Wednesday, May 31, 2006

A mouse's tale

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.
"What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.
Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning.

"There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said,
"Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me.
I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The pig sympathized, but said,
"I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.
Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap
catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.
In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.
The snake bit the farmer's wife.

The farmer rushed her to the hospital,and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever
with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock.
To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.
So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.
The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember --
when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.
We are all involved in this journey called life.
We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Because I'm here

An old man was sweeping the yard in a courtyard under the scorching sun.

Another man passed by and asked him, "How old are you?"

The old man replied, "I'm seventy-seven."

"You are so old! Why are you still working so hard here?"

"Well, because I'm here."

"But why are you working under the scorching sun?"

"Because the sun is there."

Act without worrying about the results, and strive for excellence without dwelling on it.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Ridding ourselves from stress

“In this modern world, people are constantly saying, "Life is too stressful!" Why are people so stressed out? How can we rid ourselves of stress? Students feel stressed because of heavy schoolwork; parents feel stressed because they have too many chores and family obligations; policemen feel stressed because they have too much work; and workers feel stressed and are unhappy because their work hours are too long.

Stress—it is the same for everyone, regardless of age. We all feel the impact of stress in our daily lives. Tenants cannot afford to pay rent at the end of the month. Parents think their children do not listen to them and feel pressured by the task of raising them. Actually many things around us contribute to stress in our daily lives; for instance, stress from disappointments, obstacles, poverty, our jobs, ailments, relationships, and even death. Stress is everywhere. There are even sources of stress inside us; for example, stress from feeling emptiness, jealousy, depression, hatred, ignorance, evil thoughts, and vengeance. Taken together, the stresses of everyday life seem insurmountable.

However, stress does not only result from negative matters. Good things in life can also be stressful, such as stress from possessions, beauty, power, gratitude, success, and so forth. The seemingly endless universe is limited, but stress is truly limitless. Some people are overwhelmed by stress and yield to physical fatigue, poor motivation, suicidal tendencies, or mental confusion. If you would like to rid yourself of stress, the following are some recommendations:

  1. Enhance your knowledge and wisdom by observing and learning from what happens around you. By gaining further knowledge and deepening your understanding, you can reduce stress.

  2. Be optimistic, cheerful, and carefree. Open your heart as wide as the ocean, so you can embrace the universe. Be optimistic about everything and do not overburden yourself, and you will eventually alleviate stress.

  3. Develop the ability to let go. Like a piece of luggage, carry it only when you need it. However, when you do not need it, put it away and let go. Do not compare or calculate, and you will eventually dissipate stress.

  4. Befriend stress. Be willing to accept stress as a part of you and a part of life. Why bother fighting it?

  5. Make use of every opportunity to rest and go with the flow. When you do not ask for stress or resent it, stress will eventually disappear.

  6. Place more emphasis on enhancing patience, compassion, and wisdom by cultivating the self. Let us train ourselves to challenge and take on stress. Then, it will eventually be dispelled.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

All in a Thought

“Our minds are not limited by time and space. Our mind is our master, for from our minds arise views. If we change our views and outlook on life, we can change our destiny. A thought can change tears into smiles; it can transform foolishness into wisdom. A thought of compassion to help others elicits the mind of sages, but a thought of jealousy to hurt others brings forth the mind of the wicked. A thought of selfishness to profit oneself can only result in limited accomplishments, but a thought of initiative to benefit others can attain limitless merit.

Throughout history, a simple thought has changed the destiny of many countries. Kings and emperors have risen and fallen as a result of a single thought, and their countries have followed suit. In this world, many people change their entire lives on the basis of a hasty decision. Many take their own lives for lost love, leaving their families in pain and grief, while some steal and kill for profit, bringing others great harm, and ruining their own lives as well. All of these things can happen in a single thought.”

