. <br />
<br />
Witnessing such a desperate and pitiful scene, the man decided it was time to continue on with his next destination. <br />
<br />
Later in the day, he arrived in the Land of Utmost Bliss, just in time for supper.<br />
<br />
"Welcome! I'm so glad you could stop by!" said one of the guests. "Share in some of our wonderful meal!"<br />
<br />
The healthy, well-fed residents of the Land of Utmost Bliss seated him at a rich banquet, exactly as the one in the Land of Incessant Suffering.<br />
<br />
"Well, your chopsticks here must be smaller I'm sure!" exclaimed the man.<br />
<br />
"NO, that would be silly! They're about three-feet-long here too!"<br />
<br />
The man couldn't figure it out -- how can that be possible?<br />
<br />
The attendants in the Land of Utmost Bliss then carried in the large chopsticks to each of the guests.<br />
<br />
"You see, although the food and chopsticks in the Land of Utmost Bliss are similar to the Land of Incessant Suffering," said the smiling guest next to the man. "Here we feed each other! See!"<br />
<br />
The smiling guest then fed the person across from him. <br />
<br />
"Here you go!" said the guest across from the man. "Try this one. It's my favorite."<br />
<br />
"Yum!" said the man. "Would you care for some of these tasty dishes?"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjM5v0Pd16O2TQymmi2k7SBsFA9EHa7xnDQl3OS6ZCbJ5aX4w-e-hk2kIIRVH6nFeRc67viaNjOXHctCTKdBUs_wpY-qLl6nNsGvKLoJ8k11JHEX05mPxel1LfgjqU6ltjBiUdKrKxEY3/s1600/4276181257_1c985af154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjM5v0Pd16O2TQymmi2k7SBsFA9EHa7xnDQl3OS6ZCbJ5aX4w-e-hk2kIIRVH6nFeRc67viaNjOXHctCTKdBUs_wpY-qLl6nNsGvKLoJ8k11JHEX05mPxel1LfgjqU6ltjBiUdKrKxEY3/s400/4276181257_1c985af154_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original photo taken by A. Lau (Palaez Photography) available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
"Of course! Thank you very much."<br />
<br />
The man began to use his chopsticks to feed the guest across from him. All around the table, the guests continued to feed each other in this way.<br />
<br />
"Here you go! Are you ready over there?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, I am! Mmmm, great. Thank you!" <br />
<br />
The difference between the Land of Utmost Bliss and the Land of Suffering is merely a difference in mindset. When we give in to our own selfishness, we create all sorts of negative situations in our lives. With that kind of attitude, no one can be happy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
In Buddhism, selfishness is seen as self-interest. A person who seeks his own interest at the expense of others is greedy and bound for misfortune. We need to constantly examine ourselves and reflect on our nature to make sure we aren't being selfish.<br />
<br />
Often times we can think that we are already the perfect images of kindness and that we deserve more than we are being given at the time. However, this is similar to the mindset of those in the Land of Incessant Suffering. To receive more, we must give more. Without awareness of this nature, we are unable to observe ourselves clearly and our misfortune continues as a result.<br />
<br />
Other times, without even knowing it, we put on airs or give generously only so that others will praise us for it in the end. This too is also geared toward self-benefit. We must instead direct the idea of benefit away from us and focus on the benefit for those around us. The unselfish mindset of giving to others becomes the greater source for happiness. (See <a href="http://mirrorofdharma.blogspot.com/2012/09/relative-happiness-absolute-happiness.html" target="_blank">Relative Happiness and Absolute Happiness</a>.)<br />
<br />
Offer happiness to the various people who form a part of your life. All that kindness that you direct at them will come back to you and make you happy. This phenomenon is all explained within the founding principle of Buddhism, the <a href="http://mirrorofdharma.blogspot.com/2013/03/law-of-cause-and-effect-foundation-of.html" target="_blank">Law of Cause and Effect</a>. Good causes yield good results. Bad causes yield bad results. Your own causes yield your own results.<br />
<br />
It's simple, and it's also the universal truth. You do something good for someone else, and you get a good benefit for yourself. However, seeds that are not planted can never grow. So get out there and put it into practice! There are even the <a href="http://mirrorofdharma.blogspot.com/2013/03/karma-seven-good-deeds-that-dont-cost.html" target="_blank">Seven Good Deeds that Don't Cost Anything</a> to get you started. Smiling is of course one of them. :-)<br />
<br />
The simple difference between suffering and joy in this life is only a mindset, just like in this story. By helping others out as much as we can and giving them happiness, we celebrate a brighter and brighter outlook which then leads to a happier and happier life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-87529504083124958392013-06-29T12:07:00.001-07:002013-07-25T16:59:33.107-07:00The Preciousness of Life The life we live can sure be hell sometimes. We go through family problems, money problems, health problems, relationship problems... the list seems to go on and on when we're facing tough times.<br />
<br />
Yet even when things are going really great, we hear about natural disasters, mass killings, and international conflicts. We are never immune from worry it seems. Life can be so intense that at times it may seem just too much to handle, especially after a long day of struggling for your family or even just getting by yourself.<br />
<br />
Then the creeping question of doubt arises... <i>So why even go on? </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dQpvPMGdwvDVN_dM05W7njleIwRNA1GhTxD47AVQOa-blku3hPj-OtRBGKsVbG_sQyFmq3mGZwLGA7XXdJwynRHrcjnYkiDIBSqbYJyeruqI6W6NnUSxYTgCV3RcblKczOXW2OzaXHIy/s1600/2921551485_c1fd8888c9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dQpvPMGdwvDVN_dM05W7njleIwRNA1GhTxD47AVQOa-blku3hPj-OtRBGKsVbG_sQyFmq3mGZwLGA7XXdJwynRHrcjnYkiDIBSqbYJyeruqI6W6NnUSxYTgCV3RcblKczOXW2OzaXHIy/s400/2921551485_c1fd8888c9_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Beachcomber1954 available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These are strong, yet stealthy words that too often end in tragedy.<br />
<br />
When we get to this point, friends all chime in with the same old phrases that we should keep fighting the good fight, not give up, etc. But amidst so many personal hardships and global catastrophes, how can we really justify that life is <u>always</u> precious?<br />
<br />
This can't be something we just blindly believe in, because if a tragedy strikes us at our very core and we lose what's dearest to us... we'll be the next ones wondering why we're alive. In a moment like that, "You can do it!" and "Hang in there!" will suddenly appear as blanket, empty expressions of naive reassurance.<br />
<br />
<u>To be born a human being is a rare and wondrous experience we should feel extremely grateful for with every fabric of our being. </u><br />
<br />
But how can we truly know for sure?<br />
<br />
Sakyamuni Buddha used a parable to put the value of human life into perspective for one of his followers in the Connected Agama Sutra.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One day Buddha asked his disciple Annan a question.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"What do you think about having been born human?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I feel extremely fortunate," said Annan.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"But how fortunate exactly?" asked the Buddha.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Annan was unable to answer, so the Buddha shared a story with him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"At the bottom of a very vast ocean, there was once a blind turtle."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuNpu9ckQDYgKDa804NVTgSj4Sqav-KhLbB39rnYgZ0YXwp7FqX6Bh4wB-FVWOhY7HgkJ6WuY76JjADSoyOIZNnmIRNDu3BeSPpOqET_NzCmWR8vqgPFpTsDt5W4N0Hx05JakiCEJGw-s/s1600/4872860809_06ccf4a501_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuNpu9ckQDYgKDa804NVTgSj4Sqav-KhLbB39rnYgZ0YXwp7FqX6Bh4wB-FVWOhY7HgkJ6WuY76JjADSoyOIZNnmIRNDu3BeSPpOqET_NzCmWR8vqgPFpTsDt5W4N0Hx05JakiCEJGw-s/s320/4872860809_06ccf4a501_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by nsyll available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Once every 100 years, this blind turtle poked its head out of the water."