Dear (your God),
Please bless the person reading this and fill his/her heart with love.
Help this shiny spirit always to remember the light inside
and to have it as a source of strength and power.
May this glorious being always be brave,
and never afraid to tell the truth.
May she/he have beautiful dreams -- flying dreams,
full of light and love and beauty.... Amen.
A version to tell your kids when they are going to bed.
Dear _____,
Please bless ______ and fill his/her heart with love.
Help her/him always to remember the light inside
and to have it as a source of strength and power.
May he/she always be brave,
and never afraid to tell the truth.
May she/he have beautiful dreams -- flying dreams,
full of light and love and beauty.... Amen.
Many blessings,
SG
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
[The Random Factor #40 (5 of 5)] Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 1: Emptiness
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5 : Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
The mind can only take you so far,
as it is a staging area for illusion.
Meditation for mental remediation!
How can you heal your mind?
If one is immersed in compassion,
what room is there for anything else?
SG
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5 : Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
The mind can only take you so far,
as it is a staging area for illusion.
Meditation for mental remediation!
How can you heal your mind?
If one is immersed in compassion,
what room is there for anything else?
SG
[The Random Factor #40 (4 of 5)] Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 1: Emptiness
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 4 : Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
The ultimate nature of mind is clear, and we know it.
Thus, we are bothered when the mind is not clear.
And, when we invest ourselves in wrong thinking such
as anger or a selfish view we are able to recognize it
as such.
Can we truly rid ourselves of all anger & selfishness?
This gap between what is and what should be is the
experience of longing. But, this doesn't mean we
*will* change our actions. For that, a Buddha needs
both wisdom and strength.
"Our knowing is obscured by stains of mind, only
when we cleanse the mind can we expect the
understanding to manifest."- Dalai Lama
To remove the stains of wrong-thinking, we need
only examine the thought in question and we will
see through these stains to the pure mind."
- Dalai Lama
Stains like all objects in the sensory world are
temporary and thus are destined to dissipate too.
Focus of wisdom of thought and strength of action
quickens the process.
So, how do we work with negative thoughts?
"Brain surgery can have some affect, but not to
remove anger... Our neurons carry both bad and
good so if you have surgery to remove the parts
ability to experience both bad and good disappear,
like a robot... that's no good." - Dalai Lama
Instead, just as you add light to eliminate
darkness, to eliminate those things we don't want
we should look to it's opposite.
If anger exists we should focus on compassion.
It's not easy, but we can always find something
we like about a person. Maybe he stole your car,
but, hey, he sure is good looking.
Even when we're joking this changes the wiring of
our brain. For the first time, perhaps, the object
of your anger now has positive associations which
changes your perception of the object. A better
example, perhaps "somebody's baby" helps heal
resentment by associating the person with the
loving bond of mother and child and reminding us
of fundamental similarity.
"If energy is on anger instead must focus on
kindness and love to reduce this negative emotion."
- Dali Lama
"Disagreements are bound to happen even within the
mind of a single individual, so what hope do we have
to avoid them between people? If you look one-sided
the only solution is to fight and disregard what
others feel. Instead, respect other views and
look for opportunity to compromise." - Dali Lama
"Bad and good is relative. Our judgements are too
often from just one angle, and often based on a
single action." - Dali Lama
Much of your opinion is based on your mood. As
waves move through the ocean yet the ocean remains
the same, so too with the Buddha mind. Through your
senses you will experience both ups and downs but
will not create lasting disturbance in the mind if
the mood is good. - paraphrased Dali Lama
Decisions made with a disturbed mind are often bad
decisions. To see clearly the mind must be unbiased
and able to recognize the condition of a disturbed
mind vs. undisturbed mind. Too much attachment is
a sign of a disturbed mind, even though some
attachment is a biological factor resulting from
a physical need. e.g. fear increases blood to the
feet so you can run away faster.
"When we say the obstruction is purified we
shouldn't say it's gone, because this too is
temporary. Instead we need to implement the
process of purification.
When we say someone is a Buddha we are not saying
they are enlightened, we are saying they are
following the path and through true effort will
reach this enlightenment." - Dali Lama
SG
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 4 : Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
The ultimate nature of mind is clear, and we know it.
