(I must remind that the past few blogs, the contents therein and others forthcoming, are taken from the book "Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death." written by Daisaku Ideda, President of Soka Gakkai International, a Society of lay people who practice Nichiren Buddhism, members of which are in over 180 countries around the world. )
Happy new week, y'all, hope it was a good one for you and your families. I and my wife had Xmas dinner etc., with my 2 bachelor sons, ummmm, no kids, boo hoo. Not quite the same with out children of one age or another, Of course for us it would have to be grand kids. Oh well, next life.
I have to add on another completion from my last blog on Cause of Illness. You will remember I referred to the syllable MYO which comes out of Nichiren Buddhism's chant of the title of the Lotus Sutra, which is Nam Myo ho Renge Kyo. So today we will expand on the further meaning of MYO, and then be able to terminate on Cause of Illness with a complete picture of it's power.
First: THREE PROPERTIES OF 'MYO'.
* Renewal, a self-motivated capacity for creativity, demonstrated in how the human body constantly responds in new ways and rallies its creative resources.
* Perfection, in the sense of wholeness and unity; completion. The dynamic equilibrium of the human body as a whole -- its homeostasis -- is perfectly balanced and an expression to the mystic force.
* Openness, or the individual's ability to influence his or her environment. Every living thing reacts to and is capable of provoking a reaction in its external environment.
To sum up, then, these three characteristics of the Mystic Law are: to activate our inherent life force; to harmonize our spiritual and physical functions; and to equip us with the resources to influence our environment for the better while responding to its myriad changes with wisdom and maintaining a balance between it and ourselves. When we base our lives on this Law --- by practicing Buddhism as Nichiren teaches -- we can tap the limitless power inside ourselves so that disease is no longer for despair. IN fact, the opposite is true: empowered by tne Mystic Law we can transform disease into a source of growth, joy and true fulfullment.
NOW, LOOKING AHEAD:::
No one can deny modern medicine's contributions to the curing of disease. It would be foolish to ignore it. Otherwise, faith descends into fanaticism.
Yet, for all its impressive technology, effective pharmaceuticals and elaborate diagnostic techniques, modern science is not imnipotent. Moreover, its treatments often tend toward a materialistic or mechanistic view of the human organism, neglecting to look at life as a phenomenon involving both body and mind. Whereas modern medicine largely relies on drugs and technology, buddhist medicine concentrates on the patient's role in curing his or her illness. We might say that medical science fights illness with scientific knowledge, while Buddhism develops human wisdom so that we may find our own rhythm and strengthen our own life force. This assists the efficacy of medical treatment and also helps to conquer illness through our own natural healing powers.
We must use medical resources wisely in fighting illness. Buddhsim gives us the wisdom to use medicine properly. Wisdom is the basic ingredient in health, to long life and to happiness.
In general, we can say that Buddhist medicine focuses on three aspects: 1) developing the conditions of Buddhahood. 2) Achieving and maintaining harmony of the four elements within our bodies as well as with our external environment, and 3) achieving and maintaining harmony among the five components.
Buddism regards disease as an external manifestation of internal disharmony. Further, Buddhist medicine maintains that the quality of human life or health is determined by the balance of an indescribably vast number of factors, each in a constant state of flux. Establishing equilibrium among these factors is little short of miraculous; so it is hardly surprising that the balance is disturbed periodically, resulting in illness. The strength of Buddhist medicing is that it focuses on activating the unlimited potentials and energies inherent in the individual human life to restore and sustain this robust, dynamic equilibrium.
When we access our fundamental life force, no illness can prevent us from living a fulfilling life. Fini.
That my friends takes care of the subject of illness according the Nichiren Buddhism Religious Philosophy. Don't forget folks, I welcome anyone else's views on religion, their's or mine. Diverse opinions welcome.OK? So see y'all soon again, thanks for stopping in for a visit. Cheers CJ
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ???...Illnesses of the MIND
(I must remind that the past few blogs, the contents therein and others forthcoming, are taken from the book "Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death." written by Daisaku Ideda, President of Soka Gakkai International, a Society of lay people who practice Nichiren Buddhism, members of which are in over 180 countries around the world.)
Hi Ho y'all, twas the day and night before, what Christians and fundamentalist call Christmas, and so to those, Merry Christmas. And to the rest of us, relax and enjoy the, for the most part, happy atmosphere of the celebrants around us.
Now, to get on with it, I completed the last of the series on Causes of Illnesses, with Karmic diseases. But for today I wish to extend a sort of clean up to the whole series with "Three functions of the Mystic Law. The Mystic Law is represented by the phrase Nichiren Buddhists chant, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, (the title of the Lotus Sutras) and parts will be referred to in this blog, which has to do with health and disease.
According to the Lotus Sutra, even a Buddha who embodies the ideal state of life will never be completely free of ailments. What ultimately matters is our ability to mobilize the innate healing power of our lives.
The cultivation of this healing power depends on our individual will. The role of will in curing a person's illness is becoming ever more apparent. For example, if we are shocked and weakened when we discover we have a serious disease, we are much more likely to succumb to it than if we refuse to accept the news as a death sentence and elect to fight the disease. Our will power affects our body's ability to produce natural "medicines" --- hormones, enzymes and antibodies -- which it marshals to combat negative influences an preserve life.
Willpower thus has a major part to play in helping us take full advantage of our native healing abilities. Willpower in this sense refers to how deeply we can grasp, how strongly we can tap into, the true aspect of our lives, which, according to Buddhism, comprises infinite potential and cosmic scale. This type of will-power derives from absolute confidence in the vastness of our existence, and a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to this world.
The strength of Buddhist medicine lies in the development of the Buddha nature from within, which provides the key to activating the unlimite potentials and energies inherent in the individual human life.
Myo, a syllable of Myoho (as in Nam-Myoho Renge Kyo) means "mystic" or "beyond comprehension", and it describes a continually creative force that pulses in every healthy entity, sustaining its activity. This force has three general characteristics: renewal, perfection and openness.
As Nichiren implied by writing "Myo means to revive, that is, to return to life," the Mystic Law ---Nam-Myo-Renge-Kyo -- enables us to unleash new life force from within. In a broader sense, this indicates that we have the power to transform ourselves from sickly persons into healthy and happy ones.
Nichiren also wrote: "Myo means to be fully endowed, which in turn has the meaning of 'perfect and full'... To illustrate, one drop of the great ocean contains within it the waters of all the various rivers that flow into the ocean, and a single wish--granting jewel, though no bigger than a mustard seed, is capable of showering down the treasures that one could wish for with all the wish-granting jewsls." Each of our individual lives is fully endowed with all of the potential that exists in the cosmos. When the Mystic Law is brought into play, it orchestrates our spiritual and physical functions in superb harmony, vitalizing our vast innate potential. As as result, the greatest healing influence -- our own unhampered life force -- rises to the occasion and enables us to overcome even the most virulent disease.
In the context of health, this passage, explains that the Mystic Law enables us to reveal "the depths of the secret storehouse," which is the Buddha nature, and "open" our existence to the environment. In other words, we can establish a foundation from which we can always actively and positively engage with our environment, transmuting all of its influences into beneficial ones.
So much for today, friends. No matter your relgious bent, this can still give you food for thought. You must learn to rccognize your own spiritual power and this in keeping with the Nichiren Buddhis tenet, of taking full responsibility for yourself. You'd be surprise on how this affects your true happiness being who you are. So until monday, when I will have a great presentation of our great Constitution, take care.
