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)

The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield

“To undertake a genuine spiritual path is not to avoid difficulties but to learn the art of making mistakes wakefully, to bring to them the transformative power of our heart.” Jack Kornfield

Buy “The Wise Heart” on Amazon

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

Buy “The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living” on Amazon

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…” Dalai Lama

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts

“I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.”

Buy “The Way of Zen” on Amazon

“We feel that our actions are voluntary when they follow a decision and involuntary when they happen without decision. But if a decision itself were voluntary every decision would have to be preceded by a decision to decide – An infinite regression which fortunately does not occur. Oddly enough, if we had to decide to decide, we would not be free to decide”. Alan Watts

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Alan Watts quote

The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by:
Thich Nhat Hanh

“The Buddha said many times, ‘My teaching is like a finger pointing to the moon. Do not mistake the finger for the moon,’” p. 17.

Buy “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching” on Amazon

“I grew up in a time of war. There was destruction all around—children, adults, values, a whole country. As a young person, I suffered a lot. Once the door of awareness has been opened, you cannot close it. The wounds of war in me are still not all healed. There are nights I lie awake and embrace my people, my country, and the whole planet with my mindful breathing,” p. 5.

How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life by his Holiness the Dalai Lama

“I believe that whether a person follows any religion or not is unimportant, he must have a good heart, a warm heart. This is essential for a happy life, which is much more important than Buddhahood.”

Buy “How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life” on Amazon

“Basically, a human being is a social animal. So, if you create some short moment of happiness for people, you get deep satisfaction.” Dalai Lama

Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

Buy “Buddhism Plain and Simple” on Amazon

“So you don’t have to do the long search, the frantic chase, the painful quest. You’re already right where you need to be.” We often think the purpose of taking up a spiritual practice is to produce good actions as opposed to bad. According to the Buddha-dharma, however, this is completely beside the point. The point is, rather, that we become aware of when and how we act out our intent.”  Steve Hagen, Buddhism Plain and Simple.

Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World by Lama Surya Das

Buy Awakening the Buddha Within” on Amazon

“The next time you feel so angry you could scream, ask yourself: Who is making me angry? Perhaps the anger is subtly directed at yourself. When our expectations are not met, we tend to blame others and get angry. But is our discontent really their fault? Shantideva said that anger is the greatest evil because it is so destructive and can cause so much harm. The trained mind of the Bohdisattva, like a peaceful lake, is able to transcend anger. Even if people throw sparks into it, it doesn’t explode because it’s like water and not volatile. The untrained mind, on the other hand, can be likened to a big pool of gasoline. Every spark makes it explode. In life, there will always be sparks. But does there have to be an explosion? That’s your responsibility. Nobody can make us angry if we have no seeds of anger left inside.” Lama Surya Das, Awakening the Buddha Within, Page 209.

Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Buy “Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition”

“Discipline” is a difficult word for most of us. It conjures up images of somebody standing over you with a stick, telling you that you’re wrong. But self-discipline is different. It’s the skill of seeing through the hollow shouting of your own impulses and piercing their secret. They have no power over you. It’s all a show, a deception. Your urges scream and bluster at you; they cajole; they coax; they threaten; but they really carry no stick at all.” Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki

Buy “Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings”

“An instant realization sees endless time.
Endless time is as one moment.
When one comprehends the endless moment
He realizes the person who is seeing it.”
Paul Reps, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, p. 158

The Accidental Buddhist by Dinty W. Moore

Buy “The Accidental Buddhist” on Amazon

“Though we often tend to blame them, it is not the external things like families, jobs or money that create problems for us in our lives. Rather, what actually makes us unhappy is our tendency to desire that these things bring us happiness. This expectation that family, job, money, a new car, whatever, will make us happy is what binds us and causes our discontent.” (p. 42)

“Being human, I succumb to this weakness constantly, wanting to be thinner, richer, taller, less gap-toothed, less busy. But I can catch myself, laugh at what a big silly guy I am, before the knot I am tying myself into becomes too tight to ever release itself. Humor and laughing at oneself is not Buddhism, but it can be a way into Buddhism.” Dinty W. Moore

The Blue Cliff Record by Thomas Cleary

Buy “The Blue Cliff Record” on Amazon

“Even to speak the word Buddha
is dragging it in the mud soaking wet.”

“The excitable observer will pass judgement first and then make knowledge conform to judgement; the prudent observer will first learn to know and then judge according to knowledge.” Thomas Cleary

Thanks Katrina for inspiring this post.  I hope you enjoy the list and find more happiness in your life. Kindest Regards, Jonathan

“You are perfect as you are, and you could use a little work.”
Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 – 1971)

“Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between these two our life flows.” Sri Nisargadatta

Please add any book recommendations to this list in my comment section below.  Or just ask me a question -  about anything.  Peace  E.y.D

Buddhist Bible – Buddhism books for beginners.

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.”

