Archive for Spirituality Center
Buddhist Bible – Buddhism books for beginners
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Last week a reader contacted me on E.y.D with the subject line: Buddhist Bible?
Message: “Just stumbled upon your site, and it is very inspiring. I need something to bring peace to my life. I just hit 50 and realized how miserable I have been for most of my life. Anyway, is there a Buddhist book similar to a Bible? What should I begin with? Again, wonderful site.” Thanks, Katrina
I responded to Katrina and recommended the Dhammapada, which is essentially the words and teachings of The Buddha. I also promised to dig deeper and give a recommended reading list on Buddhism books for beginners.
But before we get to that, I have a confession to make. I am not a Buddhist. I am no Yogi, Zen Master or Guru. The only Nirvana I’ve ever reached was synthetically produced. What I am, is a man trying to find peace and wisdom in this insatiably crazy world of ours. I’m the product of a hardcore Catholic family. My aunts are known to pass out pamphlets at family picnics about the end of the world. (Seriously they do) And when a few of them found my site, they immediate thought I had become a Buddhist. The Truth is, I try to see the beauty in all religions. And the teachings of Zen and enlightenment help me live a better life.
By my own admission, I will always be a Catholic, but that won’t stop me from opening my eyes to the world and seeking joyful wisdom at every turn. My favorite English teacher, Mr. Nabaan, would explain to his students on their first day of class: “There is an infinite amount of knowledge in the world, and if you can grasp even a little speck of it, then you have accomplished something great.” Then he asked: “What knowledge do you want your life to be filled with?” That question has stuck with me for over 15 years now, and for good reason.
Buddhism books for beginners – Buddhist Bible
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
“Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment!”
Buy Peace Is Every Step on Amazon
“If we do not have peace and joy right now,
when will we have peace and joy – tomorrow, or after tomorrow? What is preventing us from being happy right now?” Thich Nhat Hanh
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – S. Suzuki / Weatherhill / April 1972
Buy Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind on Amazon
“For Zen students the most important thing is not to be dualistic. Our “original mind” includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. You should not lose your self-sufficient state of mind. This does not mean a closed mind, but actually an empty mind and a ready mind. If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”
Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 – 1971)
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GOD heals almost everything debate – True or False
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Does God heal almost everything? Or does God heal nothing?
“The Church has its problems, but the older I get, the more comfort I find there.” Bono
This post is about you. Yes – You. It’s about what you believe, think and feel about God and his healing powers. Back when I was starting E.Y.D, I received a chain email from a friend listing some Amazing tips for 2008. I enjoyed reading the list and decided to share it. The response was overwhelming. It’s hard to believe that 2 years later that post would still be my most commented. It seemed like everyone needed to express something on that topic.
My comment section exploded with passion, insightful wisdom, and negative views of religion. Honestly, I loved it all.
So I decided to revive that post and ask that controversial question everyone felt the need to give their 2 cents about. Does God heal almost everything? Or does God heal nothing? What is your experience with God’s healing? Can you give everyone some specific examples? Can you explain why this was such a controversial issue to some people and why they felt so offended by this tip for a better life.
I have listed below some of the positive and negative comments because I believe there is real value in the answers provided. I hope you will take the time to join the debate and share a little of your inner wisdom or negativity towards this debate. Be creative, sincere, dark, or funny, but be something and say anything. Your words and opinions are always welcomed here at E.y.D
My goal with this post is to get 100 comments. If I am able to reach that goal, I will concede that the majority rules, and the truth about this question shall be revealed.
#27) What other people think of you is none of your business.
#28) GOD heals almost everything.
#29) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
GOD heals almost everything debate – True or False
Jimbo says:
June 24, 2008 at 12:21 pm
“#28 Way to ruin it.”
Joe Bonham says:
“I agree with Jimbo. #28 ruins the truthfulness of this entire post, because according to those who believe in #28, everything in this list is all taken care of in that one sentence………. riiiight……….”
Vitus Wight says:
“With all of these self healing tips #28 stands out like a sore thumb.
god doesn’t exist as a singular thing. We are all omnipotent, we are all powerful and we are all god.
the religious use of it makes you weak of mind and weak of soul. don’t use it as a crutch.
Blame yourself, Love yourself and forgive yourself.”
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Can you imagine a life without cravings?
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“A person of confidence and goodness will be welcomed wherever they go.” The Buddha verse 3032. Do not steal.
3. Do not engage in sexual misconduct.
4. Do not lie.
5. Do not use intoxicants.
The Just
“A man is not wise because he has much to say. The wise man is he who is patient, fearless, and free from hatred.” The Buddha verse 258
“He is a true follower who has gone beyond both good and evil and who lives in the awakened way.” The Buddha verse 267
“A man is not noble if he injure any living creature. The noble man is gentle to all living creatures.” The Buddha verse 270
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Buddhist verses from Siddhartha – The enlightened one
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On a full-moon day of May, when the trees were blossoming, Queen Mahamaya gave birth to a son. In the Lumbini grove, under the shade of a flowering Sal tree, The Buddha, founder of the philosophy of Buddhism was born. He was known as Siddhattha. (Siddhartha = one whose purpose has been achieved). This is part 3 in my continuing series of Buddhist quotes from the Dhammapada. Each photo links directly to the original source.
Buddhist verses from Siddhartha – The Enlightened One
The World
“Do not live thoughtlessly, in distraction and with deluded aims, outside the universal law.” The Buddha verse 167
“Rouse yourself and follow the enlightened way through the world with energy and joy.” The Buddha verse 168
“Swans rise and fly through the air. How magical they are! So do the resolute conquer the armies of delusion and rise above the world.” The Buddha verse 175, The Dhammapada Read More→