Cheers CJ
Hi Ho y'all, twas the day and night before, what Christians and fundamentalist call Christmas, and so to those, Merry Christmas. And to the rest of us, relax and enjoy the, for the most part, happy atmosphere of the celebrants around us.
Now, to get on with it, I completed the last of the series on Causes of Illnesses, with Karmic diseases. But for today I wish to extend a sort of clean up to the whole series with "Three functions of the Mystic Law. The Mystic Law is represented by the phrase Nichiren Buddhists chant, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, (the title of the Lotus Sutras) and parts will be referred to in this blog, which has to do with health and disease.
According to the Lotus Sutra, even a Buddha who embodies the ideal state of life will never be completely free of ailments. What ultimately matters is our ability to mobilize the innate healing power of our lives.
The cultivation of this healing power depends on our individual will. The role of will in curing a person's illness is becoming ever more apparent. For example, if we are shocked and weakened when we discover we have a serious disease, we are much more likely to succumb to it than if we refuse to accept the news as a death sentence and elect to fight the disease. Our will power affects our body's ability to produce natural "medicines" --- hormones, enzymes and antibodies -- which it marshals to combat negative influences an preserve life.
Willpower thus has a major part to play in helping us take full advantage of our native healing abilities. Willpower in this sense refers to how deeply we can grasp, how strongly we can tap into, the true aspect of our lives, which, according to Buddhism, comprises infinite potential and cosmic scale. This type of will-power derives from absolute confidence in the vastness of our existence, and a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to this world.
The strength of Buddhist medicine lies in the development of the Buddha nature from within, which provides the key to activating the unlimite potentials and energies inherent in the individual human life.
Myo, a syllable of Myoho (as in Nam-Myoho Renge Kyo) means "mystic" or "beyond comprehension", and it describes a continually creative force that pulses in every healthy entity, sustaining its activity. This force has three general characteristics: renewal, perfection and openness.
As Nichiren implied by writing "Myo means to revive, that is, to return to life," the Mystic Law ---Nam-Myo-Renge-Kyo -- enables us to unleash new life force from within. In a broader sense, this indicates that we have the power to transform ourselves from sickly persons into healthy and happy ones.
Nichiren also wrote: "Myo means to be fully endowed, which in turn has the meaning of 'perfect and full'... To illustrate, one drop of the great ocean contains within it the waters of all the various rivers that flow into the ocean, and a single wish--granting jewel, though no bigger than a mustard seed, is capable of showering down the treasures that one could wish for with all the wish-granting jewsls." Each of our individual lives is fully endowed with all of the potential that exists in the cosmos. When the Mystic Law is brought into play, it orchestrates our spiritual and physical functions in superb harmony, vitalizing our vast innate potential. As as result, the greatest healing influence -- our own unhampered life force -- rises to the occasion and enables us to overcome even the most virulent disease.
In the context of health, this passage, explains that the Mystic Law enables us to reveal "the depths of the secret storehouse," which is the Buddha nature, and "open" our existence to the environment. In other words, we can establish a foundation from which we can always actively and positively engage with our environment, transmuting all of its influences into beneficial ones.
So much for today, friends. No matter your relgious bent, this can still give you food for thought. You must learn to rccognize your own spiritual power and this in keeping with the Nichiren Buddhis tenet, of taking full responsibility for yourself. You'd be surprise on how this affects your true happiness being who you are. So until monday, when I will have a great presentation of our great Constitution, take care.
Cheers CJ
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
(I must remind that the past few blogs, the contents therein and others forthcoming, are taken from the book "Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death." written by Daisaku Ideda, President of Soka Gakkai International, a Society of lay people who practice Nichiren Buddhism, members of which are in over 180 countries around the world.)
Aha, once again we meet on hump day, with everyone holding in their excitement for the holidays ahead.
Above all else, Unshakeable Happiness would be the greatest gift one could give themselves. If you don't already have that, then stay with me as I reveal some more of the greatness of Nichiren's Buddhism. Today I finish up the topic of Illnesses of the Mind.
Ullusions of thought are primarily mental and acquired, while the Illusions of Desire are chiefly emotional and inherent. Illusions of thought refer to false perceptions of the truth. These can take several forms, including such erroneous notions as regarding our present existence as absolute, even though our bodies are formed from a temporary union of the five components; believing that we own forever what does not in fact belong to us; believing either that life ends at teh moment of death or that it persists beyond death in some eternally unchanging form; not recognizing the law of Cause and Effect; and adhering to misconceptions with such closed-mindedness that we regard inferior things as superior. Illusions of desire can be summarized much more briefly: they include base emotions such as greed, anger, foolishness and arrogance arising in connection with specific objects or events.
The illusions as uncountable as particles of dust and sand ae those that arise as we practice Buddhism with the intention to help others. While recognizing the truth of Buddhist principles, we may at times feel they aren't applicable to certain people's situations. Or we may lack confidence in sharing what we have learned. Yet, conquering these difficulties is the bodhisattva way. When we can fully express our wisdom in dealing directly with every aspect of our lives, including sharing the teachings, we are expressing our Buddahood.
Illusions about the true nature of existence prevent bodhisattvas from awakening to their true nature. These illusions reside in the deepest reaches of the unconscious, and they have the devastating potential to cast our lives into total darkness, depriving us of illumination of compassion and wisdom and leading to self-destruction. Illusions about the true nature of existence generate the impulse to kill and destroy, or as the still more primitive urge to sacrifice others and even delight in doing so. Buddhism teaches that living on the basis of such impulses is in itself a mental illness.
Just as our physical condition affects our mental state, our bodily health is geatly affected by the beliefs (or delusions) we hold and our attitude toward life -- factors that originate in the mind. We can therefore conclude that while the mind is supremely powerful factor in our health condition, at the same time it is especially subtle and susceptible to external influences. Replacing the illusions arising from the three poisons with wisdom, courage and confidence generated by Buddhist practice becomes an important aspect of strengthening and sustaining our spiritual health -- the foundation of physical and mental well-being.
Now, this ends that section of Causes of Illness. While you absorb these wisdoms and let them sink into your subconscious, get ready for the next topic KARMIC DISEASES, which I will bring to you on friday. Thanks for visiting and do come back again. I assure, you will be better for it. Just the facts. Take care of yourselves and see ya. Cheers. CJ
Aha, once again we meet on hump day, with everyone holding in their excitement for the holidays ahead.
Above all else, Unshakeable Happiness would be the greatest gift one could give themselves. If you don't already have that, then stay with me as I reveal some more of the greatness of Nichiren's Buddhism. Today I finish up the topic of Illnesses of the Mind.
Ullusions of thought are primarily mental and acquired, while the Illusions of Desire are chiefly emotional and inherent. Illusions of thought refer to false perceptions of the truth. These can take several forms, including such erroneous notions as regarding our present existence as absolute, even though our bodies are formed from a temporary union of the five components; believing that we own forever what does not in fact belong to us; believing either that life ends at teh moment of death or that it persists beyond death in some eternally unchanging form; not recognizing the law of Cause and Effect; and adhering to misconceptions with such closed-mindedness that we regard inferior things as superior. Illusions of desire can be summarized much more briefly: they include base emotions such as greed, anger, foolishness and arrogance arising in connection with specific objects or events.
