30
August

Buddhist Belief – Do We Understand Suffering?


“By means of meditation we can teach our minds to be calm and balanced; within this calmness is a richness and a potential, an inner knowledge which can render our lives boundlessly satisfying and meaningful. While the mind may be what traps us in unhealthy patterns of stress and imbalance, it is also the mind which can free us. Through meditation, we can tap the healing qualities of mind.”
~~~ Tarthang Tulku

Among the many aspects I’ve mentioned in these posts about Buddhist Belief, are The Four Noble Truths. And, when we’re thinking about how we can better balance those “ups and downs” of our lives, it’s natural to keep coming back to the First Noble Truth of Buddhism. This Truth is, to state it briefly, “all things, all existing conditions, are dukkha, in a state of dis-ease”. (The hyphen is intentional – a state of not being “at ease”.)

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

When we’re suffering, when we’re not at ease, when we’re dissatisfied, when we don’t have what we want, or when we have what we don’t want, the truth of this teaching of Buddha becomes fairly obvious. You know it because you feel it in your bones. You don’t doubt it for a minute. However, if we dig deeper into the teachings about the First Noble Truth, we’ll begin to uncover some additional thoughts about the often misinterpreted assertion that “everything is suffering”. We so often don’t get past this first Truth and allow ourselves to move on to further teachings, because we know “everything” is not suffering, so how could this be truthful teaching? There’s a lot of happiness running through our lives most days. No denying it! We know this, so we end up being somewhat distrustful of this “Buddhism/Suffering” stuff.

If we really look deeply into this “happiness” we all experience, we’ll see some interesting aspects. First of all, when we feel happy, we have a tendency to desire more of it – or we cling to it hoping it will last and last. We either cling to the happiness and often end up destroying it because of the clinging, or we start to worry and become anxious about losing it – and our anxiety gets in the way of truly enjoying the happiness – and we end up losing it as a result. Once we start grasping at our moments of happiness, we’ve taken the first steps toward losing them. Our desire for more of it is destroyed, and we end up anything but happy.

I have a belief that attachment and desire are not the same thing. Not every desire is attachment – but every attachment is desire. Most of us desire certain things. Sometimes, the likelihood of attaining those things isn’t realistic, so we don’t become attached them. Some people call these “pipe-dreams”. Do you see this? We don’t get “down” if this desire doesn’t happen. We’re so often caught in our up-and-down dilemmas. We’re torn between love and dislike, attachment and rejection. Almost every activity in our lives, every agenda, is directed by these powerful currents that sweep us back and forth all the time.

If we could tap into the true wisdom within us, we could probably handle all this back-and-forth and up-and-down stuff with no problem. But, until we figure out how to tap into that wisdom, we’re only able to use our human intelligence, but even that is tied and shackled by the confusion, fear, and ignorance that I call ego.

Ego is so powerful. Any tiny little disagreement comes up, and our ego feels hurt. It tells us, “I have not been respected! They don’t remember what I did for them! I am not being treated like a human being!” When we feel hurt all the time, it’s the ego that is getting hurt. These feelings are very powerful, and they completely control us. That is what is meant by tightly bound by karmic chains so hard to escape. Our dislikes push in one direction, our attachments pull in the other direction, and ego holds us tight in it’s grasp.

One way Buddhist teachers recommend as a way to escape from these attachments and desires it to make meditation a part of our lifestyle. Many people try meditation for awhile and quit because they say it’s too boring. If you think about it, though, meditation can only be boring if we allow our so-called separate self to enter into it. If we look at meditation from the point of view of our separate self, it appears we’re not doing anything. However, in true, authentic meditation, nothing is further from the truth. In true meditation, the entire universe is coming to us fresh and new every moment. The whole world is being born brand new every moment. How can that ever be boring?

Give your separate self up to true meditation and find this out. It’s only when we’re meditating with our separate self that anxiety, attachment, boredom, and other ego-tainted emotions creep into our precious moments. Our meditations need to be simple and basic. It’s learning how to see inside – understanding how we create suffering or dis-ease for ourselves. It’s seeing into it – through it – and how to let go of it. It’s a life of awareness. You sit and become totally attentive to what’s there in every moment. Let your practice become more and more simple, until you can let go of the confusions of methods and techniques. Just be – be only the awareness of what is.

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List — I’VE ADDED A COUPLE OF NEW BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CHECK THEM OUT — THEY’RE THE FIRST TWO ON THE READING LIST BELOW…,

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Stephanie Kaza — Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume

Stephanie Kaza, an amazing writer and Buddhist teacher I knew from my 36 years living in Vermont, gathers key Buddhist thinkers to reflect upon aspects of consumerism, greed and economics. Certainly, many other authors have examined consumerism from the lens of their religious traditions, but this book’s Buddhist perspective is unusual, and its pairing of consumerist critiques with core Buddhist concepts is generally fruitful. Check this one out! Hooked!

Stephanie Kaza — Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Another one from my Vermont friend — Stephanie Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her 40 years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to “go green”: “When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life… we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion.” A good read for Buddhists or anyone from any religion. Mindfully Green

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you’d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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24
August

Buddhist Belief – Is There an Eternal Soul?


“There seem to be two kinds of searchers: those who seek to make their ego something other than it is, i.e. holy, happy, unselfish (as though you could make a fish unfish), and those who understand that all such attempts are just gesticulation and play-acting, that there is only one thing that can be done, which is to disidentify themselves with the ego, by realizing its unreality, and by becoming aware of their eternal identity with pure being.”
~~~ Fingers Pointing Toward the Moon by Wei Wu Wei

One of the questions I often ask myself as I’m proceeding with my study of Buddhist Belief, is this, Is there an eternal soul, or an unchanging, substantial self? Is there anything like this anywhere – in anyone? I can’t truly explain why I still want to write about this – I thought I had wrapped it up last time. **smile** Apparently not. There are still some more thoughts floating through this old mind I would like to share. I also discovered a great 12 minute talk given by Bob Thurman over at the TED Talks which I’ll share with you at the end of this post.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

Perhaps one of the reasons why I’m not ready to leave this be, is because when I look at the subject of “No_Self” from outside myself, I find it to be a bit threatening. If I’m not what I carry around inside my skin, then what am I? Who am I? Obviously, since I still have these questions, I still don’t have a decent enough grasp of what this all means. As Bob Thurman is going to explain in the video, it’s not until we come to the actual realization of “No-Self”, will it then become self-evident. Then it will be the most obvious thing in the world.

