Today is the day on which we Buddhists come together to observe the Uposatha precepts and listen to the Dhamma, as is our custom. The point of listening to the Dhamma is firstly to create some understanding of the things we don’t yet understand, to clarify them, and secondly, to improve our grasp of the things we understand already. We must rely on Dhamma talks to improve our understanding, and listening is the crucial factor.
For today’s talk please pay special attention, first of all straightening up your posture to make it suitable for listening. Don’t be too tense. Now, all that remains is to establish your minds, making your minds firm in samadhi. The mind is the important ingredient. The mind is that which perceives good and evil, right and wrong. If we are lacking in sati for even one minute, we are crazy for that minute; if we are lacking in sati for half an hour we will be crazy for half an hour. However much our mind is lacking in sati, that’s how crazy we are. That’s why it’s especially important to pay attention when listening to the Dhamma.
All creatures in this world are plagued by nothing other than suffering. There is only suffering disturbing the mind. Studying the Dhamma is for the purpose of utterly destroying this suffering. If suffering arises it’s because we don’t really know it. No matter how much we try to control it through will power, or through wealth and possessions, it is impossible. If we don’t thoroughly understand suffering and its cause, no matter how much we try to “trade it off” with our deeds, thoughts or worldly riches, there’s no way we can do so. Only through clear knowledge and awareness, through knowing the truth of it, can suffering disappear. And this applies not only to homeless ones, the monks and novices, but also to householders: for anybody who knows the truth of things, suffering automatically ceases. Continue reading
You are as the yellow leaf.
The messengers of death are at hand.
You are to travel far away.
What will you take with you?
You are the lamp
To lighten the way.
Then hurry, hurry.
When your light shines
Without impurity or desire
You will come into the boundless country.
Your life is falling away.
Death is at hand.
Where will you rest on the way?
What have you taken with you?
You are the lamp
To lighten the way.
Then hurry, hurry.
When your light shines purely
You will not be born
And you will not die.
― Gautama Buddha, The Dhammapada
Pug average running speed is around 3-5mph – These guys are just not that quick unfortunately and they get tired easily. So if you’re looking for a dog that you can take on your morning jogs, this breed is probably not for you. Pugs are considered to be a toy breed – Since these little guys are so small in size compared most of the other dog breeds, they are classified as a toy breed. Source: Pugtips
Happiness starts with you –
Not with your relationships
Not with your job
Not with your money
Not with your circumstances
But only and only with you.
~Santabanta sms
A Pack of Pugs is called a Grumble – If you ever see a group of Pugs running together, you better move out the way because no one stands a chance against the Grumble Bundle. Chinese name for Pugs is Lo-Sze – Good luck trying to pronounce that one correctly. I’m not going to even try. I’ll just end up embarrassing myself. Source: Pugtips
Think positively
Exercise daily
Eat healthy
Stay strong
Work hard
Worry less
Love often
Be happy!
~Santabanta sms