General Banter - NewBuddhist

General Banter - NewBuddhist http://newbuddhist.com/categories/general-banter/p5/feed.rss Sun, 19 May 2013 23:50:33 -0400 General Banter - NewBuddhist en-CA What are your priorities? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18006/what-are-your-priorities Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:05:59 -0500 General Banter lobster 18006@/discussions Is dharma your life centre? Is day to day survival enough to contend with? Maybe they are part of the same thing?

How are you getting on with your priorities?]]> Today In Society http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17996/today-in-society Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:01:33 -0500 General Banter Cory 17996@/discussions
"Who are you to say god does or doesn't exist? The universe is beautiful and powerful, but most importantly Infinite. In an infinite universe, there are infinite possibilities, so don't go around denying everybody's beliefs accept your own, because that will get you nowhere in the social world. Not believing in the power of life and the universe will be the thing that kills you."]]> devotion and determination? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17982/devotion-and-determination Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:44:17 -0500 General Banter genkaku 17982@/discussions "loyalty and fealty," two words that might dovetail with the devotion and determination found in spiritual endeavors. Basically, I thought such characteristics were necessary ... but were not capable of offering a completed training...

And I wondered what your take might be.]]> Nothing Doing http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/18001/nothing-doing Fri, 01 Mar 2013 03:05:42 -0500 General Banter lobster 18001@/discussions Using mind technology honed over two and a half millennia is the Buddhist path. The Buddhist teachers assure me that the belief in the mind is a construct. The mind is not independent of the life circumstances or karma that arises in our thinking. Oh Buddha. Oh Dharma. Never mind the thinking, what is left?
The enlightened of other paths, those awake to Christ, Allah or the 'great cause', align and merge with the objective. Even the Taoists, go with the flow. Buddhists bless their monkish monkeying, have no such goal. Nothing, Neti, Nada. No way.
In the Buddhist way, we are not attaining a new perfect mind, a sort of super mind, or flawless new perfection. Oh no. We are aiming for a mind that is aware of what it clings to, which is the tendency to associate with some sense of being. Just when we feel comfortable they are removing every known rug from under us. We can not stand on the rug, we can not weave it, we can not even hide under it and hope our demons will be imagined away. Holy stupas of Inner Mongolia, what kind of enlightenment does not exist?
Well for better or for worse, even though those might be subjective, this is my path. These awakened ones may just be leading me nowhere. What a concept to not have, except over imaginary saki cocktails at the latest Zen sushi bar. So much effort and nothing to show for it.
Does any good, for want of a better word come from all of this? Perhaps it might be better to ask, when nothing is left, what remains? Well it seems that the clarity of not having a mind also offers a basis for unsullied, rather than nihilist action. In other words there is - and I am quoting - a form of emptiness that has a form. Holy smoke and mirrors Batman.
Maybe the very overwhelming nature of a house without walls, carpets, roof or even the thought of being a future construction, just came tumbling down. Do we construct a house or wonder at our new abode? Maybe first we have to declutter. Time to sift, sort and add to the pile of consumed and discarded jumble.
So dear friends and readers of my mind full and outed excesses, I am on a path to silence. When I am nothing, who will speak for me? When emptiness strikes, nobody will be there. The light will be out along with the darkness. I have nothing to look forward to and even looking back might be impossible. No ego, no attachments to the certainty of Buddhahood or the realms of eternal gnashing of empty words. How wonderful as the Tibetans say. I hope they are right. Some of my myriad selves are feeling very insecure and want to sit in a small corner of rug chewing certainty. Sorry rug chompers and weavers of all description and realms, nothing doing.]]> Hong Kong - Cage Dwellers - Wows!! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17998/hong-kong-cage-dwellers-wows Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:15:34 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17998@/discussions

]]> Alcohol Substitute http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17961/alcohol-substitute Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:06:12 -0500 General Banter Seph 17961@/discussions Alcohol Substitute

Many people make a vow to abstain from
alcohol, often citing religious reasons. (Often religious people might use alcohol as an issue of judgment. I know there is a tension
between the Evangelical and Catholics on this issue - among others - and Muslims also come to mind.)

There was an Evangelical wedding my
wife and I were invited to several years ago that was quite the
experience; one we'll never forget.

No alcohol.

None.

No cash bar. No open
bar. No wine on the tables, but grape juice for the toasts. Don't get
me wrong. It isn't that I need alcohol to have fun. It's not that I
need alcohol to celebrate. It's that there wasn't really any
celebrating. Strictly controlled speeches. No music. No dancing.

