Ahimsa, active harmlessness, empowers people to do 'random acts of kindness', to help people in need, out of compassion, without any expectation of reward.
Metanoia is the realization that all sentient beings are helping you to become spiritually enlightened. Thus when a person realizes other people are helping him, that is metanoia.
This is the essence of "changing your ways" and changing your mind from the path of spiritual sin to follow the spiritual path of redemption. In Christianity, baptism celebrates this change of mind symbolically.
In Buddhism, Venerable Kongmu writes that "repentance in Buddhism is acknowledging our freedom and our ability to move through and beyond our mistakes in an honest appraisal of our lives."
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, 'repentance (Ancient Greek: μετάνοια, metanoia, "changing one's mind") isn't remorse, justification, or punishment, but a continual enactment of one's freedom, deriving from renewed choice and leading to restoration (the return to man's original state).'
Thus, repentance is affirmed as that change of mind that accompanies a spiritual rebirth into the deeply spiritual realm called euphemistically by Christians "the state of Grace".
Thus, the spiritually enlightened person becomes more kindly and more helpful towards other people. Thinking good of other people, he behaves out of compassion in a manner contrary to his "old ways".
Indeed is he harmless to all, remaining nonviolent while defending other people and himself from harm.
Originally posted July 4, 2005 at 5:42 PM
Reference:
Ahimsa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa
Metanoia (theology): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metanoia_(theology)
Repentance before the 88 Buddhas - Buddha Fields: http://kongmu.wordpress.com/2011/10/09/88-buddhas/
Jesus Prayer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Prayer
Showing posts with label harmlessness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label harmlessness. Show all posts
20140824
20140406
Life Is All Smoke and Mirrors (satire)
Nothing is either good or evil. There just is Yin and Yang. All good and evil is is just smoke and mirrors.
Yet Westerners love to delude themselves by believing good and evil have been here from the beginning. The only thing that is here from the beginning is the Tao.
When humanity becomes extinct, the Tao will remain. Then a new champion will arise take our place.
My bet is on the cockroaches...
Thus all of creation is neither solely good nor solely evil. Instead, all of it but the balance of Yin and Yang, dark and light as one.
This is why it is impossible for me to accept Christianity or even Islam completely. Christianity makes it seem as good and evil pre-date Creation. If you're not good enough for Islam, then the Fire is your destination. It all seems black and white to the ʍuslim.
However, by not being Jewish or Christian, but somewhat touched by the Quran, ɪ still am going to spout words that would get me stoned in the Middle East, mainly because I have outed myself as an unbeliever in strict Muslim eyes and an apostate to Christian and Jewish ideals.
However, it is all an illusion, this concept of good versus evil. For in each of us is the potential for great evil and also great good.
Few of the religionists will grasp my meaning, because they take sides on the concept of good and evil, falsely tainting it as "good versus evil" which is a fallacy if one believes that "forces of good" and "force of evil" predate humanity.
Each of us creates by our actions good or evil, depending on whether each act leads to confusion or to understanding.
In Buddhism, it is said that evil is the result of actions that create confusion and pain. All good actions result from creating conditions that favor peace and understanding. It is impossible to be a goody-two-shoes, because when you least expect it, your good actions might result in suffering for other living beings.
One of the Buddhist precepts is about not killing a living being. Bacteria are living beings, but if we do not kill them with antibiotics, then we might end up dead. This is why we wash our hands.
Yet killing a living being is against the Buddhist precepts. However, because a bacteria is causing us harm, we allow ourselves the right to defend ourselves to kill it. Once ɪ continue my thoughts on this topic, the line between good and evil becomes fuzzy. It is no longer a question of black and white anymore.
Good and evil exist together. You cannot have one without the other. They are not opposites; they are complements.
In my opinion, the same applies to the Absolute and the Void. They coexist to form Space. Yes, I am saying being and nothingness coexist to form the whole universe, reality and unreality, the whole existence, and life as we know it.
Therefore the end of the world story of all evil being consumed by Fire is only half the story of that time, because the brimstone is a clue that the Fire cleans everything of the darkness that is Evil. Once cleans, the goodness of all souls God create remains to return to him in the Absolute. This is known as returning to the Godhead.
Only the wise will understand what I just said. Those people who think ɪ am babbling, their understanding is limited.
This is why it is best for you who understand to just forget what I just said. Truth like this only sounds like babbling but is known to the depth of the souls of the wise.
Originally postedː ʍarch 31, 2014 03ː18 PDT
Yet Westerners love to delude themselves by believing good and evil have been here from the beginning. The only thing that is here from the beginning is the Tao.
