There has just been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Pakistan --
with many lives lost -- please pray for all the world
Namaste; peace and love,
J
Many Casualties in Pakistan
Many Casualties in Pakistan
Om Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate bodhi svaha
Re: Many Casualties in Pakistan
Dozens killed, more than 100 injured as 7.5 quake hits ...
Afghanistan too.
Pray for peace -- for Buddha's sake, for all our sakes.
Peace and Love,
Jacob
Afghanistan too.
Pray for peace -- for Buddha's sake, for all our sakes.
Peace and Love,
Jacob
Om Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate bodhi svaha
Re: Many Casualties in Pakistan
Abida*
it looks like -
in Pakistan, the current # of lives lost is up to 228, bringing the total regional death toll to 263;
33 or so from Afghanistan, and 2 from the disputed region of Kashmir.
Peace and loving-kindness,
J
it looks like -
in Pakistan, the current # of lives lost is up to 228, bringing the total regional death toll to 263;
33 or so from Afghanistan, and 2 from the disputed region of Kashmir.
Peace and loving-kindness,
J
Om Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate bodhi svaha
Re: Many Casualties in Pakistan
The world is in a constant state of change on a daily basis, moment to moment. How should we use our Buddhist practice to understand the process of change?
Re: Many Casualties in Pakistan
Trust in ourselves, in our hearts. When trust in ourselves is attained, the mountain peaks are easily reached. Avoid subtle argument, as Jetsun Mila sang. It is more important to make people happy, than to try to correct them, and when trust and friendship are there - then the Dharma can be shared. It may take many years to create the conditions for trust and friendship; with others, an instant understanding, as deep as time, may be already there - not being attached to either / or is the correct path, because we should be happy either way. Bodhisattva's happiness does not depend on material forms, nor immaterial forms - it is more of a spontaneous arising; the mind, itself, is light and Great Joy comes from knowing this.
In the ultimate, there is no birth or death; this may seem so similar to other paths that people argue over which one is more correct; but this misses the point of not arguing - as Buddha said, the wise do not argue - in my own view, I have come to understand it transforms our view of dharma sisters and brothers - from the right view, of sisters and brothers - spiritual friends - who have all good qualities - in whom we may take shelter - and who may take shelter in us - and the natural benefits of such a right view - into viewing them as opponents. So - set this aside and work for peace, I would say -- especially as it also prevents us from being as effective, as when we work together in friendship, understanding and trust.
And yet - again in the no birth, no death realm, there is no remainder of the strife. . . Samsara and Nirvana are one -- it is this very world, this realm of strife - which is itself the highest realm, when we have a clear heart, and clear mind, and have attained prajna paramitam, or perfect wisdom.
In other words - to attain peace, for ourselves and for the whole world - saying what is wrong is not as beneficial as emphasizing the good - in friends, family, in the nations - etc.
There is nothing new to say - and there is nothing to do; in the highest view. Why is there nothing to do? There is nothing to do because all of this, Samsara-Nirvana is simply an air bubble in tea-cup. Nirvana is -- inactivity is one of the three gates to Nirvana -- Bodhisattvas use words and actions to help bring others to awakening. This is one of the important points - inactivity; non-action.
Back in the time / space world, there are many things which may be done. There are many skillful means, or upaya, which can be helpful steps along the way to understanding prajna parmitam, sarvajna, or all-wisdom.
So for instance - along the way, we learn, that we are creating the world, and the universe. Each of us - collectively, and inter-dancing... Inter-connected an inter-related.
So - where does power reside? for example. False view would tell us that a few have power over the majority -- but this is view falls apart under investigation.
The few only have power over the majority as long as the majority believe it.
For instance, in a state - where there is a small ruling class, or group, and a mass, majority of people -- the people have more power, clearly and always. Simply to decide not to follow the few, who imagine they are at the top - this is to be free.
Social pressures and so forth are also illusion - people believe they exist, but when the h'art mind is transformed, and become free -- then freedom again enters the world, and all can be free.
