Buddhism
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Tuesday, November 13th, 2007There’s an old Buddhist story:
A young man enters a monastery to walk the path of enlightenment. He asks a question: “Master, what shall I do while I seek enlightenment?” The Master replies “You must chop wood and fetch water.”
The long, slow years pass as the young man studies and meditates. Eventually, he realises he is […]
Compassionate connections
Monday, October 8th, 2007Two days ago I wrote a post about anger and about nurturing compassion instead.
One of the comments was from Jules, recommending a book called Start Where You Are by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron.
I’d never heard of Pema Chodron, but such is my growing confidence in our interconnectedness as human beings that I wasn’t […]
A finger pointing
Saturday, October 6th, 2007I’m in the habit of scribbling down things I’ve heard. Today I came across a saying someone told me: “Remember that when you point one finger in anger, there are three fingers pointing back at you.”
Well I’ve been thinking a lot about anger recently. Partly because I’m reading Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Anger, Buddhist wisdom […]
Happy at heart
Friday, September 28th, 2007News and images from Burma (Myanmar) have inspired and shocked us over the last few days. The courage of the monks and of the people is extraordinary, and I pray that it will continue.
British Buddhist Vishvapani spoke about the gathering crisis on the radio yesterday. He describes seeing snatches of ancient Buddhist writings on […]
Another Dalai Lama story
Friday, August 3rd, 2007Barney posted a wonderful story as a comment to my Wednesday post. I want to make sure you don’t miss it, so here it is:
Some years ago I attended a lecture given in Lambeth Palace by the Dalai Lama. His wisdom was astounding and delivered with love and humility. As a Baha’i I found myself […]
Peace
Wednesday, August 1st, 2007
……. At the end of the talk someone from the audience asked the Dalai Lama, “Why didn’t you fight back against the Chinese?”
The Dalai Lama looked down, swung his feet just a bit, then looked back up at us and said with a gentle smile, “Well, war is obsolete, you know.”
Then, after a few […]
Serendipity, grace or challenge?
Friday, June 29th, 2007Have you ever noticed how as soon as you decide to do something that’s a bit uncomfortable, the opportunity presents itself almost immediately?
Over the past few months I’ve become increasing interested in Islam, in finding out more about it. (In fact how could anyone not be interested in at least achieving a balanced view, given the […]
Educating for peace
Saturday, June 2nd, 2007The Dalai Lama Foundation
For nearly 60 years, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been one of the world’s lone voices of peace from his place in exile. Those who have met him describe an extraordinary presence.
How can we hope to have a peaceful world? Well I think there are two ways. One, to quote […]