When we have no worries everything is possible and our mind is an ocean, but when we have trouble on our minds, our world becomes very small and focused.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Karma and Effect

“Where is justice in nature when only the fittest survive? Where is justice in society when the wealthiest and the most powerful have all the advantages? In this world, it seems natural for the strongest to exert undue power over the weakest. It is no surprise that the rich oppress the poor, the smart ridicule the dumb, the old bully the young, and the healthy insult the disabled. Where do we find justice in all of this?

Someone once said, "Unreasonableness cannot win over reason, rationality cannot take precedence over law, legality cannot defeat power, and nothing is more superior than universal truth." What is the universal truth that reigns over everything else? It is the law of karma, based on the principle of causation. No matter who or what you are in life, no one can escape karma or death, for the law of cause and effect applies equally to every living being. Karma or volitional activity bears fruit in accordance with whether one's actions have been wholesome or not. It is a natural process, unsupervised and undisturbed by any supernatural power or force. By increasing our credit balance of good deeds, we alone have the ability to modify the course of karma.

Therefore, it is imperative that everyone understands how karma works, for true justice resides in karma. Neither money nor power can alter the course of karma; neither fame nor fortune can change the result of karma. A doer of bad deeds will always reap the fruit of retribution, while a doer of wholesome deeds will always reap the fruit of goodness. In the end, no one is exempt from the universal truth of karma and causation.”

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Law and Order

“In a country of law and order, in an organization of rules and regulations, nothing is more important than respect for and adherence to the rules. A traffic light is of no value if everyone chooses to ignore it. A crosswalk is of no use if everyone chooses to overlook its existence. Only when we stop for a red light or for a pedestrian can traffic lights and crosswalks serve as a means for public safety and a symbol of law. As law-abiding citizens, we must abide by the law and any of its representations, without lapse. As law-abiding citizens, we must act in accordance with the law, without reminder. For without rules and regulations, our nations will not prosper, society will be lawless, and our character will be flawed and weakened.”

Monday, May 22, 2006

Magnanimity

“Few people in the world today are willing to practice the art of forgiveness in appreciation of the beauty of magnanimity. Instead, they choose to take their anger out on innocent victims or severely punish those who have wronged them. If a parent cannot forgive a child's wrongdoing, how can there be love in the family? If a teacher cannot react properly to a student's mistake, how can there be respect in the classroom? If a judge cannot decide a case justly and swiftly, how can there be faith in the legal system? If a policeman cannot be fair and honest, how can there be trust in the police force?

How then can we dissolve hatred and animosity? It is only through loving-kindness and compassion that we can find room in our hearts to forgive others. It is only through our willingness to let go of resentment that we can find a way to magnanimity. Words alone will not bring about change. It is only with hearts that are both tolerant and forbearing that we can inspire others to follow our lead and realize the beauty of forgiveness.

Those who cannot forbear in small matters will spoil great undertakings" is an old saying that we should take to heart. In order for society to have peace and harmony, each and every one of us must practice the virtue of forbearance and learn to appreciate the beauty of magnanimity. We must not harbour grudges toward others; we must not turn every situation into a federal case. If we can have a heart of forgiveness for our families and friends, our employers and employees, and our governments and society, the world will be a wonderful place to live in, a place of goodness and kindness.”

Important Day

"Even when you are uncertain, do not use this one day wastefully. It is a rare treasure to value. Do not compare it with an enormous jewel. Do not compare it with a dragon’s bright pearl. Old sages valued this one day more than their own living bodies. Reflect on this quietly. A dragon’s pearl may be found. An enormous jewel may be acquired. But this one day out of a hundred years cannot be retrieved once it is lost. What skillful means can retrieve a day that is passed? No historical documents have recorded such means. Not to waste time is to contain the passage of days and months within your skin bag, without leaking. Thus sages and wise ones in olden times valued each moment, day, and month more than their own eyeballs or the nation’s land. To waste the passage of time is to be confused and stained in the floating world of name and gain. Not to miss the passage of time is to be in the Way for the Way."

