Tea . A Zen Story; rewritten by Nina



A Buddhist monk who studied and meditated on the teachings of Buddha for over a decade wanted to speak with an enlightened one who dwelled alone in a small temple high in the mountains. He prepared for his journey eager to hear his teaching. After 7 days of rigorous hiking he reached the temple.

The master greeted him and welcomed him inside. The master put some tea on to boil and they sat in silence. The monk became very eager and unsettled in not hearing his teaching. The master poured the tea and sat with the monk. The monk didn’t drink his tea and began questioning his master of Buddha.

The master replied.. “You have studied Buddhism for 20 years and can not simply enjoy this cup of tea?” The monk wept…. as another step to enlightenment lay under his feet….

Nina

Source: Tea . A Zen Story; rewritten by – Nina

Five Liars – Buddhism and The Dharma

 

The aggregate of form, the material body, tells me where I am.

The aggregate of feeling tells me how I am.

The aggregate of perception tells me what I am.

The aggregate of volition tells me why I am.

The aggregate of consciousness tells me I am the center of all this.

They all change; they all lie.

Source: Five Liars

“The gratitude in my heart” – Rumiz

Five Keys to Right Speech; Buddhism and The Dharma Great Middle Way ~ —Buddha Shakyamuni

A statement endowed with five factors is well-spoken, not ill-spoken.

It is blameless and un-faulted by knowledgeable people. Which five?

It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth.

It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially.

It is spoken with a mind of good-will. —Buddha Shakyamuni

—Buddha Shakyamuni

Embrace Suffering — Rise Like A Lotus

via Embrace Suffering — Rise Like A Lotus

“Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened?” — Zen Flash

Student: “Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened?” Teacher: “As little as you can do to make the sun rise in the morning.” Student: “Then what use are the spiritual exercises you prescribe?” Teacher: “To make sure you are not asleep when the sun begins to rise.” ~Anthony de Mello Source: Tao […]

via “Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened?” — Zen Flash

No Fear — Great Middle Way

From attachment springs fear. For one who is wholly free from attachment there is no grief, whence then fear? From lust springs grief, from lust springs fear. For one who is wholly free from lust there is no grief; whence then fear? From craving springs grief, from craving springs fear. For one who is […]

via No Fear — Great Middle Way

Why are things not self and what is your true self? – Lama Shenpen Hookham — Essence of Buddhism

At 4 min 30 sec, Lama Shenpen Hookham clarifies the teaching of anatta (nonself) in Buddhism: Lama Shenpen Hookham – Nonself (Anatta) vs True Self And when we talk about nonself – what is not self – I think it’s a big problem in the way Buddhists talk about “no self” to be honest. I […]

via Why are things not self and what is your true self? – Lama Shenpen Hookham — Essence of Buddhism

Buddhism; Here and Now: Enlightenment

Enlightenment is not an evolutionary attainment. On the contrary, ordinary existence is a temporary involution of our true nature. Because nothing can cease to be what it is, this involution is not enduring. It arises at every instant, caused by wrong views and afflicted emotions, and is sustained momentarily by unwholesome conduct. Enlightenment is not something […]

via Here and Now — Great Middle Way

Buddhism and The Dharma; Compassion: How many more must die? — Great Middle Way

If you buy the flesh, the animal was killed specifically for you. Who else is the “beneficiary”? And you, in buying the flesh, have placed an order for another animal to be slaughtered, for you or the next customer. Sell stock, restock. Does anyone not understand the rudiments of commerce, everywhere and at all times? […]

via How many more must die? — Great Middle Way