Thus, we are bothered when the mind is not clear.
And, when we invest ourselves in wrong thinking such
as anger or a selfish view we are able to recognize it
as such.
Can we truly rid ourselves of all anger & selfishness?
This gap between what is and what should be is the
experience of longing. But, this doesn't mean we
*will* change our actions. For that, a Buddha needs
both wisdom and strength.
"Our knowing is obscured by stains of mind, only
when we cleanse the mind can we expect the
understanding to manifest."- Dalai Lama
To remove the stains of wrong-thinking, we need
only examine the thought in question and we will
see through these stains to the pure mind."
- Dalai Lama
Stains like all objects in the sensory world are
temporary and thus are destined to dissipate too.
Focus of wisdom of thought and strength of action
quickens the process.
So, how do we work with negative thoughts?
"Brain surgery can have some affect, but not to
remove anger... Our neurons carry both bad and
good so if you have surgery to remove the parts
ability to experience both bad and good disappear,
like a robot... that's no good." - Dalai Lama
Instead, just as you add light to eliminate
darkness, to eliminate those things we don't want
we should look to it's opposite.
If anger exists we should focus on compassion.
It's not easy, but we can always find something
we like about a person. Maybe he stole your car,
but, hey, he sure is good looking.
Even when we're joking this changes the wiring of
our brain. For the first time, perhaps, the object
of your anger now has positive associations which
changes your perception of the object. A better
example, perhaps "somebody's baby" helps heal
resentment by associating the person with the
loving bond of mother and child and reminding us
of fundamental similarity.
"If energy is on anger instead must focus on
kindness and love to reduce this negative emotion."
- Dali Lama
"Disagreements are bound to happen even within the
mind of a single individual, so what hope do we have
to avoid them between people? If you look one-sided
the only solution is to fight and disregard what
others feel. Instead, respect other views and
look for opportunity to compromise." - Dali Lama
"Bad and good is relative. Our judgements are too
often from just one angle, and often based on a
single action." - Dali Lama
Much of your opinion is based on your mood. As
waves move through the ocean yet the ocean remains
the same, so too with the Buddha mind. Through your
senses you will experience both ups and downs but
will not create lasting disturbance in the mind if
the mood is good. - paraphrased Dali Lama
Decisions made with a disturbed mind are often bad
decisions. To see clearly the mind must be unbiased
and able to recognize the condition of a disturbed
mind vs. undisturbed mind. Too much attachment is
a sign of a disturbed mind, even though some
attachment is a biological factor resulting from
a physical need. e.g. fear increases blood to the
feet so you can run away faster.
"When we say the obstruction is purified we
shouldn't say it's gone, because this too is
temporary. Instead we need to implement the
process of purification.
When we say someone is a Buddha we are not saying
they are enlightened, we are saying they are
following the path and through true effort will
reach this enlightenment." - Dali Lama
SG
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Saturday, April 19, 2008
[The Random Factor #40 (part 3 of 5)] - Our mental and physical realities
Part 1: Emptiness
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 3 : Our mental and physical realities
The 21st century has brought a very high
material standard yet the people who enjoy
these luxuries are mentally and emotionally
not very stable. There is constant stress,
fear, frustration, and jealousy, and these
emotions disturb the mind.
Since all sentient beings innately desire
happiness and therefore do not want
disturbances we seek pleasure to block
these disturbances.
Unfortunately, when you partake in
pleasurable events these actions immediately
begin to become less pleasurable, meaning
we need more next time to get the same
level of satisfaction.
The Dalai Lama talked of meeting
billionaires filled with stress and worry,
and pointed out that this demonstrates the
limits of material facilities in achieving
happiness. Since a contented mental level
is perhaps impossible to achieve through
material means we must instead take a look
at our inner world.
"Mental level is more superior than
physical level because physical can not
subdue discomfort on the mental level but
the mental level can subdue discomfort on
the physical level." - Dalai Lama
Imagine two patients with the same disease
in the same hospital with the same doctor
and the same treatment. Now imagine that
one of them is relaxed and optimistic,
while the other is filled with worry. The
calm and peaceful patient will report a
more positive experience. The mental worry
is an additional problem...