I’ll bet everyone reading this blog has experienced being totally burnt out or stressed out about something at some point in their life, right? If we’re like most people, if we’re in a situation like that, we try to offset it some way. Maybe it’s work we’re stressed out about, so we might call in sick, (even if we’re not) – or schedule a vacation – something to get us away from the stress. Oh, it feels so good not to be in the stress, doesn’t it? But what happens after a few days of this? We get a little bored and we start looking for something else to do. We’re not happy with all this quiet – we’re getting anxious – maybe a bit stressed again.

Think about it – isn’t that how life goes? We’re constantly swinging from one thing to another. We’re up – and then we’re down – so we need to do something to get up again. This is what Buddha was talking about in the First Noble Truth. This is the suffering – the samsara or the dukkha – we’re never satisfied. We’re always looking for something new so we can feel happy. We say to ourselves, “If only I could find a good balance in my life – not too much stress – and not too much boredom.” Have you ever really found such a balance? Is it even possible? It seems no matter how we may strive for “no stress/no boredom”, something always seems to come along to knock us off balance.

Once we come to a place where we realize what we’re experiencing is the dukkha, the suffering Buddha talks about, this should open some new doorways for our steps to break this cycle of ups and downs. There is no way this “self” we call “me” will ever find rest within itself. Is the reason for this because we’re so used to living with the ups and downs we don’t even consider the possibility of another way to live? It’s when we do understand how the lack of true balance is the result of dukkha, our addiction to suffering, we can begin our new journey towards true happiness and inner peace.

I’m going to wrap this up for this time, because I really would like you to take a few minutes to watch and listen to this video by Bob Thurman. I’ll pick this up again next time.

Robert Thurman was the first American to be ordained a Tibetan Monk by the Dalai Lama. He is a scholar, author and tireless proponent of peace. Thurman’s focus is on the balance between inner insight and cultural harmony. In interpreting the teachings of Buddha, he argues that happiness can be reliable and satisfying in an enduring way without depriving others. This video, where Bob Thurman says, “We can all be Buddhas“, was recorded as part of the TED Talks series in June of 2007. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

(If, for some reason, the embedded video doesn’t work for you, here’s a direct link:)

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/130

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List — I’VE ADDED A COUPLE OF NEW BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CHECK THEM OUT — THEY’RE THE FIRST TWO ON THE READING LIST BELOW…,

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Stephanie Kaza — Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume

Stephanie Kaza, an amazing writer and Buddhist teacher I knew from my 36 years living in Vermont, gathers key Buddhist thinkers to reflect upon aspects of consumerism, greed and economics. Certainly, many other authors have examined consumerism from the lens of their religious traditions, but this book’s Buddhist perspective is unusual, and its pairing of consumerist critiques with core Buddhist concepts is generally fruitful. Check this one out! Hooked!

Stephanie Kaza — Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Another one from my Vermont friend — Stephanie Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her 40 years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to “go green”: “When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life… we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion.” A good read for Buddhists or anyone from any religion. Mindfully Green

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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16
August

Buddhist Belief – It’s Always About The Four Noble Truths!


“With the virtue of knowing selflessness, we are pulling the rug out from under the world’s ability to terrorize and confuse us.”
~~~ Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Last week in our writing about Buddhist Belief, we began to delve into the topic of “No-Self”. And, as I mentioned last time, this is a topic most of us have trouble truly integrating into our lives even though it is vitally important. As a matter of fact, the question of whether or not there is or is not a self is a major stumbling block, especially for those of us who live in Western cultures.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

This past week I was doing some more studying on this and found some teachers with interesting thoughts. There were a few of them who questioned this concept of “No-Self” saying, if Buddhism teaches we have no self, then what is it, or who is it, who experiences Karma – or who is it that experiences rebirth? Interesting, huh? Just a little something to add to our confusion, right?

Then, I did some more digging around and found some teachers who refer to the Pali Canon – which is, supposedly, the earliest written record of Buddha’s teachings, and those teachers say the question of Self vs. No-Self isn’t even mentioned. There is even mention in some of the ancient literature where Buddha refused to answer this question when asked. He said to come down on either side of the question of the Self vs. No-Self issue would cause one to enter into “wrong view” which is one of the steps in the Noble Eightfold Path (Right View), and would lead to additional suffering. Hmmm, this is getting even more interesting!

Since I see my role in writing this blog about Buddhist Belief to be that of one who is explaining Buddha’s teaching in language we Westerners can comprehend, then I feel I also need to be careful not to mislead in any way. Buddha did have some thoughts about how questions like this should be answered. He said a question should be looked at in this way:

Does it require a simple “Yes” or “No” answer?
Does it require and analytical answer?
Does it require the question to be answered with a question?
Does it require being set aside and not answered at all?

Buddha felt this was a question which should be put aside, rather than attempt any further effort to answer the question — is there a self? — In last week’s post we dealt with the thought of how any mention of self or no-self leads to an identification with a “self” of some sort, which in turn leads to a form of attachment or clinging and thus can lead to suffering. (Based on the basic teachings of Buddha – The Four Noble Truths.)


“You can lose only what you cling on to.”
~~~ Buddha

I’m beginning to make some sense in all this. I hope you are as well. Buddha is saying those nagging questions about “Do I exist?” or “Don’t I exist?” should be set aside because no matter how we try to answer them, our minds become occupied with, or attached to, the “Self” implied by the questions themselves — which can then lead to suffering and dissatisfaction.

Rather, what I see the Buddha saying is – go back to the basics – the Four Noble Truths – (1) there is suffering and stress in life, (2) the causes for the suffering, craving, clinging, desire, attachment, etc. (3) there are ways to get rid of the causes and the suffering, (4) and the steps to make it all happen. When issues occur in our lives, we should look at them in an attitude of calm and peace, such as what we experience when we meditate. (See, I’m always promoting meditation – always!)

Think of how we can look at these issues of suffering and stress in terms of the Noble Eightfold Path – look at them within a place of calm and you will see these issues are not about the question of “Self” or “No-Self”, but rather — is this suffering because of something I’m attached to – or something I’m foolishly holding onto – or something I want which I don’t have – or something I have that I don’t want? Is this thing making me suffer really about me, myself or mine? If this thing is making me suffer, then why hold onto it? Let it go! It’s truly not about me, myself, or mine. It’s only because you think it is which is making you cling to it. You will feel a lot better if you let it go, and you’ll also learn how, when you get rid of some of the attachments and clinging in your life, you will also get rid of another form of self-identification. Once the sense of self-identification is gone, you’ll have nothing left but pure, beautiful happiness.

