Thank you David, for your words of wisdom. I also would like to know when you read my mind :) As I approach my 78th birthday and having rrlecently picked up the threads of Buddhism after being introduced to it in the 1980s and thought I had abandoned it, I found a nearby Buddhist community to vist, meditate and listen to lectures by a wonderful Kelsang (Nun, I think that is the correct translation). Yet in the last week or so, I have experienced a degree of anxt as to whether I am too late in this life and began thinking, hoping, trusting that I will come into the practise early into my next life. So, David, I now know to simply forget about age and continue with my explorations and learning through the Buddhist way. Again thankyou. And,I am grateful to know that some of my subscription goes to such wonderful causes. With sincerity and heartfelt love for such oppotunities. Diane
More wise words of wisdom! I had a thought that being condemned to samsara is what the church used to call purgatory! As long as I can glean a some insight into enlightenment to help me in the next life, I reckon Iām in front!
The idea to star where you are, is very important at least to me. I came to this world with an inner search for God. I was raced at a Christian family, but it did not help me. I lived in India in an ashram 2 years and I think they were perfect.
Since I got your first book of "The Dalai Lamaās Cat", I have been practicing your shared knowledge.
Thanks David for this informative insight into Buddhist practice. As the saying goes āit is never too lateāā¦ā¦.itās having faith in oneās self to explore & especially calm the racing mind with practice. Wow, isnāt karma amazing. Loved the article about the kidney transplant, dog & two beautiful people meeting on a beach.
I enjoy all of the books and articles you've written. This one touched me especially deeply. I recently celebrated my 69th birthday. I was introduced to the dharma in this lifetime in 13 years ago by a dear friend via the writings of Pema Chƶdrƶn. It continues to reshape and refine my thoughts, feelings, words and deeds--especially any tedencies to judge, become angry or despair. I curate Facebook content for my local sangha (Willismsburg Buddhist Sangha in Williamsburg VA USA). I know an article is especially meaningful to me when I long to share it with the entire planet. I am retired from a 40+ year career as a board certified empowerment coach, author, radio host and Reiki master teacher. One of the opportunities I enjoy most about retirement is having greater bandwidth to share hope, possibilities and empowerment with the world through volunteering with animal and human welfare charities. I appreciate all you do to share hope, possibilities and empowerment as well.
Thank you David, you have just answered my question to myself. Your words are wise and beautifully put, and very inspiring. I am in my late 60's with health issues, making meditation a challenge but, a challenge I need to overcome. I have read many books on Buddhism, and am putting what I read into practice, I feel I have changed a great deal already. Your wise words have already made me start to rethink the problems I am facing and not give up. Thank you, Mary.
We are so fortunate to have found the Dharma. And we are alive, so we have TIME also to practice and learn. Keep your writings coming. They are inspirational!
You always leave us with an encouraging word and for that Iām grateful. It does seem odd to look back and realize that my 27 year old self embarked upon a journey that has lasted for over 40 years now. My gratitude for all teachers (including you!) knows no bounds. May blessings continue to flow toward all who walk the dharma path.
Thank you David for this post. Knowing that having the possibility to be aware of the Dharma in this life is rare, we should make the most of this wonderful opportunity. To me this concept is very powerful and brings tears to my eyes.
Now is a good time! The kids are off, 'foot loose and fancy free', no more helter-skelter shifts at the hospital. It's just me, my husband and the dog. It's time for the inner me to explore and learn the ways of Buddhism through your words of wisdom and with a little help from HCC of course. If only I could learn to sit still and not fidget. Thank you again, David for giving me the opportunity to study and learn from you.
David, I missed the opportunity to comment on the events affecting the Dalai Lama. I feel the need to say something still. The Dalai Lama is a man who walks tall in the world. A man who is much loved respected and revered. All thing pass, as we know, even the obnoxious behavior of some and I'm sure His Highness knows this already. I feel very passionate about verbal abuse, especially when it involves a such a good man.
Would they have done it to the Queen - You betcha! because they are such mischief makers.