It was like fun
was replaced with fear.

That is the point that haunts me to this day, and has heavily
affected a decision I made last summer on holiday (August 2012). I
promised myself to give up drink. No, there was no event or
embarrassment that initiated it. Just a point I came to in my
personal journey towards solace and compassion.

However,
I have zero tolerance for using this promise for any degree of
attention. We all know these people. At some celebration or social
event they decide to make it about their abstinence or their belief, at the passive judgement and potential guilt of others. No, that was
never the purpose for me. I would have no difficulty with a glass of
wine at a toast or social engagement should it merit it. (And
incidentally this made me appreciate and savor the tastes more than
before).

I know
what you're thinking because I thought it myself. “That's
not making a vow to abstain from alcohol”.

Maybe
we should explore some traditional understandings or assumptions
about 'vows'. Many of our “Western Traditions” or beliefs or
religions – like the Evangelical, Catholic, or Muslim mentioned
earlier – are ethical systems governed by rules. They are based on
obedience to regulations and consequences. Failure or disobedience comes with
moral guilt and fear of punishment. Ultimately, whether intentionally or not, it is a system of fear - and in turn - punishment. Taking a vow of alcohol abstinence in this tradition can only end in a fear of failure. There are no degrees or gradations allowed, for its purpose is not focused on personal growth or improvement, because improvement is an ongoing process, and process involves growth, and growth involves failure.

I
don't believe this is spiritually healthy.

In the Mindfulness tradition
the practices governing ethical behaviour are primarily concerned
with shaping personal character. If one falls short of the promise,
they simply take note of the shortcoming and vow to do better on the
next occasion, without the feeling of incompetence or moral guilt.

This
particular way of approaching ethical conduct invites the individual
to act morally – not to avoid punishment
(I don't run a red traffic light because I'm afraid of getting a
ticket, but because I understand the danger I put myself and others
in), but for the more positive and constructive purpose of refining
one's character and promoting the well-being of the world (solace and
compassion). This Mindfulness tradition uses neither the stick nor
the carrot. (I am not given a reward for my good behaviour).

Making a vow in these two traditions involve drastically different functionalities.

I
suppose my 'vow of alcohol abstinence' was more one of moderation and refraining from abuse. But the more I thought about
it, the more I came to realize it was closer to Buddhism's 5^th
precept:

“I shall endeavor not to consume
toxins.”
Alcohol is not
necessarily a poison, but it can be. However, there are a great many
mind-inflicting toxins out there.

Historically, the
precept to refrain from consuming toxins referred specifically to the
use of alcohol, but the intent of this principle was simply to
diminish the destructive effects of drunkenness. The use of alcohol
can obviously affect the ability to think clearly, but alcohol
isn't the only substance that can affect our ability to think clearly. Adhering to the
spirit of this precept would necessarily mean becoming aware of any
substance that could impair our mental and bodily functions, such as
tobacco and mind-altering drugs.

Promising
to observe this precept means nothing less than monitoring the things
we allow into our bodies and into our minds.

Guarding our minds
from intoxication and toxicity would necessarily include being aware
of the kinds of information we take in. Gossip, slander, toxic people, poisonous attitudes, and some media. (Is watching Simon Cowell degrade and humiliate hopeful young artists and singers really entertainment? What does it say about you if you enjoy this?)

Religion can be a
dangerous addiction.

Religiosity is a
consumable toxin. And for those who would make this vow of
alcohol/toxin abstinence – especially for religious reasons – I
would advise them to search deeply and tread carefully.

Do not replace one
with another more difficult to abstain from and near impossible to
identify or be aware of. In fact, one could argue that Religiosity
has a built-in system to keep its addicts blind to their affliction –
fear of punishment and moral guilt. Perpetually conditioned to believe themselves undeserving and inadequate.

For me, these past six months have been yet another exercise in approaching the Mu Portal; freeing myself from the fetters that shackle and bind me.

I don't think is it overly important whether we take this 'vow' to not consume toxins, but I think it is extremely important that we take an inventory of toxins within our daily lives. Alcohol would seem to be the lest of our worries.