Let’s see, did I just proceed to contradict everything I said last week? I don’t think so. When Buddhist teachers talk about “No_self” I think what they’re saying is — it is our self-obsession, our focus on the things and stuff we crave and cling to, including our obsession with a self, which leads to our suffering and dissatisfaction. When we experience emotions like anger, jealousy and desire, these are the result of an attachment to what we think of as “me”. These emotions come and go, they are not stable. These emotions come from our own pride – our feeling we are separate from – perhaps even better than – everything else. This pride is our ego , our mind, telling us yet another lie. We’re making our mirage into a lake of water. If we didn’t have this confusion, there wouldn’t be a belief in a self, for there wouldn’t be any self-obsession.

If only it wasn’t for our mind!!

Let’s end this post with these words from an article written by Lama Chuck Stanford, of the Rime Buddhist Center & Monastery which, hopefully, will help us to understand:


The brilliant cartoonist Walt Kelly created the wonderful character of Pogo. One of Pogo’s most famous lines was, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” It is funny, but true, because our negative emotions are our worst enemy.

In one of the sutras, the Buddha said: “Imagine you are on a battlefield with thousands of troops all around you. You must fight them all single-handedly, and you manage to conquer them all. Now imagine doing this a thousand times.”

The Buddha said doing that is an easier task than conquering one’s own mind.

It is our duty to do battle with the enemy of negative emotions. If we truly wish to achieve any kind of ultimate happiness, we have to use the antidote of mindfulness to fight against this enemy. Meditation is an excellent method for cultivating this kind of mindfulness.

Once you have a life of pure, beautiful happiness, there won’t be any further thought of whether a “Self” or a “None-Self” is experiencing it – it just won’t matter any longer. Life will be good. We will know true happiness.

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List — I’VE ADDED A COUPLE OF NEW BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CHECK THEM OUT — THEY’RE THE FIRST TWO ON THE READING LIST BELOW…,

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Stephanie Kaza — Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume

Stephanie Kaza, an amazing writer and Buddhist teacher I knew from my 36 years living in Vermont, gathers key Buddhist thinkers to reflect upon aspects of consumerism, greed and economics. Certainly, many other authors have examined consumerism from the lens of their religious traditions, but this book’s Buddhist perspective is unusual, and its pairing of consumerist critiques with core Buddhist concepts is generally fruitful. Check this one out! Hooked!

Stephanie Kaza — Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Another one from my Vermont friend — Stephanie Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her 40 years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to “go green”: “When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life… we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion.” A good read for Buddhists or anyone from any religion. Mindfully Green

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

===================================================

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Posted by Ron Rink under Buddhist Belief | Comment now » |
09
August

Buddhist Belief – Selflessness? What’s That About?


“We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.”
~~~ Buddha

Over the past two or three weeks it seems like most of the studying I’m doing, many of the articles I’m reading and other happenings in my life relating to Buddhist Belief, have to do with the Buddhist concept of “No-Self”. Needless to say, this isn’t one of the aspects of Buddhism most people feel comfortable with or find easily understandable. I know I don’t, so I guess therein lies my clue to get busy and do some writing about it – and see if I can get some clarity about this “No-Self” concept for us. So often, when I take on the process of writing about something, the “something” becomes clearer. Maybe it will work with this as well. I hope so.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

I would bet most of you have experienced a mirage. You don’t have to be in the desert to see one of these, we can also see them driving on a road during the summer months when the temperature is high. You look ahead of you and see the shimmering on the road surface. As you continue to drive, the shimmering, water-like image you see never materializes — it keeps staying far ahead of you. This holds true with other imaginations as well. It seems to be a human trait to make certain appearances into “things” other than what they truly are. Just the other day I looked out of my office window and saw a new white flower along the back fence which I had never seen before. When I went out later to investigate, it turned out to be nothing more than a small piece of white paper which had blown into the yard and was entangled in one of the flower beds.

One of the things we all do is say, “I have a self. I exist.” Yet, when we sit in our meditation – when we study the Buddhist teachings – we see how our own inner wisdom is trying to teach us there is “no self” in the way we perceive the self. Think about what Buddha had to say on this subject, “The self we imagine to be solid and continuous is really just a gathering of ever-changing ingredients.” It makes sense when we really think about it. We have some blood, some bones, some skin, some thoughts, some emotions, some memories, some perceptions, and we call this conglomeration of stuff — “Me”.

Okay, why not? What’s wrong with this conclusion? Why does Buddha want us to avoid this concept? (I wish I had an easy to understand answer, but the best I can do is talk about what I’ve learned.) When we take all these items, put them together and call it, “Me”, it’s sort of like looking up at the clouds and seeing them form into a certain shape and giving the shape a name based on what the shape appears to be. Yet, a few moments later, the shape is gone and changed into something else. This illusion we call “Me”, is just as transparent and ever-changing as the clouds.

I think one of the reasons why Buddhist teachings talk about “No-Self”, is because once we take this collection of blood, bones, thoughts, emotions, etc., and call it “me”, we form an attachment to “me”. When we form attachments to “me“, we open the door to a variety of potential problems for “me”, – fear, pride, and jealousy come to mind. This idea of “me” starts us thinking about the rest of the world as “they”. If I’m real, so are they. So, if “they” take something away from “me”, then I’ll feel anger or pain – and suffering begins. As one of the teachers I’ve read (I don’t recall which one) said, “This suffering is the result of ignorance. Suffering is the reverberation of not knowing selflessness.” (Not an exact quote, but something like that.)

I can tell already how this topic is going to be one we write more about as the weeks go by. It’s too much for one blog post. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I’m still in the head-scratching stage.

Before we sign off on this post, I’d like to quote some thoughts about this from one of my favorite teachers, Anam Thubten. I’m quoting from his book, “No Self – No Problem”, which has been in my recommended reading list below. This quote is from the beginning of his book.


“We identify with our body made out of flesh, bones and other components and therefor we believe we are material, substantial, and concrete. This understanding has become so embedded in our belief system that we rarely question it. The results of that are the inevitable conditions of old age, sickness and death. We acquire these conditions simply out of believing we are this physical body. We always pay a high price when we believe in false ideas. This perception is not just held individually; it is held dearly by the collective mind of society and has been for many generations. That is why it is so strongly entrenched in our psyche. Our normal, everyday perception of each other is governed by this false identity and then strengthened and enforced by the language we use.”

In one of his first teachings after he achieved enlightenment, Buddha taught how life is suffering and painful for this basic reason — we are self-obsessed. If we didn’t feel anger, jealousy, greed or fear, then we would be at peace. It is this perception of our “Self” which bring about all these negative emotions.

Here’s a short poem to use in your meditations this week ..

Know all things to be like this:
A mirage, a cloud castle,
A dream, an apparition,
Without essence, but with qualities that can be seen.

Know all things to be like this:
As the moon in a bright sky
In some clear lake reflected,
Though to that lake the moon has never moved.

Know all things to be like this:
As an echo that derives
From music, sounds, and weeping,
Yet in that echo is no melody.

Know all things to be like this:
As a magician makes illusions
Of horses, oxen, carts and other things,
Nothing is as it appears.

Samadhi Raja Sutra

We’ll continue this thought process in the next week’s post.

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List — I’VE ADDED A COUPLE OF NEW BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CHECK THEM OUT — THEY’RE THE FIRST TWO ON THE READING LIST BELOW…,

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Stephanie Kaza — Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume

Stephanie Kaza, an amazing writer and Buddhist teacher I knew from my 36 years living in Vermont, gathers key Buddhist thinkers to reflect upon aspects of consumerism, greed and economics. Certainly, many other authors have examined consumerism from the lens of their religious traditions, but this book’s Buddhist perspective is unusual, and its pairing of consumerist critiques with core Buddhist concepts is generally fruitful. Check this one out! Hooked!

Stephanie Kaza — Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Another one from my Vermont friend — Stephanie Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her 40 years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to “go green”: “When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life… we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion.” A good read for Buddhists or anyone from any religion. Mindfully Green

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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02
August

Buddhist Belief – Change Just Happens!


“Turn your mind away from things which are not permanent.”

