Who is Rob Brezsne and why listen to him?

Who is Rob Brezsne and why listen to him?

Who is John smith and why listen to him?

Who is his Holiness the Dalai Lama and why listen to him?

Who is Jesus and why listen to him?

What if there really can be heaven on earth? What if we really can experience heaven on earth?

What did Jesus say about heaven and experiencing heaven?

RB says this is a perfect moment. TNH says this is a perfect moment

IT IS MY JOB TO EXPLORE THE TRUTH

You don't have to listen to anybody but you do have to recognize that you are listening to somebody.

There is no one person more important than any other. A president can't be a president without citizens to lead. A savior can't save without followers. You have to take responsibility for choosing your saviors and your leaders and your teachers.

You don't have to blindly follow anyone but, like it or not, you are following someone. You may not know who it is but you may be mindlessly mimicking parents, siblings, other family members, friends, teachers.

You are a combination of their ideas and
If you stop, relax, and find peace in each moment, You might find that you are your best teacher.

Simple Truths

From Jodo Shin

1. Think BIIG

2. Wake up

3. Give

1. Think BIIG. Life is:

A. Like a Bumpy road.

B. Impirmanent

C. Inter-dependent

D. Great, If you choose

A. Like a Bumpy road.

Illness, aging, death, birth, not getting what you desire, being separated from loved ones, having to associate with people you don't get along with, being attached to your thoughts and senses

Some solutions

1. Being open and giving to others

2. Being and acting responsibly to yourself and others

3. Making a sincere effort to resolve problems

4. Being patient

5. Being mindful, meditating

6. Observing and practicing these truths

"Our motives are essentially self centered. For example without taking the life of some living beings for food, we cannot survive." 

... Shinran Shonin. / Ken Tanaka

Jodo Shin Teachings for Young People

Small Self-

Is like a wave in the ocean - think of the greatest surfing wave 

Big Self -

The ocean

The waves essence lasts as long as the oceans,

The wave is very impermanent no matter how impressive. 

Things to do:

Give

Plant trees

Consume less

Care for those suffering

Convey compassion

Sing, write, create Buddhist music

Dance at Bon dances

Learn CPR, first aid, sign language

Teach these truths

I love this art

I found this artist's work online:

       Donna Horn

https://donnahorn.wordpress.com/

https://donnahorn.wordpress.com/

Why do I write stuff here?

Why do I write stuff in this stupid blog?

Who is it for?

Are these just a scrapbook of ideas thoughts, art and other stuff that I happen to like once upon a time?

Am I supposed to look back over them and remind myself why I collected them in the first place?

Is it useful to think that anyone else could benefit from them?

I love the relaxing effect of meditation.

I love the relaxing effect of meditation.

I want more of that.

I love feeling rested, alert, and energized.

I want more of that.

I love feeling like I can do things with data that few others can do.

I want more of that.

I love being truly appreciated.

I want more of that.

I love playing songs on the guitar.

I want more of that.

People Want...

No one wants to be told they are worthless

Everyone wants to be good at something