Apology in Buddhism is related to unwholesome actions, speech and thoughts. Especially when our misdeeds hurt another being physically or emotionally. When we are aware of our misdeeds, we strive to apologies. In Buddhism, apology is an acknowledgement of our misdeeds and its negative effects on others. After acknowledging our mistake, we make it a … Read more Apologies in Buddhism
An important Buddhist practice that brings tons of happiness to a family is Right Speech. Right speech basically means speaking only stuff that benefits others, at the right time, in the right manner and to of course, avoid harmful speech. This takes considerable effort because we tend to be very relaxed around our family. In … Read more Happy family starts with speech
I notice birds visiting my balcony garden recently. In my egoistic euphoric moment I thought,” Ah, my metta meditation must be attracting birds. Like Snow White in walt disney animation….” Then I discovered they were actually attracted by food. Fat juicy caterpillars! The crawlers must be offsprings of visiting butterflies. 🙄 I bought some flowering … Read more Offering protection to those in fear
A positive message to encourage people of all ages to pursue their dreams! In Buddhist spirituality that includes the aspiration to become Buddha. But in order to become something else, you need to “unbecome” what you are. To let go of your present self. To wear new clothes, we have to take off what we … Read more You can be anything!
This propaganda poster caught my attention and it is worth discussing. Translated into English, the rhythmic verse in Chinese says ‘Wear your mask properly and Buddha’s infinite light will shine upon all. Chanting mantra and smudging the air by boiling vinegar is superstitious and non Buddhist.’ If you visit popular Buddhist temple in China, you … Read more Superstitious Buddhist?
2 0 Sarvan writes: As an undergraduate at Peradeniya in the late 1950s, I occasionally accompanied a Buddhist friend to the Temple of the Tooth. My friend secured a small basket of flowers and brought it to me; I touched it and then the flowers were offered in worship. Symbolically, I had participated but should I have done that? Did I qualify for that inclusion? If not, wasn’t it falsity? It seemed a simple enough gesture, and I admit I didn’t pause to ponder the implications, the pros and cons of the matter. I confess I’d do it again. The explanation for this gesture by the young Sarvan has nothing to do with religion or beliefs but with the norms of friendship..The visit to the temple in the company of the Buddhist was an act of friendship , to begin with just as accepting the flower was! I too remember going to this temple with a Buddhist friend while at Peradeniya but don”t remember the flowers.But then my friend was only what I would call nominal Buddhist
Thank you Sarvan for sharing your experience. I think your participation is meaningful if your intention was out of goodwill. It seems like your friend did not mind and did not have ill-will because of your touching the flowers 🙂
Therefore your inclusion is valid.
Looking at it in another angle, your participation also helped your friend earn extra merits; because he managed to get more people to participate in a meritorious deed. It’s like a volunteer gathering more kind people to participate in an act of charity. In this case, it does not matter that the flowers were not brought by you. Just like the volunteers who worked at a charity may not be the one providing the resources.
Therefore your participation is also a meritorious deed that indirectly help to increase the overall merit at that point in time. Rejoice.
Beautiful Buddha quotes, speaking the TRUTH, thank you for sharing, Jamyang
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You are welcome Cornelia. Glad you like them.
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2 0 Sarvan writes: As an undergraduate at Peradeniya in the late 1950s, I occasionally accompanied a Buddhist friend to the Temple of the Tooth. My friend secured a small basket of flowers and brought it to me; I touched it and then the flowers were offered in worship. Symbolically, I had participated but should I have done that? Did I qualify for that inclusion? If not, wasn’t it falsity? It seemed a simple enough gesture, and I admit I didn’t pause to ponder the implications, the pros and cons of the matter. I confess I’d do it again. The explanation for this gesture by the young Sarvan has nothing to do with religion or beliefs but with the norms of friendship..The visit to the temple in the company of the Buddhist was an act of friendship , to begin with just as accepting the flower was! I too remember going to this temple with a Buddhist friend while at Peradeniya but don”t remember the flowers.But then my friend was only what I would call nominal Buddhist
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Thank you Sarvan for sharing your experience. I think your participation is meaningful if your intention was out of goodwill. It seems like your friend did not mind and did not have ill-will because of your touching the flowers 🙂
Therefore your inclusion is valid.
Looking at it in another angle, your participation also helped your friend earn extra merits; because he managed to get more people to participate in a meritorious deed. It’s like a volunteer gathering more kind people to participate in an act of charity. In this case, it does not matter that the flowers were not brought by you. Just like the volunteers who worked at a charity may not be the one providing the resources.
Therefore your participation is also a meritorious deed that indirectly help to increase the overall merit at that point in time. Rejoice.
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