How should I live? Please share with me your views
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
Before going to work or walk to mrt, I chant in my heart for safety at work and everything. After work, I walk home, take mrt and too chant to say a little thanks for everything.
Yes, my life was tough after my father pass away and I was so young. I even took up part time working at night too. Being a struggle for me but I never give up. But it really came a paying price...my health is not so good now due to years of hard wotk and less sleep. But for my family, it worth it. Now I see my younger sister working, married got children. I feel happy for them.
Life is full of ups of downs. I'm glad that you and your family are leading a good life. Practice hard and aim to leave samsara after your old age. I believe you don't wish to be reborn in this world again, it is so suffering, right?
-
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
Life is full of ups of downs. I'm glad that you and your family are leading a good life. Practice hard and aim to leave samsara after your old age. I believe you don't wish to be reborn in this world again, it is so suffering, right?
Now, I am not saying I am leading a good life, I still need to work, still let boss call me stupid and idiot, still need the salary to feed my family. Life is hard but that is life isnt it especially with the cost of living going upwards.I dont want to reborn again...I wish I can be with my family members after all gone...all together go to another world that is free from sufferring. Born is this world is to suffer. Not happy.
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
Now, I am not saying I am leading a good life, I still need to work, still let boss call me stupid and idiot, still need the salary to feed my family. Life is hard but that is life isnt it especially with the cost of living going upwards.I dont want to reborn again...I wish I can be with my family members after all gone...all together go to another world that is free from sufferring. Born is this world is to suffer. Not happy.
I see. I believe you will get to enjoy life when your children become working adults. Anyway, many people are leading the kind of working life you are leading. Recite Amituofo and Guan Shi Yin Pusa. You will see your life will improve. Good luck to you.
-
live within your means . Something can't be bought by money alone. Like taking a long slow stroll at the beach. It's as good as a meditation session. Many things are free. The fresh air in the morning, the ability to see, hear, sense and enjoy nature's beauty. This doesn't cost you any money. Just some efforts and time to consciously add it to your life quality.
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
Now, I am not saying I am leading a good life, I still need to work, still let boss call me stupid and idiot, still need the salary to feed my family. Life is hard but that is life isnt it especially with the cost of living going upwards.I dont want to reborn again...I wish I can be with my family members after all gone...all together go to another world that is free from sufferring. Born is this world is to suffer. Not happy.
May sound somewhat cruel (paiseh and sorry, k?), but it's dangerous to think along the lines that you wish to be re-united with your family members after all leave this world. If your family members also share this view, this attachment could keep all of you stuck in samsara. In recent years - but I don't know how I will think/feel about it when it comes to the crunch - I have managed to get to the point where I accept that their "destinies" are theirs and mine is mine. If they attain liberation or gain rebirth in Pureland, that would be great; but if not, that's that also.
Eventually, all will have to trod that path towards liberation. We are family members in this lifetime, but we've also had family members in other lifetimes. Need to loosen the attachment.
-
Don't find a way to live... don't even attempt to 'live in the now'...
Simply see through the notion of a doer, and let the moment live itself and present itself by itself, moment to moment.
Be it in meditation or in living... see this to be always the case.
-
This question is one which everyone need to ask every single moment when faced with demands of this life.
In realizing that all along there is no 'doer' does not mean that one shuts out from the roles and responsibilities in this life, nor does it mean that one has to give up possesions, and to be able to come to this realization we must first be honest with ourselves.
This radical honesty is required in the first place, which will force us to look at our life as it is without the taints of our opinions of how it should be. Whichever adversities we have to go through, meditation will not remove them from this life immediately, instead it will expose the deeper pains and patience is required to work with these pains. Bit by bit we realize the workings of the mind, and the ways in which we are bound by the mental states. Then as one releases these trappings, the realization of no-self will unfold naturally in time.
While we practice in this way, the ongoing demands of daily life requires one to take on positions which allows proper functioning in the various roles one undertakes. It certainly doesn't mean that one should live in a prescribed way when one is practicing, this is just another mental concept. Instead, with right view established there's a freedom to live this life to the fullest with honesty. Work hard, strive to be the best in our careers and relationships, and provide for the needy. Material and physical endeavours need not be different, what is different is the attitude and view towards them.
