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People do not generally live in their actions, in the present moment.  They live in the past or in the future.  Though they seem to be doing something now, here, they live somewhere else in their thoughts, in their imaginary problems and worries, usually in the memories of the past or in desires and speculations about the future.  Therefore they do not live in, nor do they enjoy, what they do at the moment.  So they are unhappy and discontented with the present moment, with the work at hand, and naturally they cannot give themselves fully to what they appear to be doing.


"What the Buddha Taught", pg 71 / c7p17, Walpola Sri Rahula


In a "practice what I preach" sort of way, I'm going to do my best to post dharma quotes daily as a way to be present in what I'm doing.  I hope for other believers in the Triple Gem, these reaffirm your faith and bring you closer to enlightenment; for those of other faiths (or none at all) I hope these nonetheless help bring you a moment of peace and reflection to make your day better.  :)


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Reply by Pai Sho Cajun

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"Please like care for yourself even like doing weird things like, you know, I don't know how you came here but caring for your car, caring for your bicycle, caring for your motorbike or whatever it is you have.  This is serious, a lot of times when you care for things, I'm not quite sure how it works, but things start to work much more smoothly.  Even if you have a car and sometimes it breaks down or something, sometimes just instead of cursing it and saying, 'Why do you break down now when it's really important?' Stroke it. 'That's a nice car, please work.' I mean try that, it actually does help!"

- Ajahn Brahm, "Grant Yourself a Moment of Peace", 17:44-18:45


I absolutely love Ajahn Brahm's unique sense of humor and outlook on the chaos of life.  Sometimes it is the silly little things like talking nicely to your cantankerous vehicle that allow you to take a breath and refocus your attitude and mental energies.  Going through life angry and stressed has been proven to increase the odds of developing heart issues and other problems later in life so being a little silly in the moment will also pay off in the long run as well.


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Reply by Pai Sho Cajun

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Missed the last few days but didn't forget about this, I just don't have them pre-planned so I don't schedule them or anything and if I get busy with life/work and/or fall asleep early, I unfortunately just miss posting that day.




(13)


Where would I possibly find enough leather


With which to cover the surface of the earth? 


But (wearing) leather on just the soles of my shoes


Is equivalent to covering the earth with it.


(14)


Likewise it is not possible for me


To restrain the external course of things;


But should I restrain this mind of mine


What would be the need to restrain all else?




- The Bodhisattva's Way, 9:13 & 14




If the first part seems familiar to you even if you haven't read this before, the Bluey episode "Unicorse" tells it as a fairy tale! Chapter 5 is "Guarding Alertness," using metaphors and parables to expound on the merits of controlling your thoughts and feelings and the perils of failing to do so. It's easy to "be in the moment" as we meditate but the true treasures come from living it every moment.


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