Pandorange says:
“One can only agree with the two other comments on #28
Without it the tips apply to people from all walks of life.
“Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.” Great if you are jobless.
“Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.” (that is almost everything.)
“Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.”
(Great, I assure you that I do want a job, then money earned can be used to go out on dates and have a life…)
I’ll have to agree to disagree thinking that these tips do not apply to everyone and anyone.”

ELBSeattle says:
I’ve read several postings like this one. I find them all exceedingly irritating. And this was before I got to the inane #28. God heals almost everything? What about that percentage that doesn’t get healed? Is it basically God saying, “Sorry, didn’t feel like healing you. Screw you, amputees…”

JM says:
Wow. Reading the above postings was a special experience. It’s as though #28 ruined the day for everyone who read it. I’m agnostic or atheist or I don’t really know what, but it’s really irrelevant. I’m just blown away by the negativity that one comment can provoke in people who are logging on to a website based on “enlightenment.” My personal advice would be to “Fucking lighten up.” But perhaps more sage advice would be what a Buddhist monk once told me when I struggled with one of the teachings: “Ignore that teaching. If it is a roadblock to accepting the good parts in the other passages, then you must discard it. Maybe one day you will feel differently about it, maybe not, but don’t let it get in the way of the parts which are helpful to you.” That’s my two cents. Feel free to get angry, I won’t.

Renata says:
“I absolutely agree!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree whole-heartedly with JM, you’re post was actually very inspiring.
Sure maybe some of you don’t believe in God, I’m not sure I do, but what does it matter? The rest of the post was very insightful.”

Tj says:

“What does God stand for to most people, Christian or something else, that take part in a monotheistic religion?
Love. Plenty of other pieces of advice written on this page have to be taken with a grain of salt; you have to accept that there are exceptions to the advice as not many articles of counsel are infallible in that they apply every where and all the time.
Why pick on the one that involves an idea of love in its purest state? You may not believe that the idea is real. I beg todiffer. Ideas are abstract in the first place, and as long as someone fathoms them, they exist in my opinion.
What if people ignored the question of Christianity’s integrity of existence to just see what the thing was prlly created for? What if everyone’s life revolved around the spread of love?
People spread religion out of love, they want others to be safe and have a greater meaning, but that is not what I’m trying to get across.
Religion is like a “fake out”-reference to Randy Pausch- or a trick to make you learn or do something else. Religion is like a parent, and it is structured to make you love. How? by following this supposed being, God. Why? so you can live forever.
There is more than one type of pain.”
 

Susannah says:
Kinda funny, that #28 had such an impact on those that chose to respond here. It’s just interesting to me that people are offended by “God”. Really people… isn’t God what you make him/her/it/them? If you don’t like it, skip it! Relax & realize that you’re never going to agree with EVERYTHING you read online & that what you agree with, the next person may not. It’s your choice to not like #28… but why make such an issue about it?
I think this is a great post… including #28 (even though I don’t necessarily believe that, I’m certainly not offended by it’s presence)!

Curt says:
“if god doesn’t exist, how are we here right now?
how is it a crutch to believe in something that’s real?
And I’m sorry if you’re offended by the word GOD, stop. Because everyone else isn’t offended by what you say instead.”

Big Col says:
“Well,i never even noticed #28 till you all started moaning about it!No wonder gods turned off his headphones with you lot shouting.”

Topliner says:
“For Christians, God is everything. I am from the Methodist tradition. I know God loves me and he loves you. Christians read the Bible to find out about God and how to live and be closer to Him. There is something in our Wesleyan tradition that speaks of understanding scripture better by applying Reason, Experience, and Tradition. If you question God and your relationship with Him I suggest trying prayer for a year and if at the end of that year you have not changed in any way then go back to the way you’re currently living with nothing lost but possibly a lot to gain.”

Matthew says:
“Sorry Hawkins, there will simply be more posts about God. There will also be more posts about how terrible this list is. You knew it when you made your post. I appreciate your attempt though. I agree, there is too much noise in the world. However, the solution, as far as I can tell, is more discourse, not less. I think a greater challenge to future posters would be to try and understand why or how people have written what they have written. From the spectrum of ELBSeattle to JW and everything beyond and in between, those experiences and opinions expressed are just humanity. God is many things to many people. For curt, God is a real and actual singular being. For me, I just substitute the word, “Coincidence.”
“First Coincidence made heaven & earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of Coincidence was moving over the face of the waters.”
I am going to pray to Coincidence now. Sometimes he answers my prayers. Sometimes he doesn’t. Whatever Coincidence decides, at least I have someone to talk to when I am alone.”

AtheistTruth says:
“Wow yea I was loving this list until I got to 28. Great way to trash a list of some good pieces of advice.”

