Buddhism
Gather Merit
It is to be able to cultivate compassion; to have an altruistic motivation and to do things to benefit others. It is to help people in an appropriate way, such as giving advice, and likewise to be generous and disciplined and to develop patience—to develop these kinds of qualities and do things with a pure, sincere wish to help.
Seek Out Good Role Models
someone with truly excellent qualities to look up to and try to emulate. By relying on such role models, we will be able to mold and transform our character and behaviour into something much more positive, and as a result we will encounter fewer difficulties.
“A life is made of days. Each day is an opportunity to say something honestly, to make something more beautiful, to create something precious, to give a gift only we can provide for the family of the earth. To dedicate a single act to the healing of others is a day well lived.”
“Try to make at least one person happy every day. If you cannot do a kind deed, speak a kind word. If you cannot speak a kind word, think a kind thought. Count up, if you can, the treasure of happiness that you would dispense in a week, in a year, in a lifetime!”
Approach All Endeavours with Intelligence
Whatever activities you are involved in, whether they are mundane or spiritual, you need to approach them with intelligence. You need to ask yourself, “OK, what qualities are needed to fulfill this role? How should this job be done? What information is needed?” You need to acquire the necessary skills and qualities, to listen to and learn from others, and to change yourself.
Nurture Dignity and Confidence
Sometimes we encounter problems and challenges in our mundane lives, or we experience failure. At such times, we shouldn’t let the setback rob us of our dignity and confidence. Instead, we should approach the situation in a constructive way. Think, “OK, I didn’t succeed here. Why not? What was I missing? What did I do wrong?” And take it all as experience.
Sacred Text
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13
Poem: Mary Oliver, 1935-2019
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it is over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
Story
So tonight JaMychol Baker Tae Knight and myself went out to eat at this place called Brads in Oxford, and after us sitting there a while waiting on our food i noticed an elderly woman sitting alone. My exact thoughts was “dang I’d hate to have to eat alone”. So after thinking about it a minute i walked over to her and asked if i could sit with her. She said yes and we talked for a minute and after a while of talking she told me she lost her husband and that tomorrow would have been their 60th anniversary. I instantly gave my condolences and asked her to come eat with us, which she was excited to do. The point in this is always be kind and be nice to people. You never know what they are going through. This woman changed my outlook on life and how i look at other people. Everyone has a story so do not judge!
“This is my doctrine: Give every other human being every right you claim for yourself”
Rumination
Gamble everything for love, if you are a true human being. If not, leave this gathering. Half-heartedness doesn’t reach into majesty. Rumi
Benediction
May the Love of God
be the ocean that you sail on
And the grace of God
bring you calm in stormy days.
May the Word of God
guide you to your destination
And the breath of God
speed you safely on your way.
Science of Mind Reading
Song: Goodness of God, Jenn Johnson