| by John,on January 22nd,2012 I’m working on my Self contently. I read books,Web sites,watch television,watch Web videos,and I listen to podcasts –all on the subjects of “consciousness”,“enlightenment”,“psychology”,“Buddhism”,“meditation”,the “psyche”,and so on. I am studying this type of information because I am overwhelmingly interested in my mind. I often find quotes by various people and I tend to use them as my status on Facebook,but I like the idea of posting them on my blog and writing a little about the quote and why I like it. “When we must deal with problems,we instinctively resist trying the way that leads through obscurity and darkness. We wish to hear only of unequivocal results,and completely forget that these results can only be brought about when we have ventured into and emerged again from the darkness. But to penetrate the darkness we must summon all the powers of enlightenment that consciousness can offer.”~ Jung I found this quote while reading and while searching Google for the topic of “the Shadow“. The quote starts “When we must deal with problems…”,which I am always doing (who isn’t),so it grabbed my interest. I do want unequivocal results,as the quote implies,and I want them now,but I want something deeper,more meaningful. I do plan to venture into and emerge from the darkness,but I need to learn how,which is what I’m working to understand. I’ve worked with therapists and have a good relationship with my Self,but attracting the attention of my own shadow by going to those deep dark places,frankly,scares me. by John,on November 25th,2011 I’ve concluded that what I thought were my glory days (say,ages 16 to 22) were in fact NOT my glory days at all. I have yet to see my glory days,but I’m looking forward to it. by John,on November 20th,2011 The following list contains the ten unwholesome actions as described in Buddhism. I have added my interpretation for each of the ten: - Killing –Don’t kill any living being.
- Stealing –Don’t take what isn’t freely given to you.
- Sexual misconduct -
- False speech –Don’t lie.
- Malicious speech –Don’t slander or speak hatred of another.
- Harsh speech –Don’t speak unkindly to another.
- Gossip –Don’t pass idle information to others.
- Coveting –Don’t spend energy wanting what others own.
- Ill will –Don’t wish ill will on anyone.
- Wrong views –Don’t close your mind to ideas that you don’t fully understand.
Reference The Dhamma Encyclopedia for more information. by John,on November 19th,2011 The Buddha was asked by a deva, what constituted the highest blessings? The Buddha’s answer included 38 blessings,listed below,which describe what is most valuable in this life. - Not to associate with fools.
- To associate with the wise.
- To pay repects where they are due.
- To reside in a suitable location.
- To have previously done meritorious deeds.
- To be heading in the right direction.
- To have much learning.
- To be skilled and knowledgeable.
- To be restrained by a moral code.
- To have beautiful speech.
- To be a support for your parents.
- To cherishing your wife [or significant other] and children.
- Business pursuits,peaceful and free from conflicts.
- Acts of giving
- To conduct yourself according to Dharma.
- To helping your relatives.
- Blameless actions.
- To shun evil.
- To abstain from evil.
- To refrain from intoxicants.
- To be diligent in your practice of the Dharma.
- Reverence.
- Humility.
- Contentment.
- Gratefulness.
- Timely hearing of the Dharma.
- Patience.
- Meekness when corrected.
- To meet with (seeing) monks.
- To discuss the Dharma at the proper time.
- To have energetic self-restraint.
- To live a holy and chaste life.
- To have insight into the Noble Truths.
- To realize Nirvana.
- To have a mind unshaken by the ups and downs of life.
- To have freedom from sorrow.
- To have freedom from defilements of passion.
- To have perfect security.
by John,on October 29th,2011 
The story behind this photo,this man,must be fantastic. by John,on October 27th,2011 by John,on October 25th,2011 by John,on October 22nd,2011 by John,on October 13th,2011 by John,on October 13th,2011 They’re pretty much attached. | |