Faenix says:
“First off, JM.
That was… indescribable. I knew Buddhism had something to it, and that was it.
I’m going to be truthful and say that once I read that, I got chills down my spine. Not even joking.
And to Hawkins, too bad it didn’t work. T:”

Barry says:
“Maybe The Higgs Boson particle the God PArticle .I forgot to use the ultimate healing consciousness until after reading and the writing this. A cough, a cold, and a niggly few moments in marriage.God that thing, that whatever it is…that triangle of truths? That which is whatever is left when you are looking at the wall.A robot’s self awakening Wall*E,deep down,past the growling,let it beat your conscious mind and guide from a transcended within, and compassionately observed without.”

Helkitten says:
“A typical dark spot of human nature came out here – instead of appreciating the intention of the list and the lovely suggestions, the only one that hinted to religion is slagged. It was not intended to force religion down anyone’s throat. It was simply an opinion aired which everyone has the right to do, as does Jimbo. How easy it was to keep slagging instead of find the good ones and highlighting that?
We can all be so damn silly.”

Rog says:
“# 28 Surely If you do believe (I think you’re deluded but hey everyone is entitled to their view)then God does heal everything(for you). If you don’t it’s irrelevant, why get worked up over something you don’t believe exists?”

Fred Flintstone says:
“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.”

Nick says:
“This is a great post. Has some very psycho synthetic, transpersonal points that I like. and as for #28. Think of it more as a Namaste thing. It’s the god in all of us. I am agnostic. But I am also a very spiritual person. I believe that everyone has the potential of divinity.”

IronMan says:
“I cant believe how weak minded you people are …..with no control …. you let a simple quote control your emotions and get you all uptight …. no wonder you have so many bad experiences ….”

Glenna says:
“It surprises me how much people dislike #28 and also how trite some people can find this advice, when in actuality if one applies these, life does become a lot more balanced.
Perhaps it is the concept that people have of God and their fear of the word God because of it which makes so many have adverse reactions to the word.
If it were seen as something everywhere present, including in us as us, it would not be seen as a crutch, nor something outside of ourselves we are depending on. It would rather be, acknowledging our own content and connection to all of life everywhere.”

Time says:
“time heals most things”

Gaboo says:
“Vitus Wight said-
“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. dont use it as a crutch.
Blame yourself, Love yourself and forgive yourself.”
Maybe the author agrees with your definition of ‘god’ and understands it in a similar way as you”

bKKw!& says:
“we forget the worth of words…. we heal by just the images of the thought and the creation of discussion among us all… feel free to be happy or not about #28 because all your responses reveals the hidden energy that we all like to connect to, and that is to be heard and be part of the great question in life… grab what you can from all that’s said because all this is a poem we wrote together which we titled “GOD almost heals everything.” and I do thank you for allowing this moment to add to the MAJIK that does flow in all and i find your words beautiful as it reflects all aspects of the jewel which we call “human”
……… but please all ya all… believe we can heal!!!”

Your words and opinions are always welcomed here at E.y.D

My goal with this post is to get lots comments. If I am able to reach that goal, I will concede that the majority rules, and the truth shall be revealed.

GOD heals almost everything – True or False

Please leave your 2 Cents below. Thanks

 

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 

The Path

“Everything is changing. It arises and passes away. The one who realizes this is freed from sorrow. This is the shining path.” Verse 277 

“To exist is to know suffering. Realize this and be free from suffering. This is the radiant path.”  The Buddha verse 278 

“From meditation comes wisdom, and from lack of it wisdom decays. These are the two roads. Choose your one and let wisdom increase.”  The Buddha verse 282 

Forest Wisdom

“The wise will give up lesser pleasures to obtain joy.” The Buddha verse 290 

“The one who finds pleasure in giving suffering to others will never be free from hatred.” Verse 291 

“The followers of the awakened are watchful and enlightened, as they remember the mystery of the material worlds by day and by night.”  The Buddha verse 299 

“A person of confidence and goodness will be welcomed wherever they go.”  The Buddha verse 303 

“The good shine from afar like the Himalayas in the sun. But the bad move in the darkness as hidden as arrows in the night.”  Verse 303 

“Sitting and sleeping and living alone within yourself, joyous and energetic. The silent forest will delight you.”  Verse 305 

Torment

“Just as a blade of grass will cut the hand if clumsily grasped, so a life badly lived will destroy even a follower of the path.”  The Buddha verse 311 

“Do what has to be done with a resolute heart. The lazy follower who hesitates merely scatters the dust about the road.” The Buddha verse 313 

“Those who are ashamed where there is nothing to be ashamed of, and those who have no shame when there should be shame, have wrong ideas which lead to their downfall.”  The Buddha verse 316 

“Those who imagine evil when there is no evil and those who see no evil where it exists, have false ideas which cause their own undoing.” Verse 318 

“But those who observe evil as evil and good as good see correctly and reach a state of happiness.” The Buddha verse 319 

This post is part 4 of my continuing series featuring Buddhist teachings from the Dhammapada. You can start from the beginning with The Dhammapada - the essential teachings of the Buddha.  Please share your thoughts and feelings about the 5 precepts of the Buddha in my comment section below. 