Friday, May 19, 2006

Your body

Your body is the only one you going to have, until death parts you from your current way of being. It makes sense then thus to respect your body. One must listen to what your body craves to make it live optimally in this world. The problem is that most people listen to what their mind craves.

People do drugs, too much drinking, smoking, eating etc. All just to pleasure their mind. Meanwhile back at the ranch your body needs none of these things to improve it and these rather degrade its performance. The mind is a sneaky thing and convinces the body it needs it but the poor body must then suffer for the mind's cravings. To achieve control ofver your mind and listen to your body's signals while improve your health and wellbeing. Ignore the mind's protestations as it will only care for itself and not your body.

Sharing

“Unfortunately, in today's society there are too many people who take pleasure in the misfortune of others. Instead of practicing the virtue of shared joy, they choose to criticize at will and impart unwarranted abuse. Instead of praising the charity of others, they remark sarcastically that it is just a drop of water in the vast ocean or it is just a boastful act. It is indeed very sad to see that society in general has become so deprived of amiable feelings. It is not surprising that there are very few virtuous people and even fewer virtuous acts.

What we need to do is to cultivate and practice the virtue of shared joy, to give encouragement and exaltation as often as possible. Instead of feeling jealousy or envy, we should instead feel happy for others when they encounter good fortune. Instead of pity, we should be compassionate and helpful toward those who are less fortunate. Instead of criticizing, we should praise other's good deeds no matter how trivial they might be.”

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Humour

"In today's society, a good sense of humour is the foundation of a happy life, the lubricant of a successful relationship.

Only through humour can one be charming and witty; only through humour can one have wisdom and the ability to enjoy what is amusing or comical. However, we must bear in mind that humour is not sarcasm, but a language of wisdom. A humorous gesture conveys an immeasurable amount of genuine affection and concern.

The intent of humour is not to create embarrassment for others by being overly forward, but to bring happiness to others by lightening or dissolving embarrassing moments. Hence, to have a good sense of humour is to have an enlightened mind, a mind complete with ingenuity, vivacity, and intelligence. It is indeed a mental state of unsurpassed carefreeness, without attachments or worries. It is an attitude of complete optimism, when all things past and present can be humorously perceived.

Humour is like a mountain spring, for it can cleanse our minds.
It is like a cloud in the sky, for it can wander at will without obstruction.
Humour is sometimes like a gentle breeze that can soothe a person's pain and misery.
Humour is also like a spring blossom that can warm a person's heart and awaken his or her mind."

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Positive Side of Things

"To overlook another's good deeds and publicize his wrongdoings is a common practice in today's society. It is a social disease that needs to be cured by praising the virtues of others instead. Many wonderful things occur in society every day, events that are worthy of our attention. What we really need to do is to promote the good and to instill a sense of morality in a rapidly degrading world."

Monday, May 15, 2006

Time

"For a person who is exhausted, the road is long; for a person who cannot sleep, the night is endless; for a person who does not understand the truth, the reality of birth and death is far-reaching." We must understand that the past will never return, the present is gone in the blink of an eye, and the future is fast approaching and will become the past in a moment. An eminent master once said, "A day's time is more precious than the treasures of the universe."

Thursday, May 11, 2006

The Monk - The Last Part - Live Life

Don’t fool yourself that you will start to enrich your mind, care for your body and nourish your soul only when your bank account grows big enough and you have the luxury of more free time. Today is the day to live from your imagination and harvest your dreams. And never forget the gift of family. Few things are as meaningful as being part of your children’s childhood. What good is it to have the biggest house if you have not created a home ? What use it to be famous if your kids down even know their own parent ?