-
Accordance to statistic, 90% of our worries don't come true. There is no point worrying about what will happen when it may not happen? Though we can try to build a safety net to pre-empt but worrying does not solve the problem and instead, draining one's energy away. You should focus on how and what you improve. Start by baby steps if you can't make a drastic change first.. and slowly improving. "Enjoy life" is such a broad term. So i don't know what you infer by there or how. A little enjoyment and having joy in life is healthy. :) Life is not suffering. What Buddha meant is that, in life there is suffering. Then he points out a way to cease suffering. Pointing to Four Noble Truth and Noble Eightfold path. It is also good to seek refuge in the triple gems when we feel troubled. We have only one short life here. Go ahead make the best out of it by meditating, doing good deeds and fufill our worldly responsiblities. We can live our daily life, moment to moment meaningfully and deedly by practising mindfulness. Mindfulness has so much benefit in life. I kudos you for thinking for your parents. It is very merituous deed to take care of one's parents. A teacher once said that she notice that most of the people who take care well of their parents have a more smooth sailing and successful life.
-
Originally posted by AtlasWept:
It once occurred to a certain king, that if he always knew the right time to begin everything; if he knew who were the right people to listen to, and whom to avoid; and, above all, if he always knew what was the most important thing to do, he would never fail in anything he might undertake. And this thought having occurred to him, he had it proclaimed throughout his kingdom that he would give a great reward to anyone who would teach him what was the right time for every action, and who were the most necessary people, and how he might know what was the most important thing to do. And learned men came to the King, but they all answered his questions differently.
In reply to the first question, some said that to know the right time for every action, one must draw up in advance, a table of days, months and years, and must live strictly according to it. Only thus, said they, could everything be done at its proper time. Others declared that it was impossible to decide beforehand the right time for every action; but that, not letting oneself be absorbed in idle pastimes, one should always attend to all that was going on, and then do what was most needful. Others, again, said that however attentive the King might be to what was going on, it was impossible for one man to decide correctly the right time for every action, but that he should have a Council of wise men, who would help him to fix the proper time for everything. But then again others said there were some things which could not wait to be laid before a Council, but about which one had at once to decide whether to undertake them or not. But in order to decide that, one must know beforehand what was going to happen. It is only magicians who know that; and, therefore, in order to know the right time for every action, one must consult magicians.
Equally various were the answers to the second question. Some said, the people the King most needed were his counselors; others, the priests; others, the doctors; while some said the warriors were the most necessary.
To the third question, as to what was the most important occupation: some replied that the most important thing in the world was science. Others said it was skill in warfare; and others, again, that it was religious worship.
All the answers being different, the King agreed with none of them, and gave the reward to none. But still wishing to find the right answers to his questions, he decided to consult a hermit, widely renowned for his wisdom.
The hermit lived in a wood which he never left, and he received none but common folk. So the King put on simple clothes, and before reaching the hermit's cell dismounted from his horse, and, leaving his body-guard behind, went on alone.
When the King approached, the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut. Seeing the King, he greeted him and went on digging. The hermit was frail and weak, and each time he stuck his spade into the ground and turned a little earth, he breathed heavily. The King went up to him and said: "I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I most need, and to whom should I, therefore, pay more attention than to the rest? And, what affairs are the most important, and need my first attention?" The hermit listened to the King, but answered nothing. He just spat on his hand and recommenced digging.
"You are tired," said the King, "let me take the spade and work awhile for you." "Thanks!" said the hermit, and, giving the spade to the King, he sat down on the ground. When he had dug two beds, the King stopped and repeated his questions. The hermit again gave no answer, but rose, stretched out his hand for the spade, and said: "Now rest awhile-and let me work a bit." But the King did not give him the spade, and continued to dig. One hour passed, and another. The sun began to sink behind the trees, and the King at last stuck the spade into the ground, and said: "I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me none, tell me so, and I will return home."
"Here comes someone running," said the hermit, "let us see who it is." The King turned round, and saw a bearded man come running out of the wood. The man held his hands pressed against his stomach, and blood was flowing from under them. When he reached the King, he fell fainting on the ground moaning feebly. The King and the hermit unfastened the man's clothing. There was a large wound in his stomach. The King washed it as best he could, and bandaged it with his handkerchief and with a towel the hermit had. But the blood would not stop flowing and the King again and again removed the bandage soaked with warm blood, and washed and re-bandaged the wound.
