Attended my first 2A sanctuary meeting today in Lewis County (where I live). Standing room only. Friends and neighbors spoke passionately and articulately. County officials unanimously passed a resolution.
This grassroots movement feels even stronger than the Tea Party in 2010.
@MuhammadAkramah@DalaiLama I’ve found myself experiencing joy as I purposely live smaller with little money. With riches comes the stresses of the world.
A source of trouble is that our minds are unruly. We need to effect an inner transformation, to understand that love and affection are a real source of joy. It’s important to be warm-hearted rather than selfish. We’ll be less sick, live longer and have more friends here and now.
Developing concern for others, thinking of them as part of ‘us’, brings self-confidence, reduces our sense of suspicion and mistrust, and enables us to develop a calm mind. This is important, because a calm mind can help us better cope with physical discomfort and other problems.
Time is always moving on, Nothing can stop it. The question is whether we use our time properly or not. We can’t do anything about the past, but what happens in the future depends on what we do now.
Politicians: "We wanna cut spending!"
Ok, then end the drug war, in fact end all the wars, cut military spending, cut congressional salaries, etc.
Politicians: "Yeah but we need those things."
Anger, suspicion and jealousy disturb our minds. The antidote to these emotions is to cultivate patience and tolerance. Who provides us the opportunity to develop it? The one we call our enemy. Therefore, we can see him or her as a teacher.
In today’s world, despite ample material development, too many lack inner peace. One way to counter anger, jealousy and competitiveness is to cultivate non-violence and compassion towards others.