]]> MYO - Wearable Gesture Control from Thalmic Labs?? WOW! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17972/myo-wearable-gesture-control-from-thalmic-labs-wow Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:06:07 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17972@/discussions

]]> Faults-Yours or Mine http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17976/faults-yours-or-mine Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:59:11 -0500 General Banter upekka 17976@/discussions find faults with others is the find faults with me
until one realies this one is with delusion'

what do you think about the above
]]> Meeting with a christian http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17953/meeting-with-a-christian Mon, 25 Feb 2013 03:18:16 -0500 General Banter trendybuddha 17953@/discussions being" in a slightly insulting way. I tried to explain to her again that the Buddha-aspects aren't fully Gods. She continued after this to invite me to her church, all I could say was: "Thank you I am sure that could be fun". I also told her that I had respect for Jesus, but for me he is just a man that did good things, I don't believe that he is any supernatural being. This was at work so I can't really avoid her, and the reason we came into this was because I was reading about ngöndro, I will be sure not to bring any more buddhist books to work. I just find that when it is quiet at work it is a good place to read. I don't want to preach to anyone, or discuss too much. ]]> Short Short Short Story: The Space Miners http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17993/short-short-short-story-the-space-miners Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:32:47 -0500 General Banter still_learning 17993@/discussions Space miner 1: I thought we’ve gotten rid of these last time.

Space miner 2: No, that was on the 4th planet. This is the 3rd planet.

Space miner 1: Wow, they’re such a persistent species.

Space miner 2: I’ve heard they’re actually intelligent. Look at all the little structures they’ve built.

Space miner 1: You ever feel guilty about killing them?

Space miner 2: No. Look at them, they’re practically destroying themselves right now. They’ll just pop up again somewhere else in the galaxy.]]> Physicists Find Evidence That The Universe Is A 'Giant Brain' http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17952/physicists-find-evidence-that-the-universe-is-a-giant-brain Sun, 24 Feb 2013 23:24:33 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17952@/discussions
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/27/physicists-universe-giant-brain_n_2196346.html?just_reloaded=1]]> Dump Your Negative Attachments Here http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17908/dump-your-negative-attachments-here Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:48:57 -0500 General Banter ThailandTom 17908@/discussions Heaven and Hell http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17975/heaven-and-hell Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:38:17 -0500 General Banter TheEccentric 17975@/discussions http://www.dpjs.co.uk/litanies/chopsticks.html]]> Boy, 6, Writes 'Chocolate Bar' Book To Raise $30,000 For Friend With Rare Liver Disease!!!! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17973/boy-6-writes-chocolate-bar-book-to-raise-30000-for-friend-with-rare-liver-disease Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:09:48 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17973@/discussions
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/dylan-siegel-chocolate-bar-book_n_2765396.html]]> Evolution? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17934/evolution Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:25:41 -0500 General Banter ThailandTom 17934@/discussions
http://freshtildeathtv.com/archives/cat-eyed-boy-has-night-vision-ability]]> So Inspiring: Teenager spotted walking 10 MILES in the snow to interview for $7-an-hour job!!:) http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17965/so-inspiring-teenager-spotted-walking-10-miles-in-the-snow-to-interview-for-7-an-hour-job Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:26:12 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17965@/discussions
Teenager spotted walking 10 MILES in the snow to interview for $7-an-hour job is given work on the spot by restaurant owner - who doubled his pay

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2284542/Art-Bouvier-Man-spots-Jhaqueil-Reagan-walking-10-miles-job-interview-gives-job.html#ixzz2M1jyzIO0
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook]]> A true story...Only my Dharma name has been omitted to protect my guilt. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17408/a-true-story-only-my-dharma-name-has-been-omitted-to-protect-my-guilt Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:32:59 -0500 General Banter Citta 17408@/discussions " Rinpoche" I said jumping straight in with what was bothering me..." I have too may chores to do., my meditation is suffering, other people have more time to meditate than me. "
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche for it was he, looked from me, to the corner of the room..
" ( Dharma name ) " he said, "go and get a dustpan and brush " he said, " and come back and clear up the mess that Sherabpalden's dog made when it knocked over that dried flower arrangement, see you next week "...
He then left the room and drove off in the monastery car.]]> News Script Writers?? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17939/news-script-writers Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:27:14 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17939@/discussions

]]> Where We're Heading? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17945/where-were-heading Sun, 24 Feb 2013 03:29:42 -0500 General Banter ThailandTom 17945@/discussions

]]> Was The Apostle Paul and Other Apostles...........???????? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17824/was-the-apostle-paul-and-other-apostles Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:29:59 -0500 General Banter JohnC.Kimbrough 17824@/discussions "yes but...." http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17948/yes-but Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:35:36 -0500 General Banter genkaku 17948@/discussions
Enlightenment ...

