Misfortunes
It is wrong to think that misfortunes come from the east or from the west; they originate within one’s own mind. Therefore, it is foolish to guard against misfortunes from the external world and leave the inner mind uncontrolled.
Philosophical
Old Age
Vainly I sought the builder of my house Through countless lives. I could not find him… How hard it is to tread life after life! But now I see you, O builder! And never again shall I build my house. I have snapped the rafters, Split the ridgepole And beaten out desire. Now my mind …
The Moon in the Sky
You stop to point at the moon in the sky, but the finger’s blind unless the moon is shining. One moon, one careless finger pointing — are these two things or one? The question is a pointer guiding a novice from ignorance thick as fog. Look deeper. The mystery calls and calls: No moon, no …
Buddhism for Man in Society
This religion can be practiced either in society or in seclusion. There are some who believe that Buddhism is so lofty and sublime a system that it cannot be practised by ordinary men and women in the workday world. These same people think that one has to retire to a monastery or to some quiet …
Buddhist Stance on Homosexuality
Posted on the Facebook page Buddhist Boot Camp Someone asked me, “What is the Buddhist stance on homosexuality?” The answer is simple (and I included it in the book): Buddhism has a precept regarding sexuality in general; it does not have a different teaching regarding homosexuality than it does on heterosexuality. The third Buddhist precept, …
The Life of Buddha (BBC Documentary)
The history of Buddhism is the story of one man’s spiritual journey to Enlightenment, and of the teachings and ways of living that developed from it. Siddhartha Gautama – The Buddha By finding the path to Enlightenment, Siddhartha was led from the pain of suffering and rebirth towards the path of Enlightenment and became known …
Sitting
“Sitting for hours on end is not necessary. Some people think that the longer you can sit, the wiser you must be. I have seen chickens sit on their nests for days on end. Wisdom comes from being mindful in all postures. Your practice should begin as you awaken in the morning. It should continue …
There Are Three Types Of People in the World
There are three types of people in the world. What three? One who is like carving on a rock, one who is like scratching on the ground, and one who is like writing on the water. What sort of person is like carving on a rock? Imagine a certain person who is always getting angry …
Heart Sutra
Translation by Edward Conze Homage to the Perfection of Wisdom, the Lovely, the Holy! Avalokita, The Holy Lord and Bodhisattva, was moving in the deep course of the Wisdom which has gone beyond. He looked down from on high, He beheld but five heaps, and he saw that in their own-being they were empty. Here, …
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from … …harming living beings. …taking things not freely given. …sexual misconduct. …false speech. …intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness. according to Thich Nhat Hanh First Training Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to …