Zen Puppies. Gautama Buddha

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      Beware of manipulation and the influence friends. Physical wounds may heal, but wounds to character and heart may affect the path you take in your life. Know who you are and be strong in your virtues.

      An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

      Verse 2

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      Do not be too harsh on yourself. When you can calmly understand and have patience for yourself, you will do the same to others. The law that always remains golden is to treat others as you also wish to be treated.

      Be wise. Treat yourself, your mind, sympathetically, with loving kindness. If you are gentle with yourself, you will become gentle with others.

      Verse 3

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      Greed, delusion, and hatred are either present or absent in the mind, there is no middle point. No one is perfect, however be conscious of your self and strive for a healthy mind. Your mind-state can determine the quality of your life.

      By defilement of mind, beings are defiled; by purification of mind, beings are purified.

      Verse 4

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      Remaining in ignorance is a form of bondage. To be liberated, remove ignorance from the mind. Awaken yourself from the sleep of those who choose to be “of this world.”

      As long as the mind does not know itself, as long as the mind is not bright and illuminated, the mind is not free.

      Verse 5

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      VERSE 6

      Mind and body are interdependent. The body must remain healthy, for it is an instrument in the mind’s quest for spirituality. You can not sail to new, exotic seas if your ship is ailing.

      To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

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      VERSE 7

      Just like the mind, there is wisdom and knowledge of the body. Trust its innate instincts. Listen to every facet of information that comes to you. Your heart, your gut, your mind, and your physical body all provide unique information.

      Think with the whole body.

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      VERSE 8

      It is impossible to be constantly thinking of the past and future and still get the most out of life. Focus your full attention in the present moment and connect to “the now,” to increase your mindfulness and the quality of your experiences.

      Do not lose yourself in the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. Do not get caught in your anger, worries, or fears. Come back to the present moment, and touch life deeply. This is mindfulness.

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      Verse 9

      The mind alters the perceptions of reality. Use it as an instrument for wisdom and righteousness on earth. The mind can have a significant bearing on the things of this world.

      Not the wind, not the flag; mind is moving.

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      VERSE 10

      The body and mind must be disciplined to remain focused and healthy. Guard yourself against evil and meaningless temptation. This could encompass anything from excess materialism, gossip, jealousy, greed, and more.

      Buddha means awareness, the awareness of body and mind that prevents evil from arising in either.

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      VERSE 11

      Both the mind and body must rest in order to stay healthy. Yin and yang encompass the very meaning of balance. Yin is rest, yang is movement. You cannot be balanced with just stimulation and action, but will also be unbalanced with only rest and reflection.

      Calming allows us to rest, and resting is a precondition for healing.

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      VERSE 12

      The fight is always won before it begins. Set your sights high—not just towards your goal, but beyond it.

      If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.

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