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3 6 5BUDDHI S T I N S P I R AT I ON S

Edi t ed by J o sh Bar t ok

WISDOM PUBLICATIONS,

a nonprofit publisher, is dedicated to

making available authentic Buddhist

works for the benefit of all. We publish

our titles with an appreciation of

Buddhism as a living philosophy and

with the special commitment to preserve

and transmit works from all major

Buddhist traditions.

JOSH BARTOK is a former monastic

Zen practitioner and an editor at Wisdom

Publications. He is also the editor of

Daily Wisdom and the coauthor (with Ezra

Bayda) of Saying Yes to Life (Even the Hard

Parts). He serves as a Dharma teacher,

under the guidance of James Ishmael

Ford, with Boundless Way Zen in Boston.

DAILYWISDOMoffers inspiring words from:

Shakyamuni BuddhaThe Dalai LamaEihei DogenGampopaLama YesheLama Zopa RinpocheAjahn ChahEzra BaydaAjahn BrahmKenchen Thrangu RinpocheBhante G.B. Alan WallaceTaizan MaezumiSylvia BoorsteinNyogen SenzakiYangsi Rinpoche

as well as excerpts from:

The Dharma of Star WarsPure and SimpleMedicine & CompassionMindfulness YogaHardcore ZenDharma of Dragons & DaemonsThe New Social Face of BuddhismThe Gateless Gate

. . . a n d m a ny m o r e !

Gift / Inspiration / Philosophy & Spirituality

Offering an inspiring balance of useful insights, subtle

spiritual teachings, and compassionate encouragement,

MoreDAILYWISDOM will become a trusted companion

to casual readers and committed seekers alike. Every selection

is drawn from Wisdom Publications’ uncommonly broad and

deep collection of Buddhist titles, presenting timeless

guidance in many distinctive voices and in powerful har-

mony. Within these pages, you’ll hear heartening words and

quiet counsel of ancient and modern masters—in both

shining poetry and crisp, clear prose—on love and living

wisely, mindfulness and generosity, working with fear and

finding joy in every moment just as it is. Whether you’re

looking for morning inspiration or a few words to help keep

a difficult day in perspective, this collection will help you

light a path into your own daily wisdom.

WISDOM PUBLICATIONSBoston

www.wisdompubs.org

MoreD

AILY

WISD

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365

BUDDHIST

INSPIRATIONS

Bar t ok

WISDOM

DAILYWISDOMMore

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MORE DAILY WISDOM



MoreDAILYWISDOM3 6 5 B U D D H I S T I N S P I R AT I O N S

edited by Josh Bartok

WISDOM PUBLICATIONS • BOSTON



Wisdom Publications199 Elm StreetSomerville MA 02144 USAwww.wisdompubs.org

© 2006 Wisdom Publications

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or by anyinformation storage and retrieval system or technologies now known or laterdeveloped, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataMore daily wisdom : 365 Buddhist inspirations / edited by Josh Bartok.

p. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 0–86171–296–X (pbk. : alk. paper)

1. Buddhist devotional calendars. 2. Buddhist meditations. I. Bartok, Josh.BQ5579.M65 2005294.3'4432—dc22

2005025139

ISBN0-86171-296-XFirst Edition09 08 07 06 055 4 3 2 1

2LR-2OT.2OM

Special thanks to Kristin Lambert whose assistance was instrumental to thepreparation of this work.

Cover design by Laura Shaw.Interior design by Gopa &Ted2, Inc. Set in Weiss 11/15pt.

Wisdom Publications’ books are printed on acid-free paper and meet theguidelines for permanence and durability set by the Council of Library Resources.

Printed in Canada.

ISBN 978-0-86171-722-4 (ebook)



Dedicated to all members of our human familythroughout space and time.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ix

Daily Wisdom 1

Bibliography & Index by Book Cited 369

Index by Topic 375

About Wisdom 387




PREFACE

As the Buddha’s teachings take deep root and begin to cometo fruition in America, we have an unprecedented oppor-tunity. For the first time in history, the many streams ofBuddhism flow side by side, in some cases intermingling,and in all cases enriching each other.

We good-hearted seekers responding to the truth ofsuffering in ourselves and the world are in a position tobenefit from centuries—in some cases millennia—of therefined traditions of Buddhist wisdom from all over theworld. We are boundlessly lucky to have so many teachersbeckoning us further on the path to freedom and great joy.We can hear the ancient Chinese masters of Chan and theirmodern descendents in the Japanese-derived lineages ofZen; we can be touched by the teachers and treasuredones—lamas and rinpoches—of the Tibetan Vajrayanatradition; we can learn from the renunciants of the School ofthe Elders, the Theravada tradition; and we can walktogether with modern-day monastics and with laypeople

ix



striving to manifest the Buddha’s teachings in their lives. What’smore, we have the opportunity to taste the uniquely Westernflavors of teaching, as traditional Buddhism stretches its ownboundaries in the dialogue with psychology and psycho-therapy, social activism and yoga, Judaism and Christianity.