When at last the blood ceased flowing, the man revived and asked for something to drink. The King brought fresh water and gave it to him. Meanwhile the sun had set, and it had become cool. So the King, with the hermit's help, carried the wounded man into the hut and laid him on the bed. Lying on the bed the man closed his eyes and was quiet; but the King was so tired with his walk and with the work he had done, that he crouched down on the threshold, and also fell asleep--so soundly that he slept all through the short summer night.
When he awoke in the morning, it was long before he could remember where he was, or who was the strange bearded man lying on the bed and gazing intently at him with shining eyes. "Forgive me!" said the bearded man in a weak voice, when he saw that the King was awake and was looking at him.
"I do not know you and have nothing to forgive you for." said the King. "You do not know me, but I know you. I am that enemy of yours who swore to revenge himself on you, because you executed his brother and seized his property. I knew you had gone alone to see the hermit, and I resolved to kill you on your way back. But the day passed and you did not return. So I came out from my ambush to find you, and I came upon your bodyguard, and they recognized me, and wounded me. I escaped from them, but should have bled to death had you not dressed my wound. I wished to kill you, and you have saved my life. Now, if I live, and if you wish it, I will serve you as your most faithful slave, and will bid my sons do the same. Forgive me!"
The King was very glad to have made peace with his enemy so easily, and to have gained him for a friend, and he not only forgave him, but said he would send his servants and his own physician to attend him, and promised to restore his property.
Having taken leave of the wounded man, the King went out into the porch and looked around for the hermit. Before going away he wished once more to beg an answer to the questions he had put. The hermit was outside, on his knees, sowing seeds in the beds that had been dug the day before. The King approached him, and said: "For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man." "You have already been answered!" said the hermit, still crouching on his thin legs, and looking up at the King, who stood before him. "Answered how? What do you mean?" asked the King.
"Do you not see," replied the hermit. "If you had not pitied my weakness yesterday, and had not dug those beds for me, but had gone your way, that man would have attacked you, and you would have repented of not having stayed with me. So the most important time was when you were digging the beds; and I was the most important man; and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards when that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business. Remember then: there is only one time that is important--Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with anyone else: and the most important affair is to do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!"
Hi AtlasWept,
i would like to ask for permission to copy and post this story on my blog and facebook.
-
Originally posted by Metta with Mindfulness:
Accordance to statistic, 90% of our worries don’t come true. There is no point worrying about what will happen when it may not happen? Though we can try to build a safety net to pre-empt but worrying does not solve the problem and instead, draining one’s energy away. You should focus on how and what you improve. Start by baby steps if you can’t make a drastic change first.. and slowly improving.
“Enjoy life� is such a broad term. So i don’t know what you infer by there or how. A little enjoyment and having joy in life is healthy.
Life is
not suffering. What Buddha meant is that, in life there is
suffering. Then he points out a way to cease suffering. Pointing to
Four Noble Truth and Noble Eightfold path. It is also good to seek
refuge in the triple gems when we feel troubled.We have only one short life here. Go ahead make the best out of it by meditating, doing good deeds and fufill our worldly responsiblities. We can live our daily life, moment to moment meaningfully and deedly by practising mindfulness. Mindfulness has so much benefit in life.
I kudos you for thinking for your parents. It is very merituous deed to take care of one’s parents. A teacher once said that she notice that most of the people who take care well of their parents have a more smooth sailing and successful life.
Yes, alot are unfounded worries. I used to worry about being late for appointment. Even if you are late, nothing disastrous will happen. Unless the appointment is very important one. -
Originally posted by likeyou:
My father passed away when I was only 23, only work for less than 1 yr with earning less than $1.2k per month. I have 2 younger sister still schooling and my mother to worry about.
But I survived. Despite the heavy responsibility given to me to feed my siblings and my mum. I make it. 3/4 of my pay give to my mum. I left only $200 per month every month. Life was tough but I face it strongly and never admit defeat.
Be strong ya.
I am sorry to hear of your sad story. My mother is currently massive stroke and wheelchair-bound and father is eye problem .My younger brother and I have to work it out to feed a maid , mum ,retired dad and ourselves .
*pats on Likeyou shoulder*
yes , be strong
-
Originally posted by bohiruci:
I am sorry to hear of your sad story. My mother is currently massive stroke and wheelchair-bound and father is eye problem .My younger brother and I have to work it out to feed a maid , mum ,retired dad and ourselves .
*pats on Likeyou shoulder*
yes , be strong
Be strong. Birth, aging, sickness and death are applicable to everyone. No one can escape from this 4 things. -
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
Don't find a way to live... don't even attempt to 'live in the now'...