~~~ Buddha

Those of us who are devoting some time and energy to learning more about Buddhist Belief are, I would bet, discovering some interesting factors about how we live our lives – at least I am. One of the primary teachings of Buddha is how the reason we’re dissatisfied so much of the time is because we’re not willing to let go of our craving and clinging to things, people and other “stuff”, as well as our reluctance to accept the Buddhist teaching – nothing is permanent.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

Obviously, one of the reasons why we have so much trouble with this “letting go” process, is because of our persistent resistance to change. Sure, there are going to be times when we would happily welcome change. Times when we don’t feel good – or – times when something has entered our lives we don’t like – those, and similar circumstances, are the times we’d love some change and as soon as possible, please!

However, the most interesting thing about this resistance to change is we know change is going to happen, no matter what we do, yet we continue to fight it. We fight it with vigor, even though we know, deep down, whatever it is won’t last. We know nothing is permanent, yet we refuse to accept this as fact. We see it proven to us over and over, yet we continue to cling to the myth of permanence. We’ve been thoroughly indoctrinated for many centuries to believe this way – it has become an ingrained habit, and habits are, as we know, extremely difficult to break. Change is always happening in every moment. It never stops – it never gives up – it never slows down, and still, we don’t cease our wanting more permanency in our lives.

We can’t make change slow down or stop, but we can stop and slow down ourselves a bit and pay closer attention to what we’re doing. Of course, in order to slow down and become more aware, we need to know it’s a step we have available to us. Here’s where the study of Buddhist Belief comes in. Buddha taught how being more mindful of what we’re doing would reveal ways to ease the suffering of our lives.

What’s interesting about the process of slowing ourselves down and paying more attention to the change happening around us, is we begin to see how all our actions to try and stop it are exercises in futility. We begin to see how striving for permanence in an impermanent world is like banging our heads against a really hard brick wall. This is when we begin saying to ourselves, “Whoa, what am I doing? This isn’t working for me!” Once we reach this point of being more aware, we begin to see how the way we’ve been dealing with our life isn’t working, and new thoughts and ideas surface — showing us new and different paths to follow. We begin to realize we’ve been following the wrong leader – our ego-centered master – instead of going to the place within us where true knowledge is ready and willing to take over, if only we’ll allow it to happen.

As usual, and as those of you who have been reading this blog for any time know, I often write about what’s on my mind – and what the lessons are I need to reinforce for my own life – and hoping what I have to say will be helpful to you as well as to me. We all know how the study of Buddhist teachings will lead to revealing ways to learn to let go and quit fighting change. But when you get to a point later in your life where terminal illness has entered your reality, the teaching about impermanence becomes truly vivid. We begin to see the utter futility of trying to hold onto things. So much of the acceptance of change seems to happen rather naturally. Learning to accept “what is” makes more sense because we can see how there really aren’t a lot of other choices, anyway — or, as the young people would say, “Like none, dude!”

This whole concept of the impermanence of things and people is now seen with more clarity. It’s no longer a struggle to force something to happen – you don’t have to work at letting go or holding on – you just “go with the flow”. You discover how letting go of our resistance to change is always happening when we stay in the moment. It’s interesting too, when we live more in the present, the letting go just sort of happens – and when we are accepting of “what is” it’s so much easier to stay in the present.

As I say nearly every time I write another article for this blog – meditation – daily meditation – is vital. Meditation is the way to discover what it means to be in the moment. It is the way to train your mind to see truth more readily. If practicing meditation isn’t a part of your daily life, why not block out a few minutes each day in your schedule to meditate. It can be a short time to begin with – perhaps 15 minutes. Some of you may have had parents who said to you when you were a child, “Eat this, it’s good for you!”

Well, I’m saying, “Meditate, it’s good for you!”

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List — I’VE ADDED A COUPLE OF NEW BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CHECK THEM OUT — THEY’RE THE FIRST TWO ON THE READING LIST BELOW…,

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Stephanie Kaza — Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume

Stephanie Kaza, an amazing writer and Buddhist teacher I knew from my 36 years living in Vermont, gathers key Buddhist thinkers to reflect upon aspects of consumerism, greed and economics. Certainly, many other authors have examined consumerism from the lens of their religious traditions, but this book’s Buddhist perspective is unusual, and its pairing of consumerist critiques with core Buddhist concepts is generally fruitful. Check this one out! Hooked!

Stephanie Kaza — Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Another one from my Vermont friend — Stephanie Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her 40 years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to “go green”: “When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life… we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion.” A good read for Buddhists or anyone from any religion. Mindfully Green

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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Posted by Ron Rink under Buddhist Belief | Comment now » |
23
July

Buddhist Belief – Practice! Practice! Practice!