The illusions as uncountable as particles of dust and sand ae those that arise as we practice Buddhism with the intention to help others. While recognizing the truth of Buddhist principles, we may at times feel they aren't applicable to certain people's situations. Or we may lack confidence in sharing what we have learned. Yet, conquering these difficulties is the bodhisattva way. When we can fully express our wisdom in dealing directly with every aspect of our lives, including sharing the teachings, we are expressing our Buddahood.
Illusions about the true nature of existence prevent bodhisattvas from awakening to their true nature. These illusions reside in the deepest reaches of the unconscious, and they have the devastating potential to cast our lives into total darkness, depriving us of illumination of compassion and wisdom and leading to self-destruction. Illusions about the true nature of existence generate the impulse to kill and destroy, or as the still more primitive urge to sacrifice others and even delight in doing so. Buddhism teaches that living on the basis of such impulses is in itself a mental illness.
Just as our physical condition affects our mental state, our bodily health is geatly affected by the beliefs (or delusions) we hold and our attitude toward life -- factors that originate in the mind. We can therefore conclude that while the mind is supremely powerful factor in our health condition, at the same time it is especially subtle and susceptible to external influences. Replacing the illusions arising from the three poisons with wisdom, courage and confidence generated by Buddhist practice becomes an important aspect of strengthening and sustaining our spiritual health -- the foundation of physical and mental well-being.
Now, this ends that section of Causes of Illness. While you absorb these wisdoms and let them sink into your subconscious, get ready for the next topic KARMIC DISEASES, which I will bring to you on friday. Thanks for visiting and do come back again. I assure, you will be better for it. Just the facts. Take care of yourselves and see ya. Cheers. CJ
Monday, December 20, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ???...Illnesses of the MIND
(I must remind that the past two blogs, the contents therein, and others forthcoming are taken from the book "Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death." written by Daisaku Ideda, President of Soka Gakkai International, a Society of lay people who practice Nichiren Buddhism, members of which are in over 180 countries around the world.)
Greetings and salutations my friends, Happy monday Dec. 20, 2010. Now on to continuing Causes of illness, the title today is, Illnesses of the mind. (in 2 parts).
The fifth cause of disease is the working of "devils" from within that minifest in the form of mental illness.
The concept of devils and their role in illness bears some exploration. Devil ( or MARA in Sanskrit) is often translated as "the destroyer" or "robber of life". Devils in Buddhist mythology are personification of negative internal functions. They represent selfish attachments and bad influences that hinder people's pursuit of truth and that work to prevent them from cultivating a strong, positive life force. Devilish functions are aspects of our own lives that damage our health and hamper the practice of Buddhist teachings.
Devils represent the fundamental tendency of an individual's life toward disharmony of body and mind. Unlike the other four causes of illness, this affects the realm of the mind. Its source is located not in external influences but within the individual, so that the person's life is robbed of its brilliance. The result is the emergence of life's fundamental darkness or delusion.
From darkness and delusion teh three poisons --greed, anger, and foolishness. These poisons are understood as the source of all destructive, selfish desires or attachments, and are essentially devilish.
Greed sends all five sense organs off in a perpetual, insatiable, search for gratification -- wealth, love, food, fame, idleness, and so on --- draining us of innate life force. When our lives are dominated by greed, all our energy is directed toward the object of our desire, weakening us as if the blood were draining from our bodies.
Anger indicates malice born of hatred, which prevents one's heart from turning to goodness and disturbs the harmonious relationships between self and others. This disturbance can lead to conflict of colossal proportrions, engendering strife and war that may eventually destroy our lives.
Foolishness means ignorance of one's own Buddha nature and is characterized by blindness to the law of Cause and Effect, as well as shortsighted attachment to immediate gain. Foolishness prevents people from seeing the damage an unwise way of living has caused to their bodies and minds.
These three poisons are among what Buddhsim terms the basic illusions or "earthly desires". Each is accompanied by specific traits. Greed, for example, is associated with miserliness, self-indulgence, guilt, deceit and adulation. Anger brings about resentment, hatred, irritation, jealousy and the urge to harm other living beings. Twenty such specific traits are identified in Buddhism, and they in turn give rise to an even greater variety of destructive qualities that can disrupt the harmony of life to where we become extremely ill in body or mind --or both. The varied ways in which mental illnesses arise and the complexity of the workings of all these destructive qualities give rise to what are said to be 84,000 types of mental illness as opposed to a mere 404 types of physiological illness.
Another way of looking at earthly desires is in terms of three categories of illusions; illusions of thought and desire, illusions as uncountable as particles of dust and sand, and illusions about the true nature of existence.
Phew, we are half way through this most interesting subject and should give you fair substance for thought and pondering. I will complete and finish this particular subject matter on Wednesday. Thanks so much for visiting and I invite comment. Cheers CJ
Greetings and salutations my friends, Happy monday Dec. 20, 2010. Now on to continuing Causes of illness, the title today is, Illnesses of the mind. (in 2 parts).
The fifth cause of disease is the working of "devils" from within that minifest in the form of mental illness.
The concept of devils and their role in illness bears some exploration. Devil ( or MARA in Sanskrit) is often translated as "the destroyer" or "robber of life". Devils in Buddhist mythology are personification of negative internal functions. They represent selfish attachments and bad influences that hinder people's pursuit of truth and that work to prevent them from cultivating a strong, positive life force. Devilish functions are aspects of our own lives that damage our health and hamper the practice of Buddhist teachings.
Devils represent the fundamental tendency of an individual's life toward disharmony of body and mind. Unlike the other four causes of illness, this affects the realm of the mind. Its source is located not in external influences but within the individual, so that the person's life is robbed of its brilliance. The result is the emergence of life's fundamental darkness or delusion.
From darkness and delusion teh three poisons --greed, anger, and foolishness. These poisons are understood as the source of all destructive, selfish desires or attachments, and are essentially devilish.
Greed sends all five sense organs off in a perpetual, insatiable, search for gratification -- wealth, love, food, fame, idleness, and so on --- draining us of innate life force. When our lives are dominated by greed, all our energy is directed toward the object of our desire, weakening us as if the blood were draining from our bodies.
Anger indicates malice born of hatred, which prevents one's heart from turning to goodness and disturbs the harmonious relationships between self and others. This disturbance can lead to conflict of colossal proportrions, engendering strife and war that may eventually destroy our lives.
Foolishness means ignorance of one's own Buddha nature and is characterized by blindness to the law of Cause and Effect, as well as shortsighted attachment to immediate gain. Foolishness prevents people from seeing the damage an unwise way of living has caused to their bodies and minds.
These three poisons are among what Buddhsim terms the basic illusions or "earthly desires". Each is accompanied by specific traits. Greed, for example, is associated with miserliness, self-indulgence, guilt, deceit and adulation. Anger brings about resentment, hatred, irritation, jealousy and the urge to harm other living beings. Twenty such specific traits are identified in Buddhism, and they in turn give rise to an even greater variety of destructive qualities that can disrupt the harmony of life to where we become extremely ill in body or mind --or both. The varied ways in which mental illnesses arise and the complexity of the workings of all these destructive qualities give rise to what are said to be 84,000 types of mental illness as opposed to a mere 404 types of physiological illness.
Another way of looking at earthly desires is in terms of three categories of illusions; illusions of thought and desire, illusions as uncountable as particles of dust and sand, and illusions about the true nature of existence.