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8V6DbLaLs0fvXn1LSnKlK8InsZhsyFbH6zpVRCxDucUkRkKOGmEzCr2d2wW332IKWTLlm4vPOvOBCQnYA3Em-uuR7b_GMXYpToHqWxUuQeUEomfp_bTRL16Z4q-Z0bgdT1iCQz8BNVgl/s1600/5809214283_0e49dae1b7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8V6DbLaLs0fvXn1LSnKlK8InsZhsyFbH6zpVRCxDucUkRkKOGmEzCr2d2wW332IKWTLlm4vPOvOBCQnYA3Em-uuR7b_GMXYpToHqWxUuQeUEomfp_bTRL16Z4q-Z0bgdT1iCQz8BNVgl/s320/5809214283_0e49dae1b7_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by NOAA National Ocean Service available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"Floating on the surface of the vast ocean was a log. In the middle of this log was a hole, just the size of the turtle's head. The log drifted with the wind in all directions. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt0gotwCG1qMc1ne8ES-xwEt9OovEM7xrOmKshg3G1ZAsRdVFxJEfOIVPlXXxLkE87HlSZuBkGeyC5UN0yZTS8VjQhYBxuvTjjwF-QZrPW65wet_xRJ7jLteg7E7yykT_rkwHSNM54H0j/s1600/5381404559_13e0f2073a_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt0gotwCG1qMc1ne8ES-xwEt9OovEM7xrOmKshg3G1ZAsRdVFxJEfOIVPlXXxLkE87HlSZuBkGeyC5UN0yZTS8VjQhYBxuvTjjwF-QZrPW65wet_xRJ7jLteg7E7yykT_rkwHSNM54H0j/s400/5381404559_13e0f2073a_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Daniel P. Davis available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Annan, what are the chances that when that blind turtle came up, its head would go into the hole in the log?"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GoUJDDhJhizMkKXxRINkUqt7TWaHM2Hu9OE2qzNO2GBN-EJT6othqIoQWsB6_vsVYlhhlhKQWW-diUtUvOI8BvDPn86nvPN3KQ7ZThFHuw4r2sBDgo-ZE3ZfJa1AmUPJ3l5kHTVlP0fT/s1600/3792202230_99950fc118_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GoUJDDhJhizMkKXxRINkUqt7TWaHM2Hu9OE2qzNO2GBN-EJT6othqIoQWsB6_vsVYlhhlhKQWW-diUtUvOI8BvDPn86nvPN3KQ7ZThFHuw4r2sBDgo-ZE3ZfJa1AmUPJ3l5kHTVlP0fT/s320/3792202230_99950fc118_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by J. Michael Tracy available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Master, such a thing could hardly take place!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Would you say it was impossible?" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Well, no..." replied Annan. "Perhaps that could happen once in uncountable trillions of years. It must be so rare it is next to impossible!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
"True," said the Buddha. "But Annan, for us to be born human is still more difficult than for that turtle to poke its head through the hole in the log!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KQF4xH1e0q8SFZdQ-oFdTb6sU_JxGxeI0zfpLV9L85Ze2un3ciujPOwo1XNtpXF1xDid76pv5gbUmjFE4hf1AcPwqGOzg8BNomWmWmrIgys4ZB8W-0lTXGGHk5BC0uz9r2Fm5NvzFJ0r/s1600/4994104027_6893f5867f_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KQF4xH1e0q8SFZdQ-oFdTb6sU_JxGxeI0zfpLV9L85Ze2un3ciujPOwo1XNtpXF1xDid76pv5gbUmjFE4hf1AcPwqGOzg8BNomWmWmrIgys4ZB8W-0lTXGGHk5BC0uz9r2Fm5NvzFJ0r/s320/4994104027_6893f5867f_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Jeffpro57 available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sakyamuni Buddha taught with this example that human life is rare and precious, but we can also look at biological examples right here on our own planet to get an idea.<br />
<br />
Think about it, just how many different kind of life forms live on this earth?<br />
<br />
In just the oceans and rivers, how many fish swim? Picture that just one sunfish can lay 300 million eggs at one time. And scientists have yet to count how many species of insects there are, making the actually number of them to be astronomical! We haven't even gotten to all the birds, reptiles, mammals...<br />
<br />
So being born as a human is already very special for this planet, a unique experience unlike any other. And of all the billions of people, no two are exactly alike, not even twins. There's something mysterious about this, and it's something to be really thankful for!<br />
<br />
When something is rare or valuable, we go to great lengths to protect it. That's why doctors, nurses, and ambulatory workers give up their holidays and work relentlessly around the clock to preserve human life. It's also why medical researchers develop technologies to help add years, days, and even minutes to people's lives.<br />
<br />
Yet there are times when patients must endure excruciating treatments at this chance for more life, or family members must make critical decisions for their loved ones on life-assisting machines. If life is precious, one may begin to wonder what the meaning of living longer could be under such excruciating circumstances.<br />
<br />
Others can have difficulty believing in the value of life at all and commit suicide, sometimes even taking others along with them. It is an extremely sad and painful reality for these people and the ones affected by such tragedies.<br />
<br />
Only hearing how precious life is doesn't work when you're in such agony. When life becomes so miserable, one may wish to have never been born. Knowing how hard life is and to just carry on doesn't make it any easier. There must be some kind of solid reassurance that yields purpose or some hope that adds meaning to one's painful existence in order to move forward.<br />
<br />
We cannot live in in doubt of finding true happiness. We need an answer now while we're alive. This is the life we find the answer, as human beings.<br />
<br />
Some mistakenly believe that because
of transmigration, this life is just part of the journey. They feel like they
will get do-overs in their next lives, and as if death is just like a reset button on a video
game. This is simply not the case. Death is not something to be taken so lightly.<br />
<br />
If we don't discover the preciousness of life now, when can we?<br />
<br />
Really think about this.<br />
<br />
Sakyamuni Buddha taught that being human may be tough, but without having been born in this unique
form we would not have had the chance to seek for a joy that never fades
even in the face of death.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Human form is difficult to obtain;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I have already obtained it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buddhism is difficult to hear;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I have already heard it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By encountering and listening to Buddhism, we learn the way to attain absolute happiness and thus accomplish our true purpose of life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are all born to achieve true happiness in this lifetime. This is why we must live on and endure whatever trials come along the way. It is the meaning of life that propels all of us to live on, even if we don't know or choose not to believe it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This incredible mission to discover ultimate happiness is what makes all our lives infinitely precious and every moment a shining opportunity of inestimable value. Each and everyone of us shares in this singular life purpose to obtain absolute happiness. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's why a single life outweighs the earth! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Listen to the teachings with an open heart until you discover this form of abundant joy, this happiness that makes you always want to shout from deep within your spirit, "I'm so happy I'm a human being! I'm the happiest person alive in the universe!"</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-56834563248120052572013-06-03T18:30:00.001-07:002013-07-26T18:44:27.109-07:00Impermenance & the Four Horses In ancient Japan, a thin, wispy trail of smoke rising up from the mountains and leading up into the sky meant one thing -- the dead were being cremated. People would cast their eyes down, remember their deceased loved ones, and hope their families were not amongst the ones burned that day.<br />
<br />
We see this same sight today perhaps from the chimney of a mortuary, but how often do these scenes make us reflect upon our own mortality or even affect us on a deep level?<br />
<br />
Sensitivities to death vary from person to person. So in Pure Land Buddhism there is "The Metaphor of Four Horses" in order to describe the differences. This analogy uses a horses' attitude toward the whip, which represents the animal's greatest fear.<br />
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOEii03L5NPbkT4keOpnRy0h1qg2yCy_zINsAsTj2tnqKArofjYffmORlP46J3xIkyX4B8e0fW40-Nx0MaSUQgZvD9kMqfH8Fzt3gjnqQftI2lmfdOhGJuNNsZYwJaMhCWoq5HBn28-2n/s1600/4524333659_0789c2047c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOEii03L5NPbkT4keOpnRy0h1qg2yCy_zINsAsTj2tnqKArofjYffmORlP46J3xIkyX4B8e0fW40-Nx0MaSUQgZvD9kMqfH8Fzt3gjnqQftI2lmfdOhGJuNNsZYwJaMhCWoq5HBn28-2n/s320/4524333659_0789c2047c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art by LisaGenius available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>The Metaphor of the Four Horses</u></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1.) A Horse that Sees the Whip's Shadow </b><br />