When humanity becomes extinct, the Tao will remain. Then a new champion will arise take our place.
My bet is on the cockroaches...
Thus all of creation is neither solely good nor solely evil. Instead, all of it but the balance of Yin and Yang, dark and light as one.
This is why it is impossible for me to accept Christianity or even Islam completely. Christianity makes it seem as good and evil pre-date Creation. If you're not good enough for Islam, then the Fire is your destination. It all seems black and white to the ʍuslim.
However, by not being Jewish or Christian, but somewhat touched by the Quran, ɪ still am going to spout words that would get me stoned in the Middle East, mainly because I have outed myself as an unbeliever in strict Muslim eyes and an apostate to Christian and Jewish ideals.
However, it is all an illusion, this concept of good versus evil. For in each of us is the potential for great evil and also great good.
Few of the religionists will grasp my meaning, because they take sides on the concept of good and evil, falsely tainting it as "good versus evil" which is a fallacy if one believes that "forces of good" and "force of evil" predate humanity.
Each of us creates by our actions good or evil, depending on whether each act leads to confusion or to understanding.
In Buddhism, it is said that evil is the result of actions that create confusion and pain. All good actions result from creating conditions that favor peace and understanding. It is impossible to be a goody-two-shoes, because when you least expect it, your good actions might result in suffering for other living beings.
One of the Buddhist precepts is about not killing a living being. Bacteria are living beings, but if we do not kill them with antibiotics, then we might end up dead. This is why we wash our hands.
Yet killing a living being is against the Buddhist precepts. However, because a bacteria is causing us harm, we allow ourselves the right to defend ourselves to kill it. Once ɪ continue my thoughts on this topic, the line between good and evil becomes fuzzy. It is no longer a question of black and white anymore.
Good and evil exist together. You cannot have one without the other. They are not opposites; they are complements.
In my opinion, the same applies to the Absolute and the Void. They coexist to form Space. Yes, I am saying being and nothingness coexist to form the whole universe, reality and unreality, the whole existence, and life as we know it.
Therefore the end of the world story of all evil being consumed by Fire is only half the story of that time, because the brimstone is a clue that the Fire cleans everything of the darkness that is Evil. Once cleans, the goodness of all souls God create remains to return to him in the Absolute. This is known as returning to the Godhead.
Only the wise will understand what I just said. Those people who think ɪ am babbling, their understanding is limited.
This is why it is best for you who understand to just forget what I just said. Truth like this only sounds like babbling but is known to the depth of the souls of the wise.
Originally postedː ʍarch 31, 2014 03ː18 PDT
المحارب صحيح
سواء في الحرب أو في السلم المحارب الحقيقي هو مسئول تماما عن كل غير المقاتلين.
هو الله سبحانه وتعالى رحيم والصالحين، وصلاتك هي قسم مهم من الحماية.
لذلك تذكر هذا: لا غنائم الحرب هم.
ما إذا كان مؤمنا أو غير مؤمن، كل واحد منهم متساوون أمام الله، سواء كانت رجلا أو امرأة، فتى أو فتاة، صغارا أو كبارا - حتى حمايتهم.
إذا كان واحد منهم هو أذى من قبل أي واحد منكم، ثم، في توفير الحماية لهم، لكم جميعا الوقوف أمام النار.
منذ فترة طويلة في زمن الجاهلي، رجل حكيم قال ذات مرة "محارب قد ينتصر الأعداء ألف، ولكن محارب حقيقي ينتصر على نفسه."
إن شاء الله، هو الذي يعرف الجهاد يعني الحرب المقدسة هو الذي يعرف أكبر معركة تبدأ في قلبه وروحه.
هو الله سبحانه وتعالى رحيم والصالحين، وصلاتك هي قسم مهم من الحماية.
لذلك تذكر هذا: لا غنائم الحرب هم.
ما إذا كان مؤمنا أو غير مؤمن، كل واحد منهم متساوون أمام الله، سواء كانت رجلا أو امرأة، فتى أو فتاة، صغارا أو كبارا - حتى حمايتهم.
إذا كان واحد منهم هو أذى من قبل أي واحد منكم، ثم، في توفير الحماية لهم، لكم جميعا الوقوف أمام النار.
منذ فترة طويلة في زمن الجاهلي، رجل حكيم قال ذات مرة "محارب قد ينتصر الأعداء ألف، ولكن محارب حقيقي ينتصر على نفسه."
