Philosophy 03 (May 24 - Dec 25)

[winston]

Open Up to Fleeting Experiences

In all of the universe, throughout all of time, no one else will be you doing this mountain of dishes on this random Tuesday ever again.

It is your sacred duty to open up to that rare and fleeting experience.

- Brad Warner, “How to Not Waste Time”

[winston]

The Illuminated Moment

Mindfulness has this effect of almost illuminating the moment and awakening the world around us.

We truly come to our senses so that we can be touched and so that we can respond.

- Christina Feldman and Jaya Rudgard, “The Many Shades of Mindfulness”

[winston]

Change Starts Small

Often, we think that we have to do something grandiose but if we can’t be nonviolent to ourselves and to each other, then we’re not going to have a nonviolent world.

- Konda Mason, “Konda Mason on Compassionate Activism”

[winston]

The Pursuit of Happiness, Reframed

It’s our nature to want happiness and not want suffering.

Thus, Buddhists do not ask that one give up the pursuit of happiness but merely suggest that one become more intelligent about how happiness is pursued.

- Jeffrey Hopkins, “Equality”

[winston]

Relaxing into Openness

The practice is not to become enlightened in the future.

The practice is full, vulnerable, intimate, open participation in our immediate experience, which is all we ever have anyway.

- Bruce Tift, “Relaxing into Freedom”

[winston]

There Is Just This

There is nothing to abandon or practice,
No meditation or post-meditation. Just this.

Miranda Shaw, “The Natural Abiding”

[winston]

Wisdom Must Come from Within

Wisdom isnʼt something that others can give to us.

While they can teach us, it remains words and external knowledge. But when it comes to the crunch, we have to make wisdom arise ourselves.

- Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto, “The Forest Container of the Rains Retreat”

[winston]

Stand Up to Jealousy

Facing our jealousy is an act of courage and authenticity and we can sincerely tell ourselves that by doing so, we are helping others.

- Mindy Newman, “The Green-Eyed Monster”

[winston]

The Value of Boundaries

Without healthy boundaries to enable self-preservation and allow self-care, it may be difficult to cultivate the steady stream of energy that is required to walk the path.

- Tara Anand

[winston]

Intention Above Effects

I believe that as long as it’s done with care, nothing is futile.

And so you do the best you can and relieve the suffering that you can and you know that nothing is going to last forever.

- William deBuys, “Finding Grace Amid the Grief”