BUDDHIST WISDOM

[Pravin Kumar]

Another shortcoming of desire is that it leads to so much that is undesirable.

- Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "The Door to Satisfaction"

Therefore the practice is like a key, the key of meditation. If we have the right key in our hand, no matter how tightly the lock is closed, when we take the key and turn it the lock falls open. If we have no key we can't open the lock. We will never know what is in the trunk.

- Ajahn Chah, "Living Dharma"

Ta-sui was asked, "What is the point to concentrate on along the way?" He replied, "Dont be self-conceited."

As a blind man feels when he finds a pearl in a dustbin, so am I amazed by the miracles of awakening rising in my consciousness. It is the nectar of immortality that delivers us from death, the treasure that lifts us from death, the treasure that lifts us above poverty into the wealth of giving to life, the tree that gives shade to us when we roam about scorched by life, the bridge that takes us across the stormy river of life, the cool moon of compassion that calms our mind when it is agitated, the fun that dispels darkness, the butter made from the milk of kindness by churning it with the dharma. It is a feast of joy to which all are invited.

- adapted from the Bodhicharyavatara by Shantideva

How boundless and free is the sky of Awareness! How bright the full moon of wisdom! Truly, is anything missing now? Nirvana is right here, before our eyes; this very place is the Lotus Land; this very body, the Buddha.

- Hakuin Zenji, "Song of Zazen"