Phew, we are half way through this most interesting subject and should give you fair substance for thought and pondering. I will complete and finish this particular subject matter on Wednesday. Thanks so much for visiting and I invite comment. Cheers CJ
Friday, December 17, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ?? Buddhism - Cause of illness....
Hello again, y'all, I hope you are looking and reading this series on Causes of Illness. Truthfully, you may learn something important in your life, and also get a clearer insight on the greatness of Nichiren's Bhddhism. In any case, we continue:
The classification of diseases in modern medicine is, of course, far more systematic and thorough than what is presented in the Buddhist scriptures and treatises. The Buddhist approach to medicine can be considered scientific, however, in that it takes into account cause-and-effect relationships. And, while modern medicine tends to view the ailing part of the body in isolation from the rest, treating it alone as if repairing a malfunctioning machine part, Buddhist medicine views disease as a reflection of the total body system, or life itself, and seeks to cure it not only through medical treatment but also through adjustments in the person's life style and outlook.
ILLNESS OF THE BODY.......
The first cause, among the six causes of illness described above, aresicknesses resulting from disharmony among the four elements -- earth, water, fire and wind -- that make up the human body and that correspond to the physical states: solid, liquid, thermal and gaseous.
Disharmony of the four elements refers both to disharmony within the body and to disharmony between the body and its natural environment -- weather, for example. Any disruption of this natural harmony can cause physical disease.
Improper eating or drinking and poor posture ( also described as irregular meditation) -- the second and third causes of illness --
might be viewed as examples of an unbalanced way of life. These would include such things as illnesses arising from poor diet and immoderate consumption of food or drink, or disturbances in the rhythm of our lives -- such as insufficient sleep and exercise -- which make us susceptible to getting sick.
The fourth cause of illness T'ien-T'ai mentions is quite interesting. "Attack of demons", refers to attqacks from outside the body from any of many external forces or influences that can cause physical suffering or even death. For example, invasive pathogenic bacteria or viruses, or even the modern notion of stress, both now widely known to cause many illnesses would be considered demons.
OK, this takes care of the first of the illnesses, and the last one for the week. Be back sunday or monday with the next blog when I will go with "Illnesses of the Mind". I sincerely trust everyone will have a safe and happy weekend and my wish to have you come back and visit me here next week. Thanks so much. I appreciate you. Cheers CJ
The classification of diseases in modern medicine is, of course, far more systematic and thorough than what is presented in the Buddhist scriptures and treatises. The Buddhist approach to medicine can be considered scientific, however, in that it takes into account cause-and-effect relationships. And, while modern medicine tends to view the ailing part of the body in isolation from the rest, treating it alone as if repairing a malfunctioning machine part, Buddhist medicine views disease as a reflection of the total body system, or life itself, and seeks to cure it not only through medical treatment but also through adjustments in the person's life style and outlook.
ILLNESS OF THE BODY.......
The first cause, among the six causes of illness described above, aresicknesses resulting from disharmony among the four elements -- earth, water, fire and wind -- that make up the human body and that correspond to the physical states: solid, liquid, thermal and gaseous.
Disharmony of the four elements refers both to disharmony within the body and to disharmony between the body and its natural environment -- weather, for example. Any disruption of this natural harmony can cause physical disease.
Improper eating or drinking and poor posture ( also described as irregular meditation) -- the second and third causes of illness --
might be viewed as examples of an unbalanced way of life. These would include such things as illnesses arising from poor diet and immoderate consumption of food or drink, or disturbances in the rhythm of our lives -- such as insufficient sleep and exercise -- which make us susceptible to getting sick.
The fourth cause of illness T'ien-T'ai mentions is quite interesting. "Attack of demons", refers to attqacks from outside the body from any of many external forces or influences that can cause physical suffering or even death. For example, invasive pathogenic bacteria or viruses, or even the modern notion of stress, both now widely known to cause many illnesses would be considered demons.
OK, this takes care of the first of the illnesses, and the last one for the week. Be back sunday or monday with the next blog when I will go with "Illnesses of the Mind". I sincerely trust everyone will have a safe and happy weekend and my wish to have you come back and visit me here next week. Thanks so much. I appreciate you. Cheers CJ
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ?? Buddhism - Cause of illness....
Well, my friends, helloooooooooo! Gosh, here we again half way through the work week, and feeling great, hope you are feeling the same. If not, think about the incredible religious philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, or at best, look into it and learn how to be irrevocably HAPPY. Today I am going to let you see how Buddhism works with the subject of illness. I will present the contents therein and will take several blogs to cover the topic. You should be quite amazed at the wisdom. So let's get going.
(The contents herein are taken from the book, Unlocking The Mysteries of Birth and Death, by Daisaku Ikeda, President of the Soka Gakkai International, the action arm of Nichiren Buddhism.)
CAUSES OF ILLNESS:
__________________________________________________
DISEASES OF THE BODY
* disharmony of the four elements (discussed later on).
* improper eating or drinking.
* poor posture or irregular meditation.
* attack of demons. (also discussed later).
DISEASES OF THE MIND:
* the work of the devils.
KARMIC DISEASES:
* the effects of karma.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In Buddhism illnesses are classified in many ways. Some sutras categorize them according to the element whose imbalance is thought to be the cause. Others, according to the part of the bady affected. And yet other sutras classify illnesses according to the time they were caused --- that is, they differentiate between diseases caused in this lifetime and those whose causes can be found in previous lifetimes. For example, according to Nagarjuna's, Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, diseases are divided into karmic diseases and present diseases, the latter category being subdivided into diseases of the body and diseases of the mind. Diseases of the body are yet further sub-divided into internal diseases ( arising from internal causes) and external diseases (whose causes are external to the body).
T'ien-t'ai, the great sixth-century Chinese Buddhism teacher suggests six causes of illness that cover problems arising from dietary habits, viral infections (such as polio), mental disorders and genetic heritage.
Nichiren, the last Buddha in our history, based his own teachings concerning illness upon this systematic presentation of the Buddhist view of disease and its causes. In a writing called "Curing Karmic Disease", he quoted from T'ien-T'ai's Great Concentration and Insight: "There are six causes of illness:
(1) disharmony of the four elements; (2) improper eating or drinking; (3) poor posture; (4) attack of demons; (5) the work of devils; and (6) the effects of karma."
In this classification, the first four causes correspond to illnesses of the body, the fifth to illnesses of the mind, and the sixth to karmic illness.
Now, friends, I've laid the ground for all the future content disigned to explain in greater detail, that I will begin on friday. You will be healthier for sticking with me on all this and all the way through. I assure you will be far wiser and more enlightened about these mysteries. Ta Ta Cheers CJ
(The contents herein are taken from the book, Unlocking The Mysteries of Birth and Death, by Daisaku Ikeda, President of the Soka Gakkai International, the action arm of Nichiren Buddhism.)
CAUSES OF ILLNESS:
__________________________________________________
DISEASES OF THE BODY
* disharmony of the four elements (discussed later on).
* improper eating or drinking.
* poor posture or irregular meditation.
* attack of demons. (also discussed later).
DISEASES OF THE MIND:
* the work of the devils.
