Tag: Eastern Mysticism
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 28, 2014
Kodhaṃ jahe vippajaheyya mānaṃ,
saṃyojanaṃ sabbamatikkameyya.
Taṃ nāmarūpasmimasajjamānaṃ
akiñcanaṃ nānupatanti dukkhā.
One must give up anger, renounce pride,
and overcome all fetters.
Suffering never befalls one
who clings not to mind and body and is detached.
Dhammapada 17.221
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom,
translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 27, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 27, 2014
Dhamme ca ye ariyapavedite ratā
anuttarā te vacasā, manasā kammunā ca.
Te santisoraccasamādhisaṇṭhitā,
sutassa paññāya ca sāramajjhagū.
Those who are devoted to the Dhamma made known by the Noble Ones
are unsurpassed in speech, thought and action.
They are established in peace, gentleness and concentration,
and have reached the essence of learning and wisdom.
Sutta Nipāta 3.332
The Discourse Collection: Selected Texts from the Sutta Nipāta
translated by John D. Ireland
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 26, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 26, 2014
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 25, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 25, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 24, 2014
Sukarāni asādhūni,
attano ahitāni ca.
Yaṃ ve hitañca sādhuñca,
taṃ ve paramadukkaraṃ.
Easy to do are things
that are bad and harmful to oneself.
But exceedingly difficult to do
are things that are good and beneficial.
Dhammapada 12.163
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom,
translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita
I Ching ~ Week of August 25, 2014
Above: Kun center of the Earth; the yin element supporting all things; responsiveness.
Below: Sun root, foundation; subtle penetration, like the wind; small, steady effort.
The Wisdom:
You are in a time of ascension
What you have been working for is on the way
Now simply be present
Be mindful of where you stand
This is your season of harvesting. Your harvest, in this case, consists of the ripe fruits of small and steady efforts. You have been paying attention to all the details, remaining steadfast to the principles of working for the greater good, and until now it seemed as if the fruits of your efforts have been elusive. Try as you know you must, to not have expectations, it is difficult not to have them. You have had expectations, which you have tried your best to quiet, of how your diligence would bring about a desired outcome. In your present situation your expectations are about to be humbled by the good fortune that is coming your way.
This is an excellent time to make the moves you have been holding in check, feeling that either the timing was not right or that those with influence and authority would not be receptive. Leave all worries behind.
It has seemed that in so many ways all the work and waiting have been interminable. But that was only your analytical mind interfering with the universal law of right timing. Patience and quiet nurturing are all that is needed now, whether in your relationship to your own inner self or in your projects, external relationships, and your connection with the Earth herself.
It is happening; no need to push it. What you have desired is coming your way. Don’t ask when—just take a look . . . it is now. Trust and faith is the powerful engine that will propel you forward in your quest for what is right and in harmony with the natural way of being.
.Quiet your heart and mind.
Allow the natural way to unfold.
Be steady and don’t miss a step;
Progress and prosperity are assured.
All things that you have worked and wished for in life are moving forward, toward yours and the greater good. It is as if you are exactly synchronized with the calendar of your life path. The energies of the Earth and the universe are moving in harmony with you, with your actions and desires. Your intuition is at an extremely high level. Trust it and make your well-considered moves, whether in love, business, or in the care of our planet and all her beings. Bring all together and be the giver of love and life to your tribe, your family and your relationships.
Note well that while you may harvest the bounty that is available to you now, the benefit will be to return this energy in equal measure to the living organism of Gaia to which you are deeply rooted. This is your “family,” which has silently and elegantly supported and nurtured you so that you could get to this point of beneficial harvest. Keep feeding the whole, the oneness of which we are each a part.
Have confidence that you have done your work, that you have correctly nurtured yourself, your relationships, your tribe, or your project to this point. Have faith that your growth is assured if you allow everything to unfold without the judgment or interference of the critical, analytical mind. Refrain from picking things apart and just let the mind relax in its own vast, natural spaciousness.
