@IdleChater said:
Strange - I don't really think we have failed in our mission. I don't even know what sort of mission I/we are supposed to be on. I don't recall being asked to accept one.And it sounds like Jundo is just trying to sell his book.
Nice one, Jundo.
100% of the proceeds will go to Buddhist and other charities, nothing to me. I would never sell Dharma.
The mission is in the Vow is to save all sentient beings, though numberless, from Dukkha as well as, for us engaged folks in this modern world, war and violence, hunger and poverty, and the like.
Gassho, Jundo
Just remember your life is a priceless treasure. Gratitude and Anger are choices. Gratitude brings blessings. Anger brings darkness.
Carry your blessings beyond the meditation moment.
honor yourself
Honor others
Honor life
and don't forget to smile.
Peace to all
Well I was on jury duty for two and half weeks and at the beginning of the trial the judge provided the 3 key points to look out for when assessing the evidence and testimonies given by the complainant and the defendant ...
Credibility, reliability, and plausibility the key considerations in weighing the evidence presented by both the complainant and the defendant.
We (the jurors) had to evaluate the trustworthiness, consistency, and reasonableness of the evidence and testimony to determine the facts of the case and reach a fair and just decision.
At times it was tough going, working our way through all the evidence, the mind would chop and change between guilty, not guilty and unsure ...
After two and half days of brain gymnastic deliberation ...we finally came to a unanimous agreement...
Which got me thinking...
Credibility, reliability, and plausibility also applies when approaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path...
Credible: In the context of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, credibility refers to the believability or trustworthiness of these teachings. Are they based on sound reasoning, empirical evidence, or authoritative sources within the Buddhist tradition? The credibility of these teachings may be assessed based on their consistency with other Buddhist scriptures, the teachings of respected Buddhist teachers, and their ability to address the existential concerns and experiences of practitioners.
Reliable: Reliability pertains to the consistency and dependability of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in producing desired outcomes or transformations in individuals who practice them. Can these teachings be relied upon to lead to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment, as promised in Buddhist doctrine? The reliability of these teachings may be evaluated through personal experience, as well as the experiences of other practitioners over time.
Plausible: Plausibility refers to the degree to which the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are reasonable and sensible within the context of Buddhist philosophy and psychology. Do these teachings resonate with human nature and the observable phenomena of suffering and its causes? Are they coherent and compatible with other aspects of Buddhist doctrine, such as the law of karma and the nature of reality? The plausibility of these teachings may be assessed through logical analysis, philosophical inquiry, and introspective reflection.
I guess, one would have to see for themselves "Ehipassiko" ...
Perhaps examples of the "Four Immeasurables" in daily life.
Equanimity: You have a car which you use and like very much. You have a strong aversion to it getting damaged or destroyed. Yet, though you take meticulous care of that car, it gets totaled. Attachment means you get very upset that your car is destroyed.
Equanimity means you realize that, though you enjoyed your car, it is replacable and you are not upset at the destruction of your car but concerned for anyone who may have been hurt in the incident which resulted in the lose of your car.
Love Self explanatory In terms of day to day, you wish for your family, your neighbors, your reatives and friends to be safe, healthey, happy, and bring happiness to others.
Compassion This meas all people. Even the ones who cause you suffering or disrespect you or your family or friends. Fir instance, Devadata opposed and tried to kill the Buddha(Sakyamuni). Yet in his compassion, he did not hate Devadata. He instead declared him to be a friend, even stating Devadata would ond day become a Buddha.
Joy Even those who give you trouble, whom oppose you, a self-declared enemy.
In reguards to our fellow human beings, (men, women, them they...) A 19th century Japanese statesman stated it well: "Hate the action, not the person".
In closing, we are all imperfect. As we strive to realize the Four Immeasurables, we may stumble, we may fall from time to time. That is not failure, so long as we get right back up, dust ourselves off, take a deep breath, and continue our journey upon this path we have chosen.
Peace to all
I would describe my meditation as that which allows phenomena to freely arrive, live, and depart, unmolested by the storylines of my own ego/identity.
....But I suspect that the variations in describing "what Meditation is about" might be as diverse as there are people experiencing it.
@Jeroen said:
I thought I would post an update. My stepfather is still clinging to life while his organs are slowly failing. His bowel function has ceased, and he is no longer conscious. But his heart function is strong and he might wel last until Tuesday.
My stepfather passed away early this morning. My mother and I came downstairs around 6 to find he was no longer breathing, but the body was still warm. It has now cooled. It was very quiet, there was a hush, very meditative.
@Jeroen said:
It seems my stepfather is entering his final days… the doctor was here this morning, she said he has just a few days left, they will bring in a morphine pump setup and a nurse to manage the pain.
I thought I would post an update. My stepfather is still clinging to life while his organs are slowly failing. His bowel function has ceased, and he is no longer conscious. But his heart function is strong and he might wel last until Tuesday.
It seems my stepfather is entering his final days… the doctor was here this morning, she said he has just a few days left, they will bring in a morphine pump setup and a nurse to manage the pain.