Cats who teach me to fly…

Be wary.

Words have the power to destroy.

Words can be the knife that slices the club that smashes the gun that shatters.

Words have power.

Just because we can say something hateful doesn’t mean we should.

When hurt by another’s word, we need to remind ourselves, most likely the speaker was not intentionally cruel, they were careless.

Why would we want to torment ourselves by lingering on another’s careless words?

Would they even want us to? What of our careless words?

We too need to be careful of what we say because heedless words can haunt others the rest of their lives.

When unable to see a person’s reaction, we need to be even more careful with our words.

If we wouldn’t want others to hear what we’re saying about them, most likely it shouldn’t be said.

We do not just address abusive words at others. Very often, we direct them at ourselves with our negative thoughts.

For the sake of all concerned, speak only those words that benefit others.

Venerable Wuling

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I cannot do everything, so I need to focus on what I can.

Remembering that even my smallest deed can impact others.

Also remember that not being able to do something one hundred percent doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t try at all.

Before trying to fix that which is wrong around me, I need to work on that which is wrong inside me.

Instead of drifting aimlessly through today, I will reflect on what needs to be done and what can be improved on.

Remember that how I spend my time today will determine what I will become in my tomorrows.

If something is going to happen today, worry will not stop it.

If something is not going to happen, worry will have wasted my time and energy.

The obstacles that I will encounter today were not created by others, but by me…

Realizing this, I will not blame the messenger, but will accept my karmic consequences.

Instead of competing with and trying to surpass others, I will instead help them to succeed.

Understand that their gain does not have to mean that I have lost.

I will do the right thing not because I expect to change the world but because it is the right thing to do.

Venerable Wuling

https://fb.watch/v/1AzkYYLpR/

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I didn’t know shame and fear have become a traditional thing that people would just simply dismiss and cast it aside. However, shame and fear are extremely important to me, especially in today’s society.

Below was what the Buddha said…

Dhammapada Verses 244 and 245

Verse 244: Life is easy for one who is shameless and bold as a crow, who slanders others and is pretentious, aggressive and corrupt.

Verse 245: Life is hard for one with a sense of shame, who always seeks purity, who is free from attachment, who is modest and who sees clearly what is proper livelihood.

In the Lokapala Sutta (AN 2.9), it is called The Bright Protectors/Guardians of the World

“Bhikkhus, these two bright principles protect the world. What are the two? Shame and fear of wrongdoing. If, bhikkhus, these two bright principles did not protect the world, there would not be discerned respect for mother or maternal aunt or maternal uncle’s wife or a teacher’s wife or the wives of other honored persons, and the world would have fallen into promiscuity, as with goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, dogs, and jackals. But as these two bright principles protect the world, there is discerned respect for mother… and the wives of other honored persons.”

With the thoughts of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprata follow by the the four types of right effort. There is no chance for unwholesome thoughts to linger… This is my best antidote to prevent myself from making mistake which could lead to shame… Thus, I would completely agree with the Buddha’s teachings – the Guardians of the world.

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Reflections on Kindness

Every day offers us the potential for creating at least one act of kindness. We don’t want to miss the opportunity.

When others unexpectedly hurt us with their words, return kindness, not pain.

To reach others, use soft but honest words, and have a kind and sincere expression on your face.

People do not have to be kind to us. When we are, be appreciative. When it seems there is nothing we can do, we can be kind.

One who receives kindness should always remember it but one who performs kindness would be wise to forget it.

Being kind is not necessarily being gentle. Sometimes, true kindness is being stern.

The true friend is one who understands, forgives, and forgets our thoughtless words and acts. Offering us the kindness of another chance.

Open the doors to your heart. Open them wider. Wider still.
Now, leaving ego behind, step through to an expanse of loving-kindness as pervasive as all time, as broad as the universe.

Venerable Wuling

https://fb.watch/6uq731vEA0/

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Patience is reacting with understanding and composure when circumstances, good or bad, are encountered neither fighting adverse conditions nor attaching to those that are enjoyable.

Patience is the ability to accept discomfort remain unperturbed in the face of obstacles and steadfast in the pursuit of a goal.

Patience fosters humility by enabling us to calmly view ourselves is relation to what we are undergoing overcomes opposition and fosters confidence.

It enables us to counter anger, act with restraint, recognize and overcome our shortcomings to respond wisely in the face of adversity, to stop blaming others for our problems to interact harmoniously, and to stay with a difficult undertaking without complaint or disappointment.

Born of calm understanding and absent of resentment, patience helps us to refrain from anger when others harm, or merely inconvenience, us. It is to endure in the face of afflictions and sufferings.

Coupled with perseverance, patience enables us to remain focused on our vow to end suffering and attain lasting happiness.

Venerable Wuling

http://www.abuddhistperspective.org/

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