إن شاء الله، هو الذي يعرف الجهاد يعني الحرب المقدسة هو الذي يعرف أكبر معركة تبدأ في قلبه وروحه.
20130508
The Four Nevers (Samaya)
The Bodhi Mind (bodhicitta) is the cause.
Great Compassion is the root and foundation.
Skillful means are the ultimate. — Mahavairocana Sutra
Through skillful means, the view of enlightenment is fulfilled in compassion towards other sentient beings.
For all sentient beings, be they Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, gods and demons, humans, hungry ghosts, and all of suffering the hells are primordial pure.
Thus they were born basically good, but, due to conditioning, all beings appear to be sentient.
Like a mirror in a sandstorm, the mind is subject to mental and physical negativities as a result of conditioning. No matter how much we wipe the mirror clean, the dust of worldliness soon shall settle on it.
Thus, the disciple commits to the Four Nevers:
- Never to abandon the True Dharma.
- Never to negate bodhicitta.
- Never to withhold or be selective of Buddhist teachings toward others.
- Never to cause any sentient being any harm.
Reference:
Samaya: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaya
20130111
Tips on How To Get a Spiritual Warrior Into a Buddhist Retreat
What To Do When Asked How You Meditate
This is satire. Using anything contained in this article may get you kicked out of a Buddhist retreat. It is provided here to poke fun at spiritual warriors who take themselves too seriously. However, the aim of this article to help Buddhists to develop humility.
1) Quietly state that you are at the retreat to share what you know about "chanting" before and after meditation.
2) Mention that you visualize the Buddha sitting in meditation by first looking at a picture of Amida Buddha.
3) Insist that reality is subjective and that it is only interpretable to each person. By doing so, you demonstrate that subjective reality is not consensual reality. Do not let their rationalization distract you from your inner Truth. You are not at the retreat to analyze but to be in the moment sitting in meditation.
4) If someone asks you to teach them chanting then tell them "I have meditated for over 20 years and chanting the name of the Buddha before and after helped with my meditation." Then teach them Buddha Remembrance by chanting "OM MANI PADME HUM" 7, 21 or 49 times. Emphasize sincerity during chanting.
What To Do Actually All Day and/or Night When Committed To the Retreat
For people who are serious about attending a Buddhist retreat, here are some simple rules regarding attendance. A Buddhist retreat is for developing compassion, humility, patience, and wisdom.
Bring a sleeping mat and pillow and be prepared to sleep on a hard floor.
Practice harmlessness against yourself and/or others.
Practice meditation on rising and before going to bed.
Be peaceable to other people, but be assertive.
When they give you the vegetarian meal, take it with thanks.
Do not talk out of turn or verbally harass other people. Otherwise, you lose the chance to help each other to enlightenment.
This is satire. Using anything contained in this article may get you kicked out of a Buddhist retreat. It is provided here to poke fun at spiritual warriors who take themselves too seriously. However, the aim of this article to help Buddhists to develop humility.
1) Quietly state that you are at the retreat to share what you know about "chanting" before and after meditation.
2) Mention that you visualize the Buddha sitting in meditation by first looking at a picture of Amida Buddha.
3) Insist that reality is subjective and that it is only interpretable to each person. By doing so, you demonstrate that subjective reality is not consensual reality. Do not let their rationalization distract you from your inner Truth. You are not at the retreat to analyze but to be in the moment sitting in meditation.
4) If someone asks you to teach them chanting then tell them "I have meditated for over 20 years and chanting the name of the Buddha before and after helped with my meditation." Then teach them Buddha Remembrance by chanting "OM MANI PADME HUM" 7, 21 or 49 times. Emphasize sincerity during chanting.
What To Do Actually All Day and/or Night When Committed To the Retreat
For people who are serious about attending a Buddhist retreat, here are some simple rules regarding attendance. A Buddhist retreat is for developing compassion, humility, patience, and wisdom.
Bring a sleeping mat and pillow and be prepared to sleep on a hard floor.
Practice harmlessness against yourself and/or others.
Practice meditation on rising and before going to bed.
Be peaceable to other people, but be assertive.
When they give you the vegetarian meal, take it with thanks.
Do not talk out of turn or verbally harass other people. Otherwise, you lose the chance to help each other to enlightenment.
