Take What You Need
I found this on my niece’s blog and felt that it was well worth sharing.
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
The Blind Men and the Elephant
Several citizens ran into a hot argument about God and different religions, and each one could not agree to a common answer. So they came to the Lord Buddha to find out what exactly God looks like.
The Buddha asked his disciples to get a large magnificent elephant and four blind men. He then brought the four blind to the elephant and told them to find out what the elephant would “look” like.
The first blind men touched the elephant leg and reported that it “looked” like a pillar. The second blind man touched the elephant tummy and said that an elephant was a wall. The third blind man touched the elephant ear and said that it was a piece of cloth. The fourth blind man hold on to the tail and described the elephant as a piece of rope. And all of them ran into a hot argument about the “appearance” of an elephant.
The Buddha asked the citizens: “Each blind man had touched the elephant but each of them gives a different description of the animal. Which answer is right?”
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While one’s subjective experience is true, it may not be the totality of truth. Denying something you cannot perceive ends up becoming an argument for your limitations.
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
Share your Passion
What is your passion? What would you love to share it with the world, just like I am sharing Gratitude? Have you ever wanted to have your own website where you can share your passion and interact with like-minded people?
I have been asked by several people if I would teach how I created my website, All About Gratitude. As a result, I put together an 8-week LIVE Coaching course that covers everything you need to know and do in order to create your own website.
This is not a video course. Or a Textbook. Or a bunch of steps you follow. Or even a boring lecture style class. This will be live coaching where I step you through the process step by step. You can follow along in the comfort of your own home. No prior experience is necessary.
And, I will be leading the Coaching to a very small number of people.
Not someone else.
I will be with you 2-hours live each week where I can teach you and you the opportunity to ask questions.
If you want to be 1 of only 10 people involved in this program (and some spots are already filled), you can read more information on the Coaching Program over at:
http://ineedhelpwithwordpress.com/i-want-to-have-a-successful-website-in-8-weeks/
Be Well.
Paul.
The Concept of Karma
In keeping with yesterday’s post, here is a follow-up of sorts that goes along with Gratitude and Meditation.
We’ve all heard someone joke about karma. I like the one, “My karma ran over your dogma.”
But what is karma, actually? In Buddhist philosophy, karma is the consequence of everything you do throughout your life. Karma can be good or bad, depending on your intentions and actions toward others.
Consider this example:
- You’re angry with your sister because she borrowed your sweater and ruined it. You get back at her by embarrassing her in front of a new man in her life. You very much intended to shame her and hurt her feelings.
- Those who believe in karma might view your intentions and action toward your sister as causing bad karma that would eventually come back around to you.
In essence, karma operates on the principle that what you send out to others is what you’ll receive back. It may be the next day, the next year or even in your next life, but your karma will be paid back to you.
Making a concerted effort to be positive, helpful and kind toward others seems to be the best way to go, according to the concept of karma. You’ll then be blessed with all that good karma returning to you.
Whether you adopt fully the principles of Eastern philosophies, it does make logical sense to behave toward others as you’d like them to behave toward you. Consider keeping karma in mind in your everyday interactions with people. Your life will be more positive as a consequence.
Discovering your own path to enlightenment is a journey only you can make. If you open your mind to Eastern ideas, you will certainly feel more relaxed and peaceful, and you might just move a little closer to enlightenment
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
“Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty the contents of your cup?”
There are many times that you need to let go of the old to make room for the new. I have become reminded many times to “Let go of the Good in order to make room for the Great.”
It is easier than it sounds.
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