It is my hope that the diverse teachings in More DailyWisdom will serve as a series of inspirations, invitations to takethis dialogue deeply into our own hearts and minds. And it ismy intent that the page-a-day format allows you thespaciousness to mine the true treasure of all of these wisewords. I hope you find value in this collection. And may werealize the Way together.

Josh BartokSomerville, Mass.

x




A WORD ON WORDS

Certain Buddhist words have entered the English language intheir Sanskrit forms, and so for ease of reading, More DailyWisdom uses Dharma, karma, and nirvana even in places wherethe author of the book from which an excerpt was takenused the Pali words Dhamma, kamma, and nibbana.

xi



If we are in a good mood when we get up in the morning,if there is a warm-hearted feeling within, automaticallyour inner door is opened for that day. Even should anunfriendly person happen along, we would not experiencemuch disturbance and might even manage to saysomething nice to that person. We could chat with thenot-so-friendly person and perhaps even have ameaningful conversation. Once we create a friendly andpositive atmosphere, it automatically helps to reduce fearand insecurity. In this way we can easily make more friendsand create more smiles.

1

JANUARY 1

THE DALAI LAMA IN THE COMPASSIONATE LIFE



We may need permission, from time to time, to allow our-selves to relax, to not be so hard on ourselves—to simply beat ease and happy. We need to learn to be kind to ourselves.

2

JANUARY 2CHOKYINYIMARINPOCHEINMEDICINE&COMPASSION



If we are true to the steps we take, the travel makes senseand the journey confirms itself.

3

JANUARY 3

LIN JENSEN IN BAD DOG!



In mindful gratitudefor such freedom as I have,may I overcomeignorance and apathyand become a force for good.

4

JANUARY 4JEANSMITH

INNOW!THEARTOFBEINGTRULYPRESENT



One appears before one’s parents as a child, before one’schild as a parent, before one’s husband as a wife, beforeone’s wife as a husband. At work, the face and form onetakes on depend upon the position one occupies. This isour true form. There is no clump called “I” moving fromthis spot to that spot, instant by instant. Rather, throughparticular encounters with particular people, within eachencounter, within each transition, something called “I”makes its appearance. Thus it is that what seems to beoutside yourself is, in reality, your complement, thatwhich gives this instant of your life its glow.

5

JANUARY 5

SOKO MORINAGA IN NOVICE TO MASTER



Hell does not exist from its own side; the negative mindmakes it up.

6

JANUARY 6LAMAYESHEINBECOMINGTHECOMPASSIONBUDDHA



Once I’d achieved my goal I had to admit to myself itwasn’t what I expected and that it did not in fact makeeverything perfect. And this will happen to anyone whoattains any kind of “success” no matter how it is defined—even if success is defined as complete, unsurpassed, perfectenlightenment. You will discover upon reaching it thatwhatever it is, it’s not what you expected and nothing isany more perfect than it ever was.

7

JANUARY 7

BRAD WARNER IN HARDCORE ZEN



We can be surprised by the “obvious” questions beginners askthat perhaps we ourselves could have asked.

8

JANUARY 8SUMILOUNDON

INBLUEJEANBUDDHA



The scriptures say that when the mind indulges in sensualobjects, it becomes agitated. This is the usual state ofaffairs in the world, as we can observe. In their quest forhappiness, people mistake excitement of the mind for realhappiness. They never have the chance to experience thegreater joy that comes with peace and tranquility.

9

JANUARY 9

SAYADAW U PANDITA IN IN THIS VERY LIFE



Wherever a person goes, his deeds, like a shadow,will follow.

10

JANUARY 10“ADVICETO

AKINGSUTRA”

INTHETHREELEVELSOFSPIRITUALPERCEPTION



If a thought arises, take note of it and then dismiss it.When you forget all attachments steadfastly, you willnaturally become zazen itself. This is the art of zazen.Zazen is the Dharma-gate of great repose and joy.

11

JANUARY 11

EIHEI DOGEN IN EIHEI DOGEN: MYSTICAL REALIST



The source of our own happiness is within ourselves.

12

JANUARY 12GESHETASHITSERING

INTHEFOURNOBLETRUTHS



The Buddha stated clearly that saying only what is true isnot sufficient for skillful speech. Speaking skillfully alsorequires saying what is useful for the listener to hear.

13

JANUARY 13

RODNEY SMITH IN THE WISDOM OF LISTENING



No matter how wise and compassionate our teachers may be,they cannot walk the path for us.

14

JANUARY 14D.LOYANDL.GOODHEW

INTHEDHARMAOFDRAGONSANDDAEMONS



If you want enlightenment, abandon to its depths allordinary attachment to deeds and behavior, principlesand obligations, opinions and interpretations; be asbefore the birth of your mother and father, separatefrom all external phenomena, neither sinking intointernal quiet nor settling in the void.

