Buddha’s teachings are so simple and straightforward. If you find them complicated, it is only because you have made them so. You may think, “I have a Ph.D. and have amassed all this knowledge, yet I still can’t figure out how to begin practicing Dharma.” The remedy is to take a good look at your own mind.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, in "Wisdom Energy"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001. Reprinted from "Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations," edited by Josh Bartok, with permission of Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm St., Somerville MA 02144 U.S.A, www.wisdompubs.org.
He made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand--its base and its shaft--of hammered work; its cups, calyxes, and petals were of one piece with it. Six branches issued from its sides: three branches from one side of the lampstand, and three branches from the other side of the lampstand. There were three cups shaped like almond-blossoms, each with calyx and petals, on one branch; and there were three cups shaped like almond-blossoms, each with calyx and petals, on the next branch; so for all six branches issuing from the lampstand. On the lampstand itself there were four cups shaped like almond-blossoms, each with calyx and petals: a calyx, of one piece with it, under a pair of branches; and a calyx, of one piece with it, under the second pair of branches; and a calyx, of one piece with it, under the last pair of branches; so for all six branches issuing from it. Their calyxes and their stems were of one piece with it, the whole of it a single hammered piece of pure gold. He made its seven lamps, its tongs, and its fire pans of pure gold. He made it and all its furnishings out of a talent of pure gold.
He made the incense altar of acacia wood, a cubit long and a cubit wide--square--and two cubits high; its horns were of one piece with it. He overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides round about, and its horns; and he made a gold molding for it round about. e made two gold rings for it under its molding, on its two walls--on opposite sides--as holders for the poles with which to carry it. He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. He prepared the sacred anointing oil and the pure aromatic incense, expertly blended.
From Parshat Vayakhel. From THE TANAKH: The New JPS Translation According to the Traditional Hebrew Text. Copyright 1985 by the Jewish Publication Society. Used by permission.
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath into a very deep sleep.
Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do.
--Gerry Sikorski
What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men.
--E.M. Bounds
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13-year-old that just went through brain tumor surgery --from Debsnkids Add your prayers now...
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Events make known the will of God.--Unknown...
"So lonely it hurts and need a job desperately with lots of hours." --from nursingcops7 Add your prayers now...
Mark 1:29-45 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once....
[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [30] But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of...
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops','/imgs/avplayer/player_bibleaudiofeed.jpg','320','240');">Hear Today's Lectionary Reading Reading I: Jonah 3:1-10 Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Gospel Reading: Luke 11:29-32 To read the text for today’s reading, please click here. All audio of the Lectionary readings are used...
You shall make the robe of the ephod of pure blue. The opening for the head shall be in the middle of it; the opening shall have a binding of woven work round about--it shall be like the opening of...
It is extremely important to investigate the causes or origins of suffering. One must begin that process by appreciating the impermanent, transient nature of our existence. All things, events and phenomena are dynamic, changing every moment, nothing remains static. Meditating...
I have lived to thank God that all my prayers have not been answered.--Jean Ingelow...
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.--Abraham Lincoln...
[14] Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, [15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe...
"Please pray for me, I have been plagued with anxiety attacks." --from 70sgirlus Add your prayers now...
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops','/imgs/avplayer/player_bibleaudiofeed.jpg','320','240');">Hear Today's Lectionary Reading Reading 1: Isaiah 55:10-11 Responsorial Psalm: 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:7-15 To read the text for today’s reading, please click here. All audio clips of the Lectionary readings...
Mark 1:14-28 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”...
In the Jewish prayer service, our confessional is plural. Partly we are admitting that all sin is a function of community, environment, as well as individual choice. In other words, when another sins we are rarely guiltless. We are part...
Children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, "Take only one, God is watching." At the other end...
Then make frames of gold and two chains of pure gold; braid these like corded work, and fasten the corded chains to the frames. You shall make a breastpiece of decision, worked into a design; make it in the style...
Crookedness and truth (straightness) are in their nature opposite and cannot dwell together more than frost and fire; for one who has become religious, and practices the way of straight behavior, a false and crooked way of speech is not...
Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.--Sydney J. Harris...
When I vacillated about my decision to serve the Lord my God, it was I who willed, and I who willed not, and nobody else. I was fighting against myself. All you asked is that I cease to want what...
[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; [2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [3] The voice of...
14-year-old girl diagnosed with scleroderma --from love_me_always Add your prayers now...