KARMIC DISEASES:
* the effects of karma.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In Buddhism illnesses are classified in many ways. Some sutras categorize them according to the element whose imbalance is thought to be the cause. Others, according to the part of the bady affected. And yet other sutras classify illnesses according to the time they were caused --- that is, they differentiate between diseases caused in this lifetime and those whose causes can be found in previous lifetimes. For example, according to Nagarjuna's, Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, diseases are divided into karmic diseases and present diseases, the latter category being subdivided into diseases of the body and diseases of the mind. Diseases of the body are yet further sub-divided into internal diseases ( arising from internal causes) and external diseases (whose causes are external to the body).
T'ien-t'ai, the great sixth-century Chinese Buddhism teacher suggests six causes of illness that cover problems arising from dietary habits, viral infections (such as polio), mental disorders and genetic heritage.
Nichiren, the last Buddha in our history, based his own teachings concerning illness upon this systematic presentation of the Buddhist view of disease and its causes. In a writing called "Curing Karmic Disease", he quoted from T'ien-T'ai's Great Concentration and Insight: "There are six causes of illness:
(1) disharmony of the four elements; (2) improper eating or drinking; (3) poor posture; (4) attack of demons; (5) the work of devils; and (6) the effects of karma."
In this classification, the first four causes correspond to illnesses of the body, the fifth to illnesses of the mind, and the sixth to karmic illness.
Now, friends, I've laid the ground for all the future content disigned to explain in greater detail, that I will begin on friday. You will be healthier for sticking with me on all this and all the way through. I assure you will be far wiser and more enlightened about these mysteries. Ta Ta Cheers CJ
Monday, December 13, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ??????? WARNING !!!!!
Hello friends, I hope you all survived the weekend in good shape and looking to have another great week ahead. You will if you happen to be a Nichiren Buddhist, but that is thing for another day. For now, heads up, Wake up, and pay attention.
How confident are you in our nation’s future with President Barack Obama at the helm?
We’ve witnessed the rampant deficit surge under his watch. We’ve seen him push dangerous programs riddled with hidden taxes and wealth-eradicating traps.
And he’s allowed the Fed to print trillions of extra dollars in an effort to intentionally cause inflation while devaluing the dollar.
But many see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Americans overwhelmingly feel a sense of hope now that Republicans will again be able to assert a certain measure of control in D.C.
But did this change come too late? Or even worse, is it possible that both parties are ignoring history and have set a course for a once unthinkable event . . .
The Fall of the Great American Empire?
A powerful new book has just been released that states that President Obama is continuing a reckless cycle of economic, political, and social decisions that began four and a half decades ago. This course has been carried on through both Democratic and Republican administrations.
And now due to decades of mismanagement, America is following an identical pattern that led to the fall of history’s greatest superpowers including Great Britain, ancient Rome, Spain, France, even the Ottoman Empire.
But it seems nobody is paying attention to the writing on the wall. And history may indeed repeat itself.
2015 may be the year in which we finally reach a point where America’s debt will cause an unstoppable downfall.
And those who do not pay heed may expose THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES FUTURE BY TAKING THE ATTITUDE THAT IT COULDN'T HAPPEN IN AMERICA. WHEN ENOUGH PEOPLE THINK SOME CAN'T HAPPEN LIKE THIS, YOU CAN BET...... IT WILL HAPPEN. Please don't wait until then and then try to convince yourself with " Gee, if I had only known this was going to happen".
That's it for monday, see y'all in a couple days. I have some great info on the value and benefits of Nichiren Buddism. Whether you are Christian or whichever denomination, as long as you have an open mind you will like what is coming up. Guaroonteed. CJ
How confident are you in our nation’s future with President Barack Obama at the helm?
We’ve witnessed the rampant deficit surge under his watch. We’ve seen him push dangerous programs riddled with hidden taxes and wealth-eradicating traps.
And he’s allowed the Fed to print trillions of extra dollars in an effort to intentionally cause inflation while devaluing the dollar.
But many see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Americans overwhelmingly feel a sense of hope now that Republicans will again be able to assert a certain measure of control in D.C.
But did this change come too late? Or even worse, is it possible that both parties are ignoring history and have set a course for a once unthinkable event . . .
The Fall of the Great American Empire?
A powerful new book has just been released that states that President Obama is continuing a reckless cycle of economic, political, and social decisions that began four and a half decades ago. This course has been carried on through both Democratic and Republican administrations.
And now due to decades of mismanagement, America is following an identical pattern that led to the fall of history’s greatest superpowers including Great Britain, ancient Rome, Spain, France, even the Ottoman Empire.
But it seems nobody is paying attention to the writing on the wall. And history may indeed repeat itself.
2015 may be the year in which we finally reach a point where America’s debt will cause an unstoppable downfall.
And those who do not pay heed may expose THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES FUTURE BY TAKING THE ATTITUDE THAT IT COULDN'T HAPPEN IN AMERICA. WHEN ENOUGH PEOPLE THINK SOME CAN'T HAPPEN LIKE THIS, YOU CAN BET...... IT WILL HAPPEN. Please don't wait until then and then try to convince yourself with " Gee, if I had only known this was going to happen".
That's it for monday, see y'all in a couple days. I have some great info on the value and benefits of Nichiren Buddism. Whether you are Christian or whichever denomination, as long as you have an open mind you will like what is coming up. Guaroonteed. CJ
Friday, December 10, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ?? Weekend thoughts.......
Helllo, have a great weekend, people, I know you've worked hard and you deserve it.
This, from a very great man, Glenn Beck, who will become even greater, next year, mark my words.
I believe he will be instrumental in "Saving America's Ass", if people will just wake up, listen, and take action individually and collectively, in supporting his efforts to bring America back to what it's founders meant it to be.
Revolution: This is when the Oppressed rises up against the Oppressors.
Beck says the Revolution has begun. It is now beginning in Europe and will eventuall come to Amercica. (See- England and Greece).
It is done by seizing control of, not overtly but gradually and quietly.
First Control of:
* Financial Sector, already on the way, by George Soros.
*Healthcare. Already passed.
*Industry. Likewise.
Military: In the works.
Grow dependents. Already on the books with Entitlements. 40 million on food stamps right now.
Media: Already controled as well as being racists. Global change is here and working.
This is the year, when the roll of Super Power status was handed over to CHINA.
On the Front Burner is "FORCE FOR CHAOTIC GOOD".
WAKE UP, LOOK FOR THE SIGNS, AND BE AN ALERT AMERICA CITIZEN. BE COUNTED.
MORE WISDOM:
* DEVELOP A PROFOUND BELIEF IN THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF 'CAUSE AND EFFECT' -- THE IMPOWERING CONVICTION THAT WE ALL ULTIMATELY DIRECT OUR OWN LIVES.
* OUR PAST AND OUR FUTURE SIMULTANEOUSLY EXIST IN OUR PRESENT.
* YOUR ACTIONS ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY THE RESULT OF PAST KARMA AND THE CREATION OF NEW KARM. ACTION CREATES MEMORY, AND MEMORY CREATES DESIRE. DESIRE PRODUCES FURTHER ACTION, WHICH CONTINUES THE CYCLE OF KARMA. TO BE AWARE OF THIS REALITY AND TO MASTER YOUR ACTIONS ARE THE KEYS TO CREATING THE KARMA OF HAPPINESS.
* YOU ARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
Oh man, and lady, this ought to hold you for a couple days, and I look forward to seeing and getting with you again next week .