This hexagram signals that your personal magic could not be at a higher and more powerful point. Your ideas will be well received by those around you. Externally, you will advance in your relationships and your career, and your words will be heard. You are part of a network that is connecting all good things for the benefit of yourself, your tribe, and the world.
Stay steady and remain humble. Meditate and take part in activities that keep you centered and grounded. By adhering to the higher laws, those of compassion, kindness, and integrity, what you will gain will remain, and any doubts about yourself will wash away like dust after a longed-for spring rain.
This week speak to the elements. Listen to the wind as it speaks to you, hear the waters as they nurture and teach you, celebrate fire as it burns away the dross. Taste of the Earth herself as she nurtures all sentient beings, and wear the air on your skin like a royal robe of ritual and celebration.
BobbyK
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 22, 2014
Mettañca sabbalokasmi,
mānasaṃ bhāvaye aparimāṇaṃ:
Uddhaṃ adho ca tiriyañca,
asambādhaṃ averamasapattaṃ.
With good will for the entire cosmos,
cultivate a limitless heart:
Above, below, & all around,
unobstructed, without hostility or hate.
Sutta Nipāta 1.150
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 21, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 21, 2014
Attānaṃ ce tathā kayirā;
yathāññamanusāsati,
sudanto vata dametha.
Attā hi kira duddamo.
One should do what one teaches others to do;
if one would train others,
one should be well controlled oneself.
Difficult, indeed, is self-control.
Dhammapada 12.159
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom,
translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 20, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 20, 2014
Kalyāṇamitto yo bhikkhu, sappatisso sagāravo;
Karaṃ mittānaṃ vacanaṃ, sampajāno patissato;
Pāpuṇe anupubbena, sabbasaṃyojanakkhayaṃ.
When a bhikkhu has good friends, and is reverential and respectful;
Doing what one’s friends advise, clearly comprehending and mindful;
One may progressively attain the destruction of all fetters.
Itivuttaka 1.17
The Udāna and the Itivuttaka, trans. John D. Ireland
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 19, 2014
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 19, 2014
I Ching ~ Week of August 18, 2014
#14 — Da You — Possession in Great Measure
Above: Li Radiance, Brightness, Fire
Below: Quin/Gan Heaven, Energy, Spirit Power
Patterns of Meaning:
Radiance/Fire: Brightness that brings clarity and passion.
Energy/Parch: The dynamic act of nourishment and creativity; letting go of the old to incorporate, create, and make use of spirit power.
The Wisdom:
Make way for great possessing.
Improvement comes
Awaits you;
Simply look
And calmly lay claim.
That can shine on all that has decayed.
It is within your power
To restore what has been spoiled.
You have passed through a time of doubt and darkness. Some might call it depression. It wasn’t that; it was you, warming up to get ready for the big breakthrough.During this last period we have passed through, the light of love, abundance, and success has at times seemed like a fleeting memory. You may have felt like you were being teased by the light—just at the very moment you thought you would grasp it, it slipped away—now you see it, now you don’t.Never doubt that the universe has a wicked sense of humor. It is to keep you on your toes and make sure you have the ability to laugh at yourself, the self you often take so bloody seriously.Through your perseverance and good intention, Possession in Great Measure is here and here to stay, if you allow it. Be aware that Da You, while sounding the bell of abundance, also carries a formula for abundance attached to a warning: that to maintain this joyous and abundant pathway you must refrain from arrogance, judgment, and self-delusion.
Recall your what brought you here on your pathway; pretty magical, if you look at it from the right end of the telescope. Appreciate what you have done and who has helped you achieve the necessary clarity to reach for and maintain what is yours. Honor yourself and them—especially those who have sorely tested you. Opportunity abounds now, whether in business, love, your health, or your spiritual development. Be generous in all things, and this time of abundance will continue to circulate through your life.