People surprised by the idea of their own death </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when they see falling blossoms or smoke from a crematory. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2.) A Horse that Feels the Whip Brush Over Its Mane </b><br />
People stunned by the idea they too will die one day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when they see a funeral or hearse<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3.) A Horse Cut to the Flesh by the Whip </b><br />
People who are shocked to think they could be next</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when they attend the funeral of relatives and neighbors<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4.) A Horse Pierced to the Bone by the Whip -</b><br />
People who are moved by their own impermanence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when they lose their family</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Modern society goes to great lengths to shield us from seeing
death or even thinking about it, because this unsettled issue of where we go when we die troubles
us so deeply. Some people go to extremes and even whisper the word death or get squeamish at just the mention of a terminal illness. Seeing death near us invokes a dreaded realization that one day... even as soon as today or tomorrow... we must leave all we have come to know and love in this life. <br />
<br />
The starting point of Buddhism is having this sensitivity toward impermanence. We must direct our thinking about the deaths of others and reflect seriously about our own imminent demise. Without this crucial awareness, we can't advance even one step forward in Buddhism. We listen to reach the all-important, end goal of solving the crucial matter of our afterlife.<br />
<br />
Sakyamuni Buddha had great compassion for human beings, even while knowing that we were all falling into the world of suffering without knowing it because of our evil deeds. Every second nearly two people die. Those that pass away from this world are like raindrops in the downpour of a tropical storm. People we know may leave us, but for some reason we feel we won't be the next to go. We still vainly think that impermanence is something that can be put off until a more convenient time for us while we simply enjoy the moment.<br />
<br />
"Buddha taught, 'The outgoing breath awaits not the incoming breath, and so life ends.' Death may be but a single breath away. Fail to take in the next breath, and immediately your afterlife begins. Each breath you exhale and inhale brushes shoulders with death. On December 31, one second after [11:59:59 P.M.] it is [12:00:00 A.M.]. At the same instant, the [31st] changes to the [1st], December gives way to January, and one year yields to the next. In the same way, this life transforms into the next life in the space of an instant.<br />
If you do not achieve the purpose of life now, when will you? When can you? Now is your only chance, for untold ages to come. Gaze steadily at the shadow of impermanence drawing closer every moment, and have no regrets."<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
--<i>You Were Born for a Reason</i></div>
<br />
Each morning we start fresh. We may go for a jog to get our blood flowing, wash our face to feel fresh, and treat ourselves to a warm cup of invigorating coffee. Every evening after we brush our teeth tiredly, we must finally at long last fall over into bed completely exhausted from the day's activities. At 7:00 A.M. we may have a radiant face, but by 11:00 P.M. we can be as white as bones. This is the way we carry on our lives, day in and day out, with the mentality that we will live in this body forever.<br />
<br />
Say you put Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) Cain Velasquez in the ring against a little kid. And during the match no matter how many kicks or punches Velasquez throws, the kid still wins with one knockout punch. "How's that possible you ask?" It's because this kid's fighter name is "Wind of Impermanence." He holds an undefeated title, and one day it'll be a match between you and him.<br />
<br />
Young and old should face their impermanence equally, since it can occur at any time. We discuss how important planning for retirement is, but not everyone will be alive for retirement. Everyone will face death, and yet in spite of this no emphasis is placed on resolving it anytime soon. <br />
<br />
"We have squandered our days. We have sought the wrong objectives. Talent, property, and power have earned us the respect of others without affording us either joy or satisfaction. Why have we not rather sought happiness to satisfy the soul? We are left with nothing but sighs of regret. ... This lament can only be the regret of someone taken aback by the blackness of his [or her] prospects after death (darkness of mind)."<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
--<i>You Were Born for a Reason</i>, p. 69</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are simply unable to see through this darkness to know our True Self; we don't even know for sure who we
really are or why we're alive. Yet somehow we still feel that we have
all the answers even though we're really in the dark. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Any concept or impression of death we might have is
merely an emotional reaction or creative speculation. It is nothing like facing death when it actually arrives.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
"Anxiety about what may lie beyond death is inseparable from anxiety in the here and now. It stands to reason, therefore, that efforts to make the present bright without resolving this darkness of mind can only come to nothing."<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
--<i>You Were Born for a Reason</i>, p. 67</div>
<br />
This uncertainty toward our death and the afterlife is the very real
question that must be faced, and we must listen to Buddhism in order to find the
answer clearly. Let's reflect on our own impermanence and obtain true clarity on this issue as quickly as possible.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-154991504116003792013-05-03T15:09:00.001-07:002013-07-26T20:11:34.502-07:00Gratitude to Parents<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<i>Question: Why do I have to care so much about my parents, especially if they were
bad to me?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Our parents brought us into
this world, and we have them to thank for being alive. If our mothers hadn’t cared
for us during pregnancy and endured child birth, we couldn't be here. We must
be grateful for all the food and nourishment they provided us with. So many
times they labored to keep us dry while getting wet themselves, and so often
they cleaned away our filth when they didn’t want to put up with it anymore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifseeFsOU1R3xj3UomnY4uZrrmmw5dsyuaQN-VRHweyd-Qc4AzdmsoBIMt01DaAWM1JBghnztRTwj47SXxsQdsjVcT9OQTc7UAgK_Xo9dWW7x3JRLvwvazqHu9tG_pRXvO9kOH5JnY08Ka/s1600/2856025518_1a45f4342c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifseeFsOU1R3xj3UomnY4uZrrmmw5dsyuaQN-VRHweyd-Qc4AzdmsoBIMt01DaAWM1JBghnztRTwj47SXxsQdsjVcT9OQTc7UAgK_Xo9dWW7x3JRLvwvazqHu9tG_pRXvO9kOH5JnY08Ka/s400/2856025518_1a45f4342c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Micah Sittig available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents often endure a lot
of hardship and save the best for the benefit of their sons and daughters. They
can commit bad deeds they would never dream of, just to protect their kids and
provide them with what they need. All these precious gifts can often go
unnoticed as children go up. No matter how far away parents are, all parents
still worry about their children, and that worry never ceases no matter how old
they get.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet when we are told to make
sacrifices for our parents as they age, we often can't do so from the bottom of
our hearts.<br />
<br />
The reason for this
lack of true giving comes from the fact that we are suffering in our own lives
at present. If we do not yet know the joy of being alive for ourselves, we
can't thank our parents for giving birth to us.<br />
<br />
Some people in
great emotional anguish may even think, "Actually, if my parents never
brought me to this world, I would never have had to suffer this much."