EnligtenYouDay.com is launching its first monthly Newsletter. Be one of the first 250 to subscribe and get a free copy of my upcoming eBook. You can find my subscription form in the right hand column.

Kindest Regards,

 Jonathan

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

The Awakened One

“It is hard to be born as a human being, and hard to live the life of one. It is even harder to hear of the path; and harder still to awake, to rise and to follow.”  verse 182

Yet the teaching of the Buddha is simple: ‘Cease to do evil, learn to do good. And purify your mind.’ verse 183

“Whoever reveres the awakened one and the noble path, will live in measureless serenity and peace. “

The Buddha, verse 196, The Dhammapada
 

Happiness

“Live happily, without hating even those who hate you.  Be free from hatred among those who hate.”  197

“Having tasted the sweetness of inner solitude and calmness, he who lives by the Law is free from fear and suffering.”  205

“Follow the wise, the intelligent and the awakened.  Follow them as the moon follows the path of the stars. “

The Buddha verse 208, The Dhammapada
 

Pleasure

“The good man who speaks the truth and lives it is respected wherever he goes.”  verse 217

“Just as the man returned home from a journey is met by this relatives and friends…”  verse 219

“So the man of good deeds will be welcomed in his new life by those good deeds.”   The Buddha verse 220, The Dhammapada.

Anger

“Overcome anger with kindness, evil with goodness, meanness with generosity and lying with truth.”  Verse 223

“Let a man be truthful and calm, and give to those who are in want.  By these means he will perfect himself.”  Verse 224

“Those who meditate and are watchful day and night will overcome their harmful thoughts and approach Nirvana.”  The Buddha verse  226, The Dhammapada

Impurity

“As a silversmith removes dust from silver, so the wise man rids himself gradually of all his impurities.” verse  239

“He who envies the food or gifts given to others will never know peace of mind for himself.”  verse 249

“There is no fire like hatred, no rushing river like craving, and no snare like illusion.”   The Buddha verse  251, The Dhammapada

If you missed part 1, or part 2, follow these links to enlightenment: The Dhammapada – the essential teachings of the Buddha and The Wisdom of the Buddha

 

“Through countless weary lives I have sought the builder of this house and could not find him.”  The Buddha verse 153 (Spoken by the Buddha when he became enlightened)

The wisdom of the Buddha is timeless. As I read more Buddhist text, I realize that wisdom hasn’t changed over the past few thousand years; and in a way that’s refreshing. When it comes to living a happy and balanced life, the knowledge remains the same.  Unfortunately, like most people living in a city of bright lights and big dreams; I forget – and my mind fills with cravings and secret delusions.

That opening quote from the Buddha stuck with me.  I instantly realized his message: in order to be free, we have to build our own house. The wisdom and help you need is everywhere, but at the end of the day, only you can lay the first and last stone.

This is part 2 in a 4 part series featuring quotes from the Buddha.  Click here for Part 1.  Each photo links directly to the original source.

The Sage

“Like a Swan that rises from the lake, with his thoughts at peace he moves onward, never looking back.”  The Buddha, verse 91, The Dhammapada

“Still and calm is he who has awakened. His mind is peaceful and his words and deeds reflect this.”  v 96

“In village or forest, on the hills or in the plain, wherever the awakened ones live is delightful.”  v 98

“Delightful are those forests where the worldly fail to find delight. There the awakened ones are joyful, wanting nothing.”   The Buddha, verse 99

The Thousands

“Better than a thousand meaningless words is one word of sense, which brings the hearer peace.”  v 100

“Though one man conquer a thousand men in battle a thousand times, he who conquers himself is the greatest warrior.”  v 103

“The conquest of oneself is better then the conquest of all others.”  v 104

“Better than a hundred years of ignorance and folly is one day of wise and clear-sighted living.” v 111

“ better then one hundred years of idleness is one day spent with energy and determination.”  v 112

“Better to understand for a single day the fleeting nature of things than to live for a hundred years without such understanding.”  The Buddha, verse 113, The Dhammapada.

Trouble

“Do good, and do it again and again, and gladness and happiness will be the outcome.”  The Buddha, verse  118

“Even a good man suffers trouble while his good deed has not ripened, but when it bears fruit he is happy.”  v 120

“Do not belittle your own goodness: ‘I have not deserved this.’ Drop by drop the pitcher is filled and the wise man is filled with virtue.”  v 122

“Like dust thrown against the wind, trouble falls back upon the fool who harms the harmless.”  v125

“Not in the sky, nor in the sea, nor in a cave in the mountains can a man escape from his harmful deeds.  The Buddha, verse 127, The Dhammapada.

