How things are…

There are times to cultivate and create, when you nurture your world and give birth to new ideas and ventures. There are times of flourishing and abundance, when life feels in full bloom, energized and expanding. And there are times of fruition, when things come to an end. They have reached their climax and must be harvested before they begin to fade. And finally of course, there are times that are cold, and cutting and empty, times when the spring of new beginnings seems like a distant dream. Those rhythms in life are natural events. They weave into one another as day follows night, bringing, not messages of hope and fear, but messages of how things are.”

Chogyam Trungpa quotes

The Jewel Rosary of the Bodhisattvas

Poem  (continuation…)

                                                          by Atisha Dipamkara

Forsake material possessions,
And adorn yourself with the riches of the Aryas.
Leave behind all busyness and distraction,
And remain in places of solitude.

Refrain from idle gossip,
And always guard your speech.
Whenever you see your masters or preceptors,
Cultivate the wish to serve them, with respect.

Both those possessing eyes of Dharma,
And those first setting out upon the path,
Are to be regarded as your teachers.
And when encountering any other beings,
Look upon them as your parents or your children.

Do not befriend those who act in harmful ways,
But rely instead on true spiritual friends.
Abandon any feelings of hostility or ill will,
And be always joyful, wherever you may go.

The Jewel Rosary of the Bodhisattvas

Poem… by Atisha Dipamkara… continuation

Proclaim your own failings,
But do not look for faults in others.
Hide any good quality you may have,
While declaring others’ virtues.

Let go of concerns for gain or respect,
And always renounce the desire for fame.
With few wants, remain contented,
And repay any kindness you receive.

Cultivate loving kindness and compassion,
And make your bodhichitta stable.
Avoid the ten unwholesome actions,
And let your faith be forever strong.

Overcome all anger and conceit,
And adopt an attitude of humility.
Renounce unethical forms of livelihood,
And sustain yourself according to the Dharma