tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37036015778738278992024-02-16T05:16:56.383-05:00Lotus FlowerSpreading the wonders and joy of Nichiren Buddhism through
articles, experiences, art, music, film, comedy
and pop culture plus my own thoughtsSeleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-21679669646476119292016-12-12T23:09:00.000-05:002016-12-12T23:19:57.169-05:00Top 50 Buddhist Blogs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd2juFvhfq4LKO2IofPd9N0d7q3s-tTb2zUvdC0derC9IMl1pjKCPaD3vcC0vzEiWmf7ONLXfhSDVDLbvnMYxWyXOGomkTbVDI1JUs-kh-Qz7-l0ubmV22iHcBMfsQgK67DRVzGI4DHxN/s1600/Buddhist+50+transparent_1000px.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd2juFvhfq4LKO2IofPd9N0d7q3s-tTb2zUvdC0derC9IMl1pjKCPaD3vcC0vzEiWmf7ONLXfhSDVDLbvnMYxWyXOGomkTbVDI1JUs-kh-Qz7-l0ubmV22iHcBMfsQgK67DRVzGI4DHxN/s320/Buddhist+50+transparent_1000px.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am delighted and honored to announced that this blog <span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8495" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">has been selected by <a href="http://blog.feedspot.com/buddhist_blog/" target="_blank">Feedspot</a> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8223" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">as one of the</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8442"> </span><b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8447">Top 50 Buddhist Blogs </b><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8448" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">on the web! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8448" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We were ranked 35th o<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">u</span>t of 50!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8448" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8448" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>This is the most comprehensive list of best Buddhist blogs on the internet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481588773890_8448" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>These blogs are ranked based on following criteria</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Google reputation and Google search ranking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Quality and consistency of posts.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review </span></span></li>
</ul>
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-34059958319618424712016-10-27T00:07:00.000-04:002016-10-27T00:07:03.010-04:00Relationships and How to Have Happy Ones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_6">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Wsbu5aANYJyRmyy6AYSemYPyHyQV_AjM19X4_hz4OWn6q63aCP0ODO3348KfVwi7-WkanFq5LkrltRhPP7t7Pk9griiE0NqXEjsiv1E1lMy7eymBZizUZxgmNLtYWdRtbGMsXCknCHOs/s1600/3095713m8eormgr7n.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Wsbu5aANYJyRmyy6AYSemYPyHyQV_AjM19X4_hz4OWn6q63aCP0ODO3348KfVwi7-WkanFq5LkrltRhPP7t7Pk9griiE0NqXEjsiv1E1lMy7eymBZizUZxgmNLtYWdRtbGMsXCknCHOs/s1600/3095713m8eormgr7n.gif" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
Hell in relationships comes from trying to change the behavior of
anyone other than yourself. When we exercise self-control, beginning
with becoming happy within ourselves, we have the ability to move the
hearts of others. It is only when we stop trying to control others that
we gain the power to actually influence them. For example, have you ever
found yourself saying "You're making me angry – stop doing that" to
people whose behavior disturbs or frustrates you? The implication of
that statement, "You're making me angry", is that somehow you don't have
control of your anger, they do. And since you have ceded them the
control and power, it is their behavior that must change if your anger
is to be eliminated. But, of course, you don't control their behavior,
so the more you try to do so, the angrier you get.<br />
<br />
Not that all
anger is bad. There are, of course, real situations of injustice in
which anger is appropriate. Even in such cases, however, self-control is
the key to influencing change. Buddhism teaches us that in response to
any situation, depending on the choices we make, we find ourselves in
one of the Ten Worlds: Hell, Hunger, Animality, Anger, Tranquility,
Rapture, Learning, Realization, Bodhisattva or Buddhahood. Recognizing
that we are choosing and taking responsibility for those choices
empowers us to choose our life state, It give us our control back.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Downside of Expectations<br />
<br />
Expectations are important. Research indicates that children develop
only as far as the expectations of the adults around them. But
expectations can also destroy good relationships. We have expectations
of other people. We expect them to be good husbands, good wives, good
children, good friends, good bosses and so on. These expectations are
sometimes higher than our expectations of ourselves.<br />
<br />
While every
situations is unique, there is at least one common but subtle delusion
at work here, a delusion that is a challenge to all of us in our
relationships with significant others, family, friends. The problem is
that although we are motivated by the best intentions, the other person
often hears from us a steady stream of criticism and disappointment.