Punishment

“All men fear pain and death, all men love life.  Remembering that he is one of them, let a man neither strike or kill.”  The Buddha verse 130

“He who is silent like a gong which is broken, knows stillness.  He reaches freedom, where there is no more striving.”  v 134

“Not nakedness, nor matted hair, nor fasting nor sleeping on the ground, neither rubbing the body with dust nor sitting like an ascetic can purify a man who has not solved his doubts.”  The Buddha verse 141 The Dhammapada

Old age

“The world is ablaze! Yet people laugh. They are clouded deep in darkness. Why do they not seek the light?”  The Buddha verse 146

“Just as the brilliant carriages of kings wear out, so does the body become old. But teachings of the wise never grow old, they pass on for ever to the good.”  v151

“Through countless weary lives I have sought the builder of this house and could not find him.”  The Buddha verse 154 (Spoken by the Buddha when he became enlightened)

“Now I have found you, O builder, and never again shall you build this house.  The rafters are snapped, the ridgepole is shattered.  My mind has reached the end of craving and is free.”  v 154

Self

“If a man is himself controlled, he will be able to control others. When he comes to know himself, he will be able to teach others.”  The Buddha verse 159

“It is easy to lose yourself in mischief.  What is helpful and good is often hard to do.”  verse 163

“By oneself evil is done; by oneself one suffers.  By oneself good is done; by oneself one is purified.  Purity and impurity belong to oneself. No one can purify another.”  The Buddha, verse 166

“Your work is to find out what your work should be and not to neglect it for another’s.  Clearly discover your work and attend to it with all your heart.”   The Buddha, verse 166, The Dhammapada.

The Dhammapada Part IIFrom: ceniboy | December 09, 2007 | 770 views

The Dhammapada contains the most essential oral teachings of the Buddha.  Perhaps, the best know Buddhist text, it consists of 423 verses compiled in the 3rd century BCE.  The teachings of the Buddha aim to set out the Law of the Universe, and if we live within these laws, happiness and peace will be the result.

I am no Yogi, Buddhist, or true Zen practitioner. I’m just a guy trying to find a little peace in this crazy of a world of ours.  And one of my goals with E.Y.D is to share a little of that peace with you.  So I hope you will enjoy a few enlightening verses of wisdom.  Each photo links directly to its original source of Flickr, and you can find a full audio version of The Dhammapada on my Youtube Channel.

Part 1: the essential teachings of the Buddha – Verses from The Dhammapada

The Choice

“All that we are is the result of our thoughts; it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world. If a man speaks or acts with a harmonious thought happiness follows him as his own shadow, never leaving him.”  The Buddha,  The Dhammapada v2

“Hating can never overcome hatred. Only love can bring the end of hating. This is the eternal law.”   v4

“All the holy words you read and all the holy words you speak are as nothing if you do not act upon them.  Even if you read little and say little but live the right way, forsaking craving, hatred and delusion, you will know the truth and find calmness and will show others the path.”  The Buddha,  v20 The Dhammapada

Watchfulness

“A kindly person who is energetic for good will be looked upon well by everybody.”   The Buddha, v24  The Dhammapada

“Stay awake. Watch and reflect.  Work with careful attention.  In this way you will find the lights within yourself.”   v27

“Watchful among the thoughtless, awake among the sleepers, the meditating man advances like a racer, without hindrance.”  The Buddha, v29   The Dhammapada

The Mind

“As the bowman makes straight his arrows, so the wise man straightens his unsteady mind.”   v33

“Such as wandering  mind is weak and unsteady, attracted here, there, and everywhere. How good it is to control it and know the happiness of freedom.”   v35

“A troubled mind, however, does not see the way.  If a man is ignorant and filled with doubt, he can never find the true path.”  v38

“Whatever an enemy may do, he cannot harm as much as your own wrongly directed thoughts.” v40
“But once you understand, no one – neither your father nor mother – can do much good to you as your own well-directed thoughts.”  The Buddha,  v43   The Dhammapada

Flowers

“While such a thoughtless man is gathering the flowers of pleasure, he is overtaken by death before he can ever be satisfied.”  v48

“When the bee collects honey it does not spoil the beauty or scent of the flower. So let the sage settled in himself and wander as he wills.”    v49

“Like beautiful flowers that have colour but no scent are the eloquent but empty sayings of the man who does not act according to his words.”   v51

“Craving never blocks the path of those who live upright lives. Their wisdom sets them free.“  The Buddha  The Dhammapada,  v57

The Fool

“The fool thinks anxiously, ‘The children and this wealth is mine.’ But he is not even master of himself, much less of children.”  The Buddha,  The Dhammapada  v62

“Do only what you will not regret and the fruit of your deeds will be reaped in joy.”  The Buddha,  The Dhammapada v68

The Wise Man

“Look upon the wise man how shows you where you are mistaken as a revealer of treasures. It is good to know such a man.”  The Buddha  The Dhammapada, v62.