At this time, the pieces of the puzzle of life have come together to make a beautiful image of the future and your place in it. Obstacles are removed, and darkness and the dark ones are vanquished. This is a time when you have been readied to receive great blessings—in love, business, health, family, and friendships.
Sometimes the ego tells us that what we see is false, an illusory trick of the mind. Do not let fear or doubt allow you to conclude that what is being presented to you is yet another manipulation from the ego to hold you in the bondage of feeling separate. Do not let the ego have its way with you, as that would only prevent you from claiming the abundance and joy that is placed squarely before you. These presentations will not be subtle, either; the light of the universe is shining on them.
Trust and remember to share the wealth that now comes to you, in whatever form it takes, like a warm, fragrant breeze floating on an early summer night. In case you may have forgotten, that breeze is called love, and it is a flow.
Use love to illuminate your path and the path of those who walk with you. In this way, the way of sharing, your love, inner strength, and spirit will increase, and the harmonious circumstances that set things in their present course will be recognized and honored. To keep the current of love flowing through your life, use humility, grace, good manners, and generosity.
When we are positioned well in times such as these we must recognize that we have a responsibility to our family, associates, and tribe of friends. As you feel more secure in your seat of abundance, give of your time and loving energy: to children, to the beneficial ecology of Mother Earth, and to all the living beings that surround us. There is transformative magic in these actions, and you are now the magician. Recognize your role and act on it. In this way, this blessed cycle will repeat again and again in your life.
Shine like the sun at midday. Bring laughter and happiness to those around you. The true message of this hexagram is held in your heart. It is the key to gaining the confidence to magically transform your own life and the lives of those around you. If there is love or a new opportunity on the horizon, it is time to let it in. You are safe and strong and have a clarity that you very likely have never known before. At this time love will grow as never before. Abundance will increase in proportion to your love, and your heart will soar.
Oftentimes we hear the warning to not take things personally. This is not such a time. Take this time, and the joy and abundance that go with it, very personally. It is yours. Sing, laugh, be joyful, and allow yourself to love and be loved, and love yourself. Now is the time to be a cosmic love generator.
Many blessings
BobbyK
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Pāli Word a Day ~ August 18, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 18, 2014
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 17, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 17, 2014
Seeds For Meditation ~ The Bodhisattva Vow
As I develop the awakening mind I praise the Buddha as they shine
I bow before you as I travel my path to join your ranks,
I make my full time task
For the sake of all beings I seek
The enlightened mind that I know I’ll reap
Respect to Shantideva and all the others
Who brought down the Dharma for sisters and brothers.
I give thanks for this world as a place to learn
And for this human body that I’m glad to have earned
And my deepest thanks to all sentient beings
For without them there would be no place to learn what I’m seeing
There’s nothing here that’s not been said before
But I put it down now so I’ll be sure
To solidify my own views and I’ll be glad if it helps
Anyone else out too.
If others disrespect me or give me flack
I’ll stop and think before I react
Knowing that they’re going through insecure stages
I’ll take the opportunity to exercise patience
I’ll see it as a chance to help the other person
Nip it in the bud before it can worsen.
A change for me to be strong and sure
As I think on the Buddhas who have come before
As I praise and respect the good they’ve done
Knowing only love can conquer in every situation
We need other people in order to create
The circumstances for the learning that we’re here to generate
Situations that bring up our deepest fears
So we can work to release them until they’re cleared
Therefore, it only makes sense
To thank our enemies despite their intent.
The Bodhisattva path is one of power and strength
A strength from within to go the length
Seeing others are as important as myself
I strive for a happiness of mental wealth
With the interconnectedness that we share as one
Every action that we take affects everyone
So in deciding for what a situation calls
There is a path for the good for all
I try to make my every action for that highest good
With the altruistic wish to achieve Buddhahood
So I pledge here before everyone who’s listening
To try to make my every action for the good of all beings
For the rest of my lifetimes and even beyond
I vow to do my best to do no harm
And in times of doubt I can think on the Dharma
And the enlightened ones who’ve graduated Samsara.