This is not encouraging, and in spite of the love in our hearts, the
other person becomes unresponsive, even rebellious. The problem here is
that although the heart is in the right place, we lack wisdom. Motivated
by love but lacking wisdom, we get a response to our efforts that is
the opposite of what we expected. Once this downward trend begins,
unfortunately, it is difficult to reverse.<br />
<br />
People do not respond
well to criticism and negativity. Does that mean we simply have to
settle for something less? No, it means, once again, that we're trying
to change the wrong person. If we want people to do more, we need to
praise and appreciate what they are already doing for us. Pay attention
to the positives, and not what you feel is missing. People love
appreciation and will try very hard to get it. Making these two the
basis of all your relationships can have a powerful and encouraging
influence. For the gardener of relationships, they are like sunlight and
water. People will strive and thrive when they are praised and
appreciated.<br />
<br />
Criticism and disappointment create a dark
environment, a garden where relationships cannot thrive. It is a major
delusion to think that others will be motivated by criticism. Nichiren
wrote: "When praised, one does not consider his personal risk, and when
criticized, he can recklessly cause his own ruin. Such is the way of
common mortals."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnjTawuPHRy08NHGY1e1MqVKQX0IilnapwrxeAH69j4fF5tqEH9H0ZmVGkBq6u5bRHxy3A8cnYX0LCojL6hnjDFXPrFkqDCMvMVg5g6iBeHgA_idhpr9XkRnsUSgaDnjcFlaNvc3pHqRC/s1600/3095712p92de05ftp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnjTawuPHRy08NHGY1e1MqVKQX0IilnapwrxeAH69j4fF5tqEH9H0ZmVGkBq6u5bRHxy3A8cnYX0LCojL6hnjDFXPrFkqDCMvMVg5g6iBeHgA_idhpr9XkRnsUSgaDnjcFlaNvc3pHqRC/s1600/3095712p92de05ftp.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In any relationship, we must keep our power,
developing a strong self-identity and the ability to be happy on the
inside. Standing alone upon the firm foundation of our own happiness, we
can then seek out and nurture contributive, sharing relationships,
relationships in which we give our love freely without attachments and
expectations. We are not needy of the other. Nor are we addicted to the
other. A relationship between two such people brings a deep and abiding
love.<br />
Before going out to look for a contributive partner, we
must first strive to develop that ability within ourselves. Only then
will it be possible to draw forth and nurture the same quality in
others.<br />
<br />
Happiness is not something that someone else can give us.<br /> Seleus</div>
</div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-84462151802020611582016-07-31T18:01:00.000-04:002016-07-31T18:01:22.127-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
<div data-contents="true">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cjtgr-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cjtgr-0-0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span data-offset-key="cjtgr-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace – The Foundation for Lasting Human Happiness</span></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="64prc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="64prc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="64prc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Poem by Daisaku Ikeda</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="a459l-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a459l-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a459l-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7rd5u-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7rd5u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7rd5u-0-0"><span data-text="true">“To lead hope-filled lives, we need peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="75tld-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="75tld-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="75tld-0-0"><span data-text="true">To lead happy lives, we must prevent war at all costs.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="795mb-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4mha0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4mha0-0-0"><span data-text="true">The purpose of life is to become happy.</span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4mha0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4mha0-0-0"><span data-text="true">The purpose of life is to fight against</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="79sts-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="79sts-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="79sts-0-0"><span data-text="true">and triumph over the darkness of misery.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="6bto-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6bto-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6bto-0-0"><span data-text="true">Those who inflict pain and suffering on other</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="53ogq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="53ogq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="53ogq-0-0"><span data-text="true">are wretched inside. Those who</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="f53jq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f53jq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f53jq-0-0"><span data-text="true">win over themselves are happy.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="c80ha-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c80ha-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="c80ha-0-0"><span data-text="true">I, too, advance with hope in my heart.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5l47p-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5l47p-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5l47p-0-0"><span data-text="true">I advance with joy and vigor.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bpo54-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bpo54-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bpo54-0-0"><span data-text="true">I will not be defeated!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="27ukg-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="27ukg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="27ukg-0-0"><span data-text="true">I will not give up!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1jfsn-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1jfsn-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1jfsn-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is something vaster</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="de35d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="de35d-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="de35d-0-0"><span data-text="true">than the wide open sky –</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="97arl-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="97arl-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="97arl-0-0"><span data-text="true">and that is, my life.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="ei8rc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ei8rc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ei8rc-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is something deeper</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="agb0u-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="agb0u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="agb0u-0-0"><span data-text="true">than the fathomless sea –</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cr1og-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cr1og-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cr1og-0-0"><span data-text="true">and that is, your life.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="6l5mh-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6l5mh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6l5mh-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="eb9td-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eb9td-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="eb9td-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is something more precious</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="35hc0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="35hc0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="35hc0-0-0"><span data-text="true">than all the treasures of the</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7b4d3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7b4d3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7b4d3-0-0"><span data-text="true">universe –and that is, our lives.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bn92g-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bn92g-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bn92g-0-0"><span data-text="true">That is why we must not condone</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dc9q2-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dc9q2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dc9q2-0-0"><span data-text="true">unscrupulous actions that harm</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="deeig-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="deeig-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="deeig-0-0"><span data-text="true">life;we must fight resolutely against</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cp4a7-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cp4a7-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cp4a7-0-0"><span data-text="true">the devilish forces that seek</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1majb-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1majb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1majb-0-0"><span data-text="true">to destroy life.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="96iak-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="96iak-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="96iak-0-0"><span data-text="true">Nothing is more barbarous than war</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="85puc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="85puc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="85puc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Nothing is more cruel.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="c83o9-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c83o9-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="c83o9-0-0"><span data-text="true">How many tears</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="8f3l4-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8f3l4-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8f3l4-0-0"><span data-text="true">have mothers had to weep?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="fthig-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fthig-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fthig-0-0"><span data-text="true">How many precious seasons of</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="6rvfd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6rvfd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6rvfd-0-0"><span data-text="true">youth have been ruined?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="6869r-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6869r-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6869r-0-0"><span data-text="true">How much happy laughter of</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1qdii-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1qdii-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1qdii-0-0"><span data-text="true">children has been stifled?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="c9pfg-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c9pfg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="c9pfg-0-0"><span data-text="true">Change history! Move the age!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4lfmq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4lfmq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4lfmq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Bring the world together!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2q02o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2q02o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2q02o-0-0"><span data-text="true">If winter comes, can spring be far behind?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7eftk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7eftk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7eftk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Now is the time to vigorously sing</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4hfhk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4hfhk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4hfhk-0-0"><span data-text="true">a song of the springtime of peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1jk82-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1jk82-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1jk82-0-0"><span data-text="true">The deeper the darkness,</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="941qb-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="941qb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="941qb-0-0"><span data-text="true">the closer the dawn.