My Journey Into Buddhism

Yes.

NEW CHALLENGE

My Understanding of Enlightenment is that it’s

“There is a place of peace in the heart that looks out and sees the foolishness of the world but does not judge, criticize or condemn but compassionately accepts the unawakened behavior of others. This place is called Love. It is that which cannot be taught, only shown by example. It is not a lesson to give, it is a relationship with life. It is not a beating with a stick, but a caress with an open hand. It is the strongest force in the universe, but needs time to be understood. The one who encourages you to be afraid is not your friend. The one who shows the unity and interconnectedness of all things will not want something from you. When you are afraid you are already the victim. When you are loving, you are exactly where you want be. This sharing of love without conditions is the way of the heart.”

“When you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You appreciate it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree. The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” That judging mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.”

You’re not special.

Luminous Mind

Practice leaving things be. Let others be themselves—who are we to judge?—and let us concentrate on improving our own minds and our own lives instead.

“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.”

“However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do if you do not act upon them?”

“Truth is not to be found outside. No teacher, no scripture can give it to you. It is inside you and if you wish to attain it, seek your own company. Be with yourself.”