Rational Nation USA

Explaining America's gun problem in pictures. It's Political. And, children will continuer to die in mass shootings and neither I or my party will do a damn thing. Family Values and Weapons of Destruction Proudly Displayed Together by the GOP and the NRA. Apparently They Believe the Two are Synonymous? H/T Progressive Eruptions for the PICS

  We all are buddhas, right here, right now. Buddhadharma  - Siddhartha arrived at the conclusion that learning about meditation, no matter how sophisticated the education, wasn’t enough—he should really buckle down and focus on actually practicing. In this spirit, he embarked on a retreat on the banks of the Niranjana river; for six years, he took part in no activities apart from practice. However, even after this mammoth effort, he was still not fully satisfied that he had attained the type of ultimate wisdom he was after. Finally, at Bodh Gaya, he simply let it all go. He let go of practice, let go of study, let go of meditation. He let go of the path itself. He meditated with nonmeditation—he just let everything be, as it is. And at last, when he began to let it be as it is, everything came together. Overnight, he discovered the true answer he had been so ardently seeking. The answer: that there is no answer. Not only is there no answer, there’s no question. Everything is ...

  “Our guns will not lead to our liberation,” writes Zenzele Isoke following the May 14  mass shooting  that killed 10 people and injured three in a racist attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. Here, she calls on practitioners to challenge gun culture and “bring the precept of non-harming back into the very center of our ethics and our mindfulness practices.” Lion's Roar -  On Saturday, May 14, 2022, eleven  African American people went to Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York fully expecting to go home. Maybe they went to pick up a couple of fresh onions and garlic to season the Sunday dinner, buy some milk, cereal and snacks for the kids, or get a pound of butter and real vanilla extract for a fresh-baked dessert. Or maybe they were working at the grocery store part-time to  eke  out a living. Three of those people died in the parking lot before they ever reached the store, six of them were killed in the aisles, and one was killed in a s...

  47. And when you feel the wish to move about      Or even to express yourself in speech,      First examine what is in your mind,      For steadfast ones should act correctly. 48. When the urge arises in your mind       To feelings of desire or angry hate.       Do not act! Be silent. do not speak!       And like a log of wood be sure to stay. 49.  And when your mind is wild or filled with mockery,        Or filled with pride and haughty arrogance.        Or when you would expose another's secret guilt       To bring up old dissensions or to act deceitfully, 50. Or when you want to fish for praise.       Or criticize and spoil another's name.       Or use harsh language. sparring for a fight.       Its then like a log you should remain, 51. And when you yearn for wealth, attenti...

 

  Jill and I extend warm wishes to Buddhists in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Vesak. This sacred day is a time to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, including the need to work for peace and justice, recognize our common humanity, respect and preserve the nature that surrounds us, and cultivate humility and compassion. The Buddha taught that we are but guests visiting this world, and for over 2,500 years, those who adhere to these teachings have enriched and strengthened this world we share. As we mark Vesak, we honor the American Buddhists who contribute so much to our country and advance our common values. Lion's Roar - On Monday, a second annual Vesak celebration was held at the White House honoring the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Second Gentleman Mr. Douglas Emhoff lights a candle in celebration of Vesak. Official White House photo. The White House shared a  statement  from US president Joe Biden on Monday and held its sec...