Rational Nation USA

  8 Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism Read the text HERE.

 

  Much of American society has become completely connected, significantly distracted, largely self absorbed, and increasingly greedy.  With this it has also become increasingly unaware of as well as unconcerned with living each moment as it arises and dissolves. Thus Americans are, in very large numbers, not accessing the happiness and contentment that is always available to them. If they know how to access it through practices that lead to enlightenment and awakening.  Below is a video and link to  the transcript of an interview focusing on part of  this rapidly growing problem. Current trends do not bode well for society. Unless a shift in national focus, beginning with its values and beliefs. Does anyone see change happening? If so how and when? And in your view what will it take? Share 12 Americans are increasingly dependent on their digital devices, and while these provide undeniable benefits, some say their negative consequences must also ...

A very wonderful incident occurred in Gautama the Buddha's life. On a certain morning, he was sitting in a congregation of his disciples and one person came. He was a devotee of Rama. He has been doing only “Rama, Rama, Rama” all his life and he has not only been to the temple, he has built many temples himself. He was a great devotee. Age was passing away now and a little doubt came. “All my life I have been doing only 'Rama, Rama, Rama.' There are so many people here who do not believe in God and they are still enjoying themselves in the world. I have missed everything just to utter the name of God. Suppose there is no God as others are saying, I will miss my whole life.” He knows that there is God, but he had just a little doubt. What is Gautama playing at? What is the game anyway? Is he just trying to create confusion? Anyway, there is an enlightened being here, he is supposed to know.” He went to Gautama. Early morning, before the Sun came up, he stood in the shadows ...

 

                                                                                                                                                  

  Armfuls of Poetry, Drops of Sunshine Sunshine rides on space and poetry on sunshine. Poetry gives birth to sunshine, and sunshine to poetry. Sun treasured in the heart of the bitter melon, poetry made of steam rising from a bowl of soup in Winter. The wind is lurking outside, swirling. Poetry is back to haunt the old hills and prairies. Yet the poor thatched hut remains on the river shore, waiting. Spring carries poetry in its drizzle. The fire sparkles poetry in its orange flame. Sunshine stored in the heart of the fragrant wood, warm smoke leading poetry back to the pages of an unofficial history book. Sunshine, though absent from space, fills the now rose-colored stove. Sunshine reaching out takes the color of smoke; poetry in its stillness, the color of the misty air. Spring rain holds poetry in its drops which bend down to kiss the soil, so that the seeds may sprout. Following the rain, poetry comes to dwell on each leaf. Sunshine has a green color, and poetry a pink one. Be...

  Upon this earth Upon this earth, the land of the Victorious Ones, Once lived a Saint, known as the second Buddha; His fame was heard in all the Ten Directions. To Him, the Jewel a’top the eternal Banner of Dharma I pay homage and give offerings. Is He not the holy Master, the great Midripa? Upon the Lotus-seat of Midripa My Father Guru places his reliance; He drinks heavenly nectar With the supreme view of Mahamudra; He has realized the innate Truth in utter freedom. He is the supreme one, Jetsun Marpa. Undefiled by faults or vices, He is the Transformation Body of Buddha. He says: “Before Enlightenment, All things in the outer world Are deceptive and confusing; Clinging to outer forms, One is ever thus entangled. After Enlightenment, one sees all things and objects As but magic shadow-plays, And all objective things Become his helpful friends. In the uncreated Dharmakaya all are pure; Nothing has ever manifested In the Realm of Ultimate Truth.” He says: “Before Enlightenment, Th...

  The Buddhist Wheel of Life By  Hilary Herdman September 28, 2017 Buddhist Wheel of Life Paintings adorn monastery porches throughout the Himalayan region. We may also know the Sanskrit name, the Bhavacakra, or “Wheel of Existence”. In the Tibetan Vinaya or monastic rules, the Buddha instructs monks to paint the wheel on monastery gates. He also taught that a monk or nun should be available there to explain its meaning to visitors. Artists frequently depicted the core concepts of Buddhist teaching. Visual learning is not something new! This colorful and graphic wheel of life image contains many important teachings. First, we contemplate the impermanence of existence, regardless of our current situation. Then, we remember that all classes of existence are equally fragile. Additionally, we reflect on the stress, pain, and suffering of worldly existence. And we contemplate how causes and conditions combine to trap us within unpleasant states. We present an excerpt from Khenpo Gy...

  Continued from yesterday. Youthful idealism was pushed aside for the generally accepted self-centered view. A view focused on personal self-interest, consumerism, and the grasping for as much stuff as one could acquire. Of course, this was welcomed, as well as driven by all the wealthy capitalists as their fortunes grew. And, this writer, along with most of America, continued to become more and more addicted to stuff. Whether or not the stuff was  really needed for our happiness. It's often said that greed, and or ignorance, can be found at the bottom of most of society's and the planet's troubles. This is true. When one digs deep enough, after shedding attachments to special interest groups (including political and business), as well as the so-called individual self, we begin to develop a much deeper understanding. We start to realize that our collective actions, over many years, are directly responsible for the present plight we find our nation and the...

  Today was day of contemplation. There have many, too many to remember actually. Probably a common thread in many, if not most folks' lives. Especially as they enter the final chapter of their blessed time here on Mother Earth. Today's meditation was spent reflecting back. Back over 50 years. To recall that time of youthful idealism. When possibilities seemed manifest, and the promise of a better tomorrow filled the air. WE of the baby boom generation   were going to change the world. Those were the days!  But life is a constant flow of energies , thoughts, and actions. Like the seasons, life is ever changing. Leaving us to navigate uncertain waters throughout the course our lives. Life has a way of changing us. Sometime in ways that, years later, causes a sense of loss. What exactly is meant by a sense of loss ? In context of today's contemplation/reflection it means;  a change in one's philosophy or beliefs so as to conform to that which is expected...

Our cosmic mother is dying a slow unnecessary death. for her and all sentint beings the tears flow. We are stewards of our cosmic home and the blessings she offers.  Yet, entrusted wih her care, we've chosen to be parasites. Our oceans are dumping grounds for waste galore, our forests ablaze in flames with global warming run rampant. Deforestation and desertification on the march towards famine, untold sufferig and death awaits, somewhere just around the coner. Busy with blind self interest, power, and greed, there seems to be no time to do the right things. Saving Mother Earth will be work, heavy sacrifices to be made, benefits of actions taken determined by effort applied. LEC