The DL said a scientist assured him it has
been scientifically proven there is a link
between an optimistic outlook and a speedy
recovery. Our attitude, the power of our
mind, is therefore of great importance.
Another perspective; "Traits of the Survivor"
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/traits-of-the-survivor/
"When the going gets tough the most important
survival skill is contained within your mind.
You need to want to survive, no matter the
situation and prospect of outcome. Survivors
never give up."
After January 1st, 2000 the death rates
spiked as it turned out many dying people
had been "holding on" to see this landmark
event.
So it's safe to say our attitude is related
to not just the quality of life but the
length of it too.
"Like outer space our brain is vast and
not fully explored. We should look at what
makes a good day a good day and a good night
a good night. We can not eliminate our outer
experiences but we can change our inner
attitude. Thankfully, more and more people
are looking inward... it is time to look
more closely... but how to change it?"
- Dalai Lama
"Consider the close link between our physical
well being and mental well being, anxiety,
fear, and anger eat our immune system while
forgiveness strengthens it." - Dalai Lama
"Our physical comfort is important but not
at the expense of ecological and societal
damage. All man-made problems are linked to
our emotions so using force or technology is
NOT the answer. The answer is a deeper study
of the emotional world and analyze what
emotions we have, what causes it, and what
can change it at the mental level."
- Dali Lama
Accepting that the experience of our "reality"
that exists "out there" is a product of our mind
sets the conditions for a happier and more fulfilling
existence.
Some Guy
NEXT: Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
p.s. Ralph Waldo Emerson's corollary - "People
seem not to see that their opinion of the world
is also a confession of character."
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 3 : Our mental and physical realities
The 21st century has brought a very high
material standard yet the people who enjoy
these luxuries are mentally and emotionally
not very stable. There is constant stress,
fear, frustration, and jealousy, and these
emotions disturb the mind.
Since all sentient beings innately desire
happiness and therefore do not want
disturbances we seek pleasure to block
these disturbances.
Unfortunately, when you partake in
pleasurable events these actions immediately
begin to become less pleasurable, meaning
we need more next time to get the same
level of satisfaction.
The Dalai Lama talked of meeting
billionaires filled with stress and worry,
and pointed out that this demonstrates the
limits of material facilities in achieving
happiness. Since a contented mental level
is perhaps impossible to achieve through
material means we must instead take a look
at our inner world.
"Mental level is more superior than
physical level because physical can not
subdue discomfort on the mental level but
the mental level can subdue discomfort on
the physical level." - Dalai Lama
Imagine two patients with the same disease
in the same hospital with the same doctor
and the same treatment. Now imagine that
one of them is relaxed and optimistic,
while the other is filled with worry. The
calm and peaceful patient will report a
more positive experience. The mental worry
is an additional problem...
The DL said a scientist assured him it has
been scientifically proven there is a link
between an optimistic outlook and a speedy
recovery. Our attitude, the power of our
mind, is therefore of great importance.
Another perspective; "Traits of the Survivor"
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/traits-of-the-survivor/
"When the going gets tough the most important
survival skill is contained within your mind.
You need to want to survive, no matter the
situation and prospect of outcome. Survivors
never give up."
After January 1st, 2000 the death rates
spiked as it turned out many dying people
had been "holding on" to see this landmark
event.
So it's safe to say our attitude is related
to not just the quality of life but the
length of it too.
"Like outer space our brain is vast and
not fully explored. We should look at what
makes a good day a good day and a good night
a good night. We can not eliminate our outer
experiences but we can change our inner
attitude. Thankfully, more and more people
are looking inward... it is time to look
more closely... but how to change it?"
- Dalai Lama
"Consider the close link between our physical
well being and mental well being, anxiety,
fear, and anger eat our immune system while
forgiveness strengthens it." - Dalai Lama
"Our physical comfort is important but not
at the expense of ecological and societal
damage. All man-made problems are linked to
our emotions so using force or technology is
NOT the answer. The answer is a deeper study
of the emotional world and analyze what
emotions we have, what causes it, and what
can change it at the mental level."
- Dali Lama
Accepting that the experience of our "reality"
that exists "out there" is a product of our mind
sets the conditions for a happier and more fulfilling
existence.
