Equality – April 4, 2012 Meditation

Equality Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 1968 “After the game the king and pawn go into the same box.” (Italian proverb) Many words are used to describe the differences we see in others and even in ourselves. We attribute value descriptors so freely I wonder if sometimes we are even aware. We say things like ‘they are…’, ‘he is….’, and ‘I am…’ In all instances these are not necessarily…

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Wishes Fulfilled – April 3, 2012 Meditation

Wishes Fulfilled It would be incorrect to think that all the Buddha’s previous teachings were somehow invalidated or somehow to abandoned just because he taught the Lotus Sutra. I say this because some practice as though none of the Buddha’s important teachings apply because of the Lotus Sutra. Because we believe in the Lotus Sutra we are bound to follow various teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, Dependent Origination and so…

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Flowers – April 2, 2012 Meditation

Flowers Happy Birthday Ushma! “She is eloquent without hindrance. She is compassionate towards all living beings just as a mother is towards her babe. She obtained all merits. Her thoughts and words are wonderful and great. She is compassionate, humble, gentle and graceful. She has already been qualified to attain Bodhi, and to become a Buddha quickly” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XII) It might be said that if someone says nice things but doesn’t mean it…

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Praise – April 1, 2012 Meditation

Praise I’ll bet that generally you enjoy being complimented or praised. It is a good feeling knowing that someone noticed something you did and took the time to acknowledge your effort. It may even make you smile for a moment. I counted the number of times the word praise appears in the Lotus Sutra. Yes I know that sounds crazy, but that’s the way I am. I love numbers; they make me feel warm and…

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