Author Archives: admin

Where we are equal and unequal

“We are not born equal, are not created equal. We are born different, and live different, and die different, because of our different karma. But there are certain areas where things become equal. There is no difference in the attainment … Continue reading

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Just think …

“Contemplate the inconceivably vast oceans of good actions by conscious beings since beginningless time.” ~ https://twitter.com/Buddhism_Now

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The key to development

“The key to development along the Buddhist path is repetitive routine guided by inspirational vision. It is the insight into final freedom—the peace and purity of a liberated mind—that uplifts us and impels us to overcome our limits. But it … Continue reading

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The three types of laziness

“Laziness will stop your progress in your spiritual practice. One can be deceived by three types of laziness: the laziness of indolence, which is the wish to procrastinate; the laziness of inferiority, which is doubting your capabilities; and the laziness … Continue reading

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A primer on karma

Check out this Tricycle article on the much misunderstood Buddhist concept of karma. It’s an interview with Matthieu Ricard, born in France in 1946, and who trained as a molecular biologist at the  Institute Pasteur before taking up robes as … Continue reading

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Sitting in the stream

“Meditation is not just a rest or retreat from the turmoil of the stream or the impurity of the world. It is a way of being the stream, so that one can be at home in both the white water … Continue reading

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Marking Vesak

Vesak is being celebrated today at the Bhavana Society Buddhist Monastery and retreat center in Hampshire County, West Virginia. The exact date of Vesak Day varies according to the various lunar calendars used in different countries and traditions. In Theravada … Continue reading

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Why do people …

Why do people Lavish decoration On this set of bones, Destined to disappear Without a trace? ~ Ikkyu (1394-1481) Quote courtesy DailyZen.com  

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The best way to deal with excessive thinking

“The best way to deal with excessive thinking is to just listen to it, to listen to the mind. Listening is much more effective than trying to stop thought or cut it off.” ~  Ajahn Amaro, from “Thought Like Dreams” … Continue reading

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Not all happy, sweet emotions

“Buddhanature and the natural state are not just made up of happy, sweet emotions; buddhanature includes everything. It’s the calm, and the disturbed, and the roiled up, and the still; it’s the bitter and the sweet, the comfortable and the … Continue reading

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How to do what we do

Sitting Quietly This is the most important meditation practice. It is the classroom for living a wise and kind life. Sit anywhere and be quiet: On a couch, a bed, a bench, inside, outside, Leaning against a tree, by a … Continue reading

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Why is it so difficult to maintain a steady practice?

“Now if the practice is so good for us, why is it so difficult to maintain a steady practice? It may be that the notion that practice is ‘good for us’ is the very impediment—we all know how we can … Continue reading

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Stop making a big deal

Pema Chodron, as useful and plain speaking a Western Buddhist teacher as you could hope to find, has a new book out called “How To Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind” Below is an excerpt.  By … Continue reading

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Let myriad things rest

“For zazen, a quiet room is appropriate. Drink and eat in moderation. Let go of all involvements and let myriad things rest. Do not think good or bad. Do not judge right or wrong. Stop conscious endeavor and analytic introspection. … Continue reading

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Where most of our suffering originates

  “Most of our suffering comes from habitual thinking. If we try to stop it out of aversion to thinking, we can’t; we just go on and on and on. So the important thing is not to get rid of … Continue reading

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