“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” (Sanskrit: लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु)
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
This is a commonly used mantra in various yoga schools. Wikipedia reports the textual source seems to be stone inscriptions from the Rulers of the Sangama Dynasty (1336 A.D.-1485 A.D.)
I was listening to a wonderful video today by the venerable Thích Nhất Hạnh in which he relays a message that is believed to have been said by the Buddha and can be thought of as quite calmly and succinctly:
“It is possible to live happily in the present moment.”
Relayed by Thích Nhất Hạnh and thought to be said by the Buddha.
I believe this to be from, or alluded to in the Satipaṭṭhāna sutta.
One of the many profound, calming and centering sayings I am fond of from Thích Nhất Hạnh, commonly referred to as “Thay” by his followers, is the following, when holding a cup of tea.
This cup of tea in my two hands,
mindfulness is held perfectly.
My mind and body dwell
in the very here and now.
This post is just to express my best wishes, gratitude and respect to the wonderful Zen Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh who passed away at 12:00 22 January 2022, at the age of 95 years. Rest In Peace.
gate gate
paragate
parasamgate
bodhi svaha
One of the most central, fundamental teachings of Buddhism is thought to be the Four Noble Truths (Pali: Chattari-ariya-saccani. Sanskrit: Chatvari-arya-satyani). These are a profound, but often misunderstood set of rules that open up into a number of other teachings and ways of practicing Buddhism. Following are what might be considered a general interpretation of the four noble truths:
As with many teachings, particularly which have been translated from other languages such as Pali, Sanskrit, Hebrew, Greek or other ancient languages, translations are often misinterpreted or misconceived. Let’s look a little closer, with an attempt at English translation of the original texts.
1. Suffering (Pali: dukkha; Sanskrit: duhkha)
The first truth acknowledges that suffering is an inherent part of existing. It can be interpreted as covering all forms of physical and mental suffering, stress, dissatisfaction or unease. It suggests that in life there is an inevitable aspect of discomfort or whether it be from loss (relationships, life etc) aging, illness or even subtle forms of dissatisfaction.
2. The cause of suffering. (Pali/Sanskrit: samudaya)
The second truth explores the cause of suffering. This is primarily attributed to desires, cravings and attachments. This includes desire for sensory pleasures, for material things, for being or non-being. These desires, stemming from ignorance, are said to lead to a cycle of rebirth and continued suffering (samsara).
3. The cessation of suffering. (Pali/Sanskrit: nirodha. Commonly called nibbana Sanskrit: nirvana).
The third truth asserts that it’s possible to end the suffering. By relinquishing attachments or desires, a state of liberation (Nirvana) can be achieved which is the cessation of suffering and the end of the continuous cycle of rebirth.
4. The path to the cessation of suffering. (Pali: magga; Sanskrit: marga)
The fouth truth presents the path to end suffering, known as the Noble Eightfold Path. This is divided into three core practices: ethical conduct (sila), mental discipline (samadhi), and wisdom (panna). The 8 aspects involve:
In certain traditions, the approach and understanding of suffering and cessation can be less theoretical and more experiential, encouraging practitioners to observe the nature of mind and reality as they are.
The practice of meditation & mindfulness helps to cultivate a direct understanding of these truths, leading to personal insight into the nature of existence, suffering, and the path to liberation.