”The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities – warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful – happier.”
~~~ Dalai Lama

I can easily remember back to the days when I was first putting some serious effort into the study of Buddhist Belief, and discovering most folks considered my efforts to be another one of those “new-Agey, Hippy” things. I do understand part of why they thought this way – I was a new-age hippy at the time. Well, I guess I still am in many ways. But back then (this was many years ago – I won’t say how many!) what people thought about Buddhism was usually something like a form of withdrawal from the real world. Those of us looking seriously into Buddhism were seen as a bunch of spaced out freaks who sat around chanting “Ohm” all the time.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

Even though I did tell you my studies began many years ago, I also am noticing how far the teachings of Buddha have become a part of our society today. You don’t have to look too far to find a Buddhist Center – or travel to get to a Buddhist retreat – or find a place where you can take part in a Buddhist meditation group. I’m delighted this is happening. I’m delighted to see more and more people discovering the teachings and seeing the good in them. It tells me how there is a chance for the world to be a better place.

However – (yep, I’ve got a “however” here) – if all the study and reading of books and blogs like this one are going to do any good in the long run, we have to do what the teachings say – practice! And then we have to practice some more – and then we have to put our practices into practice in our everyday lives. We have to teach ourselves to live the teachings.

When I was a young man and still able to be a pretty good classical pianist, my teachers and coaches would always remind me that way to get to Carnegie Hall was to Practice! Practice! Practice! Well, the same is true for being a Buddhist. Our study and reading may be great for providing us with inspiration, but unless we put what we learn into our permanent lifestyle – sure, we’ll be more educated about the Buddhist principles — but our effect on our fellow humans will be minimal.

Once we decide that compassion is a good thing – and how learning that being mindful can make us healthier – or we come to understand how there is no separate self – we’ve accomplished something positive. But to make it an even better accomplishment, we need to develop a lifestyle of being compassionate as well as daily practicing mindfulness and selflessness. This isn’t an easy thing to do, as I’ve come to realize every day. Let’s face it – our bodies and brains have been evolving for millions of years. We’re programmed to behave just the opposite of what Buddhism is teaching. These are lifestyle habits we live with and like any habit they’re not easy to change.

We all know about the Four Noble Truths. We all know how these truths show us the path to developing more clarity, more happiness and contentment and more actions based on wisdom. The path Buddha taught has been proven over and over for many generations to be the way to travel through our lives. What it also teaches us is how we have to go beyond just reading about it. We won’t find the clarity, contentment and wisdom until we put these practices into action in our lives. This is a huge commitment. As I am learning more and more every day, if I follow the teachings only when it’s convenient for me to do so, the choices I make don’t have much of a lasting effect. It’s still too easy to slip back into the “old ways” of living.

Over these past few months I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to share time with my friend and fellow Buddhist meditator, Bill Bogan, via a personal visit to his home – seeing each other in our church when he was still able to travel – some phone conversations – this blog – and the sharing of emails. Bill was enduring the suffering of invasive surgeries, the discovery of cancer in his body, and the mental anguish of his anger in facing end-of-life issues. Bill was also aware of the seriousness of my own incurable illness and could see the rapid progression on my body when we would see each other, as I was able to see his. We began to teach each other by putting what we’d learned into practice. As the days went by, we both gradually become kinder, gentler, more connected and more able to drop the hard exteriors we had used to protect ourselves from the challenges ahead.

I began to write some of the recent postings in this blog with Bill in mind. By listening to what we each had to say to each other, I would write from whatever knowledge I had acquired over the years. The discovery I made is how I realized I was writing not only with Bill in mind, I was also writing to myself. I was hoping to reinforce for both of us what Buddha taught – there is nothing other than the moment we’re in. We can choose to resist what is – or we can choose to accept it.

Fortunately, in one of Bill’s last emails to me, I could see where he had found the courage to accept what is. Bill showed me how acceptance and living the teachings can make a difference. What a gift he gave – not only to me – but to the many others with whom he was sharing time in his last days.

I know there needs to be a major shift in our lives if we are to see a shift to the positive in our societies. This is huge – it is so daunting – but it has to start somewhere. As Buddha once said,


“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth — not going all the way, and not starting.

~~~ Buddha

The place to start is with each of us.

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List — I’VE ADDED A COUPLE OF NEW BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. CHECK THEM OUT — THEY’RE THE FIRST TWO ON THE READING LIST BELOW…,

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Stephanie Kaza — Hooked!: Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume

Stephanie Kaza, an amazing writer and Buddhist teacher I knew from my 36 years living in Vermont, gathers key Buddhist thinkers to reflect upon aspects of consumerism, greed and economics. Certainly, many other authors have examined consumerism from the lens of their religious traditions, but this book’s Buddhist perspective is unusual, and its pairing of consumerist critiques with core Buddhist concepts is generally fruitful. Check this one out! Hooked!

Stephanie Kaza — Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking

Another one from my Vermont friend — Stephanie Kaza, a biologist and professor of Environmental Studies at University of Vermont, combines Zen Buddhist practices and teachings with her 40 years as an environmentalist for this guide to enlightened environmentalism, proposing a belief in the interdependence of people and nature as the genuine way to “go green”: “When we come to see ourselves as part of the green web of life… we are naturally drawn to respond with compassion.” A good read for Buddhists or anyone from any religion. Mindfully Green

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you’d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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Posted by Ron Rink under Buddhist Belief | Comment now » |
19
July