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="24ija-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="24ija-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="24ija-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="beuoc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="beuoc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="beuoc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Now is the time to sound the bell</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="d745j-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d745j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d745j-0-0"><span data-text="true">heralding the dawn of peace with all our might.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cmrb3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cmrb3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cmrb3-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is a path that birds follow</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="ddckt-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddckt-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ddckt-0-0"><span data-text="true">as they fly through the sky.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4cq96-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4cq96-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4cq96-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is a path that fish follow</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2qfim-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2qfim-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2qfim-0-0"><span data-text="true">as they swim through the sea.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="anqub-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="anqub-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="anqub-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is a path that the stars follow</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="55lae-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="55lae-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="55lae-0-0"><span data-text="true">as they travels the heavens.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="6kalo-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6kalo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6kalo-0-0"><span data-text="true">And there is a path of principle</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2e7qd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2e7qd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2e7qd-0-0"><span data-text="true">that human beings should follow.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="decmj-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="decmj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="decmj-0-0"><span data-text="true">This is none other than the path of peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="62g3a-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="62g3a-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="62g3a-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s begin with what we can do.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="utis-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="utis-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="utis-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s move forward, even if just an inch.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2sm03-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2sm03-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2sm03-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s climb that mountain,</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2d1th-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2d1th-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2d1th-0-0"><span data-text="true">and cross this river!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bi42d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bi42d-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bi42d-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s dash over those fields</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dlra-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dlra-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dlra-0-0"><span data-text="true">and traverse that hill!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="de1vh-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="de1vh-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="de1vh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s race to that town</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="shrs-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="shrs-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="shrs-0-0"><span data-text="true">and talk with our friends!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3e6dk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3e6dk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3e6dk-0-0"><span data-text="true">We are ever filled with bring confidence</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dlu8s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dlu8s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dlu8s-0-0"><span data-text="true">that wonderful like-minded friends</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="aamue-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aamue-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="aamue-0-0"><span data-text="true">will someday follow in our footsteps!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="84bo1-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="84bo1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="84bo1-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you have no hope, create some.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="798pe-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="798pe-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="798pe-0-0"><span data-text="true">If the world around you is dark</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3fi87-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3fi87-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3fi87-0-0"><span data-text="true">be the sun that illuminates all.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3g14h-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3g14h-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3g14h-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cdoul-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cdoul-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cdoul-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happiness is not something we attain</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5igca-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5igca-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5igca-0-0"><span data-text="true">by chasing after it.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="8lrrn-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8lrrn-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8lrrn-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happiness comes to those who live with</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2in5j-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2in5j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2in5j-0-0"><span data-text="true">courage and tenacity.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5l3nc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5l3nc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5l3nc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Similarly, peace will come to human beings</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5vnrs-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5vnrs-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5vnrs-0-0"><span data-text="true">when they lead lives</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="9kmhd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9kmhd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9kmhd-0-0"><span data-text="true">of wisdom and principle.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4qh53-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4qh53-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4qh53-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace is not something far away.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="d7i6m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d7i6m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d7i6m-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace is caring for and valuing</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="abvh2-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="abvh2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="abvh2-0-0"><span data-text="true">a single individual.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dks8s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dks8s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dks8s-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is bringing joy, not suffering,</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="40g0h-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="40g0h-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="40g0h-0-0"><span data-text="true">to our mother. It is reaching out</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4pdot-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4pdot-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4pdot-0-0"><span data-text="true">to those who are different from</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1bfio-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1bfio-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1bfio-0-0"><span data-text="true">us.It is having the wisdom</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="9v6fp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9v6fp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9v6fp-0-0"><span data-text="true">to reconcile after an argument.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cgd6o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cgd6o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cgd6o-0-0"><span data-text="true">And it is protecting our beautiful natural world.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="35idm-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="35idm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="35idm-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is fostering a rich culture.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dbm9o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dbm9o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dbm9o-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is refusing to build our happiness</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3f6kb-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3f6kb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3f6kb-0-0"><span data-text="true">on the misfortune of other.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="f4uu3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f4uu3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f4uu3-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is sharing others’ joys and sufferings.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="9n45d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9n45d-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9n45d-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="tl4q-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="tl4q-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="tl4q-0-0"><span data-text="true">Those who can bring happiness to their friends</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bctpo-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bctpo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bctpo-0-0"><span data-text="true">are experts in the art of happiness.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3mjsc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3mjsc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3mjsc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Those who can bring peace to their society</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="25rt6-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="25rt6-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="25rt6-0-0"><span data-text="true">are emissaries of peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7sejp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7sejp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7sejp-0-0"><span data-text="true">Refusing to tolerate bullying is part of the struggle for peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="ee9lk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ee9lk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ee9lk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Refusing to tolerate discrimination</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="a7367-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a7367-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a7367-0-0"><span data-text="true">is part of the struggle for peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bvb63-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bvb63-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bvb63-0-0"><span data-text="true">Refusing to tolerate lies and slanders</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="c8iop-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8iop-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="c8iop-0-0"><span data-text="true">is part of the struggle for peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="cp8q5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cp8q5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cp8q5-0-0"><span data-text="true">Refusing to tolerate the arrogance</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1p4vf-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1p4vf-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1p4vf-0-0"><span data-text="true">of the powerful is part of the struggle for peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7t94l-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7t94l-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7t94l-0-0"><span data-text="true">Absolutely and utterly refusing to</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="8bdbd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8bdbd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8bdbd-0-0"><span data-text="true">tolerate violence in any form –</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="eki8n-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eki8n-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="eki8n-0-0"><span data-text="true">that is the essence of the struggle for peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7n00f-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7n00f-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7n00f-0-0"><span data-text="true">Do no remain silent.