Even the idea that there is a leader is not wholly accurate -- a Bodhisattva, as explained in Vimalakirta Nirdesa Sutra, has attained control over good and bad influences. To explain this simply - they have a strong immune system; they are not swayed by false memes --
A great sensitivity to how words and other things affect us is very helpful; then we can feel if something is healthful to us, or not healthful, and we can choose what is healthful -- and then, once learning this -- once we know what is good for ourselves and for others -- we can share it; and quickly lead others to peace.
As mentioned - the people have more power than the few - once they realize it, so the Bodhisattva path is also to share the means of attaining freedom from persuasion; or - attaining control over good and bad influences.
To go back briefly to the point -- all of us create our world, our universe -- we are all responsible for each other, and for the whole world.
It is important to know we are free to choose good or bad -- this essential point, almost perhaps above all others -- because otherwise, we are giving power away to someone or something else... Yet even that act -- is an act we choose to do.
Bodhisattvas, it is said, are like water -- ordinary beings are water, as well. The difference, it is said, is that ordinary beings are frozen, while Bodhisattvas are unfrozen, and they are free.
The best way to do peace work is, perhaps, unique to each individual, each situation -- each particular circumstances. All beings deserve respect, kindness - and self-autonomy -- it is probably never good for one to have control over another -- Why? For many reasons. But in general, this is the case.
Of the last four teachings Buddha gave, one was - be attached to Dharma, not to the person.
These same are seen in every wisdom tradition, as well, so nor is it necessary to convert others from their own religions - Peace must be peace between religions, as well as peace between individuals, towns, and states and nations.
To say, 'None of them can ever reach enlightenment,' is rather against Dharma, I would say. Nor is it relevant to the Buddha path, because the goal is to first attain Buddhahood, and to share it -- or to put it more simple, to attain peace, and then share it. Seek it - attain it - and create the conditions for happiness and peace, as it is possible.
One of the beautiful teachings of a Zen monk, Thich Nhat Hanh is -
'Because you are alive, everything is possible.'
How much does each and every individual being affect the world - is an important thing to consider. Every one of us - every bird, every fish - affects all of the others; and who we are now -- with the potential and capacity for becoming Bodhisattvas - is very wonderful... and every single person can do so much good in the world. This should be remembered.
Every person has buddha nature. This means, once enlightenment occurs in one, then they may share it with another - and another; and so forth...
This is truly the reason why life is good -- another way of putting this is, 'Those with love in their hearts are always stronger, kinder, smarter, healthier -- more patient when the need arises -- and more quick when the need arises.'
It is the basic reason why life is good, and why peace is successful - as well as many others.
There are other factors, of course -- as it is said, a single spoonful of tar does ruin a barrel of honey.
When there are mice in a cage, 6 of them perhaps -- and if a single strand of cat hair gets introduced to their cage -- all of their playing stops - not just for a few hours, or a day -- but for many days, about a week.
Such is the effect of fear -- and thus, all the more reason to understand Dharma and Buddha-nature;
How to be free of all affliction -- especially the three afflictive emotions.
So these are some of the positive aspects of life, and some of the things to avoid... and the reasons why. If one may reply, 'but we are not mice, we are human beings,' it should be understood - we are very similar; we are mammals.
We have mammal, or animal nature, and we have Buddha- nature. The mice, too, have Buddha-nature.
Evolutionary biology reveals to us how connected we are with all life.
Buddhism does, too, and has some important points as well, such as how to be free of suffering for good -- to attain the 10 grounds of being -- and the rest; culminating in Buddhahood, and so forth.
So it's slightly superior - but, the point is, evolutionary biology can help us understand as well -- if we are clear and calm about it. and remember the light of our own nature.
To get back to the positive aspects of peace work, though - how it is effective, and so forth -- those are very good ones to focus on and emphasize. How effective we shall be, when we follow Buddha Dharma as it teaches us to relate to Sangha, and the rest. Then animal liberation - peace work - stopping the war machine -- and all of these other tasks -- well, perhaps one other task, finding harmony with our mother earth -- then these are carried out very swiftly -- then we achieve liberation for ourselves, and for all beings - with swiftness, ease, and with grace.
As mentioned in the beginning, trust in ourselves is the primary thing, this pre-supposes even taking up the Dharma, or taking on a teacher... We trust ourselves to choose the right teacher, and so forth -- also, it is considered by many Zen practitioners to be among the final realizations -- in the words of Seng Ts'an, when trust and the mind are not two -- then all words break off; no past, no future, even transcending now. This last point is a little funny - but anyway.