Buddhist Belief – and Our Environmental Lifestyle


”He who finds a thought that enables him to obtain a slightly deeper glimpse into the eternal secrets of nature has been given great grace.
~~~ Albert Einstein

You know, this is a tough time for anyone who is working to live by their Buddhist Beliefs, isn’t it? It seems as though trying to find some truth we can truly rely on is getting more and more difficult. I happen to be one who looks for truth via Internet sources rather than television, radio or newspapers. Yet, even there, I’m seeing so many different arguments being offered – and each of the presenters of these arguments can cite sources galore to back up their point of view.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

One example about difficult truth-seeking I’d like to offer for you today has to do with our environment and how what’s happening with it might relate to our Buddhist beliefs. Despite the fact that news sources are all over the map on this, in my humble opinion, I feel our environment is on the brink of catastrophe. Our planet can no longer absorb the way we humans have chosen to live – the planet’s ecosystems won’t hold up to our lifestyles of greed and over-consumption much longer.

Many people who study Buddhist principles will come to the conclusion that our greedy, commercialized lifestyle is the result of some distortion in our human mind. However, our study of Buddhist teachings show us how compassion and gratitude are important principles. This environmental crisis we are facing today is giving us the opportunity to add stewardship and sustainability to our day-to-day lifestyles. One way would be for us humans to find ways to show our gratitude for what nature can provide for us. Through our individual actions we could show our gratitude by cutting back on some of the things we “over-use” to make us seem more comfortable.

I’m not suggesting we should all move into a 9 X 12 cave somewhere and rely on candles for our light source. But, why couldn’t we begin to think about changing some of our belief that more “stuff” will make us happier? Our capitalistic society has rewired our thinking process so we seem to feel we are in competition with our ourselves and our neighbors. We need bigger cars, larger and larger televisions and smaller and smaller telephones. We need better dogs and prettier kids. We’re never quite satisfied with what we already have – we want the next best thing to come along.

I’m not promoting the idea that we have to give up the amenities we have come to love so much; rather, I think we simply need to bring into balance our inner demands with our environmental limits. We need to balance our wants with our needs. So much of our wants require us to purchase products manufactured from nature, which in turn, puts more stress on our environment.

In the society I live in here in America, we are passing down our own addictions to “things and stuff” to our children and grandchildren. We teach our children that if they want something and make the want known to us adults, we will find some way, or some occasion to provide it in abundance. In most cases, the children never learn that earning is a part of acquiring something. Another example being discussed a lot lately is the epidemic of obesity, in both children and adults. Think for moment of what we do to nature in order to get ourselves in this condition. We’re obviously taking more than we need.

When Buddhists talk about suffering we also need to see why so much suffering is taking place. We will remain forever locked in a cycle of suffering as a society while we depend upon shopping malls and outlet centers to provide our happiness.

Buddha taught how “Nature teaches humans to enjoy a simple life and encourages them to embrace happiness, which derives from peace of mind, making merit, helping others, and being at one with nature”. I do see some people who are living this way, but I sure don’t see enough. We’re making an awful mess with our greed and selfishness and we’re leaving the mess for future generations to clean up, if they can even figure out how to do it.

You hear me say over and over in this blog how important a daily meditation practice is for all of us. This is the best way I have found to instill some sense of peace and serenity within myself. When we know how peace and serenity feel, we are better able to bring that state of mind to discussions with others and to our activism for a better environment. As I enter into the phase of life where aging is taking its toll, I find that when I meditate I feel peaceful within, I feel satisfied – I don’t feel I need much of anything. I feel fulfilled. I also realize I could have felt this way as a younger person, so I urge you not to wait until you’re older. Material happiness pales in comparison to the happiness given to us by nature because our “things” are essentially empty.

Our selfish ways have led us to forget one of the basic Buddhist teachings – Life is Impermanent. We can’t take any of our “stuff” with us at the end. So many of us accumulate “stuff” and money to leave to our heirs. Why? We’re only setting them up for more commercialization. What we need to leave behind, our best gift for our heirs, is a vibrant natural world free from pollution and teeming with life.

Our human society is out of balance. But, do we have enough gumption to make some changes? Give this a try – put all your “things” aside for a couple of hours each day – your coffee, your smokes, your pills, your blackberries, your laptops, etc. and go have a seat in the woods or someplace where it’s quiet. Listen to nature and hear what it has to say. I used to love to go into the woods and notice how the sounds of nature would change as I entered. At first it would get very quiet. Then, after I found a nice tree to sit and lean against and get quiet myself and stop moving around, the sounds would gradually come alive. The longer I sat still, the more nature would talk to me. Those were some beautiful moments that no possession I have can offer.

The Western world is waking up to the fact that nature will continue to give us everything we need, but if we continue taking everything we want, it will die. We can’t keep on the path we’re taking. Those of us who study Buddhism know we need to learn to live in the present and to live lives of compassion and gratitude. Applying these principles should help to solve some of our environmental problems.

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Ron Rink under Buddhist Belief | Comment now » |
09
July

Buddhist Belief – Are We Addicted?


”Let us live gladly! Quite certainly we are free to do it. Perhaps it is our only freedom, but ours it is, and it is only phenomenally a freedom. ‘Living free’ is being ‘as one is’. Can we not do it now? Indeed can we not-do-it? It is not even a ‘doing’: it is beyond doing and not-doing. It is being as-we-are. This is the only ‘practice’. ‘All Else is Bondage; Non-Volitional Living’”

~~~ Wei Wu Wei

As I grow older I find I’m much more aware of the drive for endless youth I see being jammed down our throats each day. I normally hit the mute button when the commercials come on the TV, but even with the sound off, I can see the consistency of the ads promoting a variety of ways to look younger, feel younger and act younger. Since one of the lessons those of us who study Buddhist Belief have learned is this – there are certain aspects of life which are unavoidable once we’re born. Among them are old age, illness and eventually, death. So, since all these ads are working to convince us we can be young forever if we just buy this or that product, we reach a point where disappointment takes over.

We learn the awful truth – “This stuff ain’t working!”

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

So, now what?

Ahh, there are more ads for the next step. Since we’re now depressed because we see ourselves losing the “youth battle” the ads offer more solutions – pills for depression – reality shows for our dreams of youth and sex – cosmetic surgery – or even items we won’t see advertised on TV — the alcohol, the psychedelics and the amphetamines. Oh, and don’t forget all those ads promoting unhealthy food products. Wow! Talk about feeding an addiction! (There’s a pun in there somewhere!)

Which brings me to what I want to write about today – addiction.

What I’m writing today are my own opinions, and I’m sure there are many of you who will disagree with what I have say, and it’s okay if you do. I truly believe we are now living in a culture of addiction. Perhaps I’m not wearing my rose-colored glasses today, but I do see a culture where people are addicted to drugs or alcohol or nicotine – or perhaps it’s work or sex, or people, or fast food, or our cell phones. We are addicted to finding ways to avoid reality. One of the most difficult things for many of us to do is to be mindful of what’s happening, right now, this moment, within us.

I’m not working outside the home anymore – but I’m still locked into the need (the addiction) to be producing “something” in order to feel self worth. At my age, I should be able to more kicking back and relaxing. When I was working, and what I see others around me going through every day, is something along these lines. The rush out of bed in the morning, usually awakened by an alarm clock. (I can recall how I despised waking up in a state of alarm.) While we shower we think about what we have to be ready for when we get to work – or we think about our breakfast which might be something “good for us” with vitamins, minerals, and fiber – or perhaps we do the opposite, and gulp down a cup of caffeine (another addiction I forgot to mention above), hit the McDonalds for a breakfast bagel and hope we get to work on time.

Then we also add in as many diversions as we can find – things like the sports on TV – or the aerobics class – or the civic meeting – or the reality TV program – or the trip to the local pub to plug into some social life and a little booze. And, how about the social networks – I know I need to muster up a ton of discipline to stay off Facebook for a couple of days.

It’s addicting! It’s all about being addicted!

I think it was Thich Nhat Nhan who said something about ‘missing our appointment with life’.

With all our busyness – we forget to look in the mirror and see who we really are. We’re too focused on avoiding the reality of who we are and of what is really happening, right now, this moment.

Since this is a blog about Buddhism, this may be the point where I need to talk about the teachings of Buddha, don’t you think?

Buddhism teaches us about the reason why we aren’t contented most of the time. There are basically two innate impulses – desire or attraction, which we call craving and clinging, and repulsion or aversion, which can turn into hatred. We want what we don’t have — and we want to get rid of what we don’t want that we do have.

