Real Courage

Did you see this photo of the monk Thich quan duc? If you have seen it, nothing more needs to be said. It is just an example of the few rare brave people in this world who stand up for what is right and are prepared to lay down their lives for the sake of truth.

I find it hard to hold even a glass full of steaming tea in my palm. How did this man manage to do this.And just look at him as he sits calmly, as the petrol flames devour his body inch by inch.

Incidents such as these are needed to shake up the consciences of governments. As a result of his sacrifice, world attention was drawn to the oppression of the Buddhists  South Vietnam, and to its eventual end.

And how did he do it? Buddhists say such extraordinary feats are the results of mindfulness practice.
Here

Healing is Here

In the present is healing. When we come here we are healed of our past emotional wounds. Sometimes theory and therapy alone are not sufficient. Zen stories illustrate this point very well.

“Am I here Now?” is a good question to ask ourselves every now and then. We are very likely to be lost in the past or future if we do not ask this question, as most of us are running in the rat race for money, fame, power and position. We forget that none of this comes with us. None of this can give us lasting peace and fulfillment.

In the present moment we discover ourselves, our true being. Here is a wonderful source of limpid peace. It is inexhaustible. You only have to connect to it.