We may sometimes feel that we can’t do much as individuals, but humanity is made up of individuals; together we can make a difference. As individuals, we can influence our own families. Our families can influence our communities, and our communities can influence our nations. H H the 14th Dalai Lama
Learning how to smooth out the bumps in our lives is crucial for a happy life. Much of the time “bumps” have both an external and internal component. We often make things worse through our lack of patience, our strong clinging and attachment, or our aversion like anger and jealousy. Working to reduce these helps to smooth out the “bumps.” Going deeper, we ask ourselves, who is this ‘I” who is angry, attached, or jealous? When we try to investigate and search for this ‘I’ we have trouble clearly identifying it and trouble precisely pinpointing it. This brings a deeper relaxation and easier relationship with the “bumps,” hence smoothing them out further. ~ Barry Kerzin
“The Basic kind of Zen practice is called zazen (sitting Zen), and in zazen we attain samadhi. In this state the activity of consciousness is stopped and we cease to be aware of time, space, and causation. The mode of existence which thus makes its appearance may at first sight seem to be nothing more than mere being, or existence. However, if you really attain this state you will find it to be a remarkable thing. At the extremity of having denied all, and having nothing left to deny, we reach a state in which absolute silence and stillness reign, bathed in pure, serene light. Buddhists of former times called this state annihilation, or Nirvana. But it is not a vacuum or mere nothingness. ” ~ ‘Zen Training Methods and Philosophy by Katsuki Sekida. Page 29-30.
A Buddhist's Journey 