Graeme Ferguson RIP July 19, 2005

Mr. Ferguson was born in Clydebank, Scotland in 1978 and passed away 2005 in Ottawa.

He is survived by his fiance Emma and parents.

Graeme grew up in Ladner, and has been to his native Scotland.

As well he's been a chef in his youth, cooking for many important movers and shakers of the world, even in South-East Asia.

Despite all the crap that's happened in his life, the soul he was loaned by God returned to the Godhead pure and clear.

Scìth, a chara na n-àrann!

Gràsta ò Dhia air,
a odhara na n-àrann!

Rest, my dear friend!
God will grace you,
my Scottish friend!

Skillful speech

Skillful speech not only means that we pay attention to the words we speak and to their tone but also requires that our words reflect compassion and concern for others and that they help and heal, rather than wound and destroy.

-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, 'Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness'

Focus on your own actions

It is very important that you do not compare your actions to your partner's or judge your partner's behavior as unskillful. Rather, focus on your own actions and take responsibility for them. Recall those times when you looked into your partner's eyes and saw the pain you caused this person you love to suffer. If you can admit your own faults, if you can see how hurtful your actions were and tap into a sense of concern for your partner's well-being, then compassion and loving-friendliness will flow.

-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness"

By focusing on my own actions and taking responsibility for them, I take responsibility for the pain I cause my loved ones.

At times I can be selfish and cruel, but now I see how hurtful my actions are. Out of concern for the well-being of my loved ones, compassion and loving-friendliness will flow to help us achieve happiness in our lives.

Encircled with craving

Encircled with craving,
people hop 'round & around
like a rabbit caught in a snare.
Tied with fetters & bonds
they go on to suffering,
again & again, for long.

Encircled with craving,
people hop 'round & around
like a rabbit caught in a snare.
So a monk
should dispel craving,
should aspire to dispassion
for himself.

-Dhammapada, 24, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.