The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.
Hamilton Wright Mabie
(Picture: Malibu Beach, Los Angeles, CA)
“The moon will never lie to anyone. Be like the moon. No one hates the moon or wants to kill it. The moon does not take antidepressants and never gets sent to prison. The moon never shot a guy in the face and ran away. The moon has been around a long time and has never tried to rip anyone off. The moon does not care who you want to touch or what color you are. The moon treats everyone the same. The moon never tries to get in on the guest list or use your name to impress others. Be like the moon. When others insult or belittle in an attempt to elevate themselves, the moon sits passively and watches, never lowering itself to anything that weak. The moon is beautiful and bright. It needs no makeup to look beautiful. The moon never shoves clouds out of its way so it can be seen. The moon needs not fame or money to be powerful. The moon never asks you to go to war to defend it. Be like the moon.”
By thinking of all sentient beings as even better than the wish-granting gem,
for accomplishing the highest aim, may I always consider them precious.
Wherever I go, with whomever I go,may I see myself as less than all others, and from the depth of my heart,
may I consider them supremely precious.
May I examine my mind in all actions, and as soon as a negative state occurs,
since it endangers myself and others
,may I firmly face and avert it.
When I see beings of a negative dispositionor those oppressed by negativity or pain,
may I, as if finding a treasure, consider them precious, for they are rarely met.
Whenever others, due to their jealousy,
revile and treat me in other unjust ways,
may I accept this defeat myself,
and offer the victory to others.
When someone whom I have helped,or in whom I have placed great hope, harms me with great injustice,
may I see him as a sacred friend.
In short, may I offer both directly and indirectly all joy and benefit to all beings,
my mothers, and may I myself secretly take on all of their hurt and suffering.
May they not be defiled by the concepts of the eight mundane concerns,
and aware that all things are illusory, may they, ungrasping, be free from bondage.
by Kadampa Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054 – 1123)
Love & Light
“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.” ― Susan Sontag
*An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life…
He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil—he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”
They thought about it for a minute, and then one child asked his grandfather…
“Which wolf will win, Grandfather?”
The Elder simply replied, “The one you feed.”*
Rosalie Bardo 