War is like a fire in the human community, one whose fuel is living beings. We are so conditioned to see it as thrilling that we talk about this or that marvelous weapon as a remarkable piece of technology without remembering that, if it is actually used, it will burn living people. War also strongly resembles a fire in the way it spreads. If one area gets weak, the commanding officer sends in reinforcements. This is throwing live people onto a fire. No soldiers want to be wounded or die. None of his loved ones wants any harm to come to him. If one soldier is killed, or maimed for life, at least another five or ten people – his relatives and friends – suffer as well. We should all be horrified by the extent of this tragedy, but we are too confused. ~Dalai Lama

"Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it…Don't allow his anger to become your anger." ~Bohdi Sanders

Winning gives birth to hostility.
Losing, one lies down in pain.
The calmed lie down with ease,
having set winning & losing aside.

Dhammapada, The Buddha

http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/never-respond.html

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We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing?

― Swami Satchidananda

http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/serenity.html

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Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end. ~Author Unknown

http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-special-friend.html

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A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom.
~Chinese Proverb

“If love were what the rose is,
And I were like the leaf,
Our lives would grow together
In sad or singing weather.”
~Algernon Swinburne

Flowers have an expression of countenance
as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile;
some have a sad expression; some are pensive
and diffident; others are plain, honest and upright,
like the broad faced sunflower and the hollyhock.

~Henry Ward Beecher

Love is the nourishment for the soul. Just as food is to the body, so love is to the soul. Without food the body is weak, without love the soul is weak. Love makes you rebellious, revolutionary. Love gives you wings to soar high. Love gives you insight into things, so that nobody can deceive you, exploit you, oppress you.

~Osho, The Dhammapada

Fight off the feeling of helplessness. You have the power to create, nurture, and mold. Your voice may be soft, but it carries a sense of purpose. Your shoulders may be delicate, but they can carry the burden of a family with ease. Believe in yourself. ~Quotations

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Love is what carries you, for it is always there, even in the dark, or most in the dark,
but shining out at times like gold stitches in a piece of embroidery.  

…And we pray, not for new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye clear.
What we need is here. ~Wendell Berry