A jug fills drop by drop. Buddha All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?

Buddha An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind. Buddha Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. Buddha Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence. Buddha Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Buddha Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. Buddha Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. Buddha Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Buddha He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes. Buddha

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Buddha Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Buddha

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? Buddha I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act. Buddha I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done. Buddha In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves. Buddha In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true. Buddha It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. Buddha It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell. Buddha It is better to travel well than to arrive. Buddha

Read more:http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/buddha.html#ixzz1ialLY5 OU Siddhattha Gotama 490-410 BCE

During what has been called the second urbanization of north-eastern India, emerging small kingdoms caused upheaval in all areas: economic, social and religious. Brahmin priests no longer retained the level of prestige and power they had as Vedic rituals and religious traditions lost their value, and more people turned their focus inwardly. They sought to know the true nature of reality that was at the bases of religious practice and the very foundation of life.

Men and women of all castes gave up everything to live a life of meditation, yoga, contemplation, starvation, self-mortification and deprivation of all kinds, in order to find this freedom, self-knowledge and fulfillment. Known as Samanas, there were so many of them that they were regarded as a fifth caste. These ascetics and sages lived alone in caves or forests, or with their families in communities. They were supported by those who felt unable to do the same but who, by helping them, believed that they gained Karmic benefits.

Gotama Buddha, 1st century CE, Kingdom of Gandhara (northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan)

One Samana was Siddattha Gotama (Siddhartha Gautama), who would eventually become known as Buddha the Awakened One. Having it all is not Enough the legend of Siddattha Gotama Siddattha Gotama, legend has it, was a royal Prince whose father had protected him from any kind of suffering. From the time of his birth until the age of 29, he was given everything that one could possibly want: looks and riches, a beautiful wife, a healthy son. Then, at 29 he encountered sickness, old age, and death for the first time. Overcome by what he saw, Gotama recognized that all beings were subject to these things, no matter how much they had of worldly goods and splendor. He could no longer ignore the realities of life: suffering and death. Then he met a Samana who had renounced everything but appeared happy nonetheless, so, following his example, he left his home forever, and took up the begging bowl and staff of the Samana, to seek

the end of his samsara the constant cycle of births, deaths and rebirths. Tradition refers to this episode as the Four Sights. Buddha, Jesus, Zoroaster, Izkhiel, Guru-Nanak stories about them all say that their transformative insights took place around the age of 30. For six years Gotama practiced the ascetic arts, traveling throughout the cities of the Ganges basin, studying with teachers who could impart the disciplines that would end his samsara. He learned yogic meditation and other practices but refused to believe that the temporary states arrived at were the highest realization possible to man. He deprived himself of food until he became emaciated, but concluded that this method only intensified suffering, it did not release one from it.

He realized that neither the pleasures of life nor the ascetic practices of the Samana offered him the wisdom he sought. He needed to find a way between these two extremes this he called the Middle Way. According to the Buddhist tradition, Gotama sat beneath a huge tree that was later called the wisdom, or Bodhi tree and vowed not to leave it until he achieved the liberating knowledge he sought.

The Bodhi Tree at the Maha Bodhi Temple. Propagated from the Sri Maha Bodhi, which in turn is propagated from the original Bodhi Tree at this location.

Unlike his teachers, whose practices focused on achieving extra-sensory perceptions of the mind, Gotamas emphasis was on the quality of mindfulness awareness, without judgment, of mind, body and environment. He remembered that as a child he had meditated and focused on his breath and that this had brought him a sense of both pervading calmness and awareness. He undertook a long and arduous period of meditation and contemplation that culminated in his acquiring deep insights into the human condition. Finally, in overcoming the temptations of the demonic Mara, he believed he did attain nibbana (or nirvana) the understanding that liberated him from samsara. In that instance the knowledge and the vision arose in me, unshakable is the realization in my mind, this is my last birth, At this moment he earned the title Buddha the Awakened One. For 49 days, we are told, he enjoyed this liberation, and pondered whether he could teach others how to attain it. Finally, he traveled on foot to Benares to seek the five ascetics who had deserted him when he gave up the samsara way. They recognized that something had changed in him, and, following his Dhamma (Dharma: teachings) became the first arahants of Buddhism. Buddha taught for several decades throughout the cities of the Gangetic basin, building a community of followers. In 410 BCE at the

age of 80 he became mortally ill, his last words, tradition has it, being: All compounded things are subject to decay, work out your salvation with diligence.