This is a very sad way to look at life, and it downplays everything your
parents have done to raise you.<br />
<br />
People who commit
suicide in essence are rebelliously defying their parents. They are holding a
grudge against their very birth into this world. They show heavy resentment to
their parents by thinking, "Why did you have to give birth to me? I didn't
ask to be born."<br />
<br />
Parents may try
to object and direct more attention to the hardships they have gone through for
their children. "Look at all we've done for you. You should be grateful to
us!" But a thankless child could fire back, "You both brought me into
this world out of your own free will. I didn't ask you though. Did I?"
This can progress even worse, "I wish I had never been born!!" With
that being said, it becomes very difficult to debate any further. How could a
parent respond back to that?<br />
<br />
Whether one can truly feel
gratitude to one's parents or not depends on knowing the reason we were born.
To find that reason is the purpose of life.<br />
<br />
If we do not know
the reason we were born, then we will never fully understand why we have to be
appreciative to our parents. Mom and Dad may have raised us with a lot of
effort and sacrifice, but without knowing why we’re here, there is no concrete
reason as to why we must be dutiful to our parents at all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw4YZuhJbj69m46lqKXEPuFEVan-TlrIgUBADhkXU0e5nlxmnSPp9fvqzW5Uqhad97NwjRMhbo4JBvkGC6_bnA1h9Ttoj-YXvcK8PJ3LT_f8E8ZKYGy7zAtlHoL1BAUP8JhM_lDO3x5NG/s1600/2517794502_5a47813b40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw4YZuhJbj69m46lqKXEPuFEVan-TlrIgUBADhkXU0e5nlxmnSPp9fvqzW5Uqhad97NwjRMhbo4JBvkGC6_bnA1h9Ttoj-YXvcK8PJ3LT_f8E8ZKYGy7zAtlHoL1BAUP8JhM_lDO3x5NG/s400/2517794502_5a47813b40.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by TimothyJ available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A Zen priest by the
name of Ikkyu said that we live our lives day in and day out sleeping, waking
up, eating, and using the bathroom. Likewise our lives go through many stages
from child to adult. About this Ikkyu wrote, "A girl blossoms as a young
woman, blooms as a bride, fades as a mother, and scatters as an old
woman." Nowadays, women can of course choose to not marry or focus on
career instead of raising children. But the point he was making is that we go
through all these<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>phases of life only to
fade away in old age. We have no idea of what’s next. Is death our destruction,
and that’s all? According to Buddhism, it isn’t.<br />
<br />
If that were
the case, it would render the value of human life to just a tiny bubble
floating on a river. It would mean that those who are blessed in life with
wealth and material things are just trying to make their bubble stronger or
larger. But in time, their bubble will still burst for sure. Today, there are
more than seven billion people on Earth. They are all like bubbles of various
sizes destined to burst. A bubble can't expect to float forever. Then what is
the point of living? Is it to only struggle for a better life as long as we
can? Do we live to ignore the inevitable and just die? That can’t be it. There
must be an answer.<br />
<br />
People
are always worried about their retirements, 401k plans, and pensions.
"Will I have enough to retire at 65?" These are only problems we deal
with while we are still alive, but “what will happen after death?” No one makes
an issue of this, yet it's in reality the most crucial matter there is. Science
and medicine are trying so hard to keep the bubble from bursting, prolonging
the inevitable for as long as possible. But why must a bubble that is bound to
pop, have to float on or move forward at all? We must be born here for a
reason.<br />
<br />
Our world
is full of delusion and suffering. From time to time, we think to ourselves,
"Why is it just me that has to suffer so much?" We see others as more
happy than us, and think we are the only ones who must endure the worst
suffering. As the expression goes, "the grass is always greener on the
other side of the fence." We believe that weeds simply don't grow in our
neighbor's perfectly manicured garden, and only we must toil at pulling out
endless roots. We don't realize that all people are suffering in this same way.
<br />
<br />
People with extreme feelings of
desperation feel that life is unbearable when they compare themselves to others.
Though science and medicine have made great progress, the issue of suicide
remains a serious and troubling issue. In these cases, we may wonder, "Why
did I have to be born? I didn't ask to be here." We find no gratitude to
our parents for giving birth to us or raising us when we find life's pressures
to be too impossible to bare. Yet Sakyamuni Buddha explained that we were not
born to suffer. He said that in heaven above, earth below, we as human beings
are born with a single and precious mission.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j11DBgfxLOrEmA5kh4HR5ciHzgKQPJlOOrYBVrEaNuK6XT93Pq2ANHVyLRw1aBONF4Bn7M7Sp48_sa_lz-p7OSBvsQIbYH6u3WWI0v8QOSVF1xDOS7Mb-KZTozyZzEX8QUeyrhq9g7Nt/s1600/4784653995_6fdc973b12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j11DBgfxLOrEmA5kh4HR5ciHzgKQPJlOOrYBVrEaNuK6XT93Pq2ANHVyLRw1aBONF4Bn7M7Sp48_sa_lz-p7OSBvsQIbYH6u3WWI0v8QOSVF1xDOS7Mb-KZTozyZzEX8QUeyrhq9g7Nt/s320/4784653995_6fdc973b12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So then what is that one and
only purpose of life that we were born to fulfill? People tend to mistake the
many way stations of life for the ultimate purpose of life. They include going
to school, getting a job, marrying, forming a family, building a house. All
these are means of living, and although they do help us carry on day-to-day,
they are not the ultimate purpose of life.<br />
<br />
The purpose of life is to
obtain absolute happiness. This kind of joy lasts for eternity and is clearly
taught in the Larger Sutra of Infinite Life. There are many buddhas other than
Sakyamuni in the universe, and this sutra teaches that through the promise of
the master buddha, Amida Buddha, we can enter into a wondrous world of no
hindrance while alive. Upon reaching this level of enlightenment, obstacles no
longer stand in the way toward our birth as a buddha in the Pure Land, a place
of utmost bliss where there is no suffering. To attain this never-ending form
of happiness is why we were born human. (This will be explored at length in
future posts.) <br />
<br />
If
we would not have been born into the human world, we would have never had the
opportunity to seek for this truth. By listening to the teachings of Buddhism,
we can realize the great joy of being alive and for likewise grasp the debt of
gratitude we owe to our parents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_2jf7Fy4_fUI1Pbec7BC-Vy8otmeLjoIdAq4lNmzbOutOK3zpomdPPGorZNQ_4ul9HjDJQT3vzmV6vC5U527xTl55A1pe4WVMMtTDWp-A2MvW8gI3-948WTfQ3Sx9Cp9Yvn5dazTapHg/s1600/5705399339_c050bf4c62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_2jf7Fy4_fUI1Pbec7BC-Vy8otmeLjoIdAq4lNmzbOutOK3zpomdPPGorZNQ_4ul9HjDJQT3vzmV6vC5U527xTl55A1pe4WVMMtTDWp-A2MvW8gI3-948WTfQ3Sx9Cp9Yvn5dazTapHg/s400/5705399339_c050bf4c62.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by stevendepolo available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You can tell young people today to look after their parents all you want, but it