“The wise man follows the way of the awakened. He lives happily, with his mind as ease.”  v72

“As the rock remains unmoved by the storm, so the wise remain unmoved by praise or blame.”  The Buddha The Dhammapada, v81

Bonnie Raitt

Flickr photo by Alicepopkorn

1.)  “That which you resist stays.”  David R. Hawkins

2.)  “Would you rather be right or free?”  Byron Katie

3.)  “Misery is complexity. Happiness is simplicity.”  Lester Levenson

4.)  “The more you have, the more you are occupied, the less you give.”  Mother Teresa

5.)  “Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.”   Khalil Gibran

6.)  “And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to the span of life?”  Jesus

Photo found on Pixdaus

7.)  “To be in time is to be asleep: to be awake is to be in eternity.”  Osho

8.)  “Wherever we may come alive, that is the area in which we are spiritual.”  David Steindl-Rast

9.)  “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”  Rumi Quote

10.)  “Success is a welcomed gift for the uninhibited mind.”  Adlin Sinclair

11.)  “I love all religions, but I am in love with my own.”  Mother Teresa

12.)  “I consider myself a student of many religions. The more I learn, the more questions I have.”  Dan Brown

Flickr photo by Impersonne

13.)  “Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.”  Anthony de Mello

14.)  “The Church has its problems, but the older I get, the more comfort I find there.”  Bono

15.)  “The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers.”  Deepak Chopra

16.)  “The purpose of the heart is to know yourself, to be yourself, and yet one with God.”  Edgar Cayce

15.)  “The lust for comfort murders the passions of the soul.”  Khalil Gibran

16.)  “The personal life deeply lived always expands into truths beyond itself.”  Anais Nin
17.)  “If you reflect within yourself and find nothing to be ashamed of, how could you have anxiety or fear.”  Confucius

18.)  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Jesus

Flickr photo by Xavier .

19.)  “You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!”  Eckhart Tolle

20.)  “Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.”  Carl Jung

21.)  “I believe in myself. I believe in the hands that work, in the brains that think, and in the hearts that love.”  Richard Branson

22.)  “It enables me to go to bed with an enriching feeling in my soul and the belief that I am changing myself.”  Nelson Mandela

23.)  “But maybe, by raising my voice, I can help the greatest of all causes – good will among men and peace on earth.”  Albert Einstein

Flickr photo by Eddi 07

24.)  “Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” The Buddha

25.)  “One hour’s meditation on the work of the Creator is better than seventy years of prayer.”  Muhammad

26.)  “In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.”  Gandhi

27.)  “…where we entirely miss the obvious-that is, that we are all trying to decipher life’s big mysteries, and we’re each following our own paths of enlightenment.”  Dan Brown

28.)  “When a warrior learns to stop the internal dialogue, everything becomes possible; the most far-fetched schemes become.”  Carlos Castaneda

29.)  “Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”   Joseph Campbell

Flickr photo by Job earth

30.)  “It is love alone that leads to right action. What brings order in the world is to love and let love do what it will.”  Jiddu Krishnamurti
31.)  “Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive – the risk to be alive and express what we really are.”  Miguel Angel Ruiz

32.)  “It’s just such a freeing thing to set these great challenges for yourself, to travel, to learn more about the world, to just go out there and get crazy and get free and get strong.” Angelina Jolie

34.)  “I think there’s an invisible principle of living too. If we believe we’re guided through every step of our lives, we are. It’s a lovely sight, watching it work.”  Richard Bach

35.)  “Look at every path closely and deliberately, then ask ourselves this crucial question: Does this path have a heart? If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn’t, it is of no use.”  Carlos Castaneda

36.)  “However many holy words you read, However many you speak, What good will they do you If you do not act on upon them?”  Buddha

Flickr photo by quas

37.)  “It is only by grounding our awareness in the living sensation of our bodies that the “I Am,” our real presence, can awaken.”   G.I. Gurdjieff

38.)  “We have always been involved in spiritual evolution. We are spiritual beings, we have always been spiritual beings and we will always be spiritual beings.”  Gary Zukav

39.)  “Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.”  Rumi

40.)  “In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.”  Buddha

41.)  “The Buddha’s teachings on love are clear. It is possible to live twenty-four hours a day in a state of love. Every movement, every glance, every thought, and every word can be infused with love.”  Thich Nhat Hanh

42.)  “The continual awareness of what was going on made me feel ashamed I wasn’t saying anything. I burst out because I could no longer play that game any more, it was just too much for me.”  John Lennon

Flickr photo by Yorick

43.)  “Without faith, hope and trust, there is no promise for the future, and without a promising future, life has no direction, no meaning and no justification.”  Adlin Sinclair
44.)  “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”   Buddha

45.)  “We must have the faith that things will work out somehow, that God will make a way for us when there seems no way.”  Martin Luther King
46.)  “Through awareness, you get a certain attitude. That’s the way, you see, to achieve more peaceful, more compassion, more friendship through that way.”  14th Dalai Lama

