Mother’s Touch

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What I Learned From My Mother I learned from my mother how to love the living, to have plenty of vases on hand in case you have to rush to the hospital with peonies cut from the lawn, black ants … Continue reading →

Focus

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The world of dew Is a world of dew, and yet And yet… I believe in God thinking that my life is preordained and yet a Buddhist priest can make me believe that there is more to life in three … Continue reading →

Philosopher Cat

Be one with the cats
Sleep eat play roll chase more sleep
What am I worrying

Memorabilia: Just Listen

This is a photo of a  quote taped on a friend’s favorite spot, her desk.

We read it so many times, make up meanings and meanings change depending in our moods.  For most time we make fun out of it.

An ant goes round and round without
rest
Like all beings in the six realms of
existence,
Born here and dying there without
release,
Now becoming a hungry ghost, then
an animal.
If you are searching for freedom from
this suffering
You must hear the sound of one hand.

These are still resonant words.
Take a break from the clamorous rat
race of modern life.

Just listen.

She was searching for freedom from suffering is the focal point of this quote.  Freedom means death.  And we both just listened for it to come.  And it did come for her and I did not hear it coming.

What is the sound of one hand clapping?  Well, it’s actually a sign for the deaf.  You raise your hand or hands and start shaking them up in the air.  This is how the deaf clap their hands. No sound.

As we think, so we become

 

The thought manifests as the word;
The word manifests as the deed;
 The deed develops into habit;
 And habit hardens into character.  

So watch the thought and its ways with care,
And let it spring from love
Born out of concern for all beings.
As the shadow follows the body,
As we think, so we become.

—Guatama Buddha, Dhammapada

 

Photo Credit: H.H. The Dalai Lama from sapru on flickr.  http://tmblr.co/ZjYlFytAgM8r

Source:  Parabola Magazine

On This Day, Dalai Lama’s Birthday, he turns 78.

Lhamo Thondup was born on July 6, 1935 in Taktser, China, northeast of Tibet, to a peasant family. 

The true value of existence is revealed through compassion

At the age of 2, he was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. Young Lhamo was renamed Tenzin Gyatso and proclaimed the 14th Dalai Lama.  Tibetans believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors. 

Dalai Lamas are believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokitesvara, an important Buddhist deity and the personification of compassion. Dalai Lamas are also enlightened beings who have postponed their own afterlife and chosen to take rebirth to benefit humanity. “Dalai” means “ocean” in Mongolian (the name “Gyatso” comes from the Tibetan word for ocean). “Lama” is the equivalent of the Sanskrit word “guru,” or spiritual teacher. Put together, the title of Dalai Lama is literally “Ocean Teacher,” meaning a “teacher spiritually as deep as the ocean.” 

Ask the Dalai Lama who is he is.  His simple answer is I am just an ordinary monk.  

On a personal note, I did have a chance to be in his presence with Desmond Tutu.  Together they were full of wisdom and both promote world peace.

 Related articles

• CBC World News: Dalai Lama Celebrates his birthday in India
• Prayers, celebrations as Dalai Lama turns 78 (vancouverdesi.com)
• Day 30 The 14th Dalai Lama – Happy Birthday (6 July 1935) (civildisobedience100.wordpress.com)

Nirvana – State of Bliss

Should I have been born as a Buddhist or a Hindu, I will make sure that I reach Nirvana in this life, a state of bliss, therefore, no reincarnation.  Reincarnation is kind of boring in my opinion.  One life is enough. 

And more importantly, I would like other spirits to have a chance to be born and experience life. 

I think Einstein was a cat in his previous life.  And here’s a proof. 

 This is in response to Daily Prompt: Reincarnation.  Come, join us and share your thoughts.