Having a wider heart and mind is more important than having a larger house. ~Venerable Cheng Yen

♥ Before you say an unkind word – Think of someone who can’t speak.
♥ Before you complain about the taste of your food – Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
♥ Before you complain about your husband or wife – Think of someone who’s crying out to GOD for a companion.
♥ Before you complain about life – Think of someone who went too early to Heaven.
♥ Before whining about the distance you drive – Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
♥ And when you are tired and complain about your job – Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job…
♥ And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down – Put a Smile on your face and think: You’re Alive and still around. ~Unknown

The recital of the Jayamangala Gatha, a set of eight benedictory stanzas extolling the virtues of the Buddha, is usually done on important occasions or when inaugurating any venture of significance. The contents of the stanzas, when recited clearly, are intended to bring happiness and success in all good endeavours we embark upon. These verses have come to be called “The Stanzas of Victory” or Jayamangala Gatha. A unique feature that concludes each verse is the line “By virtue of this, may joyous victory be yours.” These stanzas are regarded as efficacious because they relate to eight occasions, each based on beautiful story, where the Buddha triumphed over his powerful opponents by the sheer power of good.

Through these verses, one will realize that true victory is JOY; where none is left dejected or in pain. Each time the Buddha triumph over His adversaries, He left them with realizations and awe over the pure powers of generosity, patience, self control, loving kindness, serenity, peace, truthfulness and other virtues. The vanguished never leaves without lamp of wisdom being lighted; ensuring them greater happiness.

While the origin of these stanzas is shrouded in mystery, it can be stated with certainty that they were compose in Sri Lanka by a devout Buddhist poet.

Many says, I want change
Want change in my time
Want change in my life
I want a change badly
I want change, many say

They pray for a change
They wish for a change
They look for a change
But they will not change
They just wait for change

It never happens to them
It will never ever happen
By mere prayer or wish
It must start from inside
With tons of determination

Change is not so easy
It takes lots of time
So it needs determination
The will to make change
The will to see change

Then only things will change
Then only time will change
Then only life will change
So go and get change
To see the bliss of change

~Kranthi Pothineni