The teachings go on to show us how we can become happier, more contented people, by reducing these attributes from our lives – these things which cause us to be dissatisfied or cause others to feel unhappy.

Buddhism shows us ways to become more aware of our actions and the consequences of those actions. It also teaches us how to develop the kind of actions which will bring us more satisfaction with our lives.

Buddhism isn’t about “good” or “bad” – rather it is about our actions, some which will make us happier and some which will bring us more pain. It is always up to us to choose our life actions. In general terms, Buddhism teaches us to be considerably less selfish and to give more to others. It encourages us to devote our lives to not bring harm to ourselves or to others.

In the case of addiction, it is clear from a Buddhist viewpoint that it can be seen as an overactive desire sense, that has gone way beyond normal limits, and which is harmful to ourselves. It is also important to acknowledge how we are all, in some ways, addicted to something. People who are addicted to something have become too solidly locked into a love of pleasure and are reaping the consequences of that lifestyle. It also means that their sense of identity is rewarded only when they indulge whatever they crave, and have thus become dependent upon their addiction. A firm sense of self-identity is based solely upon their habit, and without it, they feel invisible and non-existent. This is often termed an ‘addictive personality’ – they believe that life without ‘their fix’ is unbearable, not worth living, sad and boring. Such people have identified so strongly or solidly with the source of their pleasure that they believe life without it is not possible or is unthinkable. To at least some degree, they have lost control of their life.

Buddhism can help resolve our addictions in various ways. To begin with, it encourages moderation, abstention and self-control. Next, Buddhism encourages a sense of self-identity which is not based upon our desires, but rather, upon self-fulfillment and self-respect — a deep self-respect which seeks to do no harm to oneself or to others. It also encourages a harmless lifestyle of love and compassion, which in turn encourages reflection and self-analysis – also known as mindfulness.

As those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile know, I am a strong proponent of meditation — daily meditation. There are tons of articles on the Internet to show you how to do it — even though I don’t think all those rules really matter. Just sit somewhere quiet – take some deep breaths — and focus on your breath. Then say the following words to yourself over and over. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to these words and your breath. This is a very short version of a meditation known as the Metta, or Lovingkindness mediation.

Try this …

Metta ….May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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02
July

Buddhist Belief – How Do You Love?