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops','/imgs/avplayer/player_bibleaudiofeed.jpg','320','240');">Hear Today's Lectionary Reading Reading I: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Responsorial Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15 Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46 To read the text for today’s reading, please click here. All audio of the Lectionary readings...
Mark 1:1-13 1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3...
Q: Why didn't Cain please God? A: Because he just wasn't Able....
You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly. Aaron and his sons shall set them up in the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain which is over [the...
Nothing is born, nothing is destroyed. Away with your dualism, your likes and dislikes. Every single thing is just the One Mind. When you have perceived this, you will have mounted the Chariot of the Buddhas. -Huang Po, "Zen Teaching...
Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.--Danny Kaye...
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.--Matthew 7:1-2...
[44] Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. [45] And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. [46] I am come a light into the world,...
Please pray for my brother who has terminal brain cancer. --from AlbertaGirl Add your prayers now...
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops','/imgs/avplayer/player_bibleaudiofeed.jpg','320','240');">Hear Today's Lectionary Reading Reading I: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17 Reading II: Romans 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19 Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11 To read the text for today’s reading, please click...
John 12:44-50 44 Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world,...
Q: Why was Adam a famous runner? A: Because he was first in the human race....
You shall make the enclosure of the Tabernacle: On the south side, a hundred cubits of hangings of fine twisted linen for the length of the enclosure on that side--with its twenty posts and their twenty sockets of copper, the...
Before, this mind went wandering however it pleased, wherever it wanted, by whatever way that it liked. Today I will hold it aptly in check-- as one wielding a goad, an elephant in rut. -Dhammapada, 23, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu....
Trouble is a part of your life, and if you don't share it, you don't give the person who loves you a chance to love you enough.--Dinah Shore...
It is more serious to lose hope than to sin.--John of Karpathos...
[20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may...
For the family and friends of the victims and the shooter. --from BeliefnetComforter Add your prayers now...
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops','/imgs/avplayer/player_bibleaudiofeed.jpg','320','240');">Hear Today's Lectionary Reading Reading I: Isaiah 58:9b-14 Responsorial Psalm: 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Gospel Reading: Luke 5:27-32 To read the text for today’s reading, please click here. All audio of the Lectionary readings are used...
John 17:20-26 20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I...
A young couple were driving down the road one day, happily, deliriously in love and due to be married the next day. Suddenly, a large truck swerved from the oncoming lanes into their car! BOOM! And they both died. At...
You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide--the altar is to be square--and three cubits high. Make its horns on the four corners, the horns to be of one piece with it; and...
In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self. --Ayya Khema, "Be an Island" Copyright Wisdom Publications...
Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence.--Henry Chester...
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.--St. Francis of Assisi...
[9] I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. [10] And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. [11]...
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops','/imgs/avplayer/player_bibleaudiofeed.jpg','320','240');">Hear Today's Lectionary Reading Reading I: Isaiah 58:1-9a Responsorial Psalm: 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-15 To read the text for today’s reading, please click here. All audio of the Lectionary readings are used...
John 17:9-19 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine;...
You shall make a curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and fine twisted linen; it shall have a design of cherubim worked into it. Hang it upon four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and having hooks of...
As the storm raged, the captain realized his ship was sinking fast. He called out, "Anyone here know how to pray?" One man stepped forward. "Aye, Captain, I know how to pray." "Good," said the captain, "You pray while the...
It is precisely because our present life is so inseparably linked with desire that we must make use of desire’s tremendous energy if we wish to transform our life into something transcendental. -Lama Thubten Yeshe, Introduction to Tantra Copyright Wisdom...
Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person to the right degree at the right time for the right purpose and in the right way, that is not easy.--Aristotle...
Authentic Christianity should lead to maturity, personality, and reality. It should fashion whole men and women living lives of love and communion.--Brennan Manning, "The Ragamuffin Gospel"...
[1] These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: [2] As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that...
John 17:1-8 1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all...
Woman who has been trying to have knee surgery for the last six years. --from Beliefnet member colagrl Add your prayers now...
After a long illness, a woman died and arrived at the Gates of Heaven. While she was waiting for Saint Peter to greet her, she peeked through the gates. She saw a beautiful banquet table. Sitting all around were her...
You shall make the planks for the Tabernacle of acacia wood, upright. The length of each plank shall be ten cubits and the width of each plank a cubit and a half. Each plank shall have two tenons, parallel to...
