Buddhism

Right Speech

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Right Speech

Right Speech is the third factor of the Noble Eightfold Path taught by the Buddha. This does not imply a moral judgement; rather, it means speech that is wise and leads to the reduction of suffering for oneself and others. It requires abstaining from harmful communication such as lying, slandering, gossiping, harsh speech, or idle chatter. When you speak, analyze your underlying intentions by asking: Is it true? Is it timely? Is it beneficial? Is it spoken with goodwill? If the answer is no, sometimes it is better to maintain a Noble Silence.

New Leadership

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According to Buddhism, the 10 non-virtues are: Killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, senseless chatter, covetousness, harmful intent, and wrong views. Donald Trump embodies all these traits. A great evil has settled across the land, and America has lost her way. We must climb out of these lower depths and find our way again. New leaders must rise up and lead us out of the wilderness before it is too late.

Ten Books on Buddhism I highly recommend

/ Benn Bell / 2 Comments
  1. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – Shunryu Suzuki
  2. Peace is Every Step – Thich Nhat Hanh
  3. Zen in the Art of Archery – Eugene Herrigel
  4. The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching – Thich Nhat Hanh
  5. Introduction to Zen Buddhism – D. T. Suzuki
  6. An Open Heart – The Dali Lama
  7. The Dhammapada – (Several translations) Translated by Ananda Maitreya, Forward by Thich Nhat Hahn
  8.  The Other Shore – Thich Nhat Hanh
  9. Becoming Enlightened – Dali Lama
  10. Why Buddhism is True – Robert Wright

10 Mantras For a Meaningful Year

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  1. I will practice meditation every day
  2. I will be one with all that is
  3. I will practice forgiveness, starting with myself
  4. I will be kind, even when the impulse is to be right
  5. I will judge or criticize no one, not even myself
  6. I will resist nothing (practice the art of acceptance)
  7. I will practice being here now in the present moment
  8. I will think about death every day
  9. I will look for synchronicity and understand that all things are connected
  10. I will be thankful for everything and live a life of gratitude

Mountains and Rivers

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Daily Wisdom

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Benn Bell

“Before practicing Zen, rivers were rivers and mountains were mountains. When I practiced Zen, I saw that rivers were no longer rivers and mountains were no longer mountains. Now I see that rivers are again rivers and mountains are again mountains.” Zen Master

Cumberland River, Kentucky. Photo credit: Benn Bell

Mindfulness

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Zen Keys

  • In Buddhism, mindfulness is the key. Mindfulness is the energy that sheds light on all things. Mindfulness is at the base of all Buddhist practice.
  • The opposite of mindfulness is absentmindedness. Don’t be absent-minded.