will fall on deaf ears if the kids don't know why they're alive. Whether we
feel truly grateful to our parents or not depends on whether we have realized
the joy of being alive as a human being for ourselves in the here and now.<br />
<br />
Our bubbles will burst some day unexpectedly. And yet we live with all our might
looking away from it... to what end? Then what should we really do with this
short, temporal life? Morals and ethics do not even begin to answer this
fundamental question of why we were born. Whether we can make full use of
morals and ethics depends on whether we find true, lasting happiness -- right
now in this very moment. In Buddhism, there is a concrete reason to why we're
here. It's to attain absolute happiness!!!<br />
<br />
Once we accomplish this joyous purpose of life, we marvel at how wonderful it
is that we were born human! Naturally, we feel grateful to our parents who
brought us to this world. We will realize why our lives, like tiny bubbles that
are bound to burst, are so infinitely precious. Simultaneously, we can't help
but to make efforts in fulfilling the debt of gratitude that we owe our
parents.<br />
<br />
After all, without being born into this world and listening to the teachings of
Buddhism, how else could we experience the everlasting joy that makes us shout,
"This is why I was born human! How glad I am with the way I've lived my
life. I'm the most blessed being alive on Earth!" Please continue to
listen seriously to the teachings of Buddhism until you arrive at this
exuberant state.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-68498977316121413762013-04-05T14:50:00.001-07:002013-07-28T08:20:41.385-07:00On Alaya Mind & the Wind of Impermanence<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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People are travelers. We travel from yesterday to today. Today to tomorrow. We
do this year after year. Japanese poet Ikkyu said that New Year's Day even
though on the surface is a cause for celebration is actually just a milestone
toward the afterlife. The idea of man as a traveler has been used in songs,
poems, and stories for centuries. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxcqO7OJzt5r_WAVPtInhyO75LVbZBjtIoGMhLeVP6HPfcmpP-SjbRfSFYFs0GHikKHgf-704fBMeKpsyle-TLS0KgPK-rvsUtKeILhe9W80v3r1ZZeuk6QpY3MoeRjqLjQKrRnZmw_OM/s1600/182206645_99ffda0621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxcqO7OJzt5r_WAVPtInhyO75LVbZBjtIoGMhLeVP6HPfcmpP-SjbRfSFYFs0GHikKHgf-704fBMeKpsyle-TLS0KgPK-rvsUtKeILhe9W80v3r1ZZeuk6QpY3MoeRjqLjQKrRnZmw_OM/s400/182206645_99ffda0621.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by Dru! available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Our trip can be sunny, rainy or windy. It can be mountainous or deep into a valley. Or it can be as
simple as a walk on a flatland, because so many things can happen on the journey. We
have many encounters with various characters throughout our voyage. Misfortune
comes our way. Some days are just normal. We say goodbye here and there to many
good people we've met. The weather is fine on some days and bad on others.</span></div>
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The nature of our soul's journey is limitless. It flows in a continual stream
from the beginningless past, forward into the eternal future. The journey of
this body may be short, 100 years at best. And during this time, not a single
person can understand us to the core.</span></div>
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Sakyamuni Buddha said, "Alone we are born, and alone we die. Alone we come, and alone we depart." Our physical bodies may have company, but our souls are
all alone. We have lived our eternal life in complete solitude, and not even
family can understand us at the deepest level.</span></div>
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For example, husbands and wives are separate individuals, even though they are
married and may act together as a family. This world may seem like a universal
place where we are all sharing a common reality. However, each person is
experiencing something different from their own point of view.</span></div>
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We all have an Alaya Mind (Storehouse Consciousness), and this is also known as our True Self. It represents our eternal
life. The Alaya Mind forms its own world from the various deeds of our distant past that are contained within it. The deeds we perform now in the present are stored into our Alaya Mind which then shapes </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">our future. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> So in short, we're all living right now in the world of our Alaya Mind.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Putting this into perspective, that means hundreds and thousands, even millions
or billions of worlds are existing together in separate Alaya Minds around us. Each
one lives in its own unique reality. </span>
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A wife just can't see what life looks like through her husband's eyes, no matter how hard she
tries. To understand him completely is simply out of the question. The husband
can't even get a real glimpse despite his strongest efforts. A husband and wife
can only know their own Alaya Mind. It's not possible to understand another
person's world as they see it. It is an exclusive experience to the individual,
and that is why it is said that we are born alone and die alone.</span></div>
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It's also why whether we know it or not, there is a deep, restless loneliness
within us. Our soul is yearning for true company. We devise numerous diversions
-- joking, singing or dancing -- yet it doesn't wipe away our loneliness. Not
for long at least. There still remains a recurring empty solitude, because no
one gets us or understands our world completely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Children hold secrets from their parents, and parents don't tell everything to
their kids. Husbands and wives keep quiet on a lot of issues. That is the
nature of our true mind. It is one of complete solitude and hidden darkness.
There is no soul that can bare it all, all the time.</span></div>
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In bustling metropolises like Los Angeles, Tokyo, New Delhi,
Berlin, London, or Moscow, we are constantly surrounded by people. How is it
that though we are surrounded by millions, we can still feel so alone and
desperately lost in the crowd? We just have no true companionship for our soul.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3GH6XE-NE-Ga2E4PjodagRZNv8XQg17ElXlDNFbfFulzTcaeYu0rcAZSgFoNyfHV1mFvccuvhkvGaiqOv60QwtBIaEJf7yc73K4OxqgARmi82FxjZg6AP75G9Dt_IYunBmKqMqanYYMd/s1600/8061937565_159ace68e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3GH6XE-NE-Ga2E4PjodagRZNv8XQg17ElXlDNFbfFulzTcaeYu0rcAZSgFoNyfHV1mFvccuvhkvGaiqOv60QwtBIaEJf7yc73K4OxqgARmi82FxjZg6AP75G9Dt_IYunBmKqMqanYYMd/s400/8061937565_159ace68e4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by R. Mitra available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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This doesn't mean we don't need to understand others or shouldn't bother to get very close to
people. We must of course try to get to know people and care about them. But it
is an oversized ego that believes it can truly get another person completely.