............ yes but......

Delusion.....

............ yes but......

Sorrow .....

............ yes but......

Joy .....

............ yes but......

Strong .....

............ yes but......

Weak .....

............ yes but......

Poverty .....

............ yes but......

Plenty .....

............ yes but......

Hatred .....

............ yes but......

Love .....

............ yes but......

Hell .....

............ yes but......

Heaven .....

............ yes but......

Tall .....

............ yes but......

Short .....

............ yes but......

Smart .....

............ yes but......

Dumb .....

............ yes but......

Yes but .....

............ yes but......

If you've tried all the other stuff, it probably won't hurt to try one more. :) :) ]]> Possible conflict? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17926/possible-conflict Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:57:07 -0500 General Banter JohnG 17926@/discussions Activism http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17918/activism Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:26:02 -0500 General Banter Theswingisyellow 17918@/discussions Should Buddhist temples collect donations? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/16777/should-buddhist-temples-collect-donations Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:41:26 -0400 General Banter footiam 16777@/discussions Funny amazon reviews of Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17929/funny-amazon-reviews-of-hutzler-571-banana-slicer Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:02:05 -0500 General Banter Jeffrey 17929@/discussions http://www.amazon.com/Hutzler-5717-571-Banana-Slicer/product-reviews/B0047E0EII/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending]]> This should lighten up your day http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17931/this-should-lighten-up-your-day Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:37:02 -0500 General Banter Cory 17931@/discussions

@Lamaramadingdong This one's for you! :D

]]> Are you perfect yet? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17916/are-you-perfect-yet Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:58:23 -0500 General Banter lobster 17916@/discussions Thank Cod for that! So what is this lobster shell? Why so flawed and imperfect?

We all have a shell, an accumulation of habits, karma and attachments. If we could let them go, would we? Sure we would, perfection is after all a better place to exist from . . .

When we sit, if we do - some may still be thinking about it, we sit in and with shell plus empty perfection.
The shell tries to grab our attention but falls away, new bits arise and fall . . .

You knew that right?

Perfect.

]]> I'm not surprised: It Takes a B.A. to Find a Job as a File Clerk." :( http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17921/im-not-surprised-it-takes-a-b-a-to-find-a-job-as-a-file-clerk Fri, 22 Feb 2013 01:53:48 -0500 General Banter LeonBasin 17921@/discussions https://www.coursera.org/ and https://www.edx.org - it is going to absolutely be "worthless." Experience will rain again, as well as connections and personality. I guess this is good and bad? Higher Learning needs a shake-up? Care to agree to disagree?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/business/college-degree-required-by-increasing-number-of-companies.html?_r=1&]]> Zeitgeist http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17910/zeitgeist Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:21:22 -0500 General Banter blu3ree 17910@/discussions Teh link
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w
Please share thoughts.]]> Nature http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17900/nature Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:24:04 -0500 General Banter shanyin 17900@/discussions
The sounds of birds or the sweetness and stillness of dew in the air in the morning, the sound of water hitting the shore, beauty of forests and rivers, or even a full sky of stars on a clear night?

I just moved out of my parents house. I've had some strange things happen and live with alot of psychological stress and fear. I heard a sound from outside my window the other night and it sounded like ocean sounds and it was serene! haha.

