view member journals

Search All Journals

View users with: Most entries, Most viewed, Most commented

Most popular tags: Zdigitizing(99), Travel(41), education(40), LOVE(40), writing(32), ...more

You searched for: Age: less than 18

garryageez 62, Male, United Kingdom - 14 entries

Jan 2007
4:09 PM GMT

MANTRA A mantra (Devanagari मन्त्र) is a religious or mystical syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Their use varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra. They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words or vibrations that instill one- pointed concentration in the devotee. Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in India with Vedic Hinduism and were later adopted by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains, now popular in various modern forms of spiritual practice which are loosely based on practices of these Eastern religions. Mantras are interpreted to be effective as sound (vibration), to the effect that great emphasis is put on correct pronunciation (resulting in an early development of a science of phonetics in India). They are intended to deliver the mind from illusion and material inclinations. Chanting is the process of repeating a mantra. Mantras and prayers A mantra is a sacred syllable, word or verse, which has been revealed to a sage in deep meditation. A mantra, when recited with devotion, concentration and understanding, revitalizes the body and mind with mystic power, and harmonizes thought and action. A mantra, when repeated constantly during meditation, first loudly and then through silent and mental chanting, changes the consciousness. Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer), Om Mani Padme Hum, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion. Viewing the written form of the mantra is said to have the same effect -- it is often carved into stones, like the one pictured above, and placed where people can see them. Spinning the written form of the mantra around in a Mani wheel (or prayer wheel) is also believed to give the same benefit as saying the mantra, and Mani wheels, small hand wheels and large wheels with millions of copies of the mantra inside, are found everywhere in the lands influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Turn your hard drive into a prayer wheel. Digital Prayer Wheels If you click on this link, it will take you to a site where you can download this mantra onto your hard drive. This acts as a digital prayer wheel. The many thousands of times it turns in a short ammount of time will bring you great merit. Garrys view: Tibetan Buddhists say, that if you write this Mantra on a flag or stone and place it outside. When the wind passes over it, its blessing are carried to all beings that the wind touches. The power of a Mantra such as OM MANI PADME HUM (OM MANI PEME HUNG. in the tibetan translation.) is vast. It can protect you from harm and purify negative Karma. When I was younger and going through a time of great difficulty in my life I began to chant the Mantra NAM MYO HO RENGE KYO. This mantra is known as the mantra of the Lotus sutra. Even though I had no religious beliefs and had little faith in anything I tried it in desperation as I had heard that it works. As I chanted the Mantra I felt a definite warm glow growing within and all my troubles seemed to evaporate from my mind, leaving me feeling happier and more relaxed. I believe it was the chanting of this mantra that led me to the path I now walk and helped to cultivate my interest in Buddhism. If it hadnt been for this Mantra helping me to free myself from a life of drugs alchohol and crime, who knows where I would be now. May the Merit gained from the publication of this item be dedicated to all those who are suffering from the same problems as I did then, and may all sentient beings be free from the suffering of Samsara, become Enlightened and ultimately reach the blissfull state of Nirvana. With Metta Garry D. ( My intention is to include many more Mantras and items on the subject in this blog in the future.) This is a mantra that I like to chant regularly, it is said that the beautifull green tara was born from the tears of chenrezig the boddisatva of compassion. Oṃ Tāre Tuttāre Ture Svāhā / Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha Tara (whose name means "star" or "she who ferries across") is the female Bodhisattva of compassion. In Tibetan, Tara is known as "Dölma" (Sgrol-ma), or "She Who Saves." In particular she represents compassion in action, since she's in the process of stepping from her lotus throne in order to help sentient beings. Written by garryageez1 .

Add comment

View all posts

garryageez 62, Male, United Kingdom - 14 entries

Jan 2007
4:07 PM GMT

saddam hussein execution. Right or wrong? Saddam Hussein, The tyranical x - leader of Iraq has been executed. To many who have suffered under his oppressive regime, the relief must be great, to know that the dark shadow of his rule has gone forever. But I cant help thinking that for every despot that the so called civilised world gets rid of, there is another waiting to take his place. I hope with all my heart that the world will one day be free from such oppresion, war and blood-shed. But the reality is, we are living in a society rooted upon greed, led by rulers who act not through wisdom but by their own vested interests. If it hadnt been for the oil, I doubt very much wether Old uncle sam would have had the slightest interest in Kuwait when Saddam invaded. And if it had`nt been for the so called war on terrorism following the tragic events of september 11 and George Bush` own personal hatred of saddam, that maybe he would still be in power, killng all of those that opposed him. Lets also remember that America was built on the foundation of the murder and bloodshed of millions of innocent Native Americans. May I also add that the whole of the western world was built on this same unstable foundation of violence and hatred and the collective negative karma created from these times is beginning to come to fruition now . I feel we are all now suffering from the collective negative karma of our predecesors, The result of past actions are now coming to fruition and this is why our world is filled with so much hatred and confussion. It is now time for us Humans to turn our thinking around and start to make serious effort to purify this bad karma and this can only be done through right action. As Jesus Christ said "He who is without sin cast the first stone". Please note this is not intended as a critisism of the american people but of the present Government. If this comment causes anyone offence I appologise most sincerely, as this was not my intention. As a follower of the teachings of the Buddha I have been taught to feel compassion for all beings and to exercise love for all. We are all victims of our own illusion and sadam is the perfect example of where an undisciplined and egotistical mind can lead us. The Tibetan people say that our worst enemies can be our best teachers, as they are the ones who give us the best opportunities to practice compassion. So to round it off, What was the motive behind his execution, was it Justice or out right revenge? The truth is even though he has now been dealt with the same Human problems still exists, and the fallout yet to be suffered from this act will lead to the death and suffering of many more innocents. Proof that hatred cannot cease by hatred but by love alone can it cease. Garry D.

