 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313
Zebra
|
OP
Zebra
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313 |
[color:"red"] Thank you Michelle... Lovely as ever to hear from you again.... [/color]
Papavagga - Evil
Translated from the Pali,
by Acharya Buddharakkhita
116. Hasten to do good; restrain your mind from evil. He who is slow in doing good, his mind delights in evil.
117. Should a person commit evil, let him not do it again and again. Let him not find pleasure therein, for painful is the accumulation of evil.
118. Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.
119. It may be well with the evil-doer as long as the evil ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the evil-doer sees (the painful results of) his evil deeds.
120. It may be ill with the doer of good as long as the good ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the doer of good sees (the pleasant results of) his good deeds.
121. Think not lightly of evil, saying, "It will not come to me." Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the fool, gathering it little by little, fills himself with evil.
122. Think not lightly of good, saying, "It will not come to me." Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.
123. Just as a trader with a small escort and great wealth would avoid a perilous route, or just as one desiring to live avoids poison, even so should one shun evil.
124. If on the hand there is no wound, one may carry even poison in it. Poison does not affect one who is free from wounds. For him who does no evil, there is no ill.
125. Like fine dust thrown against the wind, evil falls back upon that fool who offends an inoffensive, pure and guiltless man.
126. Some are born in the womb; the wicked are born in hell; the devout go to heaven; the stainless pass into Nibbana.
127. Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one may escape from the results of evil deeds.
128. Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one will not be overcome by death.
[color:"red"]I thought it might interest some to see what the Buddha said about reaping what you sow, and the rewards for those whose intention it is to do Good...
These are an interesting set of verses. Remember that they date from about 400years BC - and I say that, with reference to Vs: 126...
I know that there are many people who used to be Christian, and who still have strong links with that faith, or at least some strong ties....And who might also possibly wonder why those who do 'evil' or wrong to others - seem to prosper. It feels so unjust.....
I can say, in my experience, I've known people who have "worked the system" or "gotten away with ripping someone off" or cheating another person... and who seemed to find nothing but good falling back into their laps....
But I also know that while these people seem to prosper initially, they are just biding their time until this "fruit" ripens. Fruit doesn't grow and ripen overnight. It is something that takes time.
But, unfortunately, once this "fruit" ripens - once they have lived a lifetime of cheating, shorting, lying, conniving - it seems to ripen quickly and painfully.
I honestly don't know how much good I do. But good is something that I do wish to sow in my life. For those around me, whether they ask me or not, and whether they know it or not.
And believe me, the Fruit of Good Garma ripens a darned sight quicker than the other....
[/color]
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 764
Gecko
|
|
Gecko
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 764 |
Patience, No, I think the nun was wrong... I don't have any answers as to why there is so much suffering and pain. Some say it's the testing of our souls, while others respond with the fact that satan is the king of this world and as long as we are questioning the Omnipotence of God we are separated from Him and therefore fodder for the devil to play with as he wishes. I don't necessarily subscribe to these ways of thinking whole heartedly. I think it's this: I think we live in a fallen world. As long as we are living here we will gothrough some really unpleasant stuff. So we have something to look forward to when we are with God. if everything was wonderful here what would we need God for? I rely on Him to lift my sprit even when things are dark and rotten. I don't ask why I ask when. When will I be able to be with God in heaven and have Him wipe every tear from my eyes? When will I be home? So for me, it's alittle of both. Testing to see if I can trust Him to have everything in hand, even when I don't understand why something had to happen to me of all people. And the fact that there is an enemy of my soul who just wants to break up my relationship with Jesus ; to destroy my faith and in the end my soul. I don't know if this answers your question, or just gives you food for thought. I know this is one question I plan on asking Jesus when I see Him. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313
Zebra
|
|
OP
Zebra
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313 |
Great post, Jenna. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (Just for the record, if someone wants to break up your relationship with Jesus....It's not me..... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> ) EDIT: And as to your final comment...Boy...If I was jesus, I'd watch out....!! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by Alexandra; 05/04/06 05:02 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,966
Koala
|
|
Koala
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,966 |
Some of you may have heard about the mining accident in Tasmania, Audtralia.. It was originally believed that the three remaining men who had not been rescued were dead. After 5 days down there, there seemed little hope.
Well, the sad news is that one is dead, but the good news is that the other two are alive. [they still have to dig them out, and that will take time, but they are alive and well.] Now, I can hear some of you saying 'Praise God' - Fine!
What upset me, and actually made me feel very angry, was that there were several people there, dancing for joy and singing "He is a miracle" and waving their arms around, saying how they had been praying to God and He had answered their prayers and performed a miracle and how merciful He was in saving these two men.
That is fine BUT, standing by, was the family of the man who died - with tears rolling down their faces, and yet being grateful that their two friends had been spared.
The 'praises' went on, and I felt like throwing up!
What would the parents, wife, children of the dead man be feeling? Was God only merciful to the other two, but not to their loved one?
Was this 'miracle' not for all three, and why not?
Is God selective with His mercy and miracles?
Does God play favourites?
<snip>
Will the other man's family, if they are Christians, ever get over the idea that their loved one was not included in Gods miracle, and God's mercy? I wonder what thoughts of doubt and torment are now passing through their minds? I saw their faces, and I have a pretty good idea, - and THAT'S what makes me feel sick. Patience I completely agree with you. This made me sick too when I heard the media and people being interviewed touting this as a miracle when one precious person, somebody's husband, somebody's father is dead. That is not a miracle. If all three had lived I would concede that you have your miraculous event - go and shout it from your church roof - but to do so in the face of that grieving family is heartless and awful. Two of those men were lucky. One was not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,382
Chipmunk
|
|
Chipmunk
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
HI Girls...I agree with you guys - this was no miracle...It was just lucky that they had the right safety gear and it was unfourtunate that the man who passed away was not in the cage with them.
One thing I do know for sure is that these men will have a new appreciation for life when they get out of that hole.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Koala
|
|
Koala
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172 |
Spiritual communion takes place in total silence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313
Zebra
|
|
OP
Zebra
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313 |
Thank you Mystic...plain and simple....
Sorry Lynn....Not quite understanding your point.....?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,382
Chipmunk
|
|
Chipmunk
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
It was so great to see these men free dont you think?
Now everyone wants a piece of them.Even Oprah wants them on her show,I just hope they dont forget all the brave men and women who helped rescue them.They are very special people indeed.
Alexandra I love this prayer from Shantideva what do you think?
" For as long as space exists
And sentient beings endure,
May I too remain,
To dispel the misery of the world"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313
Zebra
|
|
OP
Zebra
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,313 |
Engraved on my heart, Freespirit....
Nice of you to find and post it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We take forum safety very seriously here at BellaOnline. Please be sure to read through our Forum Guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This forum uses cookies to ensure smooth navigation from page to page of a thread. If you choose to register and provide your email, that email is solely used to get your password to you and updates on any topics you choose to watch. Nothing else. Ask with any questions!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
