The wise person uses the mind as a mirror.
It grasps nothing. It regrets nothing.
It receives but does not keep.
Chuang Tzu, 4th Century BC
Tag: Meditation
Nothing to achieve
A lot of modern stress comes from the mistaken belief that we should always be working on a better version of ourselves, always looking for greater success.
In all ten directions of the universe, there is only one truth.
When we see clearly, the great teachings are the same.
What can ever be lost? What can be attained?
If we attain something, it was there from the beginning of time.
If we lose something, it is hiding somewhere near us.
Ryokan, 1758–1831, Zen Monk and poet
Where you are standing
One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace.
Heaven is right where you are standing
and that is the place to train.
Morihei Ueshiba, 1883 – 1969, founder of the Martial Art of aikido.
It’s not personal
The first noble truth of the Buddha is that when we feel suffering,
it doesn’t mean that something is wrong.
What a relief.
Suffering is part of life,
and we don’t have to feel it’s happening because we personally made the wrong move.
Pema Chodron, When Things fall Apart
Sunday Quote: In silence
The First Sunday of Lent, a period of reflection and simplification of outside stimuli.
Anything you want to ask a teacher,
ask yourself,
and wait for the answer in silence
Byron Katie
Setting it all down
Not being tied to our urgent to-do lists:
Consider the lilies of the field…
And you — what of your rushed and
useful life? Imagine setting it all down —
papers, plans, appointments, everything,
leaving only a note: “Gone to the fields
to be lovely. Be back when I’m through
with blooming.
Lynn Ungar, Camas Lilies