Some Guy
NEXT: Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
p.s. Ralph Waldo Emerson's corollary - "People
seem not to see that their opinion of the world
is also a confession of character."
[ The Random Factor#44 ] More Interesting than the New York Times
Greetings brothers & sisters of Earth!
I am very pleased to announce the results of a
recent poll. The poll question is as follows:
"Read a random article from the New York Times,
and a random article from The Random Factor and
let us know, which article was more interesting?"
The result? A shocking 73% of people find The
Random Factor more interesting than the New York
Times.
http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/253797/
http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/253797/results
This is stunning, of course, as the NY Times
is one of the world's most read and respected
newspapers dedicated to covering the most
news-worthy events of the day.
The NY Times hires the best journalists they can
find and gives them both the credentials they
need to access nearly anybody on the planet and
the expense accounts to get there and back. They
even have fact-checkers and editors who know
grammar great!
This would seem to lead to only one of two
conclusions. Either, the Random Factor really is
more interesting than world events or two, the NY
Times is not actually covering world events.
Since the first conclusion is clearly ridiculous
the second must therefore be true. The NY Times
does not actually cover world events!
Thankfully, they do cover some of it very well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/world/asia/21exiles.html
What is really staggering is we have a winner of
the Nobel Peace Prize revered as a divine
reincarnation by his people and even he can not
stop the violence amongst his own people much
less the Chinese.
Anger is the result of people not getting the
respect they feel they deserve. We should need
no more proof that as sure as people will fight
for their own life so too will a strangled culture
fight for it's existance.
SG
----------------------------------------------
You are experiencing the Random Factor as
requested at www.some-guy.com or partner site.
Nice Move! Thought is a precious gift and
invaluable therefore the stimuli in which
it's rooted.
P.O. Box 15001
Portland OR, 97293
To unsubscribe: http://some-guy.com/random-factor-newsletter
To subscribe: submit your email at http://www.some-guy.com/
I am very pleased to announce the results of a
recent poll. The poll question is as follows:
"Read a random article from the New York Times,
and a random article from The Random Factor and
let us know, which article was more interesting?"
The result? A shocking 73% of people find The
Random Factor more interesting than the New York
Times.
http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/253797/
http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/253797/results
This is stunning, of course, as the NY Times
is one of the world's most read and respected
newspapers dedicated to covering the most
news-worthy events of the day.
The NY Times hires the best journalists they can
find and gives them both the credentials they
need to access nearly anybody on the planet and
the expense accounts to get there and back. They
even have fact-checkers and editors who know
grammar great!
This would seem to lead to only one of two
conclusions. Either, the Random Factor really is
more interesting than world events or two, the NY
Times is not actually covering world events.
Since the first conclusion is clearly ridiculous
the second must therefore be true. The NY Times
does not actually cover world events!
Thankfully, they do cover some of it very well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/world/asia/21exiles.html
What is really staggering is we have a winner of
the Nobel Peace Prize revered as a divine
reincarnation by his people and even he can not
stop the violence amongst his own people much
less the Chinese.
Anger is the result of people not getting the
respect they feel they deserve. We should need
no more proof that as sure as people will fight
for their own life so too will a strangled culture
fight for it's existance.
SG
----------------------------------------------
You are experiencing the Random Factor as
requested at www.some-guy.com or partner site.
Nice Move! Thought is a precious gift and
invaluable therefore the stimuli in which
it's rooted.
P.O. Box 15001
Portland OR, 97293
To unsubscribe: http://some-guy.com/random-factor-newsletter
To subscribe: submit your email at http://www.some-guy.com/
[The Random Factor #43] Why Do We?
"Why do we create the things we create?"
"To be fulfilled."
"Is it fulfilling us?"
"No."
"Are we still chasing it?"
"Yes."
(Prem Rawat, Adi Magazine)
"The peace we are looking for is within."
(Prem Rawat, http://wordsofpeace.org/)
love and light,
SG
"To be fulfilled."
"Is it fulfilling us?"
"No."
"Are we still chasing it?"
"Yes."
(Prem Rawat, Adi Magazine)
"The peace we are looking for is within."