Add comment

View all posts

garryageez 62, Male, United Kingdom - 14 entries

Jan 2007
4:06 PM GMT

Albert Einstien. How Buddhist was his thinking? Born in 1879, Albert Einstein is known today for his incredible mathematical ability and… well, his wild hair. But more important than the physical attributes of his cranium, is the fantastic information which it provided. He will probably always be remembered as the greatest mathematical genius of the modern world. Honors he has received for his works include the Nobel Prize, which he was awarded in 1921, the Royal Society Copley Medal, which he was awarded in 1925, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1921, and he became an AMS Gibbs Lecturer in 1934. He also was a very vocal advocate against nuclear weapons, and spoke out for international peace. Fittingly, a letter asking that his name be put on a manifesto urging all nations to give up their nuclear weapons, was the last he wrote before his death in 1955. "Buddhi sm has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural & spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity" Einstein and a Personal God. There are many quotes on religion from Einstein. Here isa sampling[3] : Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind. The Lord God is subtle, but malicious he is not I am convinced that He [God] does not play dice Perhaps the best quote of his that really captures his views on God and religion are A legitimate conflict between science and religion cannot exist. Although Albert Einstein was certainly not a Buddhist, these statements sound much like it: "A human being is part of a whole, called by us the 'universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affectation for a few people near us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." From Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh: Garrys View: When I read and study the Buddahs teachings on Emptiness, I cant help thinking about Einstiens study of atomic particles. The teachings on Emptiness show us that nothing is self existent, But all things in the universe are reliant on past causes and conditions ( cause and effect) Even if we take a Human Being and strip him down to atomic particles their is nothing within that can be called a self. A human Being is made of the elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water. These are the bassic elements that make up all sentient beings. When these four elements are brought together with the correct causes and conditions a Human being is the result. From appearance we are a human being, at closer inspection we are an infinate number of different causes and conditions, that make the appearance of a Human. I believe that when the Buddah came to the realization of Emptiness, he saw all matter fromits sub atomic level. Maybe through the study of these teachings, Einstien was inspired to look deeper into the teachings and this lead him to bring these theories away from the dogma of belief and into the realms of science. Well one thing is for sure, he certainly had a great respect for the teachings of the Buddah and Buddhism as a whole. I also think that he was absolutely spot on when he said that a conflict between religion and science cannot exist. I would go as far as to say they are two vital sides of the same coin, for as the late great Bob Marley said, and I quote. "Noah had tree sons ,Ham, shem and japhet , Japhet was given the wisdom of Technology. Its Not Technology that is the problem, It is man who has the technology for he doesnt know what hes dealing with." To end - knowledge without wisdom will ultimately lead to our downfall. Science gives us Technologyand religion teaches us the wisdom needed to use it. With Metta Garry D. http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/wisdom_emptiness.html follow this link to the best site I have found so far on my quest to learn more on the wisdom of Emptiness.

