This is a beautiful and cool video of freedom to watch this independence day weekend; and it's only 8 minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBYPlcSD490
The Huffington Post, June 19, 2011
Among all the substances we misuse and abuse, the greatest is time. Time is life; we squander it at our peril. Killing time deadens ourselves.
Almost everyone I encounter complains that they don't have enough. But where did it all go? Why aren't our labor-saving devices and faster means of travel and communication liberating us? Or at the very least, providing us with more leisure to accomplish the things that we want and need to do, or letting us simply slow down and enjoy what we've worked so hard for?
Does anyone have time today? I do! During the 40 years...
There are eight “Mindful Moment” exercises found in my newest book Buddha Standard Time, one for each chapter. These techniques offer advice and practices to incorporate into your day. They are tools which will allow you to begin to transform your old relationship with time, showing you how to slow down, be present, and embrace time's infinite possibilities. “Mindful Moments” are designed to fit anyone's lifestyle and do not require specific training or extensive time. Below is a sampling of a "Mindful Moment”.
A Breath Break
Sitting in a quiet place—ideally, outdoors in nature,
but...
This week I am conducting our annual invitational Advanced Dzogchen week-long retreat here at the Dzogchen Retreat Center outside Austin, Texas. Of course the atmosphere around both the royal wedding and Bin Laden’s demise gives much fodder for prayer and contemplation. While I have been asked to write about those events “from a Buddhist perspective”, I have refrained so far and will probably continue to do so. However, I will venture to say that the rah-rah and rejoicing witnessed in the United States, in response to the terrorist chief’s demise, seems in bad taste. While I am relieved...
Recently I was discussing with my friend and teacher, Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche, who lives in Nepal, the topic of my latest book, Buddha Standard Time, which deals with the hurriedness and harriedness of life today and the resulting stress caused by not having enough time. Many of our lives have become overwhelmed by not only family and work demands, but also keeping up with the latest, vast forms of communication and technology.
Rinpoche’s response was that time is what you make of it and how you prioritize. Later, in his blog he shared his wisdom on dealing with time sickness.
“So...
What we seek, we are. We are all Buddhas by nature, temporarily obscured by adventitious emotions and illusions. We only have to awaken to that fact. All that we seek is available within. And not just within ourselves but within each other, each relationship, and encounter, each moment. Let’s exploit our own innate natural resources for a change, and give our exterior resources a rest. This would truly be Mindful Environmentalism and planetary stewardship. This world is my body, all beings my heart-mind.
“The foolish...
Martha M. asks: My life, at times, seems to be more and more stressful. How can I reduce stress and tension on a daily basis?
Lama Surya Das: Vietnamenese Zen master and peace activist Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the greatest spiritual teachers today. I highly recommend his book “Mindful Movements: Ten Exercises for Well-Being” as a simple, accessible and practice-able Mindfulness Yoga practice you can do every day, in ten easy steps, to help slow down, enhance attentive awareness,...
30 Mar 2011 |
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“Abou Ben Adhem”Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,And saw, within the moonlight in his room,Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,An Angel writing in a book of gold:Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,And to the Presence in the room he said,“What writest thou?” The Vision raised its head,And with a look made of all sweet accordAnswered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,But cheerily still; and said,...
There has been a lot of news and speculation lately regarding the Dalai Lama’s recent announcement to retire, as well as questions of succession (usually accomplished by rebirth, not by appointment or voting), and Tibet-China relations. It is worth noting that His Holiness is retiring as Political Head of Tibet-in-exile, not as Spiritual Head, compassionate conscience of the world (Bodhisattva), and religious leader.
For more insight, I recommend reading this article by Pico Iyer, a well known international...
May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face,The rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of his hand.May God be with you and bless you:May you see your children’s children.May you be poor in misfortune,Rich in blessings.May you know nothing but happinessFrom this day forward.May the road rise up to meet youMay the wind be always at your backMay the warm rays of sun fall upon your homeAnd may the hand of a friend always be near.May green be the grass you walk on,May blue be the skies above...