(Prem Rawat, http://wordsofpeace.org/)
love and light,
SG
[The Random Factor #40 (2 of 5)] The interdependence of all things
Part 1: Emptiness
Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 2 : The interdependence of all things
Greetings brothers and sisters of Earth!
Continuing an exploration of Buddhist
thought resulting from a week of teachings
with the Dalai Lama in Hamburg Germany July
2007.
The topic was Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas, also
known as Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic
Deeds of Bodhisattvas, a text at the heart
of Tibetan Buddhism.
Key Concepts
- Emptiness
- The Interdependence of all things
- Our mental and physical realities
- The goal of clearing mind of obscurities
- Meditation on emptiness & compassion
Ok, let's just look at the interdependence
of all things.
------ Interdependence -------
According to Buddhist thought, a great
misconception of the mind is that the
characteristics of an object are part of
the object itself, when "in reality", they
are conceived by our mind and filtered by
our beliefs.
The existence of THE PERCEPTION of these
objects is not refuted, but the objects
themselves are said to not have any
independent or "inherent existence."
Buddhists refer to this understanding
of natural phenomenon as Emptiness.
Because of the nature of interdependence
all objects can appear to exist in
infinite ways. That is to say a starving
person views a hamburger much differently
than a vegan after a big meal. Therefore,
the only "actual" existence of an object
is in it's interdependence.
2000 years ago they didn't have many
possessions or objects to use in
discussion, so in Arydeva's book "the pot"
was the subject of many stanzas. After
hearing about the pot for a week we had
enough of that pot, so I have tried an
updated illustration.
Your computer monitor's existence depends
on the company that manufactured it. This
company is dependent on the companies that
made the components for the monitor. And,
in turn, the companies that made the
components of the components and the
companies that mined the resources that
became the components and the companies
that made the tools used to do the jobs
needed by all the companies making all
the components for your monitor.
And, of course, the monitor is dependent
on the computer the monitor plugs into, and
is therefore dependent on the computer,
not to mention the electrical grid that
powers it all. Without all this in place,
your monitor would not quite be the same,
would it?
Your monitor's existence in your life is
also dependent on the store where you
bought it, and the company that shipped
it.
All the people employed at all these
companies are dependent on food to do
their job, and that food is dependent
on the people who grew, sold, delivered,
and prepared the food.
Your monitor's existence is also dependent
on geniuses who made breakthroughs in
electricity, computing, optics,
manufacturing, even transportation and
economic breakthroughs... and the parents
who raised them and the schools
that challenged them.
And, don't forget about the dinosaurs and
the comet that killed them and time itself
which turned them into crude oil, the big
bad oil companies which drilled for the
oil, and the companies that created the
plastics.
And, definitely don't forget about the
big bang which led to the formation of
the elements from which the monitor,
the components, the food, the trucks,
the people, the dinosaurs, the company
offices, and all the tools are made.
Your monitor exists in the eyes of the
company that made it as "a sale", A genius
looks at your monitor and thinks "good
thing those LCD cathodes don't use more
than 1 kv." the trucker sees "a package",
and the dinosaurs might complain, "hey,
that was my ass!"
This lesson of the nature of interdependence
tells us there is no such thing as "separate."
Such things may have some affect on a person's
perspective on life.
How far would the Dalai Lama's message have
spread without the invasion of the Chinese?
Part 2 of 5 in
"A Closer Look at the Dalai Lama's teachings"
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Some Guy
p.s. The Dalai Lama's in the news getting respect
and giving the Chinese fits.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/17/dalai.lama/index.html
For CNN's look at why
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/17/dalai.lama/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
To subscribe enter your email here:
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Part 2: The interdependence of all things
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Part 4: Clearing the Mind of Obscurities
Part 5: Meditation on Emptiness & Compassion
Part 2 : The interdependence of all things
Greetings brothers and sisters of Earth!
Continuing an exploration of Buddhist
thought resulting from a week of teachings
with the Dalai Lama in Hamburg Germany July
2007.
The topic was Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas, also
known as Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic
Deeds of Bodhisattvas, a text at the heart
of Tibetan Buddhism.
Key Concepts
- Emptiness
- The Interdependence of all things
- Our mental and physical realities
- The goal of clearing mind of obscurities
- Meditation on emptiness & compassion
Ok, let's just look at the interdependence
of all things.
