Friends:
INAPPROPRIATE
Why laugh? Why party?
Always is this world burning.
In such darkness, why do you not seek light ?
Dhammapada
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Story 146
THE BODY
See this painted puppet, one big mass of sores,
a diseased frame of skin drawn upon bones,
often possessing many evil thoughts, a thing
much regarded & beloved, yet it is neither of
stable nor lasting nature ...
Dhammapada
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FORM
This body is worn out, a fragile form, a nest of disease,
a rotting mass of deception since its life surely ends in
Decay and Death ...
Dhammapada
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Story 148
BONES
Like withered leaves scattered by autumn wind
are these pale whitened bones. What pleasure
can there be in them ?
Dhammapada
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Story 149
MY BODY
It is a bag held up by bones, plastered with skin,
full of blood and flesh. In it lives only aging, sickness,
death, pride & deceit.
Dhammapada
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Story 150
THE GOOD TO GOOD
Even brilliantly painted cars break down.
Exactly so do this body wear out & fall.
The Peaceful State, however, never grows old.
The good teach this good, only to the good ...
Dhammapada
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Story 151
Comments:
INAPPROPRIATE: When we laugh, are we doing so because we are
intoxicated with alcohol or drugs? Are we laughing at the misfortune
or discomfort of others? Is the laughter brought about by the pleasure
of fiery passions? The enlightened master Gautama points out that the
fire of sensual passions, lust and states of mind/consciousness brought
about by intoxicants enshroud our perception with darkness, and
eliminate/limit our ability to see the world as it truly is, thus creating
suffering. Contemplating in this way, and through diligent practice, we
illuminate ourselves with the shining truth of the dhamma, thus creating
contentment and transcendent joy!
THE BODY, FORM, BONES, MY BODY, and THE GOOD TO GOOD: When
we take time to study the true nature of the body (an impermanent
object that is composed of disgusting matter and decaying objects such
as blood, head hair, body hair, teeth, nails, bile, gorge, urine, feces, and
individual organs) we allow ourselves the opportunity to transcend the
limits
of sensual passions and lust, as well as realize that we only have one
precious
human life that might end at any moment. The exalted master of the three
worlds asks us to meditate on this subject so that we may appreciate the
lives that we have, and unshackle ourselves from our attachments to the
brief and fleeting pleasures of intoxicants, sensual pleasures, and lust.
Instead, we can enjoy the lasting peace and contentment that is brought
about by silence, meditation, contemplation, and the realization of the
impermanence and transience of all that is the physical world around us,
and "ourselves". Having accomplished this, we are asked to share and
practice
that which is enduring and never-ending; the illuminating dhamma, and
loving,
kind friendship with all living beings.
Seek the light that is the shining truth of the Dhamma!
With Metta,
Jonathan
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