Month: August 2011

When you know for yourselves

/ Debra / 2 Comments

Do not rely upon what has been acquired by repeated tradition; nor upon lineage; nor upon rumour; nor upon what is handed down in the teachings; nor upon logic; nor upon inference; nor upon a consideration of reasons; nor upon a delight in speculation; nor upon appearances; nor upon respect for your teacher.

Kalmas, when you know for yourselves: These things are unskilful; these things are blameable; these things are censured by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and suffering, then abandon them. ~ Buddha

What can I do?

/ Debra / 3 Comments

Just yesterday I was thinking of how to help the ever changing world…i.e.more famines…more riots…more violence for violence’s sake.

I thought…What can I do? (not in order)

1. Feed the sentient beings as I can, locally.

2. Pray and do mantra practice

3. Meditate.

4. Smile to all even if they do not smile in return.

5. Drive mindfully and safely

6. Look people in the eyes and see them for them

7. Volunteer at the Local Food Bank

8. Travel the Middle Path

9. Speak only those words that should be spoken

10. Repeat and add more.

I know this is a simple and incomplete list. And we all do these things with out referring to the list. But sometimes it helps to write down what we can do to help ourselves and all sentient beings. It removes anger (frustration)…apathy due to being overwhelmed…it highlights the ripple effect (what we do, feel, not do, not feel..ripples throughout the worlds)

I am not longer a wanderer…

/ Debra / 2 Comments

I am no longer a wanderer because I have a path and I don’t have to worry anymore. My path is the path of stopping, the path of enjoying the present moment. It is the path where every step brings me back to my true home. It is the path that leads to nowhere. I am on my way home. I arrive at every step. I am taking my steps with leisure because I don’t have to hurry. That is my life; that is my practice. –Thầy Nhất Hạnh

Thich Nhat Hanh

A very wonderful offer…

/ Debra / 2 Comments

Sofan Chan of ‘The Art of Happiness Gallery’ has offered TBLC use of her paintings (credit will always be given)…and I think this the most wonderful offer! Click on the link above and I think you will agree with me. Thank you Sofan and I apologize for the delay…Summer has been hectic this year. 🙂

Here ‘s her bio from her site:

“Sofan Chan – Painter 
I was born and spent my formative years in Hong Kong, a place of great cultural diversity. I studied advanced western painting techniques at the fine art institute of Chicago in the USA, before finally settling with my husband Rochman in Australia.

My paintings have an easily recognisable, unique style filled with filled with vibrant, happy colours and flowing lines. My original oil paintings and limited edition prints are now proudly displayed in a wide variety of collections around the world.

Painting is a form of meditation for me. When I am truly in tune with what I am painting, the inspiration begins to flow, and the paint takes on a life of it’s own and effortlessly appears onto the canvas.”

Later in the coming week…lovely art will accompany some posts. 🙂 ~ Debra