Daily Words of the Buddha for September 12, 2023

Muñca pure, muñca pacchato,
majjhe muñca, bhavassa pāragū.
Sabbattha vimuttamānaso,
na punaṃ jātijaraṃ upehisi.

Let go of the past, let go of the future,
let go of the present, and cross over to the farther shore of existence.
With mind wholly liberated,
you shall come no more to birth and death.

Dhammapada 24.348
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Daily Words of the Buddha for September 10, 2023

Kodhaṃ chetvā sukhaṃ seti,
kodhaṃ chetvā na socati.
Kodhassa visamūlassa
madhuraggassa brāhmaṇa;
vadhaṃ ariyā pasaṃsanti
tañhi chetvā na socatī.

Slay anger and you will be happy,
slay anger and you will not sorrow.
For the slaying of anger in all its forms
with its poisoned root and sweet sting —
that is the slaying the nobles praise;
with anger slain one weeps no more.

Saṃyutta Nikāya 1.187
Gemstones of the Good Dhamma, compiled and translated by Ven. S. Dhammika

Perspectives | LIFE: A GAME OF CHESS

May be an image of chess
In the grand tapestry of existence, life unfolds as a magnificent game of chess. We are all players, navigating the board of possibilities, facing diverse challenges and striving for victory. Each battle we encounter, every move we make, teaches us profound lessons about resilience, strategy and the boundless potential that lies within us.
Just as in chess, life presents us with an array of adversaries and obstacles. We face setbacks, disappointments and unforeseen circumstances that attempt to obstruct our path. Yet, it is during these moments of adversity that we truly discover our inner strength and determination.

Consider the humble pawn. At the outset of the game, it may appear insignificant and limited in its capabilities. But as the game progresses, the pawn moves forward, overcoming obstacles and gradually transforming into a queen—a symbol of power, influence and unlimited potential.

Similarly, in life, we often begin as pawns, seemingly small and insignificant. We may feel constrained by our circumstances or limited by our perceived abilities. But let me remind you, dear friend, that even the lowliest pawn can rise to the highest heights. It is through our unwavering spirit, tenacity and refusal to succumb to defeat that we can transcend our limitations and become magnificent forces of change.

Every move we make, every decision we take, shapes our journey. Sometimes, we must sacrifice certain pieces of our lives, just as a chess player sacrifices a bishop or a knight to gain a strategic advantage. These sacrifices may be painful, but they propel us forward, guiding us closer to our goals and aspirations.

In the game of life, patience is a virtue. We must navigate the board with wisdom, considering the consequences of each action. Just as a master chess player foresees the potential outcomes of their moves, we too must think ahead and plan for the future. But remember, life is not a rigid set of rules. It is an ever-evolving, dynamic experience. Adaptability is key, for the unexpected can swiftly alter the course of our lives.

In the face of adversity, never lose hope. Every setback is an opportunity for growth, every defeat a chance to learn. Just as a chess player analyzes their losses to improve their strategy, we too must embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success. It is through perseverance and resilience that we transform setbacks into comebacks.

So, as you navigate the intricate game of life, remember that you possess the power to overcome any challenge. Your journey may have its share of twists and turns, victories and losses, but it is through these experiences that you will emerge stronger, wiser and more triumphant.

Believe in your potential, trust in your intuition and never cease to chase your dreams. Just as a pawn can become a queen, you too can transcend the limitations that confine you. Embrace the game of life with open arms, for within its challenges lie the remarkable opportunities to become the grand master of your destiny.

May your moves be bold, your strategy be shrewd and your spirit be indomitable. Remember, the game is not over until you say checkmate.

Health | Here’s How Coffee Affects Your Brain Before Bed

How does coffee affect your brain and sleep if you consume it in the evening hours or shortly before going to bed?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the country, with 7 in 10 Americans consuming the drink every week, according to the National Coffee Association.

While most people would probably associate coffee drinking with the daytime hours, some individuals consume the caffeinated beverage at night. This could lead to potentially negative effects when it comes to sleep quality, experts said. Caffeine is a compound found in coffee that stimulates the central nervous system.  […]

Read on:  Effects of drinking coffee before bed

Science | Breakthrough Brain Cell Discovery Shocks Neuroscientists

Scientists have discovered a new type of brain cell that promises to shake up the field of neuroscience.

The discovery brings an end to a decades-old controversy and may pave the way for new targeted treatments for a range of health conditions.

The results, from neuroscientists at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering in Geneva, were published on September 6 in the journal Nature.

To understand the relevance of the study, let’s first establish what we already know about brain cells.  […]

 

Read on:  Breakthrough Brain Cell Discovery

Divine Feminine Oracle | Mother Mary, for September 6, 2023

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Mother Mary’s message for you

My beloved child, you are the vehicle for love’s expression. Your body and your life are graced by love, not solely your mind and spirit. Infinite love is what you are destined to experience in this life. It is a divine calling for you to feel my presence in your daily life.

 

I wish you to know that miracles are destined to manifest in your life.  Fear of not understanding how things will turn out might lead you to worry about your lack of power. However, you can be humble and trusting and submit to my mercy. You have nothing to lose or fear and everything to potentially gain.

What you need to know

Throughout history, there have been accounts of regular individuals who were instructed by Mother Mary to fulfil some crucial earthly work on her behalf. Even while these challenges she set were not insurmountable, each individual was required to have more confidence in Our Lady’s will than in their own. These persons loved the Holy Mother and wanted to be open to the extraordinary in their everyday lives hence she invited them to carry out her work.

 

It’s true that you’ll need strength to complete the duty that Our Lady asks of you, whether or not you realise what it is right now. Confidence and commitment will help you to trust in your heart’s mission. Be aware that this work may be a big task. Alternatively, it may  be small and modest, such as establishing a flower bed in your front yard that will have a positive impact on everyone who sees it. Have faith that you will know what to do when the time is right!

Prayer for healing

Visualise a carpet of crimson flowers at your feet. They have a delicate scent as well as beautiful luscious velvety petals. Brilliant energy is released as a beautiful light sparkles in the core of each red bloom. Our Lady performs miracles with every flash of this intense energy. Emotional and physical healing, windfalls, a miraculous revelation, a finding of what had been lost and the chance to meet one’s soul mate are all examples of her miracles that amaze everyone who loves her!

 

As you sit in silence, the following prayer can be said, “Our Lady of Miracles Manifesting, I yield to your compassion, will and heavenly design of love. Thank you for everything that you have given me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as a conduit for your compassion and healing. So that I might spread more of your illumination over the world, may my life be filled with spiritual fulfilment. So be it, by the power of your holy goodness.”

Daily Words of the Buddha for September 06, 2023

Appamādaratā hotha!
Sacittamanurakkhatha!
Duggā uddharathattānaṃ,
paṅke sannova kuñjaro.

Delight in heedfulness!
Guard well your thoughts!
Draw yourself out of this bog of evil,
even as an elephant draws itself out of the mud.

Dhammapada 23.327
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Astrology | Humor is happening on the 4th – find what’s uplifting to you; Retrograde Jupiter begins its journey, retracing the path it has traveled; Void Moon time bridges the days

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Source: Humor is happening on the 4th – find what’s uplifting to you; Retrograde Jupiter begins its journey, retracing the path it has traveled; Void Moon time bridges the days

Daily Words of the Buddha for September 01, 2023


Pāpañce puriso kayirā,
na naṃ kayirā punappunaṃ.
Na tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha,
dukkho pāpassa uccayo.

Should a person commit evil,
let one not do it again and again.
Let one not find pleasure therein,
for painful is the accumulation of evil.

Dhammapada 9.117
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita