The ultimate source of blessings

I believe the ultimate source of blessings is within us. A good motivation and honesty bring self-confidence, which attracts the trust and respect of others. Therefore the real source of blessings is in our own mind.  ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama

Things do exist

The doctrines of emptiness and selflessness do not imply the non-existence of things. Things do exist. When we say that all phenomena are void of self-existence, it does not mean that we are advocating non-existence, that we are repudiating that things exist. Then what is it we are negating? We are negating, or denying, that anything exists from its own side without depending on other things. Hence, it is because things depend for their existence upon other causes and conditions that they are said to lack independent self-existence ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama,  Answers: Discussions with Western Buddhists pages 31-32.

 

Religious Diversity

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If we view the world’s religions from the widest possible viewpoint and examine their ultimate goal, we find that all of the major world religions, whether Christianity or Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism, are dedicated to the achievement of permanent human happiness. They are all directed toward that goal. All religions emphasize the fact that the true follower must be honest and gentle, in other words, that a truly religious person must always strive to be a better human being. To this end, the different world religions teach different doctrines which will help transform the person. In this regard, all religions are the same, there is no conflict. This is something we must emphasize. We must consider the question of religious diversity from this viewpoint. And when we do, we find no conflict. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, “Answers: Discussions with Western Buddhists,
pages 12-13.”

Om Mani Padme Hum ~ YouTube

 

“Om Mani Padme Hum” – it is said that all the teachings of the Buddha are contained in this mantra.

The six syllables of this mantra close the doorways to rebirth in the lower realms of cyclic existence. The six syllables also contain the essence of the six perfections of generosity, ethical discipline, tolerance or patience, joyous effort, concentration and wise discrimination.

Genuine Peace of Mind

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama brings together Buddhists and Western scientists every two years. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Genuine peace of mind is rooted in affection and compassion. There is a very high level of sensitivity and feeling involved. So long as we lack inner discipline, an inner calmness of mind, then no matter what external facilities or conditions we may have, they will never give us the feeling of joy and happiness that we seek. On the other hand, if we possess this inner quality—that is, calmness of mind, a degree of stability within—then even if we lack various external facilities that are normally considered necessary for a happy and joyful life, it is still possible to live a happy and joyful life.

~ Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective,
page 9. by H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama

Related articles

• Compassion (pctam.wordpress.com)