------ Interdependence -------
According to Buddhist thought, a great
misconception of the mind is that the
characteristics of an object are part of
the object itself, when "in reality", they
are conceived by our mind and filtered by
our beliefs.
The existence of THE PERCEPTION of these
objects is not refuted, but the objects
themselves are said to not have any
independent or "inherent existence."
Buddhists refer to this understanding
of natural phenomenon as Emptiness.
Because of the nature of interdependence
all objects can appear to exist in
infinite ways. That is to say a starving
person views a hamburger much differently
than a vegan after a big meal. Therefore,
the only "actual" existence of an object
is in it's interdependence.
2000 years ago they didn't have many
possessions or objects to use in
discussion, so in Arydeva's book "the pot"
was the subject of many stanzas. After
hearing about the pot for a week we had
enough of that pot, so I have tried an
updated illustration.
Your computer monitor's existence depends
on the company that manufactured it. This
company is dependent on the companies that
made the components for the monitor. And,
in turn, the companies that made the
components of the components and the
companies that mined the resources that
became the components and the companies
that made the tools used to do the jobs
needed by all the companies making all
the components for your monitor.
And, of course, the monitor is dependent
on the computer the monitor plugs into, and
is therefore dependent on the computer,
not to mention the electrical grid that
powers it all. Without all this in place,
your monitor would not quite be the same,
would it?
Your monitor's existence in your life is
also dependent on the store where you
bought it, and the company that shipped
it.
All the people employed at all these
companies are dependent on food to do
their job, and that food is dependent
on the people who grew, sold, delivered,
and prepared the food.
Your monitor's existence is also dependent
on geniuses who made breakthroughs in
electricity, computing, optics,
manufacturing, even transportation and
economic breakthroughs... and the parents
who raised them and the schools
that challenged them.
And, don't forget about the dinosaurs and
the comet that killed them and time itself
which turned them into crude oil, the big
bad oil companies which drilled for the
oil, and the companies that created the
plastics.
And, definitely don't forget about the
big bang which led to the formation of
the elements from which the monitor,
the components, the food, the trucks,
the people, the dinosaurs, the company
offices, and all the tools are made.
Your monitor exists in the eyes of the
company that made it as "a sale", A genius
looks at your monitor and thinks "good
thing those LCD cathodes don't use more
than 1 kv." the trucker sees "a package",
and the dinosaurs might complain, "hey,
that was my ass!"
This lesson of the nature of interdependence
tells us there is no such thing as "separate."
Such things may have some affect on a person's
perspective on life.
How far would the Dalai Lama's message have
spread without the invasion of the Chinese?
Part 2 of 5 in
"A Closer Look at the Dalai Lama's teachings"
Part 3: Our mental and physical realities
Some Guy
p.s. The Dalai Lama's in the news getting respect
and giving the Chinese fits.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/17/dalai.lama/index.html
For CNN's look at why
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/17/dalai.lama/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
--------------------------------
This text published originally in the newsletter
The Random Factor at www.some-guy.com
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
[The Random Factor #42] I love you
Greetings brothers & sisters of Earth,
Wow. This is harder than I remember. I
was hoping to get this to you earlier, but
even the list software wouldn't work.
As most of you know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
For those interested, you can read more
about that and how it relates to my
"ambitionz az a writer" if you follow this link
So, now that stressed-out negotiators and mailing
list software troubleshooters have prevailed we
can all go back to... to... well, I hope it was good.
But, first, I want you to know.
I love you.
And, I want you to be safe.
So, here's two highly recommended, and FREE,
protection programs to help keep your computer
and you from battling Internet VD.
The first, SpyBot, is anti-spyware, the other
AVG is anti-virus. They are among the best, if
not the best, tools Microsoft Windows users
can use. That includes well-known and non-free
heavyweights like Norton & McAffee Anti-Virus
Mac users... smiling, aren't you. Well,
here's a tip, the most up-to-date source of
OSX software is at Version Tracker.
Windows users, without further ado.
SpyBot Search & Destroy anti-spyware
There is other good anti-spyware, like Spyware
Blaster, & Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, but
you only need one.