Tata, A whole bunch of Cheers. CJ
This, from a very great man, Glenn Beck, who will become even greater, next year, mark my words.
I believe he will be instrumental in "Saving America's Ass", if people will just wake up, listen, and take action individually and collectively, in supporting his efforts to bring America back to what it's founders meant it to be.
Revolution: This is when the Oppressed rises up against the Oppressors.
Beck says the Revolution has begun. It is now beginning in Europe and will eventuall come to Amercica. (See- England and Greece).
It is done by seizing control of, not overtly but gradually and quietly.
First Control of:
* Financial Sector, already on the way, by George Soros.
*Healthcare. Already passed.
*Industry. Likewise.
Military: In the works.
Grow dependents. Already on the books with Entitlements. 40 million on food stamps right now.
Media: Already controled as well as being racists. Global change is here and working.
This is the year, when the roll of Super Power status was handed over to CHINA.
On the Front Burner is "FORCE FOR CHAOTIC GOOD".
WAKE UP, LOOK FOR THE SIGNS, AND BE AN ALERT AMERICA CITIZEN. BE COUNTED.
MORE WISDOM:
* DEVELOP A PROFOUND BELIEF IN THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF 'CAUSE AND EFFECT' -- THE IMPOWERING CONVICTION THAT WE ALL ULTIMATELY DIRECT OUR OWN LIVES.
* OUR PAST AND OUR FUTURE SIMULTANEOUSLY EXIST IN OUR PRESENT.
* YOUR ACTIONS ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY THE RESULT OF PAST KARMA AND THE CREATION OF NEW KARM. ACTION CREATES MEMORY, AND MEMORY CREATES DESIRE. DESIRE PRODUCES FURTHER ACTION, WHICH CONTINUES THE CYCLE OF KARMA. TO BE AWARE OF THIS REALITY AND TO MASTER YOUR ACTIONS ARE THE KEYS TO CREATING THE KARMA OF HAPPINESS.
* YOU ARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
Oh man, and lady, this ought to hold you for a couple days, and I look forward to seeing and getting with you again next week .
Tata, A whole bunch of Cheers. CJ
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS - Today - Eastern Wisdom!!!
Happy Hump Day y'all,
Hey, today I am going to wander from my usual topics, religion or politics, and go into bringing you some more Eastern Wisdom. I just love this stuff, and I hope some of you visitors will get the same enjoyment.
Somewhere along my ways, I came across this quote, " You are about as happy as you make up your mind to be". When I read it, I paused to ponder the words, and I eventually realized, by golly, the words were true. So I follow up the subject of "happiness" with some of this Eastern Wisdom.
Everything humanity has ever created began with a thought. The place where you live, the clothes that you wear, and the paper you write on were once only thoughts in someone's mind. Your decision to read this, too, began with a thought.
HAPPINESS SHAPES THOUGHT
Everything we think is colored by our happiness, or lack thereof. Although individual definitions of happiness vary greatly, we all want to be happy. Early in life, we look for happiness among family, friends, even toys. Later in lie, we may look for happiness in religion, money, sex, alcohol, education, marriage..... We all know where we have looked. But, did we find what we were searching for?????
OPENNESS MANIFESTS HAPPINESS
Genuine happiness, or inlightment, is already within us; we have only to reveal it. As spring water rushes through open earth, so happiness flows through open lives. The question is how to open our lives to this inherent joy.
Here are some suggestions:
* NEVER SEEK HAPPINESS OUTSIDE YOURSELF.
*EVERYTHING PEOPLE SAY OR DO IS ULTIMATELY ROOTED IN THE BELIEF THAT THESE ACTIONS WILL LEAD THEM TO HAPPINESS.
* LIFE ISN'T ABOUT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO US; ITS ABOUT HOW WE PERCEIVE WHAT HAPPENS TO US.
* FAME, MATERIAL WEALTH, AND SOCIAL STATUS DO NOT GUARANTEE HAPPINESS, IN FACT, THEY OFTEN HINDER IT.
* ENLIGHTENMENT, OR TRUE HAPPINES, IS NOT A TRANSCENDENTAL STATE. IT IS A CONDITION OF BROAD WISDOM, BOUNDLESS ENERGY, AND GOOD FORTUNE WHEREIN WE SHAPE OUR OWN DESTINY, FIND FULFILLMENT IN DAILY ACTIVITIES, AND COME TO UNDERSTAND OUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE IN LIFE.
OK folks, this ought to hold you for a few hours if you have the wisdom to recognize this wisdom printer herein, and then maybe let some of it affect a little part of your life, at least. If not, oh well, so be it, but don't forget to check back as often as possible and find out why you should WAKE UP AND BE ALERT TO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AMERICA, AND ULTIMATELY TO YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUU. CHEERS CJ
Hey, today I am going to wander from my usual topics, religion or politics, and go into bringing you some more Eastern Wisdom. I just love this stuff, and I hope some of you visitors will get the same enjoyment.
Somewhere along my ways, I came across this quote, " You are about as happy as you make up your mind to be". When I read it, I paused to ponder the words, and I eventually realized, by golly, the words were true. So I follow up the subject of "happiness" with some of this Eastern Wisdom.
Everything humanity has ever created began with a thought. The place where you live, the clothes that you wear, and the paper you write on were once only thoughts in someone's mind. Your decision to read this, too, began with a thought.
HAPPINESS SHAPES THOUGHT
Everything we think is colored by our happiness, or lack thereof. Although individual definitions of happiness vary greatly, we all want to be happy. Early in life, we look for happiness among family, friends, even toys. Later in lie, we may look for happiness in religion, money, sex, alcohol, education, marriage..... We all know where we have looked. But, did we find what we were searching for?????
OPENNESS MANIFESTS HAPPINESS
Genuine happiness, or inlightment, is already within us; we have only to reveal it. As spring water rushes through open earth, so happiness flows through open lives. The question is how to open our lives to this inherent joy.
Here are some suggestions:
* NEVER SEEK HAPPINESS OUTSIDE YOURSELF.
*EVERYTHING PEOPLE SAY OR DO IS ULTIMATELY ROOTED IN THE BELIEF THAT THESE ACTIONS WILL LEAD THEM TO HAPPINESS.
* LIFE ISN'T ABOUT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO US; ITS ABOUT HOW WE PERCEIVE WHAT HAPPENS TO US.
* FAME, MATERIAL WEALTH, AND SOCIAL STATUS DO NOT GUARANTEE HAPPINESS, IN FACT, THEY OFTEN HINDER IT.
* ENLIGHTENMENT, OR TRUE HAPPINES, IS NOT A TRANSCENDENTAL STATE. IT IS A CONDITION OF BROAD WISDOM, BOUNDLESS ENERGY, AND GOOD FORTUNE WHEREIN WE SHAPE OUR OWN DESTINY, FIND FULFILLMENT IN DAILY ACTIVITIES, AND COME TO UNDERSTAND OUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE IN LIFE.
OK folks, this ought to hold you for a few hours if you have the wisdom to recognize this wisdom printer herein, and then maybe let some of it affect a little part of your life, at least. If not, oh well, so be it, but don't forget to check back as often as possible and find out why you should WAKE UP AND BE ALERT TO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AMERICA, AND ULTIMATELY TO YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUU. CHEERS CJ
Monday, December 6, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ? Today, THINGS I'VE LEARNED..