It denotes someone who is 100% in the dark about their own self. </span></div>
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Our Alaya Mind is hurting. There is no way we can figure
out how to solve this situation. We long to bare all of our soul and need to be
able to understand it. Only by knowing who we really are can we obtain absolute
happiness. Listening to Pure Land Buddhism, we come closer to arriving at this
life-changing moment. We come to learn our True Self fully, realize the roles of the
countless buddhas, as well as fully grasp the role of Amida Buddha and the Pure Land.
By listening steadily and knowing these concepts -- not just believing in them blindly -- we can finally celebrate in not
being alone for the first time in our eternal life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Until we find the truth, life seems to have a mysterious sadness to it.
People will dwell on all sorts of thoughts to distract themselves from it -- yet it returns, again and again. We rely on systems of
politics, ethics, morals, laws in an attempt to restore balance to this desperate world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Every month we have holidays with fireworks and festivals filled with people
who want to escape for a while. They want to forget their solitude in the fun,
but they can't seem to leave that emptiness behind when it's time to pick up trash after the party. Fireworks don't last, but it's
also what makes them wonderful to look at. At best, could they go on for an hour straight, a whole day, or a full month like that? Would it even remain as exciting at that point? The thrill comes from the rareness of the experience. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSFjL7UALOu-7HetO4aBWsUuHAVzpRdIBbivRZtMx7LysEbg-FtQFvpZtmqzmWEEwiVal1pTevxaVjPKwz-z4OIPlPMickI1c0YEoSBc5flGdfyJEihZPJRiG3VUnT37EchLI2dTQzTl3/s1600/2693976852_a77340254d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSFjL7UALOu-7HetO4aBWsUuHAVzpRdIBbivRZtMx7LysEbg-FtQFvpZtmqzmWEEwiVal1pTevxaVjPKwz-z4OIPlPMickI1c0YEoSBc5flGdfyJEihZPJRiG3VUnT37EchLI2dTQzTl3/s400/2693976852_a77340254d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Photo by bayasaa available on Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The various fireworks of our lives flicker quickly, in and out, here and there
throughout the years, and a lifetime of even 100 years can disappear quietly
into the smoky dark without notice. In the end, the greater the fireworks
display, the greater the sorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Life is the same way. Once it's over, we're left to the hell of our own bitter solitude
at death, and the fact that our soul has no accompaniment. Right now, we're billions of lonesome travelers waiting for death while fighting for
survival. We hang in this critical balance day to day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Our fate can change
drastically just by the choices and actions we make in a single moment. Life-or-death events happen to us and our loved ones all the time, but soon even they
just fade away becoming the farthest thing from our mind. We move on to the next challenge. "That's life," we say. But how long can we keep that up for?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"When at last I came to the peak that I had thought would surely be the last,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I turned my eyes to the way beyond -- mountain piled on mountain."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--Anonymous</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The Wind of Impermanence is always blowing along our journey whether we feel it beating down on our backs or not. Nothing lasts;
everything changes. The Wind of Impermanence can be compared to a ghastly tiger stalking its
unsuspecting prey. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
There is a tiger behind you right now, even as you read this blog. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If there is a room with 100 people, there are 100 tigers
lurking behind those people. </span>This tiger waits and waits and waits. It creeps up
on all of us with the utmost stealth and suddenly attacks when we least expect it. One day
-- BAM! -- it has you in its jaws, clenched in its teeth. It's a huge, hungry, and vicious tiger, and it doesn't
wait for you, anyone, or anything. You could be washing your face or right in the middle of a sentence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
A professor of religion at the University of Tokyo, Hideo
Kishimoto, battled with a very serious case of cancer. Kishimoto likened the idea of death to "sudden,
unprovoked violence" and left a detailed account of his personal struggle with the
disease:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Death
always comes suddenly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
matter when it appears, the one visited by Death </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">looks
on its arrival as a sudden intrusion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
the mind filled with a sense of security </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is
totally unprepared for death. ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Death
comes when by rights it has no business coming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
goes coolly where by rights it has no business going, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">like
a desperado striding with dirty boots into a freshly-cleaned parlor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Death's
behavior is outrageous. You may ask it to wait a while, but in vain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Death
is a monster beyond human power to budge or to hold in check." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The fearsome tiger has no compassion hunts all of us down without a
shred of mercy. Its terrifying size and insatiable hunger calmly waits for the perfect opportunity to strike us. When the tiger comes closer, we
may try to escape by going to the doctor and taking various medicines in order to
prolong our life. But the moment will come when the tiger appears for his final lethal bite. Once we're bitten, our time here as a traveler will be over. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by fpat available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> All of us must face the Wind of Impermanence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This is why we must seek the truth for who we really are and obtain absolute happiness in
the here and now. Without sensing that our life is fleeting, we do not feel inclined to move into action. We must seek to know what the afterlife holds in store for
us as soon as possible, before it is too late. Listening to Buddhism brings us toward the real solution to these problems. Let us listen to the teachings with sincerity and reflect deeply on the crucial matter of our afterlife.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-88038520220895695362013-03-29T16:02:00.001-07:002014-09-02T12:43:44.601-07:00The Eight Minds One of the most interesting teachings within the Dharma when I was first learning was on the topic of the<b> Eight Minds</b>. The Eight Minds are also known as the <b>Eight Consciousnesses</b>. It's about the psychology of our brain from the perspective of Buddhism.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art by Identity Photogr@phy availble on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
To begin our look on the Eight Minds, I'd like to share with you an excerpt from the book, <i>The Purpose of Life </i>by Tamotsu Asakura. <br />
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***</div>
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The science of psychology deals with the structure of our minds.<br />
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Modern psychology teaches that there is subconsciousness beneath our consciousness and that further below that, lies "depth psychology."<br />
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You may have heard about the subconscious but you may not have heard of the term "depth psychology." Would anyone believe if he was told that Sakyamuni Buddha had already revealed this level of psychology 2,600 years ago, although 20th Century psychology, at long last, has just begun to elucidate it?<br />
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In the 80s, Japan and the United States were seriously competing with each other on the development of a fifth generation computer, also called artificial intelligence or A.I. for short.<br />
<br />
Professor Marvin Minsky, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a worldwide authority on A.I., is engaged in researching Buddhist scriptures -- stating that the study of Buddhism is essential for experimenting on the development of A.I. Why Buddhism in the computer?<br />
<br />
He explained that for the development of A.I., it became naturally necessary to do the research on the nature of man's mind. However, modern psychology did not give thorough instructions on it. He therefore researched the religions of the world -- since they specialized in the mind -- to see if there was any religion that gave instructions regarding the structure of the mind. As a consequence, he found that most religions hardly gave any information on it. However, in the Buddhist scriptures, it was taught in detail. Sakyamuni Buddha was truly an exceptional psychologist. [Minsky] found that Buddhist scriptures were unsurpassed texts for the development of computers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by isforinsects available on Flickr.com</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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What Professor Minsky, pictured above, used for his thesis on A.I. was the teaching on the Eight Minds. Let's look at what he discovered.<br />
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<u>The Eight Minds </u></div>
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1.) <b>Sight Consciousness</b> - Mind of the eyes. This is the mind that perceives what we see and enjoys from all the sights</div>
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2.) <b>Hearing Consciousness</b> - Mind of our ears. The mind that detects the sounds we hear. We listen through this mind and with it can enjoy music.</div>
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3.) <b>Smell Consciousness </b>- Mind of the nose. The mind that detects odors and pleasing fragrances. </div>
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4.) <b>Taste Consciousness</b> - Mind of the tongue. The mind that perceives and tastes between sweet and savory. The joy experienced from fine cuisine.</div>
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5.) <b>Touch Consciousness</b> - Mind of the body. The mind that discriminates between textures and temperatures. It perceives between hot and cold also between tough and soft. The Mind of the Body also includes the exhilaration from sports and dancing. It also includes the soothing sensation of silk or a cool breeze.</div>
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6.) <b>Thought Consciousness</b> - This is the mind that thinks, memorizes, and dreams. It is also the mind that integrates the first five consciousness and judges collectively between them. It is the mind that enjoys reading. </div>
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7.) <b>Manas Consciouness</b> - It is the mind that makes us feel attachment to various people and things. It is the mind of "I." It goes hand-in-hand with the Alaya Consciousness.</div>
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8.) <b>Alaya Consciousness</b> - If you read over my posts on the Law and Cause and Effect,
you learned about this as Alaya Mind. It's also known as Storehouse Consciousness as it is the storehouse of our karma.<br />
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<br /></div>
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You may have heard of the Himalaya Mountains. Well, the
meaning there is Snow Storehouse. I thought that was really amazing.