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="a9cnq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a9cnq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a9cnq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Speak out courageously.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4pfdd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4pfdd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4pfdd-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace spreads where voices resound in song.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7esk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7esk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7esk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace depends through friendly dialogue .</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3aufc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3aufc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3aufc-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace endures when we are willing to learn</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="43n29-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="43n29-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="43n29-0-0"><span data-text="true">from each other. The struggle between happiness</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="461vi-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="461vi-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="461vi-0-0"><span data-text="true">and unhappiness is the story of human existence.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="ftejp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ftejp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ftejp-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5m92l-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5m92l-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5m92l-0-0"><span data-text="true">The struggle between peace and</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="eivnv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eivnv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="eivnv-0-0"><span data-text="true">war is the story of the human race.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5lv1c-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5lv1c-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5lv1c-0-0"><span data-text="true">And the power of truth and</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2qu8i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2qu8i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2qu8i-0-0"><span data-text="true">justice for eternal victory</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3a306-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3a306-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3a306-0-0"><span data-text="true">resides within us.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5njr-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5njr-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5njr-0-0"><span data-text="true">A wise person once said:</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="atqnt-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="atqnt-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="atqnt-0-0"><span data-text="true">“When in doubt, choose the more challenging course!”</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="2r0k0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2r0k0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2r0k0-0-0"><span data-text="true">Hardships makes us strong.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="1c0nk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1c0nk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1c0nk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Problems give birth to wisdom.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5uh59-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5uh59-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5uh59-0-0"><span data-text="true">Sorrows cultivate compassion for others.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="e0uor-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e0uor-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e0uor-0-0"><span data-text="true">Those who suffering the most</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="50hg-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="50hg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="50hg-0-0"><span data-text="true">can become the happiest.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4fng2-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4fng2-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4fng2-0-0"><span data-text="true">The flowers are smiling.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3o37o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3o37o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3o37o-0-0"><span data-text="true">Gentle breezes are singing.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="fjufv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fjufv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fjufv-0-0"><span data-text="true">The moon is watching over us.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="ee2jo-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ee2jo-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ee2jo-0-0"><span data-text="true">The vibrant energy of a strong,</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="b6ojr-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b6ojr-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b6ojr-0-0"><span data-text="true">true spirit befriends the entire universe,</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="447cd-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="447cd-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="447cd-0-0"><span data-text="true">transforming everything into an ally.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="3nusk-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3nusk-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3nusk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Children of the world!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="4ug8h-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4ug8h-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4ug8h-0-0"><span data-text="true">The world is one.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="fdhp4-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fdhp4-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fdhp4-0-0"><span data-text="true">We are all brothers and sisters</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="ccr4f-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ccr4f-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="ccr4f-0-0"><span data-text="true">in a single family; let’s live together</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="fuup3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fuup3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fuup3-0-0"><span data-text="true">harmoniously and in peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="72g7v-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="72g7v-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="72g7v-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="e4796-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e4796-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e4796-0-0"><span data-text="true">Come, let’s make our way towards the future.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="b0i88-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0i88-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b0i88-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s share the hand of the person</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="e430k-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e430k-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e430k-0-0"><span data-text="true">next to us. Let’s look into their eyes and share</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dd3mc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dd3mc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dd3mc-0-0"><span data-text="true">honest dialogue. Let’s sing a joyous song together.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="dfns-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dfns-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dfns-0-0"><span data-text="true">That’s the first great step towards</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bjs4c-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bjs4c-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bjs4c-0-0"><span data-text="true">peace. Let’s build a land of peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="9kmfi-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9kmfi-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9kmfi-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let’s connect with others</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="5n3v9-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5n3v9-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5n3v9-0-0"><span data-text="true">who love peace.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="55d0l-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="55d0l-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="55d0l-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="7c199-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7c199-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7c199-0-0"><span data-text="true">is the brilliant light that humanity seeks.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="911vr-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="911vr-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="911vr-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace is the sure path to a life of true humanity</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="i7db-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="i7db-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="i7db-0-0"><span data-text="true">and dignity.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="bh46j-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bh46j-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bh46j-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="375mf-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="375mf-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="375mf-0-0"><span data-text="true">Peace! here we find the foundation</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="55p1m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="55p1m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="55p1m-0-0"><span data-text="true">for lasting human happiness</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3olb2" data-offset-key="etp1r-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="etp1r-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="etp1r-0-0"><span data-text="true">and the joy of true human victory.”</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-69925210503643627852016-07-14T00:14:00.001-04:002016-07-14T00:14:50.962-04:00The Parable of the Impoverished Son <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">Lotus Sutra Chapter
4, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">Belief and Understanding</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";"> </span></i>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once a boy ran away from home
and wandered for many years becoming more and more poor and confused.</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The boy’s father loved his
son very much, but had no idea where to find him. As time went on, the
father became very rich.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fifty years passed. One day,
the son showed up at his father's estate. He did not know whose grand home
this was, but wondered if he could find a job there. The father recognized
his son, and set messengers to greet him. The father was overjoyed that
his son had returned. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But the son misunderstood.
