Philosophy 03 (May 24 - Dec 25)

[winston]

Devotion Is Key

An authentic spiritual life needs good works and a strong dose of philosophical inquiry but if it is not underpinned by an authentic sense of devotion, it remains merely unworldly.

- Gareth Sparham

[winston]

Like Clouds in the Sky

Clouds come out of the sky, rest in the sky and dissolve back into the sky.

In the same way, all the experiences of ordinary life and transcendent states such as nirvana, appear out of the primordial basis.

- Orgyen Chowang, “Like Clouds in the Sky”

[winston]

Breath as an Anchor

The breath changes and you change.

Nothing stays the same, yet there is constancy.

The breath reminds us that we are here and alive: Let it be your anchor to the present moment.

- Elana Rosenbaum, “Guided Meditation: Awareness of Breathing”

[winston]

Cultivate Noble Thoughts

We can improve the texture of the mind by influencing the kind of thoughts we tend to think.

When you observe thoughts that diminish the qualities you appreciate, abandon those thoughts and give a thought or two to something virtuous, respectable, joyful — perhaps a thought of kindness.

- Shaila Catherine, “Access to Absorption”

[winston]

In the Same Boat

Carlos Castaneda was once asked how we could make our lives more spiritual, and he said: ‘Just remember that everyone you encounter today, everyone you see, will someday have to die.’ He’s right. That knowledge changes our whole relationship to people.

Larry Rosenberg, “Only the Practice Can Help Us at the Time of Death”

[winston]

Avoiding Extremes

Falling into the extremes of permanence and nihilism prevents liberation, enlightenment and the existence of sentient beings.

- Khandro Kunga Bhuma

[winston]

Take the Wheel of Your Mind

A powerful jet plane needs a good pilot; the pilot of your mind should be the wisdom that understands its nature.

In that way, you can direct your powerful mental energy to benefit your life, instead of letting it run about uncontrollably like a mad elephant, destroying yourself and others.

- Thubten Yeshe, “Your Mind Is Your Religion”

[winston]

Facing Reality

Try not to turn away from those whose appearance is disturbing, from the ragged and unwell.

Try never to think of them as inferior to yourself.

If you can, try not even to think of yourself as better than the humblest beggar.

You will look the same in your grave.

- Dalai Lama, “Consider Yourself a Tourist”

[winston]

The Emptiness of Views

The emptiness of views does not tell us there is no truth in life.

It is a warning not to mistake the truth with the pathways leading to it.

- Simeon Mihaylov, “Four Buddhist Teachings on Emptiness”

[winston]

Sit Straight

Don’t ever leave your meditation thinking, ‘I’m going to do it next weekend, next month or next year.’ Do it now.

Anyway, you’re only doing it for about forty-five seconds, if you’re a beginner. It’s easy.

You can do it anywhere. It only requires this: to sit straight.

- Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse , “Do Nothing”