he Four Noble Truths

An artists portrayal of Buddhas entry into Parinibbana (the final nibbana)

Dhamma or teachings of the Buddha the truth that leads to liberation. 1. Life is suffering (Dukkha) our desires and expectations do not conform to the reality of the world, which is in a constant state of flux (Anicca), so we experience Dukkha. 2. The origin of suffering is attachment not only do we fail to know reality but we mis-know it. We attribute permanence to impermanence. The physical universe is constant change, but we know it as permanent change is the only thing there is. Our ideas, the objects that surround us, and our perceptions, are all transient. Even our idea of self is a delusion since there is no permanent self. Craving and clinging to these inevitably leads to suffering. 3. It is possible to end suffering in this life Like the moksha in Hinduism, nibbana can be realized in life, through discipline and effort. Nibbana means freedom from troubles, worries, ideas, and the annihilation of the illusion of the self where one understands Dhamma the Buddhas teaching and becomes an arahant. 4. The path to cessation of suffering The Middle Way is a path between the extremes of clinging and aversion, both expressions of attachment, arriving at a state of complete equanimity. It is achieved through the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

Summa right, or that which promotes the end of suffering has traditionally been divided into three sections:

A. STUDY CULTIVATING WISDOM 1. Right Understanding a person becomes acquainted with the basic principles of Dhamma, the Buddhas teachings, and enters the path, gradually awakening an understanding of the wisdom he or she can attain at the end. 2. Right Intention One contemplates the desire for all beings to be happy and free from suffering. One cultivates goodwill, harmlessness and non-attachment, avoiding tendencies towards greed, hatred and harm. B. ETHICAL CONDUCT DEVELOPING MORAL CONDUCT 3. Right Speech I will refrain from false speech not only lying or slandering, but gossip, cursing, swearing or meaningless babble. I will communicate in kind, gentle and direct speech. 4. Right Action there are 5 precepts of non-harming (ahimsa) these are ideals that one vows to live by: to refrain from harming sentient beings; to refrain from taking what is not offered; to refrain from sexual misconduct; to refrain from false speech; to refrain from stupefying drink. 5. Right Livelihood to earn a living in a way that benefits humanity. C. MENTAL DEVELOPMENT DISCIPLINING THE MIND By Mind the Buddha meant the totality of thoughts, sensations, feeling and consciousness, that are experienced at each moment. The mind has great potential, but the undeveloped mind is like a wild horse: difficult to stay attentive, it craves stimulation, jumping from thought to thought, dwelling in the past or in the future, with thoughts that often cause anxiety or fear. When this undisciplined mind does pay attention to the present, it does so with opinions and emotional reactions rather than being in the present. To bring the mind under control is necessary, but it requires patience, skill, and persistent training. 6. Right Effort since deluded thinking hinders the ability to understand the world, the student pays deliberate attention to developing positive thoughts that alleviate suffering and to letting go negative ones, he or she practices generosity and patience. 7. Right Mindfulness taking meditative awareness into everyday life. Doing so can restrain the minds proclivity to make immediate judgments, reduce its tendency to need stimulation, and sharpen its awareness in the present moment. 8. Right Concentration it is necessary to take time each day to practice meditative awareness. These eight elements are symbolized by a wheel and practiced simultaneously, since the practice of one supports the practice of the others. The Buddha maintained that one could develop the virtues described as one would develop any skill, with regular practice.

Buddha did not want his teaching to be accepted on his authority. Anything can become an object of attachment, even his own teaching. He encouraged the individual to take responsibility for his own beliefs. For the Buddha Karma was rooted inintentional acts, it was not absolute as in the Hindu conception. He advised that pupils should not accept anything simply because it is traditional or hearsay; or because it comes from sacred text, because it seems rational, logical, or comes from a teacher who is competent, or charismatic. He emphasized that one should check ones views, test ideas and guard against the possibility of bias. Buddha emphasized spiritual self-sufficiency and responsibility, rather than depending upon the Brahmin priests. He taught that spiritual attainment was no longer limited to certain castes, but possible for everyone, without discrimination based on gender, age, social status, or moral standing. He saw himself as a healer, not a god. He was never represented in human form until 300 - 400 yrs after death. When asked how he should be described, the Buddha said Remember me as one who is awake. This story is an exemplar of his teaching:

The Mustard Seed

Once there was a woman named Kisagotami, whose only son died. With the dead child in her arms, she ran from house to house begging, Please give me medicine for my son. Seeing her, the people shook their heads in pity. Poor Kisagotami, you have lost your senses. Your son is dead. He is beyond the help of medicine. She, however, refused to accept this and went on wandering in the streets asking everyone she met for help. A gentle old man took pity on her and said, Go to the Buddha. He will help you. In haste, Kisagotami took her dead son to the Buddha and asked, Is there a medicine to cure my son? He looked at the closed eyes of the child and understood, I will heal your son if you bring me a handful of mustard

seed. Joyfully, Kisagotami started off to get them. Then the Buddha added, But the seeds must come from a house where no one has died. Kisagotami went to every house in the city and asked for the mustard seed. We have plenty of mustard seed, everyone said. Take all that you need. Then she asked, Has anyone ever died in this house? But of course, she was told. There have been many deaths here. I lost my father, I lost my sister, I lost my daughter. There are more dead here than living. She could not find one house that had not been visited by death. Weary and with all hope gone, Kisagotami sat on a hilltop and watched the fires of the city flicker up and die out. Suddenly she came to her senses and said, The lives of people flicker up and go out like fire. My son is not the only one who has died. Everyone dies. How selfish I am in my grief! She buried her son amid the wildflowers and returned to the Buddha, Now I understand your teaching, she said, holding out an empty hand. Kisagotami joined the sanga[community] and became an arahant.
Buddha Quotes given below are just few words or a couple of sentences, but they have a meaning that is deeper and far reaching. Just read them slowly to grasp the exact meaning. You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. To understand everything is to forgive everything You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger. A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker. Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. However many holy words you read,However many you speak,What good will they do you If you do not act on upon them? We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky A jug fills drop by drop. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills. The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart. Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting. Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good. To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent. The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it. Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.

He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes. To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it. Life is suffering. Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law. Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. Every human being is the author of his own health or disease. All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else. All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain? Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence. The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. Every human being is the author of his own health or disease. Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. He is able who thinks he is able He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act. I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done. In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.

In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then beleive them to be true. It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve. Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.

We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them. If a man who enjoys a lesser happiness beholds a greater one, let him leave aside the lesser to gain the greater.

I reached in experience the nirvana which is unborn, unrivalled, secure from attachment, undecaying and unstained. This condition is indeed reached by me which is deep, difficult to see, difficult to understand, tranquil, excellent, beyond the reach of mere logic, subtle, and to be realized only by the wise.

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.

There is nothing so disobedient as an undisciplined mind, and there is nothing so obedient as a disciplined mind.

What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind.

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.

He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and

looks on everything with an impartial eye.

In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

The mind is the source of happiness and unhappiness.

As the fletcher whittles and makes straight his arrows, so the master directs his straying thoughts.

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.

The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.

Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.

Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.

Look within, thou art the Buddha.

Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings -- that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.

A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But if these minds get out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden.

Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Buddha Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. Buddha No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. Buddha Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. Buddha The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. Buddha The mind is everything. What you think you become. Buddha The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. Buddha The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood. Buddha The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast. Buddha The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart. Buddha
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The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. Buddha The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve. Buddha There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting. Buddha There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it. Buddha There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills. Buddha Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. Buddha Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. Buddha To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent. Buddha To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. Buddha

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Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye.

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

The world, indeed, is like a dream and the treasures of the world are an alluring mirage! Like the apparent distances in a picture, things have no reality in themselves, but they are like heat haze.

Our theories of the eternal are as valuable as are those which a chick which has not broken its way through its shell might form of the outside world.

On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.

As the fletcher whittles and makes straight his arrows, so the master directs his straying thoughts.

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance.

Buddha Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two. Buddha Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good. Buddha We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. Buddha We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Buddha What is the appropriate behavior for a man or a woman in the midst of this world, where each person is clinging to his piece of debris? What's the proper salutation between people as they pass each other in this flood? Buddha What we think, we become. Buddha Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. Buddha When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear. Buddha
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love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection. Buddha You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger. Buddha You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. Buddha

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