AVG Free edition anti-virus:
Windows Defender, which is made by Microsoft,
is also another highly recommended free option.
If you're willing to shell out $40 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0
is the best anti-virus software available according to
Consumer research
By running these applications you might find that some of
your software programs are mysteriously disabled.
That's because it had some secrets.
Even RealPlayer, one-time pioneer, has been called out for
it's use of spyware. Check this link to get spyware-free
RealPlayer.
The quarantine option lets you store suspect files in a safe
place in case you notice software that is no longer working.
You can also re-install software if it's disabled, and you need it.
I hope this helps some of you,
love and light,
SG
p.s. And when you're done, windows users, here's the
windows software link:
Wow. This is harder than I remember. I
was hoping to get this to you earlier, but
even the list software wouldn't work.
As most of you know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
For those interested, you can read more
about that and how it relates to my
"ambitionz az a writer" if you follow this link
So, now that stressed-out negotiators and mailing
list software troubleshooters have prevailed we
can all go back to... to... well, I hope it was good.
But, first, I want you to know.
I love you.
And, I want you to be safe.
So, here's two highly recommended, and FREE,
protection programs to help keep your computer
and you from battling Internet VD.
The first, SpyBot, is anti-spyware, the other
AVG is anti-virus. They are among the best, if
not the best, tools Microsoft Windows users
can use. That includes well-known and non-free
heavyweights like Norton & McAffee Anti-Virus
Mac users... smiling, aren't you. Well,
here's a tip, the most up-to-date source of
OSX software is at Version Tracker.
Windows users, without further ado.
SpyBot Search & Destroy anti-spyware
There is other good anti-spyware, like Spyware
Blaster, & Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, but
you only need one.
AVG Free edition anti-virus:
Windows Defender, which is made by Microsoft,
is also another highly recommended free option.
If you're willing to shell out $40 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0
is the best anti-virus software available according to
Consumer research
By running these applications you might find that some of
your software programs are mysteriously disabled.
That's because it had some secrets.
Even RealPlayer, one-time pioneer, has been called out for
it's use of spyware. Check this link to get spyware-free
RealPlayer.
The quarantine option lets you store suspect files in a safe
place in case you notice software that is no longer working.
You can also re-install software if it's disabled, and you need it.
I hope this helps some of you,
love and light,
SG
p.s. And when you're done, windows users, here's the
windows software link:
Friday, February 15, 2008
[The Random Factor #42a] The WGA Strikes Back
Greetings brothers & sisters of Earth,
As most subscribers know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
Now, it is true, I'm not actually a member of
the WGA and clearly I'm not getting any
professional help with The Random Factor, or
otherwise.
And, that's what makes this so difficult.
Long ago I heard this quote
"If you want to be a knight, act like a knight."
That mind-over-matter, decide-your-own-reality
sort of attitude really resonated with me.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to
be a knight.
Instead, I write.
More thoughts on being a knight
Now, imagine my dismay when I discovered some
time ago that the WGA does not consider writing
to be the sole condition for membership.
I can't find it, but I know somebody worthwhile
once said something along the lines of,
"To be a writer one need only write."
Oh semantics, how you soothe.
Unfortunately, the WGA has a more strict
criteria, 24 "units" and $2,500.
Sure, 2,500 people will make their way to
www.Some-Guy.com and www.RandomFacts.org
this very day and they will spend 125 hours
viewing around 15,000 pages of gems like ...
----------------------------------------
"Why do we create the things we create?"
"To be fulfilled."
"Is it fulfilling us?"
"No."
"Are we still chasing it?"
"Yes."
Prem Rawat, Adi Magazine
----------------------------------------
That's nearly one million visitors, 42,000 hours,
and 26 million "hits" a year exploring riddles
and facts and quotes, oh my!
But, these sites clearly were not intended to
be a place for my writing. Which is why I
decided to kick it up a notch with this
newsletter.
However, even while the WGA fought for a piece
of online revenue, receiving millions of web
visitors and thousands of subscribers does
not count as even 1 "unit" towards memebership
apparently as it's not for movies, radio, or
television... or paid. Hey, that just makes it
more challenging!
I guess I have to accept that this medium, while
clearly the future of entertainment, is too easy.