The size of your bank account and the size of your house have nothing to do with living life with a sense of joy and wonder. The world is full of unhappy millionaires. There is a huge difference between making a lot of money and making a lot of life. Even the birds singing outside appear as a gift to the wise person. We all have something that we are meant to do. Your genius will shine through, and happiness will fill your life, the instant you discover your higher purpose and the direct all your energies towards it. Once you are connected to this mission, whether it is being a great teacher of children or an inspired artist, all your desires will be fulfilled effortlessly. You will not even have to try. As a matter of fact, the harder you try, the longer it will take you to reach your aims. Instead, follow your dreams, in full expectation of the bounty that is certain to flow. This will allow you to grow your destiny.

Enjoy your life and enjoy living it each moment. Begin living each day as your last. Starting today, learn more, laugh more and do what you truly love to do. Never sacrifice happiness for achievement.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

The Monk Part 5 - Kindness

Your quality of your life is directly correlated to the quality of your contribution to it. A little bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives you roses. When you take care to practice acts of kindness daily, your own life becomes far richer and more meaningful. When you work to improve the lives of others, you indirectly elevate your life in the process. To cultivate the sacredness and sanctity of each day, serve others in some way.

You entered the world with nothing and you will leave with nothing. Thus the only reason for you being here is to give yourself to others and to contribute in a meaningful way.

Build your friendships. Friends add humour, fascination and beauty to life. There are few things more rejuvenating than sharing a belly-bursting laugh with an old friend. Friends keep you humble when you get to self-righteous. Friends make you smile when you are taking yourself too seriously. Good friends are there to help you when life throws one of its little curves at you and things look worse than they seem. One needs to share thoughts with friends on say the latest book you have read.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

The Monk Part 5 - Time Management

One must make careful use of ones time. Spend time on improving knowledge, enriching relationships with your family. Spend time renewing, your mind, body and spirit. Direct your time to those activities that count. Not sitting in lunch rooms, gossiping or watching television.

Be wary of time thieves. These are the people that call you at inopportune times or drop by your office just when you are about to collect your thoughts after an hectic morning. Learn to be ruthless with your time – learn to say no. Don’t pickup the phone every time it rings. It is there for your convenience not other people’s. People will learn to respect your time, only if they see you respect it.

The best time to plant a tree was 40 years ago. The second best time is today. Don’t waste even one minute of your day. Stop acting if you have a hundred years to live. And remember to never take life too seriously, one must be able to laugh. Laughter opens your heart and soothes the soul.

Don’t be a prisoner of your past but rather an architect of your future.

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

Monday, May 08, 2006

The Monk Part 4 - Discipline

To improve your mind’s strength and discipline, focus on controlling your thoughts. Thoughts can be controlled and are not as spontaneous as people think they are. Make use of a mantra at least 30 times a day.

For example “I am more than I appear to be, all the world’s strength and power rests inside me”. Blend this mantra with the process of creative envisioning. Go to a quiet place and close your eyes while sitting down. Don let your mind wander. Keep your body still, as the surest sign of a weak mind is a body that cannot rest. Repeat the mantra aloud over and over. While you do so see yourself as a disciplined, firm person, fully in control of your mind, your body and spirit. This technique has been taught by the spiritual teachers of the East for centuries. It is still around today for one reason : because it works.

Start using your willpower on a regular basis. If you don’t feel like doing something – have the willpower to do it. Try maybe to keep silent for a day if possible. This will discipline your mind. Don’t walk the path of least resistance. Build up momentum via smaller victories.

Friday, May 05, 2006

The Monk Part 3 - Soul of the Universe

Don’t be afraid to go into the unknown. Most people are afraid to try something new and don’t know their own potential.

Art of Kaizen : Nourish your spirit. Do the things you fear. Be the person you dream of being.

Life/Luck favours the prepared mind. Satisfied people are more thoughtful then others.
Saying that you don’t have time to improve yourself is like driving a car and not stopping for gas because you are too busy driving.

Follow the following for at least 21/30 days :

  1. 5 - 15 minutes of silence on your own. Preferably a beautiful environment. Try and do it the same time everyday as in a ritual. (heart of the Rose)

  2. Commune with nature daily, even if it is only a quick walk. Try to be aware of everything in the environment.

  3. Do exercise in at least 5 hours of the 168 hour week. Nothing specific but to be just active.

  4. Check your breathing 2-3 times (for about a minute) a day to make sure you breathe effectively. Your belly should move out slightly.

