Posts from October 2009.

The Buddha on Free Inquiry

The Buddha said:

Rely not on the teacher, but on the teaching. Rely not on the words of the teaching, but on the spirit of the words. Rely not on theory, but on experience. Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is written in your scripture. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and the benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.
 (Kalama Sutta, a free interpretation thereof)

Five Things

I am grateful for…

  1. … feeling a bit more organized. A big part of my procrastination is not knowing where to start.
  2. … having a family.
  3. … my chance to be alive.
  4. … books.
  5. … a short list of things to accomplish today.

Five Things

I feel grateful for…

  • … my health.
  • … forewarning about possible future illnesses so I can plan and possibly forestall symptoms.
  • … a sexy, loving wife.
  • … children who share my love of learning.
  • … the slight chill in the air that comes as a welcome relief from summertime intensity.

Five Things

I’m feeling lucky for…

  1. … being kind to myself.
  2. … being less afraid to think.
  3. … children playing outside.
  4. … a change in the weather.
  5. … the color brown.