Does anyone live where they get to experience things like this everyday? ]]> Spiritual literature http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17893/spiritual-literature Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:25:43 -0500 General Banter Cory 17893@/discussions Recognition http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17902/recognition Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:06:47 -0500 General Banter iamthezenmaster 17902@/discussions I recognize a lot of similar charactistics in people.
We're all the same.
Funny thing is.
Other people dont notice this.
They believe so hard in their uniqueness.
And that of others.
Furthermore.
Im starting to realize.
(Dont know how to explain this exactly)
That I am all of all people.
I can relate to everyone I meet.
For I have experienced in general, the same as they did in their lives.
In a different form, sure.
But there is no difference in 'essence' ]]> I'm a Mormon! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17873/im-a-mormon Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:44:54 -0500 General Banter JosephW 17873@/discussions
The last question I ask them was a good question, it was about an article I found and then followed up on it and watched a documentary about it, it was about how they claim that the Native Americans were ultimately a lost tribe of Israel, descending from the Laminites and Nephites that came here (North America) on a boat. However, I learned in school that if anything the Native Americans resembled East Asians in many ways, as far as technology, linguistically, and most of all DNA. I learned that the ancestors of the Native Americans were the East Asians, they crossed the Bering Strait many many generations ago. So I asked them, do you believe in DNA research? They say "Of course, but not over God." My heart just drops at their response, then with silence the missionary goes on to say "God may not have wanted anyone to know so he may have changed the DNA of the Nephites and the Laminites." That's when my heart was already dropped, so my jaw dropped. I started to feel so sorry for these such nice people, I felt so sorry for how deceived they are, this is a different level of deception, this is a level of deception where you are 18-24 years old and you decide to go on a mission to some random place at your own expense with another Mormon and preach something to strangers because you know it to be true, they speak with such confidence and big smile, and I admire that so greatly, but man are they deceived, I am a 21 year old guy and my eyes were watering for these people, these are a group of people, for the most part, that if you prove to them that their religion is false, they simply do not care, they go on their merry way. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had a similar experience with the LDS, so I thought I would share.]]> What Would You Do? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17868/what-would-you-do Sat, 16 Feb 2013 22:12:22 -0500 General Banter ThailandTom 17868@/discussions The Russian meteorite http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17883/the-russian-meteorite Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:24:20 -0500 General Banter JohnG 17883@/discussions
Now, next time lets not just look at the wonder, but the wonder on how far the world has come since those day's. :D]]> Emptiness is form? . . . yeah right! http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17822/emptiness-is-form-yeah-right Mon, 11 Feb 2013 04:23:53 -0500 General Banter lobster 17822@/discussions One of the basic teachings, that came out of the mahayana is : Emptiness is form and form is emptiness. This is very profound. It is also very simple. I spend a lot of time contemplating it and find new layers of meaning continually. On the simplest level, it is nothing more than the process of thoughts arising and dissipating. We very much cling to the conditions of form for our sense of being. Without the clinging, the sense of self would be emptied. Emptiness is form and form is emptiness.

http://path.homestead.com/heartsutra.html

Our idea of the form of things is a mental construction. It has a nature, a form, a sense of reality. It is an approximation, a construct of the real, which we have to form into a making sense being. Remove the idea of what something is and it ceases to have meaningful form. It does not cease to exist, but it no longer has any meaning, its form has been emptied.

Emptiness is form and form is emptiness

http://arobuddhism.org/emptiness.html

Ghost Dog (not suitable for TheEccentric or his chickens)
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=V6i2fImAUcI

Have a great day, be kind to the emptys
]]> Commons vote in favour of same-sex marriage http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17789/commons-vote-in-favour-of-same-sex-marriage Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:01:50 -0500 General Banter Zero 17789@/discussions http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21347719

Doesn't mean it will become law in England and Wales but it is a step in the right direction.

I tried to find a previous thread on same sex marriage to add to that but no cigar so thought I'd put it here for those interested.]]> The Overview Effect http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17889/the-overview-effect Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:15:21 -0500 General Banter Invincible_summer 17889@/discussions
http://www.upworthy.com/some-strange-things-are-happening-to-astronauts-returning-to-earth?g=4

My own take: it was very interesting, but I thought they could've gone a bit deeper into some of the themes, and not just various quips about how "awesome" it is to see earth from space.
]]> Bonsai http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17875/bonsai Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:44:42 -0500 General Banter Cory 17875@/discussions Ohisashiburi desu ne http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17857/ohisashiburi-desu-ne Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:22:59 -0500 General Banter bushinoki 17857@/discussions What to do when ghosts/spirits interact with you? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17820/what-to-do-when-ghostsspirits-interact-with-you Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:23:31 -0500 General Banter lanie 17820@/discussions Meteor hits Russia. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17850/meteor-hits-russia Fri, 15 Feb 2013 04:07:22 -0500 General Banter JamestheGiant 17850@/discussions
This one is pretty amazing but I can't embed it.
http://video.news.com.au/2335322022/Meteor-causes-mass-panic

Good compilation from Youtube

]]> Bad Buddha http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17839/bad-buddha Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:53:33 -0500 General Banter lobster 17839@/discussions New dharma? Profound blessings and insights? Siddhis, rainbows and above all immaculate compassion?

Or of course I might just wake up.