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
~~~ Buddha

I wonder how many of us believe we are basically controlled by the way we think? It’s interesting, but most people do have this impression. In so much of the reading and meditating I’ve been doing lately, I feel as though I’m learning how this is a misconception. I believe we are subject to our emotions and we think in ways which are based on our emotions. In some of the reading I’ve done relating to my Buddhist Belief, I see several references to teachings where Buddha outlined the Four Emotions of the Heart. There were also the Four Supreme Efforts for the Mind. These do tie together in may ways.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

Some of you may have read about the Four Supreme Efforts of the Mind. They are

1. Not to let an unwholesome thought arise which has not yet arisen
2. Not to let an unwholesome thought continue which has already arisen
3. To make a wholesome thought arise which has not yet arisen
4. To make a wholesome thought continue which has already arisen.

The Four Emotions of the Heart are:

1. Lovingkindness (Metta)
2. Compassion (Karuna)
3. Joy With Others (Mudita)
4. Equanimity (Upekkha)

In many of the religious teachings today, people are taught about heaven and hell. I know when I was young I was taught that heaven was up there somewhere in the sky and hell was down there somewhere below the ground. I know now that the ideas of heaven and hell are within all of us – and they are both something we can experience easily from time-to-time – often more of one than the other. :-)

These Four Emotions of the Heart enable us to live our lives with a wonderful quality. We can live with lovingkindness, compassion, joy with our fellow beings, and calmness, peace and composure.

Because of this wonderful quality of the heart called love, we are able to arouse love at will – even when there’s no apparent reason for it. It can just be there. For example, this past week, a friend, a person I didn’t know well at all, but a man with whom I had meditated in a small Buddhist Group here, had reached the final days of his life. As of this moment, as far as I know, he is still here, but could be leaving on his new journey at any time. We talked on the phone a few times over the past few weeks and we exchanged some thoughts via emails. I noticed a true love grow within me for this man. In our brief exchanges he has taught me many things about what living with end-of-life issues was all about. He shared his wisdom openly. Thank you, Bill.

When we look into the first of the Supreme Emotions, Lovingkindness, there is a tendency to equate this with what we think of as love as defined in our movies, books and TV programs. When we think of love, we see a couple of beautiful people attracted to each other in so many ways, physically, emotionally, intellectually and chemically. However, there seems to come into our lives at some point, a time where we realize we’ve been kidding ourselves. It just doesn’t work that way, does it? And, I’m one of those people who has spent a lifetime trying to figure this one out. At any rate, this movie/TV myth is what we think of as love in our day and age.

What we have learned from the teachings of Buddha, is this reality – Love is a quality of our hearts. Once we come to this realization – love is in all of us – we’d probably pay a lot more attention to it. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much energy, time and money our developed societies have put into the development and training of the mind. Most people, from the time they are small children and until they grow old, are taught how to develop their minds. But where do we go to learn how to develop the love which is in our hearts? Since there aren’t any schools for this, at least as far as I know, we have to learn to do it on our own.

We can learn to develop our ability to truly love. Like anything else, it requires practice. If we want to strengthen our “love-skill”, it will take practice, just like perfecting any skill. This isn’t about “finding that certain someone”. It isn’t about doing all the vanity-type things to supposedly make ourselves “more lovable”. These ways of learning love will eventually only prove to be disappointing.

Looking at this from a Buddhist perspective, we can come to realize there isn’t anything to get. Once we latch on to the idea that love is about giving, not getting, we’re on our way. It’s not about wanting something for us – it’s about how to give to others. If we want to be loved, we’re truly just looking for a support system. If we want to give love, we’re looking at spiritual growth.

We also need to give love to ourselves. This is why we begin a Metta/Lovingkindness meditation by placing the focus on ourselves. That’s not egocentricity. If we don’t like ourselves because we have faults, or have made mistakes, we will transfer that dislike to others and judge them accordingly. We are not here to be judge and jury.

One of the beauties of a regular meditation practice is how it can help us to get over the illusion that we are separate beings. There is one creation and we are all a part of it. We don’t have to protect ourselves from loving. We seem to be afraid to love ourselves and others. We do this because we see the various faults we have in ourselves. We don’t tend to see ourselves as lovable. However, this is no reason not to love. Love is the warmth of the heart. Love is the connectedness we have with all things. All those beautiful people out there have many of the same faults as we have ourselves. All those people out there have unwholesome thoughts just like we do. Yet, they are no more unlovable than we are. Once we realize we can love ourselves, just as we are, there is a sense of peace. We don’t have to try to be something else. We can just be.

Love makes this possible. The real beauty here is when we learn to love ourselves with all our hangups, we can also learn to love others. We can let them “just be” as well, and we can love them just as they are.

Why not begin to practice this today? Remember this quote from Buddha:


“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth — not going all the way, and not starting.”

Why not start today.

Here’s a great way to start ….

Metta ….“May I be well and happy. My I live in safety. May I be healthy and strong. May I live with ease. May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.”

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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25
June

Buddhist Belief – Cultivating Non-violence in Ourselves


“Be the changes we want to see in the world .”
~~~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.”
~~~ Lao-tzu The Tao Te Ching

We need more connectedness and grounding in the fundamental universal values in order to feel more balanced, secure, comfortable, and at ease. There’s a tremendous power in nonviolence. Look at how Gandhi freed India through non-violence. It has great power. The power of non-violence, coupled with the power of truth can help us dance with life, not just be overwhelmed by it. If we are overwhelmed by it, that means we are not processing it in a healthy way. We learn through the teachings in Buddhist Belief how often our enemy or our adversary can be our greatest teacher.

The Bhagavad Gita tells us not to be attached to our actions. You do what has to be done, and the less attached you are to the outcome, the better off you are. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care, but it does mean we know we can’t control everything. We do the best we can, and then we let go. When we have such trust in the workings of the universe we experience a kind of joyous certainty in our lives.

Buddhist Belief, meditation, nirvana, mindfulness, karma

In the process of cultivating non-violence in ourselves it’s important to remember, again and again, that violence and war doesn’t come from guns, or from outside ourselves. Violence and war comes from the hearts and minds of humans beings. Why is this the truth?

Think about it for a moment. I don’t know about you but I know how over the past years my life has become more stressful and frazzled. I suspect the same is true for many of the folks reading this blog. We have the erosion of family and community life. The pace of our living has increased and the interruptions are more common. We have technology beeping and buzzing constantly with information coming at us at hyper-speeds. We have much less privacy. There’s an ever-increasing gap between rich and poor. Materialism is running rampant in our corporate-led society. Depression is common – hyperactivity in our youth is a real problem – and we have children and adults running around with automatic weapons in their neighborhoods and at schools.

These are issues which need our attention. Once we begin to look at the anger within ourselves and become more clear about it, then we can find ways to address these personal and societal problems. We need to acknowledge there’s a lot of violence in the world today and become part of the solution – not just giving it lip-service – but by becoming peace. Back in my hippie days in the Sixties, I was fighting for peace and kicking ass for peace. What a contradiction in terms, isn’t it? Fighting and waging war for peace? I didn’t know any better back then – but I do know I don’t want to do those battles any longer. We need to become peace. As Thich Nhat Hanh said in the quote I used above, “Be the changes we want to see in the world.”

“When people get angry,” says the Dalai Lama, “they lose all sight of peace and happiness. Even if they are good-looking when normally peaceful, in anger their faces turn livid and ugly.” (And, I’ll add, they also get wrinkles.) So you don’t want to get angry, it will make you get older faster! I read somewhere that when you get angry, your face shrivels up like a dried prune!

It says in the Buddha’s loving-kindness teachings that if you practice loving-kindness, you’ll be less angry, your face will shine, you’ll be more cheerful, you’ll have fewer wrinkles, and so on. The Buddha said 2500 years ago that loving-kindness can help protect us from the destructive aspects of anger, that in fact loving-kindness is the greatest protection.

In practice, first we must be aware of our anger as it arises, and not suppress it. Second, we must experience it, really experience how it is to feel anger. Third, we must cradle it, embrace it, accept it, even love it, the same way we accept, embrace, love, and have patience towards someone with whom we’re close. And fourth, we must learn what we can from it. We must grok it, make it ours again, rather than disowning that part of ourselves. See what the pain is, or the fear.

This is the time to look deeply — is it this person’s actions that are making you mad — really? Are there no other causes? If there was no anger or fear or egotism and pride in you yourself, would you still be angry? If whoever it was did that same thing to someone other than you, would you still be angry? If they criticized or made fun of somebody you don’t know, would you still be angry? So, you look into what’s your part in it. That’s why, again, the Buddha said that the purified sage or liberated one has rooted out the seeds of anger, of delusion, and fear from his or her mind. Then it’s as if sparks were thrown into a cool mountain pool, where they just sputter and hiss out, rather than turn into a flammable lake of gasoline. Buddha said: “If there are no seeds of anger in our hearts, no one can make us angry.”

We spiritual activists today try to be “Engaged” Buddhists rather than “enraged” Buddhists. Karmically speaking, we understand that like produces like, and what goes around comes around. Therefore, we work to cultivate compassion, empathy, and a peaceful heart, and work to act from that state of mind. Only skillful means motivated by compassion can be the truly Buddhist intention driving forceful actions.

In the Metta Sutra (Lovingkindness writings), Buddha said that lovingkindness is the greatest protection. At a private meeting a few years ago, the Dalai Lama advised President Clinton: “You are the most powerful man in the world. Every decision you make should be motivated by compassion.” I think we too can learn to live in this sacred way, with our hearts as wide as the universe.

Here’s a great way to start ….

Metta ….May all beings be well and happy. May all beings live in safety. May all beings be healthy and strong. May all beings live with ease.

Namaste — Be in Peace.

Ron Rink

=====================================================

Ron’s Recommended Reading List

Just click the links that are sort of Grey in color to take you to where you can learn more about each book and how you can purchase a copy for your own library.

Anam Thubten — No Self – No Problem

No Self – No Problem
shows how to realize the ultimate meaning of life in each moment by dissolving all notions of ego-identity. It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on Buddhist wisdom traditions, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple, but profound and inspiring language, how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. No Self – No Problem

Sharon Salzberg — The Kindness Handbook

“It takes boldness, even audacity, to step out of our habitual patterns and experiment with a quality like kindness–to work with it and see just how it might shift and open up our lives. This book is an invitation to do just that. — From The Kindness Handbook

Eckhart Tolle’s amazing best seller, A New Earth

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight: Nirvana is just a breath away!

And this one by Sharon Salzberg and is entitled: A Heart as Wide as the World: Living with Mindfulness, Wisdom and Compassion“.

This is a new one for you by Pema Chodron entitled: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
=====================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….


“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

Shanti everyone, … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)


“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

Have a peaceful day!! —

Ron Rink

P.S. If you;d like to read my memoir/novel, you can access it here:
http://www.wecould2.com

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Posted by Ron Rink under Buddhist Belief | Comment now » |
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