Why is non-action among the three gates to Nirvana? When one is still, one will reach Nirvana. Secondarily -- there are time / space benefits to this as well - as it is a very useful skill, among the most valued -- of all worldly skills, to be patient.
As for peace work in the direct world - besides sharing the truth of the fact that people have power, and so forth -- not the false view -- the second thing I would wish to say is -- as mentioned, every person (every being too, but every person) deserves kindness, respect, and the rest --
Anywhere that someone is not given kindness, respect, self-autonomy -- if others are treating them badly, or without respect, to their person, as though they are not worthy of these good things, and the rest -- then, these are generally where our peace efforts should be focused. This applies in the larger world, and the smaller world at home.
Peace is the most beautiful. Indeed, attainment of peace is higher than any other desires fulfilled.
Namaste; peace and love,
Jake
In the ultimate, there is no birth or death; this may seem so similar to other paths that people argue over which one is more correct; but this misses the point of not arguing - as Buddha said, the wise do not argue - in my own view, I have come to understand it transforms our view of dharma sisters and brothers - from the right view, of sisters and brothers - spiritual friends - who have all good qualities - in whom we may take shelter - and who may take shelter in us - and the natural benefits of such a right view - into viewing them as opponents. So - set this aside and work for peace, I would say -- especially as it also prevents us from being as effective, as when we work together in friendship, understanding and trust.
And yet - again in the no birth, no death realm, there is no remainder of the strife. . . Samsara and Nirvana are one -- it is this very world, this realm of strife - which is itself the highest realm, when we have a clear heart, and clear mind, and have attained prajna paramitam, or perfect wisdom.
In other words - to attain peace, for ourselves and for the whole world - saying what is wrong is not as beneficial as emphasizing the good - in friends, family, in the nations - etc.
There is nothing new to say - and there is nothing to do; in the highest view. Why is there nothing to do? There is nothing to do because all of this, Samsara-Nirvana is simply an air bubble in tea-cup. Nirvana is -- inactivity is one of the three gates to Nirvana -- Bodhisattvas use words and actions to help bring others to awakening. This is one of the important points - inactivity; non-action.
Back in the time / space world, there are many things which may be done. There are many skillful means, or upaya, which can be helpful steps along the way to understanding prajna parmitam, sarvajna, or all-wisdom.
So for instance - along the way, we learn, that we are creating the world, and the universe. Each of us - collectively, and inter-dancing... Inter-connected an inter-related.
So - where does power reside? for example. False view would tell us that a few have power over the majority -- but this is view falls apart under investigation.
The few only have power over the majority as long as the majority believe it.
For instance, in a state - where there is a small ruling class, or group, and a mass, majority of people -- the people have more power, clearly and always. Simply to decide not to follow the few, who imagine they are at the top - this is to be free.
Social pressures and so forth are also illusion - people believe they exist, but when the h'art mind is transformed, and become free -- then freedom again enters the world, and all can be free.
Even the idea that there is a leader is not wholly accurate -- a Bodhisattva, as explained in Vimalakirta Nirdesa Sutra, has attained control over good and bad influences. To explain this simply - they have a strong immune system; they are not swayed by false memes --
A great sensitivity to how words and other things affect us is very helpful; then we can feel if something is healthful to us, or not healthful, and we can choose what is healthful -- and then, once learning this -- once we know what is good for ourselves and for others -- we can share it; and quickly lead others to peace.
As mentioned - the people have more power than the few - once they realize it, so the Bodhisattva path is also to share the means of attaining freedom from persuasion; or - attaining control over good and bad influences.
To go back briefly to the point -- all of us create our world, our universe -- we are all responsible for each other, and for the whole world.
It is important to know we are free to choose good or bad -- this essential point, almost perhaps above all others -- because otherwise, we are giving power away to someone or something else... Yet even that act -- is an act we choose to do.
Bodhisattvas, it is said, are like water -- ordinary beings are water, as well. The difference, it is said, is that ordinary beings are frozen, while Bodhisattvas are unfrozen, and they are free.
