Tara

The mind and the world are opposites

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The pain of exposing ourselves

We tend to seek an easy and painless answer. But this kind of solution does not apply to the spiritual path, which many of us should not have begun at all. Once we commit ourselves to the spiritual path, it is very painful and we are in for it. We have committed ourselves to the pain of exposing ourselves, of taking off our clothes, our skin, nerves, heart, brains, until we are exposed to the universe. Nothing will be left. It will be terrible, excruciating, but that is the way it is.

– Chögyam Trungpa

from the book “Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism”

Just practice good

Just practice good, do good for others, without thinking of making yourself known so that you may gain reward. Really bring benefit to others, gaining nothing for yourself. This is the primary requisite for breaking free of attachments to the Self.

– Dogen Zenji

Gems of Wisdom – Zen Tradition

Indian flute and Tibetan bowls

Don’t depend on death to liberate you from your imperfections

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This is the law, ancient and inexhaustible

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world. Speak or act with an impure mind and trouble will follow you, as the wheel follows the ox that draws the cart.

Speak or act with a pure mind and happiness will follow you as your shadow, unshakeable,

“Look how he abused me and hurt me, how he threw me down and robbed me.”

Live with such thoughts and you live in hate. Abandon such thoughts, and live in love.

In this world hate never yet dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate.

This is the law, ancient and inexhaustible.

Buddha 
The Dhammapada

The best relationship

 

 

 

“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”

~ Dalai Lama  

Zen Mindfulness, Love and Compassion.

No other understanding is necessary

Don’t hate the arising of thoughts or stop the thoughts that do arise. Simply realize that our original mind, right from the start, is beyond thought, so that no matter what, you never get involved with thoughts. Illuminate original mind, and no other understanding is necessary.

– Bankei Yotaku

from the book “Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei”

translated by Peter Haskel

Gems of Wisdom – Zen Tradition

Your attitudes, your view of the world, are the interpretation of your own mind

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The purposeful life has no content, no point

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