Add comment

View all posts

garryageez 62, Male, United Kingdom - 14 entries

Jan 2007
4:05 PM GMT

Reincarnation, literally "to be made flesh again", as a doctrine or mystical belief, holds the notion that some essential part of a living being (or in some variations, only human beings) can survive death in some form, with its integrity partly or wholly retained, to be reborn in a new body. This part is often referred to as the Spirit or Soul, the 'Higher or True Self', 'Divine Spark', 'I' or the 'Ego' (not to be confused with the ego as defined by psychology). In such beliefs, a new personality is developed during each life in the physical world, based upon past integrated experience and new acquired experiences, but some part of the being remains constantly present throughout these successive lives as well. It is usually believed that there is interaction between predeterminism of certain experiences, or lessons intended to happen during the physical life, and the free-will action of the individual as they live that life. This doctrine is a central tenet within the majority of Indian religious traditions such as Yoga, Vaishnavism and Shaivism (from Hinduism), and also Jainism and Sikhism. It was common belief among the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans[citation needed]. Many modern Pagans also believe in reincarnation as do some New Age movements, along with followers of Spiritism, practitioners of certain African traditions, and students of esoteric philosophies. The Buddhist concept of Rebirth although often referred to as reincarnation differs significantly from the Vedic based traditions and New Age movements in that the "self" (or soul) does not reincarnate. Garrys View: When i once asked a venerable Buddhist monk "when reborn, are we the same person as we where ,when we passed from our last life"? His answer was, "it is like milk and cheese". After great consideration of these words, I began to realize what he meant. We are who we are "personality wise," through the influence of those arround us, Our parents, Our friends and teachers . As we grow we pick up little traits from other people, and we take them on board. This is our ego personality building, the personality that becomes us. This personality is built in this lifetime and passes away when we die. So the question has to be, What is it then, that can be said, has been reborn? Some Religous traditions hold on to the idea, that a soul or spirit has been reborn. However Buddhist teachings on this subject are quite different, as they deny the existence of a spirit or soul. The Buddhist view is that, Thought is an infinitely continuous cycle, and their reasoning behind this view, is that a thought cannot sponaneously exist. A thought can only precede a former thought. (Think about it.) As the human body is impermenant, So the conscious mind at the time of death will need to continue via a new vehicle, ie a new body. It is said that our karma is what pushes us toward our new existence. If good, a more favourable rebirth, and if bad, the opposite applies. But when we are reborn, our old personality traits are left behind, in the memorys of our former loved ones, and a fresh template is born to become the new you. This is what I believe the wise monk meant when he said "milk and cheese." It is also said, that although we have no memory of our former lives, they have in fact, left karmic imprints on our subconcious minds. What actually convinces me is the great knowledge the great tibetan sages, have on the subject of reincarnation. When they speak or write on the subject, reincarnation is presented as absolute truth and not a theory. Their vast knowledge of the stages one passes through, between death and rebirth is far too great, to be ignored. http://reluctant- messenger.com/tibetan-book-of-the-dead.htm (Please follow this link and read.) I also find it too dificult to disregard the teachings of those who have the ability to find reincarnated lamas and monks. Nor those who build their whole lives on the foundation of truth. With Metta Garry D.

Add comment

View all posts

garryageez 62, Male, United Kingdom - 14 entries

Jan 2007
4:03 PM GMT

Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म from the root kṛ, "to do") is a word of ancient origin meaning action or activity and its subsequent results (also called karma-phala, "the fruits of action"). It is commonly understood as a term to denote the entire cycle of cause and effect as described in the philosophies of a number of Dharmic Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Karma is a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. Individuals go through certain processes and accompanying experiences throughout their lives which they have chosen, and those would be based on the results of their own creations: "karma". Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward. Karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others. In religions that incorporate reincarnation, karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well. GARRYS VIEW: Karma is a natural universal force. As in all natural phenomenon their are two types of karma, possitive and negative. If we carry out a meritorious act , say for example saving another beings life, good karma will have been created in our life and vice versa a negative act such as killing will produce its opposite. The karma we create drives us through existence and has led us to where we are now. Our possitive actions are what bring about our more favourable experiences, and our negative our less favourable. Our karma has been created over an infinite number of lifetimes, and anything we experience now is a result of that karma. This is why it is so important for us to behave in a moralistic manner, so we can create better results for our future existence. Karma can also be collective, which means not only do we become effected by ourown personal actions but the whole human race are effected by the collective karma of all human actions. If only everyone in the world could realize this truth, then through our collective karma we could all someday be free from the continuous cycle of suffering that blights us all in this existence. So I conclude that the responsibilty for making this World a better place begins with each individual. With Metta Garry D. http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/karma.html please follow this link to learn more about karma. My next item will be on the subject of Reincarnation.