Just imagine how vast our karma storehouse is! Alaya Consciousness is our True Mind. <br />
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The first six minds are widely-known and easy to understand because we can recognize them. Here's another excerpt from Mr. Asakura's book so we can get a better grasp on the last two minds. (Note: words in brackets are English translations of the Japanese terms used in the original work. )</div>
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[Manas Consciousness] and [Alaya Consciousness] do not appear on the surface, and therefore we are not aware that we have such minds. They are, so to speak, the minds that are concealed at the bottom of [Thought Consciousness].</div>
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Buddhism is the study of the mind, but Buddhist universities put strong emphasis on the subjects of [Manas Consciousness] and [Alaya Consciousness]. These two complicated minds, it is said, take eight years to comprehend, even if one should study with serious determination. It is that difficult.<br />
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Then what sort of mind is [Alaya Consciousness]? ... What things are stored in the [Alaya Consciousness]? Our karma is stored in it. What is karma? In plain language, it is the energy of the deeds produced by the body, mouth, and mind.<br />
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In Buddhism what we think in our mind is considered as one kind of deed. We perform all sorts of deeds, both good and evil, and they are all stored as seeds which, in the future, produce effects in accordance with the Law of Cause and Effect. A good act produces a good effect; an evil act produces an evil effect, accordingly. One's acts bring the effects back to oneself.<br />
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In Buddhism, these effects are called karma-seeds, and the storage of these seeds is the [Alaya Consciousness]. A karma-seed is energy which is colorless and formless from the beginning ... the [Alaya Consciousness] is also a colorless and formless existence. Within the [Alaya Consciousness] are stored all the karma-seeds one has practiced from his beginningless past as well as the karma-seeds of his acts since his birth into the human world of his present.<br />
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The eight kinds of consciousness may be divided into two categories -- [Thought Consciousness] and [Alaya Consciousness]. The first five kinds of consciousness are subordinate to [Thought Consciousness] and the seventh, [Manas Consciousness], could be incorporated into [Alaya Consciousness].<br />
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People today are only aware of [Thought Consciousness]. </div>
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***</div>
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Mr. Asakura goes on to explain that the Alaya Mind is our fundamental consciousness. It is at the very bottom of our Thought Consciousness and even controls it.<br />
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We are taught right and wrong through our education and our upbringing by our parents. This knowledge is stored in our Thought Consciousness. However, the Alaya Consciousness ignores all ethics and morals because it is a deeper mind. Although one may be aware through Thought Consciousness that it's wrong to do something, the Alaya Mind still has the command to say, "Do it anyway."<br />
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As we age, the pleasures of the six senses begins to decline. However,
people will always keep looking for something stimulating as there is no end to our
desire while we're alive. These six minds will finally perish with the body at the time of death. But the Alaya Consciousness, "filled with one's lifetime karmic-evils, continues to journey into the world of the afterlife."<br />
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That is why in Buddhism, the goal is to awaken this Alaya Consciousness before we die. Once we deeply realize the existence of this mind, we can feel pure joy and fulfill our
true life's purpose. It is how we come to know our True Self and receive absolute happiness.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972625407761998366.post-17913256880395281252013-03-26T17:18:00.002-07:002013-08-01T10:39:05.587-07:00The Seven Good Deeds that Don't Cost Anything<div style="text-align: left;">
When you really think about it, how much time do you actually spend caring and thinking about others and how much time do you spend on yourself? A real, honest look might reveal that we're probably spending about 90% of our time getting our own needs met.</div>
<br />
Take the example of a large bath tub. You want more warmth, so you
begin to bring in with your hands all the warm water toward you. But
what happens? It escapes pushing the warm water around and away from
you. However, when you push the warm water away with your hands, the warmth circulates bringing more to you. (Try it the next time you have a
bath. It actually works!) This example embodies the concept of Benefiting Others, Benefits the Self within Buddhism. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Art by Tim Green aka atoach, available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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According to the Law of Cause and Effect,
doing good deeds only brings more good effects for us. So we should give generously to others more than we did yesterday. This all sounds really logical and seems quite simple, but there's definitely more to the story!<br />
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*** </div>
Long
ago, there was once a famous meeting between Bird's Nest Monk, a Zen
priest, and Bai Juyi, a scholar of Confucianism.<br />
<br />
Bai Juyi was taking a walk on a mountainside, deep in the forest. He
was lost in thought when he saw something curious. Up in a large tree
there was someone with their eyes closed doing meditation.<br />
<br />
"Excuse me!" Bai Juyi said, "Don't you think it's a little dangerous to be up there with your eyes closed?"<br />
<br />
Bird's Nest Monk replied, "The one who is in danger is <i>you</i>!"<br />
<br />
Bai Juyi got the sense that this priest was no ordinary man, so he
decided to introduce himself. "You know, I'm just a nobody. It's nice to
meet you. They call me Bai Juyi."<br />
<br />
"I'm Bird's Nest Monk. I'm also nameless. A pleasure."<br />
<br />
"You know, this is a rather rare opportunity. I always wanted to know
what Buddhism is all about," Bai Juyi said."In a few words, could you
sum it up for me please?"<br />
<br />
"Refrain from doing bad deeds and practice various good deeds. In short, 'stop evil; do good.'"<br />
<br />
Bai Juyi became bemused. "But even a little kid knows this. Is this all the Buddha teaches?"<br />
<br />
Bird's Nest Monk replied, "Even though a three-year-old
boy knows it, it's difficult to practice even for an 80-year-old man."<br />
<br />
At this Bai Juyi began to think more seriously about Buddhism, and the two carried on a discussion.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Update:
Previously, this post originally ran with the names Hakurakuten (Bai
Juyi) and Torinosu (Bird's Nest Monk). These are the Japanese names, but
I decided to switch them to the original Chinese and English
translations for ease of reference. </span><br />
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<u>Giving Another Look at Giving</u></div>
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Even though the core concepts of Buddhism seem easy for us to understand, we have to try hard to put them into practice. In a previous post, we went over the <a href="http://mirrorofdharma.blogspot.com/2012/09/six-good-deeds-that-make-you-happy.html" target="_blank">Six Good Deeds that Make You Happy</a> (Six Paramitas).<br />
<br />
Sakyamuni Buddha narrowed down all the virtuous acts we could possibly perform into just six categories. He did this to make it easy for us to choose one and perform it to the very best of our ability and with all our hearts. By doing one with the strongest of intentions, you end up doing them all.<br />
<br />
But for today let's focus on the first paramita of Generosity.<br />
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<u>1.) Generosity -- Making Offerings to Others</u></div>
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a.) Dharma -- Sharing Buddhism will
bring happiness in this life and beyond into eternity.<br />