Hi y'all, How's it going for you today so far. Well, I hope, even if you had a great weekend and didn't feel
like coming to work today. I too am in a little bit of a mental slump. Some might say, "so what else is
new"? But, after listening to Glenn Beck this afternoon, I had to sort of go into neutral and ponder some
of the things Beck had to say about the near future for this country.
He had warned a year ago, predicting that this country would be quite different by Christmas 2010, and he
pointed out some of those things that made him look like a true Seer.
One was INFLATION. If you do any of your shopping you know very well that prices are starting to
soar. To say nothing of gas prices, up at leasst 30c a gallong in the last 3-4 weeks, and we are looking
ritght in the face of $3.00 a gallon. Potatoes, milk, and on. YOu can almost mention any food item and it
has gone up 10% or more. Now, who suffers the most. Right, people on low income.
Yet our Treasury head, Bernanke, said there is no inflation, or about the same as a couple years ago. On
that basis, a ruling was made to NOT give a cost of living raise, as has been the custom, to seniors on
Socail Security, none in 2009, and now again in 2010. For the most part, these are people in relative low
income. Do you get the picture??? Think of the many millions in this income category, and a prime target
for socialism, they needing eventually, on this path, to more government assistance and therefore,
government controlled. Sure, Socialism. We sure as hell don't want that, as true Americans. We DO
want our capitalist system and our freedoms, that is what we want. Period. Right, right? Right.
Here are some of the things Progressives have publicly said about there plans for good old USA.
A Nightmare Scenario ending in a total economic breakdown of America and already planting the seed
for violence and choas. It is in the works folks, so pay attention to Beck and keep posted as to the
progress as it unfolds.
Global Warming is just another plan for socializing the world and at the same time draining money and
capital from the public. Be aware, people, keep your eyes and ears open to what is happening. Stand up
and say, "hell NOOOOOOO".
Obama has been quoted as saying his plan for America is to establish Social Justice, which success
depends on Collective salvation. That means for the masses. CONTROL.
Now I am going to track all this daily and will keep you all updated and posted, when I get information
that will keep you alert and informed. Thanks for reading and visiting. I appreciate you. Cheers CJ
like coming to work today. I too am in a little bit of a mental slump. Some might say, "so what else is
new"? But, after listening to Glenn Beck this afternoon, I had to sort of go into neutral and ponder some
of the things Beck had to say about the near future for this country.
He had warned a year ago, predicting that this country would be quite different by Christmas 2010, and he
pointed out some of those things that made him look like a true Seer.
One was INFLATION. If you do any of your shopping you know very well that prices are starting to
soar. To say nothing of gas prices, up at leasst 30c a gallong in the last 3-4 weeks, and we are looking
ritght in the face of $3.00 a gallon. Potatoes, milk, and on. YOu can almost mention any food item and it
has gone up 10% or more. Now, who suffers the most. Right, people on low income.
Yet our Treasury head, Bernanke, said there is no inflation, or about the same as a couple years ago. On
that basis, a ruling was made to NOT give a cost of living raise, as has been the custom, to seniors on
Socail Security, none in 2009, and now again in 2010. For the most part, these are people in relative low
income. Do you get the picture??? Think of the many millions in this income category, and a prime target
for socialism, they needing eventually, on this path, to more government assistance and therefore,
government controlled. Sure, Socialism. We sure as hell don't want that, as true Americans. We DO
want our capitalist system and our freedoms, that is what we want. Period. Right, right? Right.
Here are some of the things Progressives have publicly said about there plans for good old USA.
A Nightmare Scenario ending in a total economic breakdown of America and already planting the seed
for violence and choas. It is in the works folks, so pay attention to Beck and keep posted as to the
progress as it unfolds.
Global Warming is just another plan for socializing the world and at the same time draining money and
capital from the public. Be aware, people, keep your eyes and ears open to what is happening. Stand up
and say, "hell NOOOOOOO".
Obama has been quoted as saying his plan for America is to establish Social Justice, which success
depends on Collective salvation. That means for the masses. CONTROL.
Now I am going to track all this daily and will keep you all updated and posted, when I get information
that will keep you alert and informed. Thanks for reading and visiting. I appreciate you. Cheers CJ
Friday, December 3, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS - This is INTERESTING ......Re: Religion
Greetings my good friends, here we are again looking at another restful weekend. What????? Not going to be restful???? Well, if you get a chance, give it all a rest anyway. Good for the soul, aha !
Anyway, This is in an interview with Deepak Chopra, new age author and Lecturer, and his take on religion. Which, incidentally, is similar to my own. As a Nichiren Buddhist, I, as part of our religious philosophy, do not accept the theory of a single all powerful deity. Obviously, this clashes with all fundamental religions, which is where most of the divisive action radiates from. So here is what Deepak Chopra reveals as in his thinking.
The first question to him was "Do you consider yourself Hindu?"
Chopra, "No, there's a lot of wonderful insights, but I believe religion is divisive, quarrelsome and idiotic".
Next question. "Aren't you considered a religious figure?"
Chopra: I'm an explorer of spirituality. Spirituality is inclusive, unifying. It does not contradict what we know of evolution...If you take a look at the world, most fervent believers are funda-mentalists, and they're making a mess of the world. This morning I had a dream that species from another highly evolved planet were looking at us and thinking, :These people are going to self-destruct in a short time".
Last question: What is your spiritual practice.?
Chopra: I meditate for two hours every day. I also do a reality check several times a day. I ask myself, "Am I in the being mode, thinking or doing mode"? I also think about experiences that evoke feelings of love and compassion. It's important not to burdened by the past and go with the moment. All problems are in the past or the future".
BUDDHISM ORIGINATED IN INDIA, AND SPREAD OUT FROM THERE. I JUST LOVE EASTER WISDOME. IT HELPS TO TAKE THE ONUS OUT OF LIFE AND PREPARES US TO MEET LIFE WITH HAPPINESS EACH AND EVERY DAY NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. TO CONSIDER JOY AND SUFFERING AS A FACT OF LIFE. ENJOY WHAT THERE IS TO ENJOY AND SUFFER WHAT THERE IS TO SUFFER AND AND LET FAITH AND THE LAW OF 'CAUSE AND EFFECT' HANDLE THE DETAILS. WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING THIS GIVES YOU.
So long for now, enjoy your weekend, and think good thoughts and look around every day for things to be grateful for. YOU will be glad you did. Many Cheers. CJ
Anyway, This is in an interview with Deepak Chopra, new age author and Lecturer, and his take on religion. Which, incidentally, is similar to my own. As a Nichiren Buddhist, I, as part of our religious philosophy, do not accept the theory of a single all powerful deity. Obviously, this clashes with all fundamental religions, which is where most of the divisive action radiates from. So here is what Deepak Chopra reveals as in his thinking.
The first question to him was "Do you consider yourself Hindu?"
Chopra, "No, there's a lot of wonderful insights, but I believe religion is divisive, quarrelsome and idiotic".
Next question. "Aren't you considered a religious figure?"
Chopra: I'm an explorer of spirituality. Spirituality is inclusive, unifying. It does not contradict what we know of evolution...If you take a look at the world, most fervent believers are funda-mentalists, and they're making a mess of the world. This morning I had a dream that species from another highly evolved planet were looking at us and thinking, :These people are going to self-destruct in a short time".
Last question: What is your spiritual practice.?