8% of people blog, which makes for at
least 10% of the population who write online.
Tough competition... but, has The Random
Factor been worth reading?
I decided to take a poll.
I guess I thought if I wrote a great newsletter
I'd get published or something. What a dreamer
I am. It occurs to me now I could write a hundred
newsletters, some even good, and not get a lick of
credibility amongst what I understand is a reputable
affiliation of real writers with actual writing jobs.
Now that would be sweet.
And so it was when it dawned on me the first day
of the strike... I've been acting like a writer
this whole time, surely I should take the logical
next step and start acting like a real writer!
Apparently, real writers write books and
screenplays too. It's not as easy as
striking, in fact it's very difficult.
It won't make me happy, but it would seem to
be the natural progression.
I truly appreciate your support, you have
given me confidence to try my best to ramp it
up a notch.
SG
As most subscribers know, The Random Factor
was out of commission during the Writer's
Guild of America (WGA) strike.
Now, it is true, I'm not actually a member of
the WGA and clearly I'm not getting any
professional help with The Random Factor, or
otherwise.
And, that's what makes this so difficult.
Long ago I heard this quote
"If you want to be a knight, act like a knight."
That mind-over-matter, decide-your-own-reality
sort of attitude really resonated with me.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to
be a knight.
Instead, I write.
More thoughts on being a knight
Now, imagine my dismay when I discovered some
time ago that the WGA does not consider writing
to be the sole condition for membership.
I can't find it, but I know somebody worthwhile
once said something along the lines of,
"To be a writer one need only write."
Oh semantics, how you soothe.
Unfortunately, the WGA has a more strict
criteria, 24 "units" and $2,500.
Sure, 2,500 people will make their way to
www.Some-Guy.com and www.RandomFacts.org
this very day and they will spend 125 hours
viewing around 15,000 pages of gems like ...
----------------------------------------
"Why do we create the things we create?"
"To be fulfilled."
"Is it fulfilling us?"
"No."
"Are we still chasing it?"
"Yes."
Prem Rawat, Adi Magazine
----------------------------------------
That's nearly one million visitors, 42,000 hours,
and 26 million "hits" a year exploring riddles
and facts and quotes, oh my!
But, these sites clearly were not intended to
be a place for my writing. Which is why I
decided to kick it up a notch with this
newsletter.
However, even while the WGA fought for a piece
of online revenue, receiving millions of web
visitors and thousands of subscribers does
not count as even 1 "unit" towards memebership
apparently as it's not for movies, radio, or
television... or paid. Hey, that just makes it
more challenging!
I guess I have to accept that this medium, while
clearly the future of entertainment, is too easy.
8% of people blog, which makes for at
least 10% of the population who write online.
Tough competition... but, has The Random
Factor been worth reading?
I decided to take a poll.
I guess I thought if I wrote a great newsletter
I'd get published or something. What a dreamer
I am. It occurs to me now I could write a hundred
newsletters, some even good, and not get a lick of
credibility amongst what I understand is a reputable
affiliation of real writers with actual writing jobs.
Now that would be sweet.
And so it was when it dawned on me the first day
of the strike... I've been acting like a writer
this whole time, surely I should take the logical
next step and start acting like a real writer!
Apparently, real writers write books and
screenplays too. It's not as easy as
striking, in fact it's very difficult.
It won't make me happy, but it would seem to
be the natural progression.
I truly appreciate your support, you have
given me confidence to try my best to ramp it
up a notch.
SG
[A Random Factor #41] Hope Agreement
Hello 2008, may you experience many good wishes to come true!
Too bad is still news how my oh my writers still not showing up to work to word Random Factor. Hope writer's guild of America happy soon and all be happy.
Some guy so far solidarity because wanting to great screenwriter very much... also a writer not so well by self need help badly for good stuff.
Good luck with writers back soon so until next time with hope this not make writers unhappy because we love them and need them.
SG
Too bad is still news how my oh my writers still not showing up to work to word Random Factor. Hope writer's guild of America happy soon and all be happy.
Some guy so far solidarity because wanting to great screenwriter very much... also a writer not so well by self need help badly for good stuff.
Good luck with writers back soon so until next time with hope this not make writers unhappy because we love them and need them.
SG
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