15

JANUARY 15

BASSUI IN MUD AND WATER



When others out of jealousy treat me wrongly with abuseand slander, I shall train to take upon myself the defeat andoffer to others the victory.

16

JANUARY 16LANGRITANGPAINMINDTRAINING



We say that mental activity is like the deadly poisonouscobra. If we don’t interfere with a cobra, it simply goes itsown way. Even though it may be extremely poisonous, weare not affected by it; we don’t go near it or take hold of it,and it doesn’t bite us. The cobra does what is natural for acobra to do. That’s the way it is. If you are clever you’llleave it alone. And so you let be that which is good. Youalso let be that which is not good—let it be according toits own nature. Let be your liking and your disliking. Treatthem the same way as you treat the cobra. Don’t interfere.

17

JANUARY 17

AJAHN CHAH IN FOOD FOR THE HEART



Love is not something you have or don’t have. It is not apossession. It is what you are.

18

JANUARY 18ELLEN&CHARLESBIRX

INWAKINGUPTOGETHER



In short, whatever I may do throughout my activities,I ask, “What is my mind doing?”Thus, it is the practice of bodhisattvas to accomplish

the benefit of otherswith continuous mindfulness and conscientiousness.

19

JANUARY 19

GYALSE TOGME IN UNITING WISDOM AND COMPASSION



We suffer because we assume we can find happiness only incertain things—and fail to see that the things we love are notconfined to a particular time and space, but are always allaround us.

20

JANUARY 20MATTHEW

BORTOLIN

INTHEDHARMAOFSTARWARS



In asana practice, we can begin to see how reactive we are.As we go deeper into a stretch and the sensations becomemore intense, just because they are different, we may findourselves tightening up our muscles, holding our breath,and constricting our mind in aversion. Or we may begin tosee how quickly we get attached to pleasant sensations,and how we seek to prolong them and struggle to getthem back when they are lost. These reactive behaviorsare all the cause of dukkha, suffering, and in our practice wecan learn how to let them go.

21

JANUARY 21

FRANK JUDE BOCCIO IN MINDFULNESS YOGA



Problems tend to contain within themselves both theircauses and their solutions.

22

JANUARY 22JOHNDAISHIN

BUKSBAZEN

INZENMEDITATIONINPLAINENGLISH



Where there is confusion is where peace can arise.When confusion is penetrated with understanding,what remains is peace.

23

JANUARY 23

AJAHN CHAH IN FOOD FOR THE HEART



In reality, all of us are nothing but Buddha nature.

24

JANUARY 24TAIZANMAEZUMIINONZENPRACTICE



In taking refuge in the Buddha, we return home to theprinciple of awakening and trust the enlightening ones ofthe world to guide us, also radically trusting our own true,awakened self. We return home to our deepest, kindest,most dynamic and open self, the self that is fullyinterconnected and integrated with all others, beyond ourconditioned prejudices about our estrangement. Thistaking refuge is a psychological orientation and direction,and also the fundamental formal ritual and practice ofBuddhism.

25

JANUARY 25

TAIGEN DAN LEIGHTON IN FACES OF COMPASSION



If I were to sum up the past forty years of my life, the timesince I became a monk, I would have to say that it has beenan ongoing lesson in the extent of my own stupidity.

26

JANUARY 26SOKOMORINAGAINNOVICETO

MASTER



This place of minenever is entered by humanscome for conversation,only by the mute moon’s light shaftsthat slip in between the trees.

27

JANUARY 27

SAIGYO IN AWESOME NIGHTFALL



If I want happiness, I simply need to stop causing myselfsuffering and cultivate happiness. How? It is a processof developing awareness, cultivating determination,and actually doing. But it is a long and difficult process.Sometimes I am so confused and do not understand thesebasic, simple facts. Instead, I follow delusions when theyarise, give power to them, and expect to have happiness asthe result. I continue to do non-virtuous actions and don’tknow why I’m unhappy.

28

JANUARY 28THUBTENPEMO(LINDAGROSSMAN)INSPIRITUALFRIENDS



Fear is finding fault with the future.

29

JANUARY 29

AJAHN BRAHM IN WHO ORDERED THIS TRUCKLOAD OF DUNG?



We always imagine that there’s got to be somewhere elsebetter than where we are right now; this is the greatSomewhere Else we all carry around in our heads. We believeSomewhere Else is out there for us if only we could find it.But there’s no Somewhere Else. Everything is right here.

30

JANUARY 30BRADWARNER

INHARDCOREZEN



From amid the dark labyrinths of samsara, a being arises—always in the human realm—who unravels the intricatetangle of conditions that sustain this process of bondageand thereby discovers, by his own unaided wisdom, thelost path to Nirvana, the unconditioned state of perfectbliss, peace, and freedom. This being is a Buddha.

31

JANUARY 31

BHIKKHU BODHI IN GREAT DISCIPLES OF THE BUDDHA



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