47.)  “Spiritual practices help us move from identifying with the ego to identifying with the soul. Old age does that for you too. It spiritualizes people naturally.”  Ram Dass

48.)  “The sage seeks freedom from desire. He does not collect precious things. He learns not to hold on to ideas. He brings men back to what they have lost.”  Lao Tzu

Flickr photo by Xavier Fargas

49.)  “If we knock on the door until it opens, not taking no for an answer, our lives will be transformed as we step up into a higher awareness.”  James Redfield
50.)  “I see the potential for a new world being born in front of me and all around me, and I feel the only way to bring that potential into being is to know myself.”  Gary Zukav

51.)  “No one in the world was ever you before, with your particular gifts and abilities and possibilities. It’s a shame to waste those by doing what someone else has done.”  Joseph Campbell

52.)  “We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or other people’s models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open.”  Shakti Gawain

Flickr photo by Eddi o7

53.)  “The highest level of creativity consists in being, not doing. When the being is intense enough, when the words are spoken enough, when the thoughts are thought enough, the doing will automatically follow.”  Marianne Williamson

54.)  “Only as a warrior can one withstand the path of knowledge. A warrior cannot complain or regret anything. His life is an endless challenge, and challenges cannot possibly be good or bad. Challenges are simply challenges.”  Carlos Castaneda

55.)  “If you deny yourself access to the child within because you’re too serious, you also block your connection to the divine Light and your feminine self. Every creator who’s any good uses their feminine side to create with.. Whether a scientist working on a hunch, a painter working on the interplay of colors, or a musician dealing with the juxtaposition of notes and chords.”  Stuart Wilde

56.)  “Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.”  Fyodor Dostoyevsky

57.)  “The secret of attraction is to love yourself. Attractive people judge neither themselves nor others. They are open to gestures of love. They think about love, and express their love in every action. They know that love is not a mere sentiment, but the ultimate truth at the heart of the universe.”  Deepak Chopra

Flickr photo by Ben

58.)  “I think the new spirituality will be a spirituality that’s not based on a particular dogma. And that steps away from the old spiritual paradigm that we have created on this planet, which comes from a thought that there is such a thing as being better.”  Neale Donald Walsch

59.)  “I have an almost religious zeal… not for technology per se, but for the Internet which is for me, the nervous system of mother Earth, which I see as a living creature, linking up.”  Dan Millman

60.)   “Where is the peace in more is better?  This idea keeps us exclusively in the physical domain.  You can replace the more is better belief with an inner serenity that doesn’t need more to be acceptable.  There is no peace in more is better, and if it doesn’t being peace to your life, then it’s something you want to discard.”   Wayne Dyer

61.)  “Happiness is not pleasure, it is victory.”  Zig Ziglar

Photo by Lord V 

“I discovered the secret of the sea in meditation upon the dewdrop.” Spiritual Sayings by Kahlil Gibran

 It was a chilly damp Saturday in Vancouver as I strolled the streets with my broken umbrella. I have a few days off and a seemingly impossible list of things to do. I feel blue melancholy with a hints of hopelessness. I feel the dull beat of my heart in the succumbing presence of my being. Sad tears tapping down letters and words from its beat. Nonsensical music fluttering out of my pores. Disdainful thoughts of nothing more. Blackening tremors of firth. A loveless day. In hopes of lifting my spirits, I perused the used book stores looking for inspiration, something to bring new hope; maybe even an omen. Looking to enlighten my own sad day. Only one author comes to mind, Kahlil Gibran, who writes pure stark beauty for the soul.

 Quotes from the book: Spiritual Sayings of Kahlil Gibran.

 “Passionate love is a quenchless thirst.” p. 30 

“To be closer to god, be closer to people.” p. 3

“The pain that accompanies love, invention, and responsibility also gives delight.” P. 36

“Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.” p. 28

dancretul’s photo

“Sayings remain meaningless until they are embodied in habits.” p. 27

 “It is slavery to live in the mind unless it has become part of the body.” p. 4

Photo by Marco Guerra

“Does the song of the sea end at the shore or in the hearts of those who listen to it?” p. 9

“No lower can a man descend than to interpret his dreams into gold and silver.” p. 3

“Poverty is a temporary fault, but excessive wealth is a lasting ailment.” p. 29

 “Three things I like in literature: rebellion, perfection, and the abstract. And the three things I hate in it are imitation, distortion, and complexity.” p. 8

“Keep me from the wisdom that does not weep, and the philosophy that does not laugh, and the pride that does not bow its head before a child.” p. 18

Photo by carf

“They say if one understands himself, he understands all people. But I say to you, when one loves people, he learns something about himself.” P. 37

“Art arises when the secret vision of the artist and the manifestation of nature agree to find new shapes. “ p. 24

 Photo by Michael G. Magin

“The difficulty we meet with in reaching our goal is the shortest path to it.” p. 23