It's like you were reading my mind David! I too feel overwhelmed by the enormity of diving into the Dharma, extending my meditation time, etc. I loved what you said about just follow our natural inclination. Out of the blue I am drawn to Green Tara and recently purchased the book you recommended Tara in the palm of your hand. Then hit another wave of overwhelm when I got to the chapter on the 21 praises. But I'm taking it in small bites and trusting the process! Part of me says I will never attain Enlightenment in my current time period as I am in my mid-70s. But I realize it's the Journey that's important. š
Sharing your early thoughts and struggles with us has helped me realize I'm on the same journey as you were, although I'm starting at considerably more advanced years. Your pointing out that we might have encountered these ideas and experiences before especially resonates. I do feel an intuitive draw to the teachings you write about.
Perhaps in a future post, you could share some ideas on finding a teacher. You often express the importance of finding a teacher and community, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that, starting from a place of no connections and not living in a big city. One would assume in current times that one's teacher and community could be physically distant, at least in part. In the meantime, there are wonderful books to learn from (definitely including yours!).
Thank you David. If you thought you were late then consider I was 44. Just starting a new business of my own my wife saw an article on meditation. She said letās go along. It was a weekend retreat at the local Johannesburg Samye Dzong. The teacher was also an ex Rhodesian and had been a magistrate in Rhodesia.
I so enjoyed the weekend and learning to meditate, I approached the teacher Rob Nairn and asked what books should I read to learn more about Buddhism. He immediately said, I am doing something new and I I running an advanced 6 month course on Buddhism, why donāt you join. I said, I think it a bit soon I would like to learn a bit more first. He said, No just come along you will do fine.
Well after the 6 month course I refuge with Lama Yeshe. I was hooked.
I always tell people who ask me why I did it and I tell them that you can look at Buddhism as a Philosophy or as a religion, or both. I chose the two and it was something about it that I believe that the resonance as you called it came from a former life. It just requires attention to the teachings and getting used to sitting.
Now, my knees canāt take it, so I use a chair.
Great clip on the lady getting a kidney. Humanity in action.
Thank you David, for your words of wisdom. I also would like to know when you read my mind :) As I approach my 78th birthday and having rrlecently picked up the threads of Buddhism after being introduced to it in the 1980s and thought I had abandoned it, I found a nearby Buddhist community to vist, meditate and listen to lectures by a wonderful Kelsang (Nun, I think that is the correct translation). Yet in the last week or so, I have experienced a degree of anxt as to whether I am too late in this life and began thinking, hoping, trusting that I will come into the practise early into my next life. So, David, I now know to simply forget about age and continue with my explorations and learning through the Buddhist way. Again thankyou. And,I am grateful to know that some of my subscription goes to such wonderful causes. With sincerity and heartfelt love for such oppotunities. Diane
More wise words of wisdom! I had a thought that being condemned to samsara is what the church used to call purgatory! As long as I can glean a some insight into enlightenment to help me in the next life, I reckon Iām in front!
Dearest David,
The idea to star where you are, is very important at least to me. I came to this world with an inner search for God. I was raced at a Christian family, but it did not help me. I lived in India in an ashram 2 years and I think they were perfect.
Since I got your first book of "The Dalai Lamaās Cat", I have been practicing your shared knowledge.
Thank you so much.
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
I feel it is never too late. Life and people present themselves to us just when we need it and when we are ready
Thanks David for this informative insight into Buddhist practice. As the saying goes āit is never too lateāā¦ā¦.itās having faith in oneās self to explore & especially calm the racing mind with practice. Wow, isnāt karma amazing. Loved the article about the kidney transplant, dog & two beautiful people meeting on a beach.
I enjoy all of the books and articles you've written. This one touched me especially deeply. I recently celebrated my 69th birthday. I was introduced to the dharma in this lifetime in 13 years ago by a dear friend via the writings of Pema Chƶdrƶn. It continues to reshape and refine my thoughts, feelings, words and deeds--especially any tedencies to judge, become angry or despair. I curate Facebook content for my local sangha (Willismsburg Buddhist Sangha in Williamsburg VA USA). I know an article is especially meaningful to me when I long to share it with the entire planet. I am retired from a 40+ year career as a board certified empowerment coach, author, radio host and Reiki master teacher. One of the opportunities I enjoy most about retirement is having greater bandwidth to share hope, possibilities and empowerment with the world through volunteering with animal and human welfare charities. I appreciate all you do to share hope, possibilities and empowerment as well.
