1. Experience Chan! It’s not mysterious.
As I see it, it boils down to cause and effect.
Outside the mind there is no Dharma
So how can anybody speak of a heaven beyond?

2. Experience Chan! It’s not a field of learning.
Learning adds things that can be researched and discussed.
The feel of impressions can’t be communicated.
Enlightenment is the only medium of transmission.

3. Experience Chan! It’s not a lot of questions.
Too many questions is the Chan disease.
The best way is just to observe the noise of the world.
The answer to your questions?
Ask your own heart.

4. Experience Chan! It’s not the teachings of disciples.
Such speakers are guests from outside the gate.
The Chan which you are hankering to speak about
Only talks about turtles turning into fish. (continue reading…)

Live in Joy, In love,
Even among those who hate.

Live in joy, In health,
Even among the afflicted.

Live in joy, In peace,
Even among the troubled.

Look within. Be still.
Free from fear and attachment,
Know the sweet joy of living in the way.

~

There is no fire like greed,
No crime like hatred,
No sorrow like separation,
No sickness like hunger of heart,
And no joy like the joy of freedom.

Health, contentment and trust
Are your greatest possessions,
And freedom your greatest joy.

Look within. Be still.
Free from fear and attachment,
Know the sweet joy of living in the way.

- Words of the Buddha

On life’s journey
Faith is nourishment,
Virtuous deeds are a shelter,
Wisdom is the light by day and
Right mindfulness is the protection by night.
If a man lives a pure life nothing can destroy him;
If he has conquered greed nothing can limit his freedom.

-Buddha

“[My guru] says that people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you are fortunate enough. But that’s not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it…”

— Elizabeth Gilbert

1.Your presence is a present to the world.
2.You are unique and one of a kind.
3.Your life can be what you want it to be.
4.Take the days just one at a time.

5.Count your blessings, not your troubles.
6.You will make it through whatever comes along.
7.Within you are so many answers.
8.Understand, have courage, be strong.

9. Do not put limits on yourself.
10.So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
11.Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
12.Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.

13.Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
14.The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
15.Do not take things too seriously.
16.Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

17.Remember that a little love goes a long way.
18.Remember that a lot … goes forever.
19.Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
20.Life’s treasure are people together.

21.Realize that it is never too late.
22.Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
23.Have hearth and hope and happiness.
24.Take the time to wish upon a start.

AND DO NOT EVER FORGET ….
FOR EVEN A DAY
HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE !

All these I KNOW…and yet, sometimes, in life we need to go through our own mistakes in order to realize who we aren’t ….

From my dear friend Linda Taylor

Today I had to go in for test and as I sat in the waiting room a young boy with Down Syndrome came over, sat down, and held my hand. He then placed my hand on his cheek and then continued to hold it. His mom looked at me and said with so many empty seats he picks the one next to you. It was if he knew I needed a friend today. The love of a child is one of humanities greatest gifts.

If you would like to help children with Down Syndrome please visit the National Association for Down Syndrome

http://www.nads.org/

Protesters Say Public Has Right to Know Why It’s Best to Stay Away From Cruel Circus

What: As Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus drags its beast wagons into the Staples Center on Wednesday, circusgoers will be met by PETA members showing gripping photos of still-nursing baby elephants as the animals are captured rodeo-style and dragged away from their mothers. The compelling photos, which were taken by a veteran elephant handler inside Ringling’s Florida training center, also show how baby elephants are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions go on for several hours a day for up to a year—often as the helpless, chained mother elephants look on.

“Animals used by Ringling live in fear after they’re torn away from their mothers, beaten into submission, and forced to perform tricks,” says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. “Angelenos should know that if their kids love animals, the last place they should take them is the circus!”

Many celebrities—including Demi Moore, Kellan Lutz, Kyra Sedgwick, and Nicole Richie—have spoken out against Ringling, and actor Olivia Munn, a new correspondent on The Daily Show, is currently raising eyebrows on the Sunset Strip with her risqué anti-circus billboard.

Where: Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St. (near W. 12th Street), Los Angeles

When: Wednesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m. sharp

Your coverage is invited. Please RSVP to Amanda Fortino at 757-284-4895 or AmandaF@peta.org.

Broadcast-quality footage of PETA’s undercover Ringling exposé is available.

For more information, please visit www.PETA.org.