Avoid places that
disturb your mind, and always remain where your virtues
increase.
Friends, the things you desire give no more satisfaction
than drinking sea water, therefore
practice contentment.
Until you attain stable realizations, worldly amusements
are harmful, therefore abide in a place where there are
no such distractions.
Avoid friends who cause you to increase delusions, and
rely upon those who increase your
virtue. This you should take to heart.
Since there is never a time when worldly activities come
to an end, limit your activities.
Being under the influence of wrong views you do not realize
the ultimate nature of things, therefore investigate correct meanings.
Avoid all haughty, conceited, proud and arrogant minds,
and remain peaceful and subdued.
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded
thoughts.
(The Buddha, Sutta Nipata)
Words of praise and fame serve only to beguile us, therefore
blow them away as you would
blow your nose.
Happiness does not come from having much, but from being
attached to little.
(Venerable Cheng Yen)
It is completely meaningless to put effort into activities
that have no essence.
You will have to depart leaving everything behind, so
do not be attached to anything.
Cast off pretense and self-deception and see yourself
as you really are.
(Dhamma Vadaka)
You only lose what you cling to.
Have no hatred for enemies, and no attachment for friends.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future,
concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Do not be jealous of other’s good qualities, but
out of admiration adopt them yourself.
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And
if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt
them.
Do not look for faults in others, but look for faults
in yourself, and purge them like bad blood.
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the
best teacher.
Do not contemplate your own good qualities, but contemplate
the good qualities of others,
and respect everyone as a servant would.
Always keep a smiling face and a loving mind, and speak
truthfully without malice.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
If you talk too much with little meaning you will make
mistakes, therefore speak in moderation, only when necessary.
Take into account that great love and great achievements
involve great risks.
Since you cannot tame the minds of others until you have
tamed your own, begin by taming
your own mind.
Share your knowledge, it’s a way to achieve immortality.
Since hatred is rife in these impure times, don the armour
of patience, free from anger.
All happiness comes from the blessings of your Spiritual
Guide, therefore always repay his kindness.
You can explore the universe looking for somebody who
is more deserving of your love and affection than you
are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere.
(Sutta Nipatta)
Thousand of candles can be lit from a single candle, and
the life of the candle will not be
shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
(Sutta Nipatta)
The fool thinks he has won a battle when he bullies with
harsh speech, but knowing how to be forbearing alone
makes one victorious. (Samyutta Nikaya I, 163)
The only reason we don’t open our hearts and minds
to other people is that they trigger onfusion in us that we don’t feel brave enough
or sane enough to deal with. To the degree that we look clearly and compassionately at ourselves,
we feel confident and fearless about
looking into someone else’s eyes. (Pema Chodron)
Take small account of might, wealth and fame, for they
soon pass and are forgotten. Instead, nurture love within you and strive to be a friend to all.
Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds. (Dhammavadaka)
Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful
of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself. (Dhammabadaka)
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them, humanity cannot survive.
(H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama)
If the love within your mind is lost and you see other
beings as enemies, then no matter how
much knowledge or education or material comfort you have,
only suffering and confusion will
ensure. (H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama)
Pay no attention to the faults of others, things done
or left undone by others. Consider only
what by oneself is done or left undone.
Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others.
Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your
values.
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. |
|
|
|