Maybe I will be more mindful, more skilful. Maybe not.
I could end up the worst Buddha in the history of enlightenment.
What sort of Buddha are you expecting to be? :wave: ]]> On leadership & Random acts of kindness. http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17853/on-leadership-random-acts-of-kindness Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:25:43 -0500 General Banter taiyaki 17853@/discussions http://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership.html

This is a quick six minute video on random acts of kindness, which may have a wider impact than we envision.

I thought I'd share and maybe it may inspire you. Small acts that seem insignificant can have large effects.

What was your lollipop moment?]]> Eido T. Shimano (roshi) sues Zen Studies Society http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17735/eido-t-shimano-roshi-sues-zen-studies-society Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:00:52 -0500 General Banter genkaku 17735@/discussions
On Jan. 3, 2013, Eido T. Shimano filed a $2-million-plus lawsuit against Zen Studies Society in the Supreme Court of the state of New York. The suit, which demands a jury trial, seeks to retrieve money and artifacts which Shimano and his wife Aiho claim were wrongfully withheld by the society.

With the support/donations of a willing sangha (community), Shimano helped to build Zen Studies Society starting in the mid-1960's. ZSS now has a New York City center (Shobo-ji) and a monastery in Livingston Manor, N.Y. (Dai Bosatsu). In the decades since Shimano helped to shape ZSS, he has been widely accused (see the Shimano Archive among others) of sexual and fiduciary improprieties, which may now make it into the light of day in a courtroom.

It is not clear at the moment whether ZSS will fight the Shimano suit. As the suit itself makes clear, ZSS is not only disinclined to pay the Shimanos under their rich pension package, but is also seriously strapped for funds, whatever their inclinations may be. It is hard not to speculate that in order to fight the lawsuit, ZSS might be forced to sell one or both of its properties and thus, in effect, destroy the institution itself.

Zen in America ... and you thought "Dallas" was gone forever.

:) ]]> The stories we tell.... http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17821/the-stories-we-tell Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:43:27 -0500 General Banter Bunks 17821@/discussions
I like this quote because it makes me catch myself every time I start telling myself a story.

When someone does something I don't like or agree with (or sometimes even when they don't!), I start to have fantasy arguments with them in my head!

Funnily enough, I always win!! I end up angry and have this mass amount of energy flowing through me.

I used to turn these into reality and actually start undertaking verbal and physical actions based on them.

I'm getting better......I catch myself now and say "Ha! Another story........drop it........"

Can anyone relate?]]> Dharma Fantasy http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17814/dharma-fantasy Sat, 09 Feb 2013 21:57:49 -0500 General Banter lobster 17814@/discussions For example, no need to hurry towards the cessation of dukkha, many lifetimes to live. Happier?
No need to rely on our efforts. Blessings, lamas and yidams from other dimensions will help us . . . Easier?
No need to be an adult. Fantasy Dharma available for children to be rocked to sleep with . . . Suffering is avoidable . . . Rock a bye baby . . .

What are we like? What do we like? What truth lies at the heart of dharma? . . . and back to sleep?
:facepalm: ]]> Can you pay an expedite fee after already paying for a passport? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17785/can-you-pay-an-expedite-fee-after-already-paying-for-a-passport Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:56:02 -0500 General Banter DaftChris 17785@/discussions
Can you pay the expedite fee after already applying for and paying for a passport?

If not, how long does it take for a U.S. passport to regularly arrive in the mail?]]> Should I be a Buddha or Bodhisattva? http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17798/should-i-be-a-buddha-or-bodhisattva Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:48:38 -0500 General Banter lobster 17798@/discussions

Can we progress in Dharma without renunciation?

is a question Sharonsaw asked in another thread. As someone destined to become a Buddha in 2013, I have to consider the options of renunciation.
Did the Buddha become a Bodhisattva after his enlightenment? Certainly seems that way.
Obviously for the sake of all beings (including the fish) I will have to renounce any renunciation to not become.
One of the vows of a Bodhisattva is to save every 'blade of grass'. I have noticed there is a lot of grass. :-/

What I may need is a dharma lawn mower? Every Buddha has to have a vehicle.

Maybe a grass seeder would work as well . . .

May all beings gain awakening.
Me especially.
:om: ]]> Radiation http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/17810/radiation Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:00:21 -0500 General Banter blu3ree 17810@/discussions
Would like to hear peoples plans on how/what they are going to do to try and reduce the radiation they consume through foods water and living in general.]]>