Words of calm in days of turmoil.

whenever "external" events seem apt to take our minds off center, whenever noise, bustle, speed, and similar restlessness confuse us to such an extent that we are no longer able to weigh well how our view of things may seem most useful, words from the Dhammapada help. We may remind ourselves that external turmoil, carried into our innermost being and unfolding there, increases the degree of turmoil and chaos in the world - quite apart from the fact that we usually experience our own turmoil as immediately distressing to ourselves.

I would like to suggest that we *breathe* the following words with our hearts, and at the right moment, when the unrest is carried into our experiences in life, bring them from the depths of our minds to the forefront of our thinking.





Accept yourself in love.

Accept yourself in love
And be vigilant -
Today, tomorrow, always.

First find the way,
then teach others
And so conquer suffering.

Before you straighten others,
you must first accomplish something much more difficult - to straighten yourself.
straighten yourself.

You are your own master.
Who else?
Conquer yourself,
and recognize the master within you.



The Light of the Spirit

Whoever sets out on a quest
becomes the light of the world,
no matter how ignorant he still is.

But the awakened one spreads
Day and night the light of the spirit.

Meditate. Lead a simple life.
Be calm. Do your work skillfully.

Step out like the moon
from behind the clouds and shine!



Breathe deeply.

Breathe in deep breaths.
Live in serenity and joy.
He who is wise enjoys the truth
and follows the law of the awakened one.

The farmer directs water to his land,
the arrow maker carves his arrows,
and the carpenter turns his wood.
In the same way, the wise man restrains his mind.