20060123
Pure Mind is True Mind / True Mind is Pure Mind (poem)
the true mind is the pure mind,
from which bliss arises naturally
after decades of active meditation.
with harmlessness and spontaneity
its fruits, flavored by diligent mindfulness,
the devotee might briefly savor such purity
during meditation before returning to face the world
filled with equanimity and compassion,
having pierced the delusions of mindlessness,
ready to spread the joy of the well-examined life.
as these fruits arise out of mindful contemplation,
the one-pointed mind awakens to this subtle truth:
the pure mind is the true mind.
from which bliss arises naturally
after decades of active meditation.
with harmlessness and spontaneity
its fruits, flavored by diligent mindfulness,
the devotee might briefly savor such purity
during meditation before returning to face the world
filled with equanimity and compassion,
having pierced the delusions of mindlessness,
ready to spread the joy of the well-examined life.
as these fruits arise out of mindful contemplation,
the one-pointed mind awakens to this subtle truth:
the pure mind is the true mind.
20051211
The Teaching of the Buddhas
Right speech, harmlessness,
Restraint in speaking ill of others,
Moderation in food, at peace in remoteness and solitude,
Devotion to higher meditation.
This is the teaching of the Buddhas.
-Dhammapada 185
Compare to Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation of the Dhammapada:
Not disparaging, not injuring,
restraint in line with the Patimokkha,
moderation in food,
dwelling in seclusion,
commitment to the heightened mind:
this is the teaching
of the Awakened.
The Patimokkha consists the rules for Buddhist monks: http://www.vipassana.com/canon/vinaya/bhikkhu-pati.php
For everyday life, the Five Precepts are more easily followed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism#The_Five_Precepts
Restraint in speaking ill of others,
Moderation in food, at peace in remoteness and solitude,
Devotion to higher meditation.
This is the teaching of the Buddhas.
-Dhammapada 185
Compare to Thanissaro Bhikkhu's translation of the Dhammapada:
Not disparaging, not injuring,
restraint in line with the Patimokkha,
moderation in food,
dwelling in seclusion,
commitment to the heightened mind:
this is the teaching
of the Awakened.
The Patimokkha consists the rules for Buddhist monks: http://www.vipassana.com/canon/vinaya/bhikkhu-pati.php
For everyday life, the Five Precepts are more easily followed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism#The_Five_Precepts
20050717
Universal Responsibility
Adopting an attitude of universal responsibility is essentially a personal matter. The real test of compassion is not what we say in abstract discussions but how we conduct ourselves in daily life.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Imagine All the People"
Just talking about harmlessness isn't enough.
When spiritual practice (meditation) does not lead to reciprical compassion from others, a person's conduct should still be to practise harmlessness.
To feel guilty for past wrongs is not enough - one must strive to learn from one's mistakes.
Even in the Dhammapada it is written to not cling to regrets and worries.
Dhammapada 67-68:
It's not good,
the doing of the deed
that, once it's done,
you regret,
whose result you reap crying,
your face in tears.
It's good,
the doing of the deed
that, once it's done,
you don't regret,
whose result you reap gratified,
happy at heart.
As well, the cure for regrets about wrongs done is simply letting go:
348:
Gone to the beyond of becoming,
you let go of in front,
let go of behind,
let go of between.
With a heart everywhere let-go,
you don't come again to birth
& aging.
Thus what the Dalai Lama says about the real test of compassion is ... how we conduct ourselves in daily life.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Imagine All the People"
Just talking about harmlessness isn't enough.
When spiritual practice (meditation) does not lead to reciprical compassion from others, a person's conduct should still be to practise harmlessness.
To feel guilty for past wrongs is not enough - one must strive to learn from one's mistakes.
Even in the Dhammapada it is written to not cling to regrets and worries.
Dhammapada 67-68:
It's not good,
the doing of the deed
that, once it's done,
you regret,
whose result you reap crying,
your face in tears.
It's good,
the doing of the deed
that, once it's done,
you don't regret,
whose result you reap gratified,
happy at heart.
As well, the cure for regrets about wrongs done is simply letting go:
348:
Gone to the beyond of becoming,
you let go of in front,
let go of behind,
let go of between.
With a heart everywhere let-go,
you don't come again to birth
& aging.
Thus what the Dalai Lama says about the real test of compassion is ... how we conduct ourselves in daily life.
Right Thought
And what, monks, is Right Thought? The thought of renunciation, the thought of non-ill-will, the thought of harmlessness. This, monks, is called Right Thought.
-Digha Nikaya
Harmlessness takes a lot of practice.
Yet the person who acts harmless to both self and others is a rare person.
Honestly I am not he.
Still do I try to be harmless.
-Digha Nikaya
Harmlessness takes a lot of practice.
Yet the person who acts harmless to both self and others is a rare person.
Honestly I am not he.
Still do I try to be harmless.
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