Topic: Buddhist sayings

[erik]

We all have basic goodness because we are beginninglessly enlightened. We spend our lives naturally manifesting basic goodness – yet we suppress it with referentiality – attempting to prove to ourselves that we are solid, permanent, separate, continuous, and defined.

[erik]

We are not wholly responsible for every aspect of our circumstances, but we are entirely responsible for our emotional responses in each moment.

[erik]

Referentiality is the process by which we retreat from the direct experience of everyday life. Being present in the moment may be initially fearful, but by welcoming the sensation of fear with complete openness we cut through the barriers created by habitual emotional reaction patterns.

[Jennifer-]

I always love seeing these here...

[erik]

Through practice we come to understand that there is no state or object that can give us safety from the neuroses of our own minds. We come to understand that the only way we can be liberated from conditioned perception and response, and the confusion that arises from our attempts to separate emptiness and form, is to aspire to the enlightened state and the spontaneous realisation of the non-duality of emptiness and form. This confidence and Refuge can only remain alive and of use to us through practice.

[erik]

A habit is only a habit when you are unaware of it. As soon as you are aware of it, it is a choice.

[erik]

If a person is kind and seeks the happiness and well being of other - a natural response to being alive - then ethics and morality will be intrinsic.

[erik]

Having developed wisdom through our analysis of our view of a friend, an enemy and a stranger, our hearts spontaneously open with a wish to extend a kind response to them.

[erik]

It is ignorance, amongst other things, that breeds intolerance.

[erik]

Laughter is a gift and causing laughter is an act of kindness. Laughter requires space - space to see the ridiculous in our situations as beginninglessly non-dual beings who create the illusion of duality.

[erik]

Not wanting to change is the only thing that prevents change.

[Nichi]

When a person is confused,
he sees east as west.

When he is enlightened,
west itself is east.


Ta-hui
11th Century China

[Firestarter]

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
~Buddha

[Firestarter]

Mind is the creator of everything. You should therefore guide it to create only good. If you cling to a certain thought with dynamic will power, it finally assumes a tangible outward form. When you are able to employ your will always for constructive purposes, you become the controller of your destiny.

— Paramahansa Yogananda

[Firestarter]