Words of Wisdom 19 (Jan 19 - Jun 19)

[winston]

Before you can act on anything with effectiveness, you have to understand it — and that is where sitting comes in. That is where the attention matters.

—Paul Kingsnorth, “The Witness”

[winston]

Do not tell lies about others

Exodus 20:16

Source: Life Changing Words

[winston]

We fear that hate will win because it has killed millions of people—both literally and in spirit—over the centuries.

There is certainly evidence that we could perish under hate-filled regimes. And yet the power of love can be as strong as the power of hate. There is also evidence that love could prevail.

—Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, “Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

[winston]

How, then, to put our minds in a space where practice is always there, whether tumultuous or in the doldrums?

It requires a completely radical view of practice: practice is not something we do; it is something we are.

—Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, “Like a Dragon in Water”

[winston]

Boredom and loneliness depend on investing in the sense of self. And, ironically, the harder we try to solidify our image of me through activity, the more we create the conditions for boredom to arise.

If the sense of self is clearly understood as empty, solitude becomes a cherished companion.

—Ajahn Amaro, “Practicing with the Five Hindrances”

[winston]

By maintaining a mind of peace and non-opposition, difficulties will naturally fall away.

—Master Sheng-Yen, “Non-opposition”

[winston]

Solomon: You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much, so be sensible and watch what you say.

Proverbs 10:19

Source: Life Changing Words

[winston]

The first step in compassion is to notice the other’s need. It all begins with the simple act of attention.

—Interview with Daniel Goleman by Sharon Salzberg, “I Feel Your Brain”

[winston]

Solomon: All who are wise follow a road that leads upward to life and away from death.

Proverbs 15:24

Source: Life Changing Words

[winston]

If we study our own hearts, we’ll find that everything is written there. Everything.

—Ayya Medhanandi Bhikkhuni, “The Dharma of Snow”