~ Adam Yauch/MCA
Source : http://kiernanantares.com/the-bodhisattva-vow/
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 15, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 15, 2014
Khīṇaṃ purāṇaṃ nava
natthi sambhavaṃ,
virattacittāyatike bhavasmiṃ.
Te khīṇabījā, avirūḷhichandā.
Nibbanti dhīrā yathāyaṃ padīpo.
When past conditioning is released
and no fresh one produced,
the mind no longer seeks for future birth.
The seed consumed, cravings no more arise.
Such-minded wise ones cease like [the flame of] this lamp.
Sutta Nipāta 2.238
The Discourse Summaries by S.N. Goenka
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 14, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 14, 2014
Anekajātisaṃsāraṃ
sandhāvissaṃ, anibbisaṃ
gahakāraṃ gavesanto;
dukkhā jāti punappunaṃ.
Gahakāraka! Diṭṭhosi.
Puna gehaṃ na kāhasi.
Sabbā te phāsukā bhaggā,
gahakūṭaṃ visaṅkhataṃ.
Visaṅkhāragataṃ cittaṃ:
taṇhānaṃ khayamajjhagā.
Through countless births in the cycle of existence
I have run, not finding
although seeking the builder of this house;
and again and again I faced the suffering of new birth.
Oh housebuilder! Now you are seen.
You shall not build a house again for me.
All your beams are broken,
the ridgepole is shattered.
The mind has become freed from conditioning:
the end of craving has been reached.
Dhammapada 11.153, 11.154
The Discourse Summaries by S.N. Goenka
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 13, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 13, 2014
Idha tappati, pecca tappati,
pāpakārī ubhayattha tappati.
“Pāpaṃ me katan”ti tappati,
bhiyyo tappati, duggatiṃ gato.
Idha nandati, pecca nandati,
katapuñño ubhayattha nandati.
“Puññaṃ me katan”ti nandati,
bhiyyo nandati, suggatiṃ gato.
Agony now, agony hereafter,
the wrong-doer suffers agony in both worlds.
Agonized now by the knowledge that one has done wrong,
one suffers more agony, gone to a state of woe.
Rejoicing now, rejoicing hereafter,
the doer of wholesome actions rejoices in both worlds.
Rejoicing now in the knowledge that one has acted rightly,
one rejoices more, gone to a state of bliss.
Dhammapada 1.17, 1.18
The Discourse Summaries by S.N. Goenka
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 12, 2014
Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā,
manoseṭṭhā manomayā.
Manasā ce paduṭṭhena
bhāsati vā karoti vā,
tato naṃ dukkhamanveti
cakkaṃva vahato padaṃ.
Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā,
manoseṭṭhā manomayā.
Manasā ce pasannena
bhāsati vā karoti vā,
tato naṃ sukhamanveti
chāyāva anapāyinī.
Mind precedes all phenomena,
mind matters most, everything is mind-made.
If with an impure mind
one performs any action of speech or body,
then suffering will follow that person
as the cartwheel follows the foot of the draught animal.
Mind precedes all phenomena,
mind matters most, everything is mind-made.
If with a pure mind
one performs any action of speech or body,
then happiness will follow that person
as a shadow that never departs.
Dhammapada 1.1, 1.2
The Discourse Summaries by S.N. Goenka
I Ching ~ Week of August 11, 2014
#12 ~ Pi ~ Obstruction
Above: Qian/Gan heaven, energy, spirit power
Below: Kun center of the Earth, responsiveness
The Wisdom:
Not a time to move forward.
No influence.
Hold to what you know is true.
Be not seduced by sex, money, fame, or power.
