Real and Unreal

Those who think the unreal is

and the real is not,

shall never know the truth,

lost in the path of wrong views.

—Buddha Shakyamuni

Boundless

Loving Kindness, Compassion,

Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity

are called “immeasurable” for four reasons:

their benefits are boundless;

the number of beings to whom they are directed is boundless;

the aspiration we have when cultivating them is boundless; and

their fruit, complete enlightenment, is boundless.

Realistic

Buddhism is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. If anything at all, it is realistic, for it takes a realistic view of life and the world. It looks at things objectively.

It does not falsely lull you into living in a fool’s paradise, nor does it frighten and agonize you with all kinds of imaginary fears and sins.

It tells you exactly and objectively what you are and what the world around you is, and shows you the way to perfect freedom, peace, tranquility, and happiness.

—Walpola Rahula

Here

One person is all beings;

all beings are one person.

One practice is all practices;

all practices are one practice.

There is no subject and no object.

It is here that may be found

all virtue and all merit.

—Ryonin Shonin

Strong Words

Whether they be creatures of the land or air,

whoever harms here any living being,

who has no compassion for all that live,

let such a one be known as depraved.

—Buddha Shakyamuni, Kshudraka Agama

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION

Merciful Mother, Samaya Tara Yogini, dispeller of fear, grant us Your protection!

Sustain our practice with Your Mighty Forms, that the pure stream of Your force may flow within us in this world and the worlds to come.

Protect and sustain the pure Dharma of definitive meaning! Protect and sustain the Great Middle Way!

Subdue all hindrances and pacify obstructers!

Make our way straight, that we may swiftly accumulate vast wisdom and compassion and attain the Great Purpose! 

om tare tuttare ture so’ha

Illusions

Samsara is not and never will be a safe and stable dwelling.

Earthly paradises are illusions, and all illusions disappoint.

All compounded phenomena are impermanent.

All compounded phenomena cause suffering.

All compounded phenomena are empty.

Nirvana is peace.

om amideva hrih