20 | October | 2011 | Sangha of Auspicious Companions

In association with hhdlstudycirclemontreal.org

Archive for October 20, 2011

Dharma Quote from Snow Lion Publications

Dharma Quote of the Week

Focusing the mind on the object of meditation is like planting a seed for the arisal of the realization…. Even in the beginning stages one might become impatient, thinking, “I really want to get this done quickly.” One might think that by exerting more effort, by adding more and more stuff, by changing things this way or that way the process can be made to go faster.

The good gardener knows that too much water or fertilizer is harmful, not helpful. The mature meditator must understand this as well. The Kadampa masters of old gave this counsel: First, pay great heed to getting the proper causes and conditions together. Next, engage in the practice without agitation and without anxiety. Then, with the mind at ease, carry on to the end.(p.20)

–from How to Practice Shamatha Meditation: The Cultivation of Meditative Quiescence by Gen Lamrimpa, translated by B. Alan Wallace, published by Snow Lion Publications

How to Practice Shamatha Meditation • New at 3O% off!

Category:

Uncategorized

Kindness Daily: Remembering an Anonymous Friend, 15 Years Later

kindness daily
home smileCards smileGroups

Remembering an Anonymous Friend, 15 Years Later October 20, 2011 – Posted by hrjamest

I had just graduated college and couldnt find a job in Los Angeles. I ended up moving to Las Vegas but left my wife and two kids behind. I missed them all week, and I went home on most weekends to see them. Most of the time I rented a car because it was hard to get my beat up car over the pass to get to and from Vegas.

Well, one time I decided to save money, and I took my car. It made it to California, but Sunday on the way back to Vegas it conked out in the broiling Nevada nigh. Not having any idea what I would do, this middle-aged angel drove up. He gave me some water, put in some coolant, and fiddled with the engine a bit. He got it started.

I gave him the $12 I had in my wallet and he said he would use it for the next car. It turns out my anonymous friend is a mechanic who drives up and down that stretch of the highway each weekend rescuing stranded motorists and only takes donations if they are offered. Fifteen years later I still think about what a beautiful man he was.

James Scott Toland, 45 in Sunland, Ca.

Add/View Comment >>

About Newsletter
Kindness Daily is an email that delivers today’s featured story from HelpOthers.org. If you’d rather not receive this email, you can also unsubscribe.

7 Ways Sharing Can Make You Happy

The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have. — Leonard Nemoy

~~~~ Tip of the Day: One silver lining in dark economic times is that as people learn to make do with less, they are discovering the many benefits of sharing. New psychological research suggests that sharing fosters trust and cooperation in the community and contributes to personal well-being. Researchers are finding that sharing impacts people in the very specific ways that are closely linked to increased happiness. These include effects such as improved physical health, increased levels of trust, causes for gratitude, opportunities for cooperation, and more. Here are 7 ways sharing can make you happy. http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=1699E08:C3009629A010612C3335CCBE19E51EAEB4B847859706E37D&

~~~~ Be The Change: Reflect on a recent time someone shared something with you. Let them know about the impact of their generosity.

**Share A Reflection** http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=1699E09:C3009629A010612C3335CCBE19E51EAEB4B847859706E37D&

Category:

Uncategorized

Sangha of Auspicious Companions