Simply see through the notion of a doer, and let the moment live itself and present itself by itself, moment to moment.
Be it in meditation or in living... see this to be always the case.
Are you referring to 过去心��得，现在心��得，未�心��得？I can grasp the concept of "living in the now" but don't even attempt to live in the now" is something new to me. Well, I'll try to understand. Thanks for sharing.
-
Originally posted by bohiruci:
I am sorry to hear of your sad story. My mother is currently massive stroke and wheelchair-bound and father is eye problem .My younger brother and I have to work it out to feed a maid , mum ,retired dad and ourselves .
*pats on Likeyou shoulder*
yes , be strong
Sorry to hear your story. I believe things will work out. å�能感动天。
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
I dont want to reborn again...I wish I can be with my family members after all gone...all together go to another world that is free from sufferring. Born is this world is to suffer. Not happy.
hi likeyou
everyone has its share of suffering. Confucius suffer from rejection as a great moral teacher and death of his favourite disciple during his earthly life. Buddha suffer from the false accusation, death of his disciple, betrayer of Devadatta and etc.Jesus suffer from betrayer of Judas and people of Jersusalem. When one moment exalt him as their King and next crying for his death. These great men survive its all.
If saint also has it own share of sorrow, what's more for the common mortal like us. my teacher, Nichiren once said, "Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting ........ no matter what happens."
Perhaps only when one has experienced the hardship then one can truly appreciate and enjoy the happy moments of life.
Viktor Frankl, a Nazi survivor who lose everything in the war once said "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
I hope u too will carry that right attitude in the journey of life.
Namu My�h� Renge Ky�
-
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
Are you referring to 过去心��得，现在心��得，未�心��得？I can grasp the concept of "living in the now" but don't even attempt to live in the now" is something new to me. Well, I'll try to understand. Thanks for sharing.
how can you live in the present moment when there is no 'you'? and how can the present moment not live itself? It is simply a manifestation of causes and conditions. so how does it have anything to do with a 'you'?
other than the youtube video, also check this out:
http://www.advaita.org.uk/discourses/teachers/freewill_hartong.htm and also http://sgforums.com/forums/1728/topics/347894
-
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
how can you live in the present moment when there is no 'you'? and how can the present moment not live itself? It is simply a manifestation of causes and conditions. so how does it have anything to do with a 'you'?
other than the youtube video, also check this out:
http://www.advaita.org.uk/discourses/teachers/freewill_hartong.htm and also http://sgforums.com/forums/1728/topics/347894
I guess I get you now. There is no"I", so the one living is not me, so the past, the present and the future are simply a manifestation of causes and conditions. Logical to me as there are many times when we can't control what is happening around us.
-
The mind of the past is ungraspable; the mind of the future is ungraspable; the mind of the present is ungraspable. - Diamond Sutra My fav verse of Diamond Sutra.
-
Originally posted by geis:
Hi AtlasWept,
i would like to ask for permission to copy and post this story on my blog and facebook.
May it find value in your work.
-
Originally posted by AtlasWept:
May it find value in your work.
thank you.
certainly hope there's value in the works for it to find :)
-
I am reading Dharmapada these days. Quite a interesting text to read.
-
Originally posted by realization:
May sound somewhat cruel (paiseh and sorry, k?), but it's dangerous to think along the lines that you wish to be re-united with your family members after all leave this world. If your family members also share this view, this attachment could keep all of you stuck in samsara. In recent years - but I don't know how I will think/feel about it when it comes to the crunch - I have managed to get to the point where I accept that their "destinies" are theirs and mine is mine. If they attain liberation or gain rebirth in Pureland, that would be great; but if not, that's that also.
Eventually, all will have to trod that path towards liberation. We are family members in this lifetime, but we've also had family members in other lifetimes. Need to loosen the attachment.
爱别离苦
to leave the loved ones is a form of suffering...
-
hmmm ....with so many posts, some long ones, I wonder whether <Emptied Cup> is full? So far he has remained silent.
-
Originally posted by bohiruci:
I am sorry to hear of your sad story. My mother is currently massive stroke and wheelchair-bound and father is eye problem .My younger brother and I have to work it out to feed a maid , mum ,retired dad and ourselves .
*pats on Likeyou shoulder*
yes , be strong
Be strong ya....there will be lights at the end of the tunnel.