Sharpening the Mind

"When, out of jealousy, others Abuse and attack me in unjust ways, May I take defeat upon myself And offer victory to others." -Langri Tangpa

"When seeing sentient beings of bad character Who are oppressed by fierce evil and suffering, May I cherish them, for this is as rare  As the discovery of a precious treasure." -Langri Tangpa

"In all activities may I examine my mind, And as soon as negative emotions arise, Since they cause trouble for myself and others, May I avert them, using direct methods." -Langri Tangpa

“When accompanying anyone anywhere, I must regard myself as the inferior to all And, from the core of my heart, Respectfully hold others as paramount.” -Langri Tangpa

"Considering that all sentient beings Accomplish a supreme purpose Superior to the wish-fulfilling jewel, I shall at all times hold them to be very precious." -Langri Tangpa "Eight Stanzas of Mind Training"

This is a guided meditation. 

Are these negative emotions the same or different? This is a teaching inspired by "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW.  You can get that book here: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520/

There are said to be Four Forces that help us manifest the quality of Diligence in our lives. They are Aspiration, Steadfastness, Joyfulness, and Relinquishment.  In this talk I read from the text "The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech" by Kunzang Pelden. You can get this book here: https://www.amazon.com/Nectar-Manjushris-Speech-Shantidevas-Bodhisattva/dp/1590306996

Meditation can be hard. 

Can a spiritual teacher from thousands of years ago really teach us anything? Also, is Buddhism really negative?

Generosity, Virtue, Patience, Diligence, Concentration, and Wisdom.

Ikkyu said, "Like a vanishing dew, a passing apparition or sudden flash of lighting - already gone - thus should one regard one's self." This is my talk on the self. We teach that all things are impermanent, and that includes us. (sorry) If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

This episode is going to mostly be a life update sort of thing. I felt inspired to just share how the way I see things has shifted some in the past year or so. I think labels don't matter all that much, but I've stopped calling myself a "Zen Buddhist". That doesn't feel like the path for me anymore. The path for me is the way of the Bodhisattva. I know that now.  If you want to donate to support t...

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 5. Guarding Awareness. The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html  If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 4.  Teachings on Carefulness.  The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html  If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 3. Embracing Bodhichitta. Can we celebrate our spiritual path?   The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html  If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/danielscharpenburg

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 2. Confessing Misdeeds What can we do to help ourselves cultivate virtue? How does virtue help us on our path? What's the point of making offerings? What's the point of Refuge Vows?  The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html  If you wa...

"Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva" by Shantideva Reading + Talk Chapter 1. Explaining the Benefits of Bodhichitta What is the mind of awakening? How does opening our hearts help ourselves and others? The book I'm reading from can be purchased here: https://www.shambhala.com/entering-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva-15591.html If you want to donate to support this work, you can do so here: https://www...

Shantideva was not a popular guy. He lived at a monastic college with 500 other men and had no friends. Everyone thought he was a lazy jerk and they looked for creative ways to bully him.  They were wrong about him. They thought they could make him so embarrassed that he would leave forever. Instead they got one of the greatest spiritual teachings of all time, The Way of the Bodhisattva. 

Honor Your Commitments Don't Be Scandalous Learn How To Be Patient this is from the Lojong Teachings

If you can practice while distracted, you are well trained. This is from the Lojong Teachings

Practice the Five Strengths. They are: Strong Determination, Familiarization, Seed of Virtue, Reproach, and Aspiration. This is from the Lojong Teachings

You get there by realizing you're there.  This is from the Lojong Teachings.  If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

Can we have more gratitude in our lives? How can we be grateful to everyone? This is from the Lojong Teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate

What if we take responsibility for everything that happens? Can we face hardships with a calm and even mind?  With a Zen story about Master Hakuin. This is from the Lojong Teachings. If you’re interested in supporting these teachings with a financial donation you can do so by clicking here: https://meditationwithdaniel.com/donate