Are You Among the “Nirvanics”?
“Nirvanics” mentioned in this article The way of the wise “Those who meditate with perseverance, constantly working hard at it, are the wise who experience Nirvana, the ultimate freedom from chains” (Dhammapada 23). Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion, frequently used the expression “godwards” … Continue reading
Cultivation and Attention in Spiritual Life
Attention cannot be produced immediately, it requires constant and vigilant cultivation, meditation being the prime implement of such cultivation. For “those who pay attention will not die, while the careless are as good as dead already.” [see the previous Dhammapada post] Keeping this perspective in … Continue reading
Buddha’s Words About Attention
“Attention leads to immortality. Carelessness leads to death. Those who pay attention will not die, while the careless are as good as dead already” (Dhammapada 21). “Attention”–appamada in Pali–literally means “non-infatuation,” but is usually interpreted as the result of such freedom from infatuation. Narada Thera … Continue reading
“The Holy Life” as Defined by Buddha
“Even if he does not quote appropriate texts much, if he follows the principles of the Teaching by getting rid of greed, hatred and delusion, deep of insight and with a mind free from attachment, not clinging to anything in this world or the next–that … Continue reading
The Unholy Trinity of Yoga
Two of the most important words in analyzing the dilemma of the human condition are Raga and Dwesha–the powerful duo that motivate virtually all human endeavor. Buddha, in common with all philosophers of India, continually refers to them, so an understanding of their import is … Continue reading
Are We “Cow Counters” or “Partners in the Holy Life”?
“Even if he is fond of quoting appropriate texts, the thoughtless man who does not put them into practice himself is like a cowherd counting other people’s cows, not a partner in the Holy Life” (Dhammapada 19). Most religion is worthless cow-counting–obsession with the glories, … Continue reading