And Buddha Spoke…..you should listen….
Serenity and generosity are qualities of the heart. Insight and Concentration are qualities of the mind. Compassion and wisdom are qualities of the ture nature. ~ Heart of A Buddha
There are three ways to correct our faults: We can change through behavior. We can change through understanding. We can change from the heart. ~ Heart of A Buddha
The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the 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. ~Buddha
What I know is like the leaves on that tree; what I teach is only a small part. But I offer it to all with an open hand. What do I not teach? Whatever is fascinating to discuss, divides people against each other, but has no bearing on putting an end to sorrow. What do I teach? Only what is necessary to take you to the other shore. ~The Buddha
“Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of the Dhamma, the teaching of the Buddha — this is the highest blessing. ~Buddha
If the causes we create arise from wisdom, so then will the results. If the causes we create arise from ignorance, so then will the results. -Heart of A Buddha
“victory breeds hatred. The defeated live in pain. Happily the peaceful live, giving up victory and defeat.” ~The Buddha
Happiness and tranquility arise from concentration. Frustration and worries arise from desire. -Heart of A Buddha
When threatened with danger, men go to many a refuge, – to mountains and forests, to parks and gardens, and to sacred trees. But such a refuge is not a safe refuge, not the best refuge. One is not liberated from all evil consequences of existence (dukkha) for having come to such a refuge. ~Dhammapada
Pictures and quotes compiled by Tsem Tulku
These are so beautifully compiled, with such wonderful images. Thank you so much, Rinpoche. I truly love quotes. Thank you.
I came back to this blog post to find that I was the only one who commented. Well, I shall add more then.
These are truly sacred precious words, coupled with gorgeous holy pictures. I am sure Rinpoche has taken the time and trouble to carefully select them all, and paired them with the right quotes.
I often wonder is it because the world has become so competitive that people are pushed into becoming more and more individualistic? Within this environment, it is like everyone only looks out for themselves and fights each other to become the sole winner. Why must winning come at the price of others’ loss? Why must achievements be at the expense of someone else? Is this what we really call progress?
The more I ponder on these words, the more I discover that there is no winning at all. There is no true accomplishment in samsara. No one really wins here. As long as we are still stuck here, we are all losing but at varying degrees.
This is the sad grim reality of samsara.
I love this one especially: “The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the 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.”
Which all goes back to what Rinpoche has always taught us about the power of our motivation and how developing the selfless, altruistic mind is the beginning of huge transformation, positive change and ultimately enlightenment.
I like that this quote shows us we can logically make a profound and lasting difference to our own lives. It isn’t just by some miracle that appears out of the sky to make things better but we each hold the key to making that change ourselves – how empowering! I love this logical process of how a mere thought can eventually lead to it becoming a natural and integral part of our being.
(the scary part of this is that it go the other way too, and negative thoughts can harden to a point that it becomes natural to be negative, selfish, cold and angry).
I guess this is why vows are such an important part of practice because by just holding them, remembering them and keeping them at the forefront of our minds, we are already setting into motion this process of making it a natural part of ourselves. More than anything, it is totally motivating and inspiring to know we each have the superpower within us to be something truly great.
If you can contemplate and think of what Buddha spoke you will readily agree with everything that is said. In this secular world we find doing vices are more pleasing and comfortable. And you enjoy it. But do you know what repercussion you will get that the results that has caused it. The karma of cause and effect. Everything Buddha spoke is laid out very clearly. So it is up to you to practice it. If you can train your mind you be able to gain concentration and insight. If you will feel with your heart you will be able to feel serenity and the act of giving. And if you have true nature within you. You will aquire compassion and wisdom.