The best way to do peace work is, perhaps, unique to each individual, each situation -- each particular circumstances. All beings deserve respect, kindness - and self-autonomy -- it is probably never good for one to have control over another -- Why? For many reasons. But in general, this is the case.
Of the last four teachings Buddha gave, one was - be attached to Dharma, not to the person.
These same are seen in every wisdom tradition, as well, so nor is it necessary to convert others from their own religions - Peace must be peace between religions, as well as peace between individuals, towns, and states and nations.
To say, 'None of them can ever reach enlightenment,' is rather against Dharma, I would say. Nor is it relevant to the Buddha path, because the goal is to first attain Buddhahood, and to share it -- or to put it more simple, to attain peace, and then share it. Seek it - attain it - and create the conditions for happiness and peace, as it is possible.
One of the beautiful teachings of a Zen monk, Thich Nhat Hanh is -
'Because you are alive, everything is possible.'
How much does each and every individual being affect the world - is an important thing to consider. Every one of us - every bird, every fish - affects all of the others; and who we are now -- with the potential and capacity for becoming Bodhisattvas - is very wonderful... and every single person can do so much good in the world. This should be remembered.
Every person has buddha nature. This means, once enlightenment occurs in one, then they may share it with another - and another; and so forth...
This is truly the reason why life is good -- another way of putting this is, 'Those with love in their hearts are always stronger, kinder, smarter, healthier -- more patient when the need arises -- and more quick when the need arises.'
It is the basic reason why life is good, and why peace is successful - as well as many others.
There are other factors, of course -- as it is said, a single spoonful of tar does ruin a barrel of honey.
When there are mice in a cage, 6 of them perhaps -- and if a single strand of cat hair gets introduced to their cage -- all of their playing stops - not just for a few hours, or a day -- but for many days, about a week.
Such is the effect of fear -- and thus, all the more reason to understand Dharma and Buddha-nature;
How to be free of all affliction -- especially the three afflictive emotions.
So these are some of the positive aspects of life, and some of the things to avoid... and the reasons why. If one may reply, 'but we are not mice, we are human beings,' it should be understood - we are very similar; we are mammals.
We have mammal, or animal nature, and we have Buddha- nature. The mice, too, have Buddha-nature.
Evolutionary biology reveals to us how connected we are with all life.
Buddhism does, too, and has some important points as well, such as how to be free of suffering for good -- to attain the 10 grounds of being -- and the rest; culminating in Buddhahood, and so forth.
So it's slightly superior - but, the point is, evolutionary biology can help us understand as well -- if we are clear and calm about it. and remember the light of our own nature.
To get back to the positive aspects of peace work, though - how it is effective, and so forth -- those are very good ones to focus on and emphasize. How effective we shall be, when we follow Buddha Dharma as it teaches us to relate to Sangha, and the rest. Then animal liberation - peace work - stopping the war machine -- and all of these other tasks -- well, perhaps one other task, finding harmony with our mother earth -- then these are carried out very swiftly -- then we achieve liberation for ourselves, and for all beings - with swiftness, ease, and with grace.
As mentioned in the beginning, trust in ourselves is the primary thing, this pre-supposes even taking up the Dharma, or taking on a teacher... We trust ourselves to choose the right teacher, and so forth -- also, it is considered by many Zen practitioners to be among the final realizations -- in the words of Seng Ts'an, when trust and the mind are not two -- then all words break off; no past, no future, even transcending now. This last point is a little funny - but anyway.
Why is non-action among the three gates to Nirvana? When one is still, one will reach Nirvana. Secondarily -- there are time / space benefits to this as well - as it is a very useful skill, among the most valued -- of all worldly skills, to be patient.
As for peace work in the direct world - besides sharing the truth of the fact that people have power, and so forth -- not the false view -- the second thing I would wish to say is -- as mentioned, every person (every being too, but every person) deserves kindness, respect, and the rest --
Anywhere that someone is not given kindness, respect, self-autonomy -- if others are treating them badly, or without respect, to their person, as though they are not worthy of these good things, and the rest -- then, these are generally where our peace efforts should be focused. This applies in the larger world, and the smaller world at home.
Peace is the most beautiful. Indeed, attainment of peace is higher than any other desires fulfilled.
Namaste; peace and love,
Jake
Om Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate bodhi svaha