“We may change with the seasons, but the seasons will not change us.” p. 8

 “Beauty in the heart that longs for it is more sublime that in the eyes of him who sees it. “ p. 26

“The heartbreak of love sings, the sadness of knowledge speaks, the melancholy of desire whispers, and the anguish of poverty weeps. But there is a sorrow deeper than love, loftier than knowledge, stronger than desire, and more bitter than poverty. It is mute and has no voice; its eyes glitter like stars.” p. 16 

 “Enthusiasm is a volcano on whose top never grows the grass of hesitation.” p. 22

“Prayer is the song of the heart that makes its way to the throne of God even when entangled in the wailing of thousands of souls.” p. 54

 Photo by Olivia Leigh

“The poet is he who makes you feel, after reading his poem, that his best verses have not yet been composed.” p. 14

 “I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, that lord among those without dreams and desires. p. 2

 Related Posts: Passages from A second Treasury of Kahlil Gibran on A first Kiss, Loneliness and Love

 

“Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” Wayne Dyer

When it comes to audio tapes: Dr. Wayne Dyer is king. About 3 weeks ago, I accidentally spilled water on my laptop, and as a result I lost some extremely valuable information. Most notably, along with pictures and unfinished work, I lost all my Wayne Dryer audio tape collection. So on a recent trip to the book store, I picked up a copy Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book, Getting into the Gap, which included a free meditation CD.  Getting into the Gap is a great introduction to meditation; and the world of Wayne Dyer. So I thought I would share his practical guidance for meditation and a summary of his nine spiritual principles here on E.Y.D. Dr. Dyer is an internationally renowned speaker and author of over 30 books, and I highly recommend his audio tapes to my readers.

 Dr. Wayne Dyer’s practical guide to meditation:

“Connect to the divine Source with unconditional love. This principles creates an awareness of the significance of accepting your manifestations with absolute love.” Dr. Dyer

1.) “There’s no such thing as a bad meditation. Any time you spend time in silence is valuable, even if your inner voice is persistent and loud. Don’t judge it; just observe it. Simply observe yourself sitting there, and when a stray thought suddenly appears, just note it, and use its presence as a reminder to go back to the gap.”

2.)  “With time, your inner dialogue will shut down. We all know that mastery is seldom achieved without practice. Meditation is no exception. Perhaps that’s why it’s called practice. With the passage of time, you’ll easily slip into the gap with joyous anticipation of reuniting with God.”

3.)  “There’s no right or wrong time to meditate. Each of us finds our most comfortable time of day, so don’t try to do this on someone else’s schedule. You can slip into the gap frequently if you take advantage of a two minute stop at a traffic light, a pause in a meeting, a trip to the rest room, or the time you spend waiting for an appointment.”

4.)  “There’s no correct mediation length. I find that approximately 20 minutes per session twice daily is optimal for me. However, even a few moments can be nurturing. I’ve also learned that a two or three hour flight is a grand opportunity for me to spend an extended period of time in the gap, and that the time passes in what seems like a few moments.”

5.)  “There’s no correct posture or place for meditation. Find what makes you comfortable and trust it. Sitting, lying down, kneeling – whatever works for you is the perfect posture. Anyplace at all can serve as your location. Since I travel so much, I’m not particular about location, while some people I know use the same posture, the same chair, and the same time every day. Whatever “floats your boat”, as my teenagers say, is fine.”

“Everything in the universe has a purpose. Indeed, the invisible intelligence that flows through everything in a purposeful fashion is also flowing through you.”  Wayne Dyer

Dr. Wayne Dyer’s nine spiritual principles:

1.)  “Become aware of your highest self. This awareness helps you know that you are more then merely a physical creation.”

2.)  “Trust yourself so that you trust the wisdom that created you. This principle establishes you are one and the same with the universal God-force.”

3.)  “Realize that you are more then an organism in an environment. You are an Environorganism. This principle establishes that there is no separation between you and anything outside you in the material world.”

4.)  “Know that you can attract to yourself what you desire. This principle establishes your power to attract that which you are already connected to.”

5.)  “Honor your worthiness to receive. This principle affirms that you are worthy of all that is attracted to your life.”

6.)  “Connect to the divine Source with unconditional love. This principles creates an awareness of the significance of accepting your manifestations with absolute love.”

7.)  “Meditate to the sound of creation. This principle gives you the tools for vibrating to the sounds that are in the world of creation.”

8.)  “Patiently detach from the outcome. This principle emphasizes the need to remove demands and become infinitely patient.”

9.)  “Receive you manifestations with gratitude and generosity. This principle teaches you the value of taming the ego while being thankful and serving others with your manifestations.”

A few more quotes:

“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.”  Wayne Dyer

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” Wayne Dyer

“It’s never crowded along the extra mile.”  Wayne Dyer

Related Posts: Wise and inspiring Zen instructions on life from the Dalai Lama

Ancient prayers and meditations for peace and love