Thank you David, you have just answered my question to myself. Your words are wise and beautifully put, and very inspiring. I am in my late 60's with health issues, making meditation a challenge but, a challenge I need to overcome. I have read many books on Buddhism, and am putting what I read into practice, I feel I have changed a great deal already. Your wise words have already made me start to rethink the problems I am facing and not give up. Thank you, Mary.
We are so fortunate to have found the Dharma. And we are alive, so we have TIME also to practice and learn. Keep your writings coming. They are inspirational!
You always leave us with an encouraging word and for that Iām grateful. It does seem odd to look back and realize that my 27 year old self embarked upon a journey that has lasted for over 40 years now. My gratitude for all teachers (including you!) knows no bounds. May blessings continue to flow toward all who walk the dharma path.
Thank you David for this post. Knowing that having the possibility to be aware of the Dharma in this life is rare, we should make the most of this wonderful opportunity. To me this concept is very powerful and brings tears to my eyes.
Thank you so much for your comforting considerations, David. They are most precious and inspire me to go on on my spiritual way.
Now is a good time! The kids are off, 'foot loose and fancy free', no more helter-skelter shifts at the hospital. It's just me, my husband and the dog. It's time for the inner me to explore and learn the ways of Buddhism through your words of wisdom and with a little help from HCC of course. If only I could learn to sit still and not fidget. Thank you again, David for giving me the opportunity to study and learn from you.
David, I missed the opportunity to comment on the events affecting the Dalai Lama. I feel the need to say something still. The Dalai Lama is a man who walks tall in the world. A man who is much loved respected and revered. All thing pass, as we know, even the obnoxious behavior of some and I'm sure His Highness knows this already. I feel very passionate about verbal abuse, especially when it involves a such a good man.
Would they have done it to the Queen - You betcha! because they are such mischief makers.
It's like you were reading my mind David! I too feel overwhelmed by the enormity of diving into the Dharma, extending my meditation time, etc. I loved what you said about just follow our natural inclination. Out of the blue I am drawn to Green Tara and recently purchased the book you recommended Tara in the palm of your hand. Then hit another wave of overwhelm when I got to the chapter on the 21 praises. But I'm taking it in small bites and trusting the process! Part of me says I will never attain Enlightenment in my current time period as I am in my mid-70s. But I realize it's the Journey that's important. š
Sharing your early thoughts and struggles with us has helped me realize I'm on the same journey as you were, although I'm starting at considerably more advanced years. Your pointing out that we might have encountered these ideas and experiences before especially resonates. I do feel an intuitive draw to the teachings you write about.
Perhaps in a future post, you could share some ideas on finding a teacher. You often express the importance of finding a teacher and community, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that, starting from a place of no connections and not living in a big city. One would assume in current times that one's teacher and community could be physically distant, at least in part. In the meantime, there are wonderful books to learn from (definitely including yours!).
Thank you David. If you thought you were late then consider I was 44. Just starting a new business of my own my wife saw an article on meditation. She said letās go along. It was a weekend retreat at the local Johannesburg Samye Dzong. The teacher was also an ex Rhodesian and had been a magistrate in Rhodesia.
I so enjoyed the weekend and learning to meditate, I approached the teacher Rob Nairn and asked what books should I read to learn more about Buddhism. He immediately said, I am doing something new and I I running an advanced 6 month course on Buddhism, why donāt you join. I said, I think it a bit soon I would like to learn a bit more first. He said, No just come along you will do fine.
Well after the 6 month course I refuge with Lama Yeshe. I was hooked.
I always tell people who ask me why I did it and I tell them that you can look at Buddhism as a Philosophy or as a religion, or both. I chose the two and it was something about it that I believe that the resonance as you called it came from a former life. It just requires attention to the teachings and getting used to sitting.
Now, my knees canāt take it, so I use a chair.
Great clip on the lady getting a kidney. Humanity in action.
Thanks once again for explaining it so well.
Peter
OOps cant edit ... My dearest FYA is what it should read