He thought the messengers were trying to arrest him for doing something
wrong.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The father saw his son’s fear
and confusion. He realized his son was not ready to accept the truth, so
he told the messengers to leave his son alone.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Later the father had some of
his servants dress in rags. He had these servants go to his son and offer
him a job shoveling excrement. The son had been living so poorly for so
long, he saw this job as a wonderful opportunity. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the years, the father
showed an interest in his son. He praised him, increasing his pay, and
gave him better jobs. But he never told him his true identity. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After twenty years, the father
was old and near death. By then the son was in charge of all of the wealthy
man’s business. The son had become a responsible but humble man. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally, just before his death,
the father gathered all of his friends and all the powerful people of the
city to his bedside. He revealed then the true identity of his son.
The son inherited all of the fortune.
<br /> </span></span></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-33180883135710028162016-01-26T17:54:00.000-05:002016-01-26T17:54:03.487-05:00Our Truth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjFvbZ0M1u6XyRJGk_fMLy-PE2y4S_LgrOryIUKGK7RVXCaXYt3rbL-3plEfJSUJBQThHoEjRec-Zl0d8CMlebidAARevdUH3pwGKZ1Z-Zvf14VXIR6wE1Tcnc6CBiftCKjkmmsCXfssV/s1600/l-282788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjFvbZ0M1u6XyRJGk_fMLy-PE2y4S_LgrOryIUKGK7RVXCaXYt3rbL-3plEfJSUJBQThHoEjRec-Zl0d8CMlebidAARevdUH3pwGKZ1Z-Zvf14VXIR6wE1Tcnc6CBiftCKjkmmsCXfssV/s400/l-282788.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-81510292373638858302016-01-20T20:38:00.001-05:002016-01-20T20:38:32.275-05:00Life & Death<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VU5xjQD9UM_FddOjmyQIafJ30B464vo-i6e_6X632treNfoIqgMiaLhOXrGHFNjzwbqUPwTO7IPtyeAx8f0yOGXjByD4mnLWO_2iJlfgYLAnUPygnCxERE7DZv3DOIc4TP7A8EYlX_QA/s1600/laying_in_the_lotus_by_firebolide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VU5xjQD9UM_FddOjmyQIafJ30B464vo-i6e_6X632treNfoIqgMiaLhOXrGHFNjzwbqUPwTO7IPtyeAx8f0yOGXjByD4mnLWO_2iJlfgYLAnUPygnCxERE7DZv3DOIc4TP7A8EYlX_QA/s400/laying_in_the_lotus_by_firebolide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Buddhism views the idea that our lives end with death as a serious delusion. It see everything in the universe, everything that happens, as part of a vast living web of interconnection."</span></span></i></span></h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Death is something no one can escape from. It follows life as surely as night follows day, winter follows autumn or old age follows youth. People make preparations so that they will not suffer when winter comes. Yet, how few people prepare for even the greater certainty of death.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Modern society has turned its gaze away from this most <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fundamental</span> issue. For most people, death is something to be feared, to be dreaded, or it is seen as just the absence of life- blankness and void. Death has even come to be considered somehow 'unnatural'.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What is death? What becomes of us after we die? We can try t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o</span> ignore these questions. Many people do. But if we ignore death, I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">believe</span> that we are condemned to live a shallow existence, to live 'hand to mouth' spiritually. We may assure ourselves that we will somehow deal with death" when the time comes." Some people keep <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">busy</span> engaged in a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">constant</span> stream of tasks in order to avoid thinking about the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">fundamental</span> issues of life and death. But in such a state of mind, the joys we feel will ultimately be fragile, shadowed by the inescapable presence of death. It is my firm belief that facing the issue of death can help bring real stability, peace and depth to our lives.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What, then, is death? Is it just extinction, a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lapse</span> into nothingness? or is a doorway to new life, a transformation rather than an ending? Is life <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nothing</span> more than a fleeting phase of activity preceded and followed by stillness and non-existence? Or does it have a deeper continuity, persisting beyond <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">death</span> in some form or other?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Buddhism views the idea that our lives end with death as a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">serious</span> delusion. It sees everything that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">happens</span>, as part of a vast living web of interconnection. The vibrant energy we call life that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">flows</span> throughout the universe has no beginning and no end. Life is a continuous, dynamic process of change. Why then should human life be the one <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">exception</span>? Why should our existence be an arbitrary, one-shot deal, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">disconnected</span> from the universal rhythms of life?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We now know that stars and galaxies are born, live out their natural span, and die. What applies to the vast realities of the universe applies equally to the miniature realms of our bodies. From a purely physical perspective, our bodies are composed of the same materials and chemi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cal compounds as distant galaxies. In this sense, we are quite literally c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hildren of the stars.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The human bod<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y consists of some 600 trillion individual cells, and life is a vital force that harmonies the infinitely complex <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">functioning</span> of the mind-boggling number of individual cells. Each moment, untold number of cells are dying and being replace<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d by the birth of new cells. At this level, we experience daily the c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y</span>cles of birth and death.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> very practical level, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">death</span> i<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s necessary. If people lived forever, they would eventually start to long for death. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Without</span> death, we would face a whole new array of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">problems <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- from over population to people having to live <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">forever in aged bodies. Death makes room for renewal and regeneration.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Death should <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">therefore</span> be appreciated, like l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ife, as a blessing. Buddhism views death as a period of rest, like sleep, by which life re<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gains energy and prepares for new <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cycles of living. Thus there is no reason to fear death, to hate or seek to banish it from our minds.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Death does not <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">discriminate</span> it strips us of everything. Fame, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wealth</span> and power are useless in the unadorned reality of the final moments of life. when the time comes, we will have only ourselves to rely on. This is a solemn <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">confrontation</span> that we must face armed only with o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ur raw humanity, the actual record of what we have done<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, how we have <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">chosen</span> to li<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ve our lives, asking, "Had I live true to myse<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">l</span>f? what have I contritbuted to the world? What are my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">satisfactions</span> or regreta?"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To di<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e well, one must have lived well. For those who have lived true to their convi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ct</span>ions, who have worked to bring happiness to others, death can come as a conforting rest, like a well-earned sleep that follows a day of enjoyable exertion.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was impr<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">essed a few y<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ears ago to learn of the atttude of a friend of mine, David Norton, professor of philosophy at the Uinversity of Delaware, towards his own approaching death.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When he was only 17, the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">young <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">David</span> had become a 'smoke jumper' a volunteer for fighter who p<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">arachuted into inaccessible areas to cut trees and dig trenches to keep fires from spreading. He did this, he said, in order to learn to face his own fear.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, in his mid-thirties, he was diagnosed with advanced <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cancer, </span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he</span> faced d<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eath head on and found t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hat the pain did n<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ot defeat him, Nor did<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> he find dying lonely or soli<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tary experience, according to his wife, Mary. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She later told <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">me that he felt he was surrounded by all his friends and said that her husband had faced death without fear, regarding it as <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"</span>another adventure, the same kind of test as facing <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a forest fire."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"I guess the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">first thing about such an adventure,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">" Mary said, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"</span>is that it's</span></span></span> an opportunity to challenge yourself. It<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'</span>s getting yourself out of situations that are comfortable, where you know what goes, a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nd where you don't have to worry. It's an opportunity to grow. It's a chance to become what you need to be. But it's one that you must face without fear.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As awareness of death <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">en<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ables us to live each day-- each mom<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ent-- filled with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">appreciation</span> for the unique opportunity we have to create something of our time on Earth. I believe that in order to enjoy true happiness, we should live each moment as if it was our last. Today will never return, We may speak of the past or of the future, but only <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the only <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">reality</span> we have is that of this present instant. And confronting the reality of death actually enables us to bring unlimited creativity, courage and joy <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">into</span> each <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">instant</span> of our lives. </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">~ A Piece <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of Mirror & other E<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ssays by Daisaku Ikeda</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div>
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-18288807611601919562016-01-19T19:33:00.000-05:002016-01-19T19:33:24.078-05:00Practice & Study<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-20207761624299444642016-01-17T19:34:00.002-05:002016-01-17T19:34:46.701-05:00Our Reflections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-78496591286689066532015-09-19T22:22:00.001-04:002015-09-19T22:22:42.881-04:00The Unsurpassed Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-6964687142123679432015-08-27T18:59:00.000-04:002015-08-27T18:59:03.976-04:00Defend Yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-54744507620338159812015-08-25T19:26:00.001-04:002015-08-25T19:26:52.447-04:00Those Who Chant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-13151193328499916582015-08-24T18:45:00.001-04:002015-08-24T18:45:54.365-04:00An Inviting Vision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-21180314438546979772015-08-21T19:47:00.000-04:002015-08-21T19:47:05.748-04:00Oneness of Person & Environment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nQy2x5i_uQdRGYyawZ0m3W3xFiCF83_1rHI1kvcdlYyELRkH3xUlOHghOSx6tRXHaSKPDNWtU2DnEwGsOlF0gOttTdYp2a0R1r36aREeMf7ntdMqbaMvKMFGfXKV5FodOLRbMJI3rVzd/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nQy2x5i_uQdRGYyawZ0m3W3xFiCF83_1rHI1kvcdlYyELRkH3xUlOHghOSx6tRXHaSKPDNWtU2DnEwGsOlF0gOttTdYp2a0R1r36aREeMf7ntdMqbaMvKMFGfXKV5FodOLRbMJI3rVzd/s400/rain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the musical Singin' in the Rain</td></tr>