Chopra: I meditate for two hours every day. I also do a reality check several times a day. I ask myself, "Am I in the being mode, thinking or doing mode"? I also think about experiences that evoke feelings of love and compassion. It's important not to burdened by the past and go with the moment. All problems are in the past or the future".
BUDDHISM ORIGINATED IN INDIA, AND SPREAD OUT FROM THERE. I JUST LOVE EASTER WISDOME. IT HELPS TO TAKE THE ONUS OUT OF LIFE AND PREPARES US TO MEET LIFE WITH HAPPINESS EACH AND EVERY DAY NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. TO CONSIDER JOY AND SUFFERING AS A FACT OF LIFE. ENJOY WHAT THERE IS TO ENJOY AND SUFFER WHAT THERE IS TO SUFFER AND AND LET FAITH AND THE LAW OF 'CAUSE AND EFFECT' HANDLE THE DETAILS. WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING THIS GIVES YOU.
So long for now, enjoy your weekend, and think good thoughts and look around every day for things to be grateful for. YOU will be glad you did. Many Cheers. CJ
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
RELIGION or POLITICS ? The Presidency and the Constitution, Finale.
(Wisdom from Imprimis published Hillsdale College. The article is by Mike Pence, Representative of Indiana's 6th Congressional district.")
Hey people, here we are at Hump Day and already looking forward to another glorious weekend, right?
Of course, at least, at this point we can still look forward to something in the future we can enjoy, but don't look long term that way unless you realize, recognize, and prepare for possible hard times. At least be forewarned and accept the potential reality of what I am saying. If you are not listening to Glenn Beck you will never learn the hard side of our present economic plunge. LISTEN TO BECK, !!!!!!
And now to complete the subject matter of the past few blogs. Hope you are filing this in your memory.
The presidencey, a great and complex subject upon which I have only touched, has become symbolic of overreaching. There are many truths that we have been frightened to tell or face. If we run from them, they will catch us with our backs turned and pull us down. Better that we should not flee but rather stop and look them in the eye.
What might our forebears say to us, knowing what they knew, and having done what they did? I have no doubt that they would tell us to channel our passions, speak the truth and do what is right, slowly and with resolution; to work calmly, steadily and without animus or fear; to be like a rock in the tide, let the water tumble about us, and be firm and unashamed in our love of country.
I see us like those in Philadelphia in 1776 . Danger all around, but a fresh chapter, ready to begin, uncorrupted, with great possibilities and -- inexplicably, perhaps miraculously -- the way is clearing ahead. I have never doubted that Providence can appear in history like the sun emerging from behind the clouds, if only as a reward for adherence to first principles. As Winston Churdhill said in a speech to Congress on December 26, 1941: " He must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked our her below, of which we have the honor to be the faithful servants.
As Americans, we inherit what Lincoln in his First Inaugural called "the mystic chords of memory stretching from every patriot grave." They bind to the great and the humble, the know and the unknown of Americans past --and if I hear them clearly, what they say is that although we may have strayed, we have not strayed too far to return, for we are their descendants. We can still astound the world with justice, reason, and strength. I know this is true, but even if it was not we could not in decency stand down, if only for our debt to history. We owe a debt to tose who came before, who did great things, and suffered more than we suffer, and gave more than we give, and pledged their lives, theri fortunes, and their sacred honor for us, whom they did not know. For we "drink from wells we did not dig" and are "warmed by fires we did not build," and so we must be faithful in our time as they were in theirs.
Many generations are gone, but by the character and memory of their existence they forbid us to despair of the republic. I see ehm crossing the prairies in the sun and wind. I see their faces looking out from the steel mills and coal mines, and immigrant ships crawling into harbors at dawn. I see them at work, and at peace. I see them, long departed, looking into the camera, with hopeful and sad eyes. And I see them embracing their children, who became us. They are our family and our blood, and we cannot desert them. In spirit, all of them down to all of us, in a connection that, out of love, we cannot betray.
They are silent now and forever, but from the eternal silence of every patriot grave the is yet an echo that says "It is not too late; keep faith with us, keep faith with God, and do not, do not ever despair of the republic."
That is it my friends, and I sincerely hope you get the true American spirit that motivated the writing of this article by Mike Pence, Wisdom from Imprimis published Hillsdale College. The article is by Mike Pence, Representative of Indiana's 6th Congressional district." See you all soon. cheer, CJ
Hey people, here we are at Hump Day and already looking forward to another glorious weekend, right?
Of course, at least, at this point we can still look forward to something in the future we can enjoy, but don't look long term that way unless you realize, recognize, and prepare for possible hard times. At least be forewarned and accept the potential reality of what I am saying. If you are not listening to Glenn Beck you will never learn the hard side of our present economic plunge. LISTEN TO BECK, !!!!!!
And now to complete the subject matter of the past few blogs. Hope you are filing this in your memory.
The presidencey, a great and complex subject upon which I have only touched, has become symbolic of overreaching. There are many truths that we have been frightened to tell or face. If we run from them, they will catch us with our backs turned and pull us down. Better that we should not flee but rather stop and look them in the eye.
What might our forebears say to us, knowing what they knew, and having done what they did? I have no doubt that they would tell us to channel our passions, speak the truth and do what is right, slowly and with resolution; to work calmly, steadily and without animus or fear; to be like a rock in the tide, let the water tumble about us, and be firm and unashamed in our love of country.
I see us like those in Philadelphia in 1776 . Danger all around, but a fresh chapter, ready to begin, uncorrupted, with great possibilities and -- inexplicably, perhaps miraculously -- the way is clearing ahead. I have never doubted that Providence can appear in history like the sun emerging from behind the clouds, if only as a reward for adherence to first principles. As Winston Churdhill said in a speech to Congress on December 26, 1941: " He must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked our her below, of which we have the honor to be the faithful servants.
As Americans, we inherit what Lincoln in his First Inaugural called "the mystic chords of memory stretching from every patriot grave." They bind to the great and the humble, the know and the unknown of Americans past --and if I hear them clearly, what they say is that although we may have strayed, we have not strayed too far to return, for we are their descendants. We can still astound the world with justice, reason, and strength. I know this is true, but even if it was not we could not in decency stand down, if only for our debt to history. We owe a debt to tose who came before, who did great things, and suffered more than we suffer, and gave more than we give, and pledged their lives, theri fortunes, and their sacred honor for us, whom they did not know. For we "drink from wells we did not dig" and are "warmed by fires we did not build," and so we must be faithful in our time as they were in theirs.
Many generations are gone, but by the character and memory of their existence they forbid us to despair of the republic. I see ehm crossing the prairies in the sun and wind. I see their faces looking out from the steel mills and coal mines, and immigrant ships crawling into harbors at dawn. I see them at work, and at peace. I see them, long departed, looking into the camera, with hopeful and sad eyes. And I see them embracing their children, who became us. They are our family and our blood, and we cannot desert them. In spirit, all of them down to all of us, in a connection that, out of love, we cannot betray.
They are silent now and forever, but from the eternal silence of every patriot grave the is yet an echo that says "It is not too late; keep faith with us, keep faith with God, and do not, do not ever despair of the republic."
That is it my friends, and I sincerely hope you get the true American spirit that motivated the writing of this article by Mike Pence, Wisdom from Imprimis published Hillsdale College. The article is by Mike Pence, Representative of Indiana's 6th Congressional district." See you all soon. cheer, CJ
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