Category Archives: Buddhism

On guilt and remorse

Zen, Ego, Guilt.

Lou's avatarZen Flash

In Buddhism, the words ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’ are rarely used; instead, teachings refer to ‘mind’ and ‘consciousness’. Because there is no creator God in Buddhism, no sense of a supreme Judge or Deity-in-charge, but rather an acceptance that life is determined by constantly evolving causes and conditions- karma- there is no concept of sin either, in the sense in which it is understood in most religions, as a transgression of God’s will. The emphasis instead is on personal accountability for moral conduct. Robina explains that guilt is dismissed as a function of the ego, anger turned inward, a destructive emotion; this is quite distinct from remorse, which requires true acceptance of responsibility for one’s actions and a sincere effort to discover what changes for the better are needed.

Robina is a Buddhist nun, a Ani, working in the British prison system.  From the book “The Saffron Road”,By Christine Toomey. Portobello…

View original post 3 more words

Total Liberation – via The Great Middle Way

Once infinite loving kindness has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for ill-will to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for infinite loving kindness is the release from all ill-will!

Once great compassion has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for cruelty to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for great compassion is the release from all cruelty!

Once rejoicing in the happiness of others has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for discontent to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for rejoicing in the happiness of others is the release from all discontent!

Once serene, still, and imperturbable equanimity has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for greed and lust to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for imperturbable equanimity is the deliverance from all attachment!

—Buddha Shakyamuni

Source: Total Liberation

“Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened?”

Student: “Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened?”

Teacher: “As little as you can do to make the sun rise in the morning.”

Student: “Then what use are the spiritual exercises you prescribe?”

Teacher: “To make sure you are not asleep when the sun begins to rise.”

~Anthony de Mello

Source: “Is there anything I can do to make myself Enlightened?”

When Two Zen Masters Meet. Zen Stories. via Zen Flash

“When two Zen masters meet, whoever speaks first has fallen from his status. Days may pass by; they may

eat together, they may look around at the beauty in the sunset and in the morning and in the starry night,

but nobody is going to say a single word. Not saying a single word and remaining just a mirror…..The

mirror never says anything about the reflection, neither does the lake. The moon may be beautiful, the

moon is reflected the lake should dance with joy. Similar is the case with consciousness. At its ultimate

peak works are left far below, as if you have risen above the clouds. The moment you bring any word in,

you have spoiled the whole communication.

If somebody asks you, “what is truth?”

show him your silence.

Show him your fragrance, show him your love.

Share with him your presence.”

Reblogged on WordPress.com

Source: | Zen Flash on WordPress.com

From Ignorance to Liberation — Great Middle Way

Appearances arise from afflictions and karma. Karma originates from the mind. The mind is constituted by latent tendencies. Freedom from latent tendencies is bliss. This blissful mind is peaceful. A peaceful mind will not be ignorant. Not to be ignorant is the realization of true reality. The realization of true reality is the attainment of […]

via From Ignorance to Liberation — Great Middle Way