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-58546580898431055782015-08-19T19:16:00.000-04:002015-08-19T19:16:59.271-04:00Buddhism Makes Sense<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-62242806552541187432015-08-16T16:15:00.001-04:002015-08-16T16:15:44.224-04:00Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-26081851709286431552015-08-14T19:34:00.000-04:002015-08-14T19:34:50.452-04:00NOW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-48304759048010976352015-08-13T20:14:00.000-04:002015-08-13T20:14:17.022-04:00A Buddha<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-61425384436539613242015-08-12T21:57:00.002-04:002015-08-12T21:57:53.454-04:00The Path of Enlightenment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-74768959153661971762015-01-28T18:00:00.000-05:002015-01-29T16:12:18.428-05:00A Shared Pledge for a More Humane Future: To Eliminate Misery from the Earth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="xn-person" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><br /></span></span>
<span class="xn-person" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="xn-person" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Daisaku Ikeda</span></span>,
president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist association,
has issued his 2015 peace proposal, "A Shared Pledge for a More Humane
Future: To Eliminate Misery from the Earth."</span></span><br />
<br />
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In
the proposal, Ikeda welcomes the ambitious scale of the United Nations'
proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for putting
an end to poverty "in all its forms everywhere." In the 70th year since
the UN was created, he calls for a return to its founding spirit, as
well as for increased collaboration between the UN and civil society.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In
order to lay the foundations for elimination of the human suffering
caused by poverty and conflict, he stresses a need for the
rehumanization of politics and economics based on a solidarity of
ordinary citizens, for empowerment that enables people to overcome
suffering and for a broadening of the sphere of our friendships and
concern for others as a basis for building peace.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ikeda
makes specific proposals for protection of the rights of
displaced persons and others living outside of their country of origin
for economic reasons. He suggests including in the SDGs the protection
of the dignity and human rights of all such people, and calls for
regional cooperation toward the empowerment of displaced persons,
particularly in the <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Asia-Pacific</span></span></span> region and the <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Middle East</span></span></span>, building on pioneering initiatives in <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">West Africa</span></span></span>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Regarding the abolition of nuclear weapons, a consistent theme of Ikeda's proposals, he applauds the fact that in <span class="xn-chron">October 2014</span>,
a total of 155 countries and territories signed the Joint Statement on
the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons. Over 80% of UN member
states have now clearly stated that nuclear weapons should be never used
under any circumstances.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ikeda
asserts that while the gulf between the nuclear-weapon states and those
calling for nuclear abolition appears great, there is common ground in
the desire to avoid the horrific outcome of any use of nuclear weapons.
He urges heads of government to attend the 2015 Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference and calls on them to
voice there the pledges of their governments to eliminate the danger
posed by nuclear weapons.</span></span></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Planning is underway for a World Youth Summit for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons to be held in <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Hiroshima</span></span></span>
in September as a joint initiative of SGI and other NGOs. Ikeda hopes a
youth declaration pledging to end the nuclear age will be adopted,
building momentum in support of a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons.</span></span></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In his proposal, Ikeda also calls for increased regional cooperation and youth exchange, specifically urging <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">China</span></span></span>, <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">South Korea</span></span></span> and <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Japan</span></span></span> to come together to create a regional model for such collaboration.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He
stresses the importance of reviving trilateral China-Korea-Japan
summits and hopes that leaders of the three countries can mark the 70th
anniversary of the end of World War II with a pledge never to go to war
again and regional cooperation in support of the SDGs.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Sendai, <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Japan</span></span></span>,
in March, Ikeda mentions that SGI will organize a workshop in which
representatives of the three countries will discuss possible regional
cooperation in disaster prevention, relief activities and post-disaster
recovery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He
also hopes to see the establishment of a China-Korea-Japan youth
partnership through which young people can cooperate in efforts to
realize the SDGs and other trilateral initiatives. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Buddhist philosopher, author and peacebuilder <span class="xn-person" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Daisaku Ikeda</span></span>
(1928 - ), president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) lay
Buddhist organization, has issued a peace proposal offering ways forward
in tackling global challenges every year since 1983.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of SGI in <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Guam</span></span></span> on <span class="xn-chron">January 26, 1975</span>.
