–We are formed and molded
by our
thoughts.
Those whose minds are shaped
by selfless
thoughts
give
joy when they speak or act.
Joy
follows them like a
shadow
that never leaves them.
the Buddha
Daily Archives: July 27, 2012
Ancient Words of Wisdom
Zen Stories
After Bankei had passed away,
a blind man who lived near the master’s temple told a friend:
“Since I am blind, I cannot watch a person’s face, so I must judge his character by the sound of his voice.
Ordinarily when I hear someone congratulate another upon his happiness or success, I also hear a secret tone of envy.
When condolence is expressed for the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and satisfaction, as if the one condoling was really glad there was something left to gain in his own world.
“In all my experience,
however,
Bankei’s voice was always sincere.
Whenever he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness,
and
whenever he expressed sorrow, sorrow was all I heard.”
ram H singhal 