Daily Buddhist Verses

last SG · 2005-05-29T17:49:29+00:00

Our normal way of relating people is to see ourself as separate from the others.To objectify beings as separate you and make them an object of attachment is...

cycle SG

Fear and worry disappear when ignorance is dispelled by knowledge.

~ Ven. Dr K Dhammananda

An Eternal Now SG

When this exists, that comes to be;
With the arising of this, that arises.
When this does not exist, that does not come to be;
With the cessation of this, that ceases.

~ Buddha, on the Principle of Conditionality (a.k.a. Dependent Origination, Dependent Arising)

cycle SG

The enlightened essence is present in all sentient beings. Although the beings themselves undergo many types of change - happiness, suffering birth, old age, sickness, and finally death - no change occurs in the Buddha nature itself. Our innate Buddha nature remains forever the changeless seed of happiness and enlightenment.

~ Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Buddha Nature

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Quickly pretend you're not talking to your friend, but to the Buddha. Instead of blabbing, say something or ask something worthy of your time with the Awakened One. Make it good; the Buddha is a busy guy. Not only will this prevent you from gossiping, it sets you up for a really worthwhile talk with your buddy.

~ Franze Metcalf, Just Add Buddha

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Those who lead their lives by going against nature, must face the consequences either physically or mentally.

~Ven. Dr K Dhammananda

cycle SG

Sympathetic consideration is needed for less understanding people.

~ Ven. K Dr Dhammananda

An Eternal Now SG

In the gap between subject and object lies the entire misery of humankind.

J. Krishnamurti

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We must put an end to greed, hatred and delusion. Being free from greed, we will not fight. When we do not fight with others, we seek nothing. When we do not seek, we will be selfless. When we are selfless, we will not pursue personal advantage. All these are related. Studying Buddhadharma means following the teaching in a precise and honest manner. Don't take chances and shortcuts, just cultivate honestly.

~ Ven Master Husan Hua

cycle SG

Can We Live Without Craving?

Many people are bothered by this question: if eradication of craving is essential to achieve final liberation, how can we live without craving?

It is true that certain necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, transport and medicine are indispensible for our living. At the same time, we need to have income to support our families to fulfil our duties. Attachment to one's husband or wife and children is natural. We should not regard such attachment as irreligious craving. The Buddha did say that craving for existence creates problems, but he did not say that we must torture ourselves and those around us whilst striving to give up craving.

In Buddhism, craving itself is not a 'sin' but it creates mental impurities or unskliful action arising from ignorance which delays our spiritual progress. In Buddhism, we develop spirituality in stages. At first we serve those we love in our own family circles. But we must learn to work for the benefit of all humanity. In this way we can refine our human nature to experience the divine nature. The Buddha only wanted to point out the danger of selfish desires. People develop these selfish desires for worldly gain which motivates non-virtuous deeds. Our striving for neccessities could be decent if we do not develop an undue craving which harms others. Buddhism as well as other religions point out the danger of selfishness.

Ven. Dr k Dhammananda, The Purpose Of Life

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Easily seen are other's faults;
hard indeed it is to see one's own fault.

~ The Buddha

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Your sorrow is caused by yourself.
Your sorrow is your own making.
You are your own liberator.

~ Ven. Dr k Dhammananda

An Eternal Now SG

Kind speech means that when you see sentient beings you arouse the mind of compassion and offer words of loving care. It is contrary to cruel or violent speech... You should be willing to practice it for this entire present life... Kind speech is the basis for reconciling rulers and subduing enemies...You should know that kind speech arises from kind mind, and kind mind from the seed of compassionate mind... kind speech is not just praising the merit of others; it has the power to turn the destiny of the nation.

Eihei Dogen, Bodhisattvas Four Methods of Guidance, published in Moon in a Dewdrop

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Because living beings have different natures, different desires, different actions, and different ways of thinking and making distinctions, and because I want to enable them to put down good roots, I employ a variety of causes and conditions, similes, parables, and phrases and preach different doctorines. This , the Buddha's work, I have never for a moment neglected.

~The Buddha

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A famous General went to see a renowned Zen master and asked him: "Buddhism mentions the six realms. Have you seen any? Bring me to see Hell then."

The Zen master replied: "Who are you? "

To which the general proudly answered: "I am the general of the emperor of China. "

" What?! Such a stupid person like you can be a general?" The Zen Master shot back.

Hearing this, the general who was now fuming with anger, drew out his sword and shouted: " I kill you!"

The zen Master calmly said: " I have fulfilled your request, General. You are now in the Hell Realm."

The general was embarrased and immediately dropped his sword to the floor and apologised profusely to the Zen master.

" You are now seeing the realm of Heaven as well." The Zen master smiled.

~ A Zen Story

Herzog_Zwei SG

Where in hell is the hell realm?

An Eternal Now SG

No questions to be asked in this thread which is purely for posting verses.

Ask elsewhere.

cycle SG

Someone came up to me and asked: "You speaks about the six realms. Then, have you seen hell? Are you able to bring me there to show me?"
I told him that I would love to but I was afraid that I would not be able to come back here myself.

~ Ven. Ren Shan

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Theoretical knowledge is not meant to be used for comparing and discriminating against the Buddha's myriad teachings. The key to Buddhist practice lies in one's disposition and inclination. Do not compare the superiority or inferiority of different Buddhist practices. Some like chanting 'Amitabha Sutra' while others prefer "Sutra of Medicine Buddha' or 'The Universal Door of Guanshiyin Bodhisattva'. The merit of reciting any sutra is the same. The crux of the matter is the connection and one feels to the sutra that one practises.

~ Ven. Fazhao

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... you should know that all the living beings are unable to contemplate the Dharma of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation and so they revolve and suffer in the seas of birth and death. If there is a man who is able to contemplate the Dharma of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation , then he is able to see the Reality of Form Dharma. If a man is able to see the Reality of Form Dharma, he indeed sees The Buddha.

~ The Dharani Sutra

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The whole universe is a vast battlefield. Existence is nothing but a continuous struggle, molecules against molecules, atoms against atoms, electrons against electrons and so on. Within the physical system itself, is a big battleground. The mind itself is the biggest battleground.

~ Ven. Dr K Dhammananda

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