"Here we drink three cups of tea, the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family."--Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram Mountains Pakistan.
Don't remember saying I was self satisfied, any more than the next person. Aware of true self satisfaction and trying to attain it...yes. But old habits die hard, the path to contentment is hidden in the undergrowth of past, unlearning can be a humbling experience. Of course my attachment to my dog is strong, he does bring me happiness, but that kind of happiness is fleeting. If he were to crap on the carpet, would I still be happy?...
Self satisfaction, or satisfaction with the 'self' is really a contradiction in terms, as once the self is realised, judgement of the self is not possible. Only ego can judge it's own creation or interpretation of the self, which we do all the time, often with negative results. Of course without true self searching,(the purpose of meditation,) the ego will continue to rule the roost, maintain it's autonomy, and in turn force us to avoid the contentment that lies within us all, but paradoxically cannot be found anywhere else but within.
The illusion that someone else is responsible for your happiness leads to the victim mindset, which in turn leads to perpetual unhappiness. Ending your dependance on the external, stimulating your feelings of happiness on the internal, would expose the myth that happiness is dependent on others....or even that happiness is a dependency, although a shift in consciousness and behaviour is needed to realise this.
"Greet everyone you meet with a warm smile, no matter how busy you are. Don’t rush encounters with coworkers, family and friends. Speak softly. Listen attentively. Act as if every conversation you have is the most important thing on your mind today. Look your children and your partner in the eyes when they talk to you. Stroke the cat, caress the dog. Lavish love on every living being you meet. See how different you feel at the end of the day."
Indeed Tom, (can't quote, using my mobile.) But we start with finding the love that exists in ourselves. Only then can we truly give love..,.that is something we all can do, without exception. We have to learn the hatred has got to stop and we start with ourselves. Never underestimate the power of the individual and the positive effects we can have on all around us.
I'm spending my birthday today at the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in the beautiful English Lake District. This is my fourth day here and it's been wonderful. Anyway, would just like to take this opportunity to wish peace and love to you all.
That's clinical depression, but most people suffering from depression do not have this condition. And depression can just go away, in fact it goes away quite often...in an instant when thoughts are changed. This might be for a few seconds, or a few minutes, but the condition reacts entirely to the kind of thoughts we are thinking. Most cases of depression are situational. When a persons situation changes, or they learn to accept their situation, their depressive thoughts will decrease along with their depressive state of mind...it's learned behaviour.
The dogs home in Harpurhey has been saving lost dogs for as long as I can remember. It's always been the last port of call if your dog went missing, and more often than not a worried dog owner would find their beloved pet sat forlornly in one of the cages down at Harpurhey. I can't imagine the scene down there after this terrible incident, my heart goes out to any dog owners who's pet was a victim of this disgraceful mindless act.
bodleing2 Forum Posts (6,132)
...That better?
RE: Today I learned...
Hi Merri, might invest in a new camera myself soon, btw, you can never learn too much...