From the Bodhicaryāvatāra: “Where would I find enough leatherTo cover the entire surface of the earth?But with leather soles beneath my feet,It’s as if the whole world has been covered.”
Tag Archives: Buddhism
The Austere Master
A great master lived in a monastery on a mountain. He was widely known for his austerity. When he felt that he was about to die, he asked his best student to come to his side. “My student,” he said. “I feel that I am about to die. In my final moments, I wish toContinue reading “The Austere Master”
Goodness Nature
Animals always act according to their nature. Babies too. Think of the pureness of their actions – of their living. To eat when they are hungry. To sleep when they are tired. But when adults act this way – act without concern for others – we call them immoral. Why? Knowledge of good and evil.Continue reading “Goodness Nature”
On Attachment To People
As I read the Bodhisattvacharyavataraa, one thing that I struggle with is the notion that we should avoid attachments to people. Though attachments to people may make the path to enlightenment more difficult, are these attachments not the the things that give our lives meaning? Is it not better to train oneself to maintain attachmentsContinue reading “On Attachment To People”
Quote of the day 07/14/23
Here’s one that I thought was quite funny from the Bodhisattvacharyavataraa. (After being hit with a stick) “The physical suffering I experience Is caused by both the stick and my body; But, since the stick comes from my assailant and the body from me, With which of these should I get angry?” Imagine someone hittingContinue reading “Quote of the day 07/14/23”
Quote of the day 07/13/23
Here’s another from the Bodhisattvacharyavataraa. Interesting echo of Seneca. “There is no evil greater than anger, And no virtue greater than patience. Therefore, I should strive in various ways To become familiar with the practice of patience.”
Quote of the day 07/12/23
Here’s a passage from the Bodhisattvacharyavataraa that I quite liked. “May I become a protector for the protectorless, A guide for those who travel on the road, And, for those who wish to cross the water, May I become a boat, a ship or a bridge. May I become an island for those seeking dryContinue reading “Quote of the day 07/12/23”
New Koan – Brother John and the tree
Here’s a fresh one for you: John stood next to an old oak. “Master,” he said. “I’ve been pondering this tree. I’ve come to understand that this tree and myself are one and the same.” “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, my son,” the master said. “This tree is my mother-in-law.” And he moonwalked away.
Today
As I sit in my car before work, listening to bird song, I think of what the day will bring. I know that I am very small. I will face challenges, but I should remember that things do not happen to me but merely happen. I have an opportunity today to do good. If IContinue reading “Today”
Quote of the day 06-29-23
Here’s one from Alan Watts. “Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.”
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