SGI now links over 12 million people in 192 countries and territories
around the world who practice Nichiren Buddhism and contribute to their
communities. SGI's activities to promote peace, culture and education
are part of the longstanding tradition of Buddhist humanism.</span></span></div>
</div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-21057289555937825172014-10-31T00:15:00.000-04:002014-10-31T00:17:45.942-04:00Boy George: 'I'm Catholic In My Complications And Buddhist In My Aspirations'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/30/boy-george-buddhism_n_6076222.html" target="_blank"> Watch Interview here</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Boy George offered an eloquent explanation of his evolving spirituality during a conversation with HuffPost Live on Wednesday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The music icon, who is <a href="http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/highlight/boy-george-dishes-on-the-long-awaited-culture-club-reunion/5451692e02a760e0fa0006aa" target="_hplink">set to reunite with his band Culture Club</a> for a tour this year, is a mix of many ideas. He had a "strong Catholic upbringing," he eventually became a vegetarian thanks to preaching from Hare Krishna devotees, and he's practiced Nichiren Buddhism for the last four years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I always say I'm Catholic in my complications and Buddhist in my aspirations," Boy George told HuffPost Live's <a href="https://twitter.com/caromt" target="_hplink">Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Embracing Buddhism, which includes <a href="https://twitter.com/BoyGeorge/status/527130928960008193" target="_hplink">"morning gongyo,"</a> has made a significant impact on him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"It's a practice that improves my life on a daily basis," Boy George said. "It changes the way I behave. It changes the way I behave towards myself, towards other people, and I would highly recommend it."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc</span> </span></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-13217141063408862152014-10-13T16:02:00.000-04:002014-10-13T16:02:36.586-04:00Mr. T says......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img src="http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q182/seleria73/mr_t.gif" height="322" width="400" /></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-55323024809897051762014-09-18T23:22:00.000-04:002014-09-18T23:22:07.834-04:00Making a Change in One's Heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhhxNpCbXCwWTFemPZkyrH4BMeMl-pRzcLrhSEEVe8Cqwz0KBS_LeWIzxFxWcYdOpSr0_N0GUt0jcHbEHtSNEFwRQiVUaqGNWbODamfezWdERAp3wu03k14ewAkimENR-uignnxpDwSYL/s1600/tumblr_md17jeUTam1rqb4mpo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhhxNpCbXCwWTFemPZkyrH4BMeMl-pRzcLrhSEEVe8Cqwz0KBS_LeWIzxFxWcYdOpSr0_N0GUt0jcHbEHtSNEFwRQiVUaqGNWbODamfezWdERAp3wu03k14ewAkimENR-uignnxpDwSYL/s1600/tumblr_md17jeUTam1rqb4mpo1_500.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"The Lotus Sutra has the drama of fighting for justice against evil. It has a warmth that comforts the weary. It has a vibrant, pulsing courage that drives away fear. It has a chorus of joy at attaining absolute freedom throughout past, present and future......</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It offers unsurpassed lessons on psychology , the workings of the human heart; lessons on life; lessons on happiness; and lessons on peace. It maps out the basic rules for good health. It awakens us to the universal truth that a change on one's heart can transform everything"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 1, p. 14).</span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Daisaku Ikeda</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Living Buddhism -Nov/Dec 2006</i></span></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-78087226869982995052014-08-28T22:20:00.001-04:002014-08-28T22:20:28.454-04:00The Heart is Most Important<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89HDlEipZ-VX3laDfzei9WeIHCYgIUgXSJhl3l44MyYZ054aNAWxEcTu3G55GDA_iC6tJoZEBwyh7jaqp_64MTun6ldz4HNaSnnLzqPtNHnI0lKc8bNb1mGhUM7Fpd2RiRqFG0ALThQ_d/s1600/summer__heart_by_allexallex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89HDlEipZ-VX3laDfzei9WeIHCYgIUgXSJhl3l44MyYZ054aNAWxEcTu3G55GDA_iC6tJoZEBwyh7jaqp_64MTun6ldz4HNaSnnLzqPtNHnI0lKc8bNb1mGhUM7Fpd2RiRqFG0ALThQ_d/s1600/summer__heart_by_allexallex.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The human heart is sensitive, multifaceted and rich; it has the capacity for magnificent achievement. For that very reason, the heart often undergoes great suffering and torment, and can become trapped in an endless, downward spiral. Will we transmigrate forever along the paths of evil, or can we succeed in directing our lives into an orbit of good? As evidenced in many of his writings, Nichiren repeatedly stresses the crucial importance of life, the potential resides for dramatic shifts from evil to good or good to evil. That is why Nichiren's teaching of enlightenment can be viewed as a process that begins with inner change. In other words, through the power of faith, we can defeat the negative functions inside of us that are governed by the fundamental darkness in all human hearts and manifest the positive functions of life that are one with Dharma nature- our Buddhahood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Living Buddhism- Sept- Oct 2006</span></i></span></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-19031576656843633842014-08-18T17:11:00.000-04:002014-08-18T17:11:21.997-04:00Nichiren Writes.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgTM49kfn9mOcM1aaju7Ir0VV665LdGcTjhM9DR6Os8QLkq_0KSJ1AtYrVRvfjdvbiMzy7a6aW_h1TjriRXIJU1d0xx46m1Glbmvb4n4Hp1O5EEp6hXEkoHnyXKA4UDzIV581WLBwHFnv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgTM49kfn9mOcM1aaju7Ir0VV665LdGcTjhM9DR6Os8QLkq_0KSJ1AtYrVRvfjdvbiMzy7a6aW_h1TjriRXIJU1d0xx46m1Glbmvb4n4Hp1O5EEp6hXEkoHnyXKA4UDzIV581WLBwHFnv/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703601577873827899.post-77593209870543667802014-08-04T19:42:00.002-04:002014-08-04T19:42:26.099-04:00Viewing Illness as an Opportunity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77zBhO-yXOWYnIbBTjQvViF5ZTnQ-9bMMERxfJrVA1CSz069DehvqBcJMuw_qDhT8jZEWVY87yD9vpvIIlAla7mogLGNnFv23dyqLZq-1aX6ClNbforxFT-bTUKZu_E2m1lXNxhOJBvTL/s1600/there_s_still_hope_by_maiden_hebi-d5tlask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77zBhO-yXOWYnIbBTjQvViF5ZTnQ-9bMMERxfJrVA1CSz069DehvqBcJMuw_qDhT8jZEWVY87yD9vpvIIlAla7mogLGNnFv23dyqLZq-1aX6ClNbforxFT-bTUKZu_E2m1lXNxhOJBvTL/s1600/there_s_still_hope_by_maiden_hebi-d5tlask.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life. It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious. This is what Nichiren meant when he stated, 'Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way'"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death, p. 53). </span></span></i></div>
Seleushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01761180249774317364noreply@blogger.com0