Add comment

View all posts

garryageez 62, Male, United Kingdom - 14 entries

Jan 2007
4:01 PM GMT

Meditation has always enjoyed a central place within Buddhism. The Buddha himself was said to have achieved enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree. Most forms of Buddhism distinguish between shamatha and vipassana meditation, both of which are necessary for enlightenment. The former consists of learning to focus the attention single-pointedly; the latter involves seeing the true nature of reality. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes vipassana meditation directed towards anapana, mettā bhāvanā, or 38 other traditional topics (see: Kammatthana). In Japanese Mahayana schools, Tendai (Tien-tai), concentration is cultivated through highly structured ritual. Especially in the Chinese Chan Buddhism school (which branched out into the Japanese Zen, and Korean Seon schools), ts'o ch'an meditation and koan meditation practices are extremely important, allowing a practitioner to directly experience the true nature of reality (each of the names of these schools derives from the sanskrit dhyana, and translates into "meditation" in their respective languages). The esoteric Shingon sect shares many features with Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes tantra for its senior practitioners; hence its alternate name of Vajrayana Buddhism. However, visitors to Tibetan monasteries are often surprised to discover that many monks go through their day without "meditating" in a recognizable form, but are more likely to chant or participate in group liturgy. "The point of Buddhist meditation is not to stop thinking, for cultivation of insight clearly requires intelligent use of thought and discrimination. What needs to be stopped is conceptualisation that is compulsive, mechanical and unintelligent, that is, activity that is always fatiguing, usually pointless, and at times seriously harmful" Allan Wallace.: GARRYS VIEW: Meditation isnt about some transandental experience, although if you are lucky enough to experience this, all well and good. Meditation is first and foremost about learning to control and realize the workings of the mind. Our Mind is the vehicle that guides us through life and also death. If we have little control of the mind ,like many of us, We could be likened to a ship without a rudder, being tossed to and frow in the Tempest of life. As a start may I suggest a simple Meditation exercise: First of all find yourself a quiet tidy place where you can relax undisturbed for a few moments. 5 or 10 minutes are quite enough to begin with. Now sit cross legged on a cusion on the floor or sit upright in a comfortable staight backed chair . Sit with your back comfortably straight and relax.Then with your eyes just slightly open and looking down toward the end of your nose, breath gently in through your nostrils (Gently not hard) and then on the out breath count one Then again and on the outbreath count two, continue this exercise to the count of ten and then begin from one again. All the time keep your mind focused on your breath and the number of breaths. Remain relaxed at all times and continue for as long as you feel comfortable, but keep your mind alert as it is very easy to fall asleep. At first you will more than likely find yourself loosing count of your breaths, but dont be discouraged it is perfectly normal and serves a great purpose in showing us how little control we actually have over our mind, the mind wanders naturally, so just bring your attention back to the breath and begin to count from one again. Not only does this exercise help us to learn better mind control it is also a very good way of releiving stress, anxiety, and the tentions built up during the day and it also fairs well to begin each day relaxed and with a possitive state of mind. So first thing in the Morning and before we retire at night are the besttimes to practice. remember this is meant to be a pleasurable experience and true deep meditation takes years of training so just relax and take it gently, but it is recommended to meditate at the same times each day, although this can sometimes be difficult. Please try this as I am possitive you will enjoy and feel much better in your daily life. With Metta Garry D. If you would like to learn more click on this link to a good Meditation site. http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/Meditations/index.html

Add comment

View all posts

Angela Wang 47, Female, China - 73 entries

Jan 2007
10:05 PM EDT

The next day my husband and I bought a pant for him while taking our son in a big mall in the morning. And then in the afternoon, we went to Hua Lian Department store and bought a piece of sweater for my husband. Therefore we were too tired to move when it was in the evening.

Add comment

View all posts

Smilez 58, Female, Ohio, USA - 271 entries

Jan 2007
8:04 AM EST

Its always best to be honest and upfront with yourself and anyone else who may hurt you than to pretend everything is ok and let resentment and bitterness to settle in. Its also a good thing to set the one who you have hurt or they have hurt you free. Im free as of today from all the lies.. deciet and mysterious world I've been trapped in for nearly 7 years. I have known this for a long time but I havent been able to break the chains. But I did it! Im FREE!!! My heart is back to being mine and free to pass it along to the next one who I feel will treat me right and be honest!

Add comment

View all posts

Miley858 31, Female, Nevada, USA - 10 entries

Jan 2007
8:24 AM EDT

*Today is Saturday and it's 8:16[the time on the journals is always wrong] My bff is coming over today and we are goingt to study for our exams and we are going to watch scary movies!! I think we will have fun, anways Dominic threw a pencil at my head two times, tried to trip me three times, pushed me three times, tried to stick gum in my hair, and also tried to knock me chair over! All on Friday, wut a day! the only aparent reason i wanna go to school is to see Dominic, my friends, learn and dats it! I bought new songs on my cell fone they are: SexyLove and Shortie like me! Well dats it!*

Add comment

View all posts

tealprincess18 35, Female, Virginia, USA - 88 entries

Jan 2007
7:24 PM EDT

hey today was an awsome day.. all though i had to work from 9-6... after that i came home and got ready for a date with none other then john... i have know him since i was five and we went to the movie and had a good time.. something i had been missing in my life.. he really cares about me.. during the movie he just held me close.. nothing to extrem... just the way i like it!!! i had fun.. NO KISS, but thats what made it so special, cuz it lets me know he cares and is going to take it step by step and not move to fast!!! i have liked him since forever and we finally got a chance to go out.. i am so happy right now... also i am going to his house tomorrow.. till then..

Add comment

View all posts

Matches: 14709 ... 870 | 871 | 872 | 873 | 874 | 875 | 876 | 877 | 878 | 879 ... Next Prev Last