Zen

There are no winners or losers in life. Some people have things easy while for others those same things are hard. There are people who could use some help and others who can give it. Many people believe that if only they had…they would be happy. Others think if only they were…life would be good.…

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was always curious. As a young man he studied metallurgy, drafting, mechanics and the creative arts. This wasn’t enough, so he expanded his inquiry to include science, nature and the world around him. da Vinci constantly recorded his studies, then later they informed other work. He is quoted as having said, “The…

Udhilipa

Despite having great wealth and power, Udhilipa wanted more. He wanted to fly. A guru told him to gather many panaceas and essences, to propitiate some angels, and to recite ten thousand mantras to uncover their secrets. Udhilipa did all of this, but still could not fly. His guru then asked him to refine what…

Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna lived his life without filters. As a small child, he was not self-conscious or embarrassed by the beatific experiences he enjoyed. As a young man, and when his family needed his support, he provided assistance in ways that wouldn’t impede his spiritual progress or require him to act against his beliefs. When his family…

Miyamoto Musashi

The Lone Samurai, by William Scott Wilson, relates the following story: On the way to a famous match, Miyamoto Musashi was passing a shrine dedicated to the god of war. He stopped a moment, intending to pray to the god for victory, but when walking to the altar he realized something important. Musashi had never…

Avalokitesvara

Avalokitesvara is the bodhisattva of compassion. They appear in many Buddhist teachings of various sects, and are described in the Lotus Sutra as having 33 forms. This being decided to continue to be reincarnated until all sentient beings are free. The stories teach the importance of acting with compassion because Eternity can be found in…