  5. As you nourish your body you nourish your mind. Eat live natural foods – food that are not dead e.g. vegetables, fruits, grain etc.

  6. Lifelong learning and expanding of knowledge. Read regularly for at least 30 minutes a day. Preferably something mind nourishing. Books do not teach you anything new spiritually they simply help you to see what is already in yourself. That is what enlightenment is all about.

  7. Get time to know yourself. Think about all you did today everyday.

  8. Don’t sleep too much. Six hours is all one needs. One needs quality sleep not quantity. Before you go to sleep don’t watch news or argue or even go over the day’s events in your mind eye. Relax. Drink maybe some herbal tea and listen to soft classical music.

  9. Listen to music everyday.

  10. Use mantra’s during the day. A mantra is nothing more than a collection of words strung together to create a positive effect. In Sanskrit ‘man’ means mind and ‘tra’ means freeing. So a mantra is designed to free the mind. Example ‘I am inspired, disciplined and energized’. Repeat often.

  11. Build your character. Try and improve your principles : industry, compassion, humility, patience, honesty and courage. Act with integrity. Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be string to live as well as to think.

  12. Live a simple life. Focus only on your priorities, those activities that are truly meaningful. Your life will be uncluttered, rewarding and exceptionally peaceful. Reduce your needs.


Even though rituals are built for at least 21 days, true life change is actually spontaneous. The very moment you decide from the deepest core of your being that you will raise your life to its highest level. In that instant, you will be a changed person, one set on the course of his destiny. More energy, less worries, more creativity and less stress in every aspect of your life.
These methods are not a quick fix. They are ageless methods meant to be applied daily. If you stop applying them and return to your previous way of thinking all will be as before.

Within us lies the sun, the moon, the sky and all the wonders of this universe. The intelligence that created these wonders is the same force that created you. All things around you come from the same source. We are all one. All souls flow into one, this is the Soul of the Universe.

When you nourish your own mind and your own spirit, you are really feeding the Soul of the Universe. When you improve yourself, you are improving the lives of all those around you. And when you have the courage to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams, you begin draw upon the power of the universe.

Don’t fear trying these techniques. Failure is not having the courage to try, nothing more and nothing less. The only thing that stands between most people and their dreams is the fear of failure. Yet failure is essential to success in any endeavour. Failure tests us and allows us to grow. It offers us lessons and guides us along the path of enlightment. The universe favors the brave.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

The Monk (Part 2)

People spend their whole lives dreaming of becoming happier, living with more vitality and having an abundance of passion. Yet they do not see the importance of taking even 10 minutes a month to write out their goals and to think deeply about the meaning of their lives, their Dharma.

People set financial and material goals. There is nothing wrong with this, if this is what you value. However, to attain self-mastery and inner enlightment, you must set objectives in other areas as well.

To write out your goal will help focus your mind to make it more important than the other 60,000 odd thoughts a day.

5 Step process to achieve a goal (for example losing weight) :

  1. Form clear mental image of the outcome. In example every morning after waking up, envision yourself as a lean, fit person, full of vitality and boundless energy. Goals include : Physical, Financial, Personal Empowerment, Relationship and Social. Write them down. Pictures help as well, for example in the goal of being a great father get a picture of womeone who represents this (perhaps your own father). Review this note book daily.

  2. Get positive pressure on yourself. In example tell people what you will achieve. Associate your mind with pleasure in achieving good habits and punishment for bad ones.

  3. If possible set a timeline to it.

  4. Perform activity for 21 days in a row.

  5. Have fun while doing it.


Never forget the importance of living with unbridled exhilaration. Never neglect to see the exquisite beauty in all living things. Stay focused on your purpose. The Universe will take care of everything else.