If you don't understand the Way as it meets your eyes, how can you know the Path as you walk? -Shih-t'ou From "The Pocket Zen Reader," edited by Thomas Cleary, 1999. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, www.shambhala.com....
In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.--Dietrich Bonhoeffer...
Hear me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.--Mark 7:14-15...
[9] And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The...
Luke 18: 9-14 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other...
"Pray for his safe return to wife and two daughters who miss him dearly." --from Beliefnet member rnhamby Add your prayers now...
God: "Whew, I just created a 24-hour period of alternating light and darkness on earth." Angel: "Oh yeah? What are you going to do now?" God: "I think I'll call it a day."...
You shall make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be made of hammered work; its base and its shaft, its cups, calyxes, and petals shall be of one piece. Six branches shall issue from its sides; three branches...
If we unbalance Nature, human kind will suffer. Furthermore, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility towards others to ensure that the world we pass...
Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.--The Hausa of Nigeria...
Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!--Max Lucado...
[28] Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. [29] Pilate then...
John 18:28-38 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29...
31-year-old who is dying of cancer and has three children. --from Beliefnet member d_lo_kwa_s11 Add your prayers now...
A 4-year-old boy was asked to pray before Thanksgiving dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking the Lord for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked the Lord for...
You shall make a cover of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of gold--make them of hammered work--at the two ends of the cover. Make one cherub at...
Sakka asked: "What is the cause of self-interest?" The Buddha answered: "It is perception of the world as one's object." "How does one overcome this perception of the world as apart from oneself?" "By acting for the increase of goodness...
Whatever you do or dream you can do— begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.--Johann Goethe...
The Gospel is good news of mercy to the undeserving. The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales.--John Stott...
[15] And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. [16] But Peter stood at the door without. Then...
John 18:15-18, 25-27 15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing outside at the gate....
"My father's girlfriend has been in the hospital with many different conditions." --from Beliefnet member jla03 Add your prayers now...
An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him, "How do you expect to get into Heaven?" The boy thought it over and said, "Well, I'll run in and out and in and out and keep...
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart so moves him. And these are the gifts that you shall accept from them: gold,...
It is said that there are only two tragedies in life: not getting what one wants, and getting it. -Bhanta Henepola Gunaratana, "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness" Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001. Reprinted from "Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations," edited by...
It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not.--Andre Gide...
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.--Mark 13:31...
[18] And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? [19] They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and...
Luke 9:18-27 18 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one...
"I am currently on the verge of a divorce and have enormous financial hardship." --from Beliefnet member mjackson Add your prayers now...
If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.--Katherine Hepburn's mother...
Just as darkness retreats before light, so all anger and bitterness disappear for the fragrance of humility.--John Climacus...
[16] And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, [17] And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. [18]...
[1] After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. [2] And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. [3] And Jesus...
John 6:16-27 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea...
"I am dealing with depression and a lot of other turmoil." --from Beliefnet member s.bailey.32 Add your prayers now...
Q: How do babies get their belly buttons? A: When God finishes making little babies, He lines them all up in a row. Then he walks along in front of them. He pokes each one in the tummy with His...
A minister's young son sat on the floor of his father's office watching him write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" the boy asked. "Why, God tells me." his father replied. "Well, then why do you keep...
No woman in your land shall miscarry or be barren. I will let you enjoy the full count of your days. I will send forth My terror before you, and I will throw into panic all the people among whom...
I am sending an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have made ready. Pay heed to him and obey him. Do not defy him, for he will not...
How could it be permissible to form a cult, gather followers and cronies, dash off writings, and toil in pursuit of objects for love of honor and advantage? -Tung-shan From "The Pocket Zen Reader," edited by Thomas Cleary, 1999. Reprinted...
Everywhere is the treasury of endless capacities of followers of the way. Everywhere is not everywhere; it is called everywhere. -Hui-k'ung From "The Pocket Zen Reader," edited by Thomas Cleary, 1999. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, www.shambhala.com....
It is never too late to be what you might have been.--George Eliot...
Let nothing trouble you Let nothing frighten you Everything passes God never changes Patience Obtains all Whoever has God Wants for nothing God alone is enough.--St. Teresa of Avila...
John 6:1-15 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick....
Contractor who has been working in Iraq and is desperate to come back home. --from Beliefnet member nprayer Add your prayers now...
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