You are on your own in the situations you are facing in this coming cycle. You cannot depend on anyone to help you through, so don’t try to press forward. Do not take this time of obstruction personally; it is not anyone’s fault, least of all yours. It just is.This not a bad thing, actually. Remember, there is beneficial energy in all things, even in the energy created by obstruction. You can make this energy of benefit now. The way to do so is to stop. Stay in the flow, but hold back from initiating new projects or having the expectation of completing what is already on the table. Should you attempt to push, you stand a very good chance of being run over by what is opposing you on your path forward. It doesn’t matter if it is a person, a situation in a relationship, or a matter of commerce, in your art, or health. It just is not happening now.Do not try to accomplish anything other than making these moments of stillness useful. This period of stillness and retreat is for you to work on what you have learned and gained. Relationships can be difficult at this point. Be cautious about who you associate with. Your social intercourse should be limited now, so pull back. If you try to engage, you could be met with misunderstanding or even discord, so stay in retreat mode and bide your time.You may have the greater good in mind for yourself, your family, your tribe. At another time you would be received with a welcoming hurrah! That cannot happen now—there is an air of mistrust and discord floating around. It is not that you have done something wrong or acted out of the cosmic order, not at all; it is just that the cosmos and the energies around you are in disorder. Remember, out of chaos arise new forms, so there is nothing you can do but let the dust settle and study, hone your skills, attend to the details, but do not to launch or push for completion. Be still.
The ego would say that you have done so much work and made so many advances, why not take your gifts out into the world, especially when it looks like all those wonderful things like love, money, or power seem to be right within your grasp. Don’t be fooled; it won’t work that way in the current timing. Instead, make this time of withdrawal pleasant. Eat well, exercise, rest, meditate; do things that feed your inner life.
That come your way.
Do not act on them or accept.
Contemplate all sides
And wait for the truth to be revealed.
The feeling that progress is obstructed could cause some inner conflict. It takes courage to resist what may look like a treasure being extended to you, especially if you are feeling stuck or hopeless or even slightly confused. Feeling stuck can be debilitating; you are more vulnerable to the manipulations of evil. Evil, in this case, should be considered the temptation to forget your authentic self and drift into ego-based decisions.Pay attention and read the signs and symbols that come to you out of the collective consciousness, the universal mind. The wisdom gained from disengaging and contemplating the archetypes will allow you to detach and come to a more peaceful feeling. From this place, you will then have clarity as to the correct and honorable way to proceed when it is time to do so. That time is not quite now.Consider this an opportunity to still your mind and examine your own behavior and that of those around you, without judgment. By simply observing, you pave the way for the universe to bring you great and surprising teachings that your higher self has been longing for. These teachings will answer such questions as What am I here for? and Which road should I take? The appropriate conduct at this time consists of strengthening your resolve to be the best person you can be. Being morally and ethically strong in times of obstruction will serve you well.
This darkness, which is in the natural order of things, will pass, and you will be left with a clarity that will give you confidence and strength. The decisions you then make and the actions you take will lead to a time of great progress and fulfillment.
Avoid arrogant people or those engaged in a display of authority; keep them out of your energy field—they will soon fall from favor. Say amen.. Truth, beauty, and goodness shall prevail!
One of the best things to do when facing obstacles is to generate merit, by being kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and generous. This takes the focus off of the ego’s demands as you emanate the kind of light that brings clarity and peace, to yourself and to the planet.
In Lak’ech: “You are me and I am you”
Love, peace, and many blessings
BobbyK
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Pāli Word a Day ~ August 10, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 10, 2014
Pāli Word a Day ~ August 09, 2014
Daily Words of the Buddha ~ August 09, 2014

Sace bhāyatha dukkhassa, sace vo dukkhamappiyaṃ,
mākattha pāpakaṃ kammaṃ, āvi vā yadi vā raho.
Sace ca pāpakaṃ kammaṃ, karissatha karotha vā,
Na vo dukkhā pamutyatthi:
upeccapi palāyataṃ.
If you fear pain, if you dislike pain,
don’t do an evil deed in open or secret.
If you’re doing or will do an evil deed,
you won’t escape pain:
it will catch you even as you run away.
Udāna 5.44
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu





