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b.) Materials -- Giving money or things of value that make people happy in this life</div>
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However, for those who have nothing to give as far as materials or compensation, there are still generosities that we can still offer even without a penny, yen, ruble, pound, or rupee!</div>
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<u>Seven Good Deeds that Don't Cost Anything</u> </div>
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1.) Kind Eyes -- Send others good thoughts and intentions with your eyes </div>
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2.) Peaceful, Friendly Smile -- A friendly facial expression promotes harmony, smooths tensions, makes people feel comfortable in their environment</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsixDEEmmXUoAzdWGaKC48VJJsScUtP2d1mRAUBVGzA_tIiLNM4QNw1_6_IHP7HbsIV44JmPM6ibYvQ2_Xw2FaD03A0IGg1x_s8XTi6LTecfK4PMAj9fQO0phy7K3mHWcGPo3V44g2aMh/s1600/75758350_481459b6c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsixDEEmmXUoAzdWGaKC48VJJsScUtP2d1mRAUBVGzA_tIiLNM4QNw1_6_IHP7HbsIV44JmPM6ibYvQ2_Xw2FaD03A0IGg1x_s8XTi6LTecfK4PMAj9fQO0phy7K3mHWcGPo3V44g2aMh/s320/75758350_481459b6c0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by mknobil available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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3.) Kind Words -- A simple, warm "Hello!" can brighten someone's day and also make sure to say positive comments to people who have gone through difficult situations</div>
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4.) Physical Labor -- Doing chores, helping someone out for free and volunteering are great examples</div>
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5.) Heartfelt Gratitude -- Being grateful to others, apologizing for mistakes, and excusing ourselves when we inconvenience others makes us become more thankful in life</div>
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6.) Offer Your Seat (position/role/title) -- Giving up an advantage to someone in need like the coveted front seat in a car</div>
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7.) Share Food / Shelter -- Offer visitors to your home and those in need of help a place to spend the night and share a meal with them</div>
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<br />
All seven of the above examples of generosity can be performed everyday, and they are all aimed to awaken the mind of a
bodhisattva within us. <br />
<br />
A bodhisattva is one who is seeking for true
happiness. If you sincerely practice these good deeds with keeping these paramitas in mind, you will be
happier and even come closer to knowing the meaning of life. Just give it a try and choose one today -- Generosity, Keeping Your Word, Patience, Making Effort, Self-Reflection, or Wisdom!<br />
<br />
But we just can't perform good acts to anyone. Sakyamuni Buddha taught that we should plant seeds in the Three Fields of Fortune.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqXcihcuogQTDSaKnnusZblK8jVg0_NfiVt9E6LjiNWWtTT_-X7giveX4BV-iSY_6rd_NKF05R_rlcqD9PnrMQP4Ao6JT09uU6TdEgLzBtc1l0kdJwkCpvu5wCP9IG3SswGwENQk1sCeq/s1600/1192258647_096bd89cda_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqXcihcuogQTDSaKnnusZblK8jVg0_NfiVt9E6LjiNWWtTT_-X7giveX4BV-iSY_6rd_NKF05R_rlcqD9PnrMQP4Ao6JT09uU6TdEgLzBtc1l0kdJwkCpvu5wCP9IG3SswGwENQk1sCeq/s400/1192258647_096bd89cda_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Photo by irokurcazbah available on Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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Field of Respect -- Someone with virtue that deserves respect</div>
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Field of Gratitude -- Someone who we owe a debt of gratitude</div>
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Field of Compassion -- Someone who is suffering and/or less fortunate </div>
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We are encouraged to practice as many of these good deeds as possible in these fields and to listen to the Law of Cause and Effect frequently. We
think because we've heard about karma before that we already know it.<br />
<br />
But
by not putting it into practice -- we don't really know it at all. </div>
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<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u></div>
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<u>Two Reasons Why People Are Not Practicing Good Deeds</u></div>
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1.) They don't understand the teachings.</div>
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2.) They think it doesn't matter if they do them or not.</div>
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Buddhism teaches us not just to know, but to practice as well. At a red
traffic light, everyone stops. Knowing isn't good enough; you have to
stop at the light to avoid disaster.<br />
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What goes around really does come around. Everything little thing we do influences our future karma. So we should reflect deeply and choose wisely to plant seeds of happiness with all our decisions in life.<br />
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<u>The Inability to See Our Own Evil</u>s</div>
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Doing good brings us closer to seeing hidden evils concealed within our nature. To help us refrain
from these wrongdoings, we are taught to learn and avoid the Ten Bad Deeds.</div>
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<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u></div>
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<u>Ten Evils</u></div>
<br />
Karma of the Mind<br />
1.) Greed<br />
2.) Anger<br />
3.) Foolishness -- Not Knowing the Law of Cause and Effect<br />
<br />
Karma of the Mouth<br />
4.) Lying<br />
5.) Double-Tongue -- Telling one person one thing, and another something else<br />
6.) Flattery<br />
7.) Bad Mouth -- Using foul language and speaking ill of others<br />
<br />
Karma of the Body<br />
8.) Killing<br />
9.) Stealing<br />
10.) Adultery -- Being unfaithful to one's partner<br />
<br />
<br />
The more of the Ten Bad Deeds we allow ourselves to perform, especially killing, stealing, or adultery, the more we
also lose ourselves. And we're committing evils like these all the time with our words and thoughts... and most of that time we're not
even noticing!<br />
<br />
On the surface level as human beings we seem to be good-natured, but the Buddha's perspective reveals otherwise to us.<br />
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The mind is constantly thinking evil.</div>
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The mouth is constantly speaking evil.</div>
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The body is constantly doing evil.</div>
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Never has there been a single good deed.</div>
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--Great Sutra </div>
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As we realize this definition of evil through listening to the teachings of Buddhism, the intention to refrain from doing evil then naturally arises within us. It is
this mindset that drives us forward on the path.<br />
<br />
However, we can't see anything evil or wrong in our nature at all unless we first perform good deeds like the Six Paramitas with the utmost sincerity and dedication.</div>
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Mirror | <---- Move Closer</div>
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of |<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X----------------</div>
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Dharma | <---- Perform Good Deeds You are Here</div>
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Seeking for good is the barometer for how much one understands Buddhism. It is also the fear of committing evil.<br />
<br />
Along the way, conceit is the hardest obstruction and distraction while
seeking for the truth. It's our own inability to see clearly who we are and what we do.<br />
<br />
We must go forward by performing good deeds and listening closely to the teachings of Buddhism. By doing so, we get closer to realizing our true image in the
Mirror of Dharma.</div>
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