Cats who teach me to fly…

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.

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/