A Minute Of Meditation

"If you want to reach heaven, you could repeat ten thousand prayers. But he who sows the ground with care and attention will have stronger merit."- ZarathustraZarathustra led the ancient philosophers and poets. He came to Earth before Socrates and Plato, even before Confuscius.  His actual birthplace is unknown but the languange of his poetry point to the eastern part of today's country of Iran.Zarathushtra was not a prophet but wrote truly groundbreaking devotional poetry to his God, Ahura Mazda -- rejecting the many gods of the classical religion at that time. His life and words inspired many people around him and influenced both Islamic and Judeo-Christian thought for thousands of years.Meditate on his simple, humble message as he offers his simple suggestion of practical action to reach spiritual goals. A production of Septic Radio. -- http://septicradio.com/meditation.php  

The river defines the shape of the valley by flowing under it.The river is the master of the valley.To rule peopleSpeak to them as if they are your masterTo lead peopleFirst, follow them.This way, when the wise leader stands above the people,They do not feel crushedAnd when he stands before the people,They do not feel blocked-Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu           --Your journey through Chinese theology starts with the honor and discipline of Kung Fu Tzu (Confuscius) but is not complete until you experience the Tao. We don’t know if Lao Tzu started this study, promoted it, or was just a common name for the poets and philosophers who developed this way of thought.  Either way, this is the name associated with the Tao Te Ching -- a 2500 year old collection of poems that define the Tao.  Although Taoists want the same goal as Confuscians, they suggest a different path.  Confuscius promotes rules and order but Lao Tzu analyzes the world and accepts the disorder of nature.  You have the advantage of learning both of t

Two neighbors left their houses at the same time and walked together.  One went to serve his Guru.  The other went to his mistress while his wife stayed at home.  As they walked, they talked about which one was spending his time in a better way.  They decided to let fate choose for them.  Each one continued on his way.They compared stories the next day.  The unfaithful man had found a pot filled with pieces of coal on his walk.  Among the coal was a solid gold coin.  The disciple did not find any treasure on his own walk.  Instead, he stepped on a thorn.  They both confronted the Guru and asked him to explain the results and decide whose choice was better.The Guru said:  The first neighbor was a great holy man in his former life and was given a pot of gold coins as a reward.  But each time he left his wife to see his mistress, one coin was converted to a piece of coal.  By the time he found it, only one coin was left.  The second neighbor was a criminal in his former life and condemned to be impaled on a spi

  Good men and bad men differ radically. Bad men never appreciate kindness shown them, but wise men appreciate and are grateful. Wise men try to express their appreciation and gratitude by some return of kindness, not only to their benefactor, but to everyone else. --Buddha The Buddha understood true nature of wisdom and also the nature of evil.  Seeing the results of both, he chose to teach wisdom.   We all say that wisdom is the better way, so take a moment to listen to his words and think why we value wisdom. A production of Septic Radio. -- http://septicradio.com/meditation.php  

Wherever there is light, there is shadow; wherever there is length, there is shortness; wherever there is white, there is black. Just like these, as the self-nature of things can not exist alone, they are called non-substantial.--BuddhaWhen you speak, do you find it easy to take the extreme position?  We like to imagine that it makes our opinions stronger to deny the opposite view.  Consider diversity of thought as you listen to the Buddha’s words.  Accepting differing opinions can make yours stronger as long as you let them help you but not confuse you. Download the Guru Guide and listen to other episodes at A Minute of Meditaion -  http://septicradio.com/meditation.php A production of Septic Radio.  

When you see a man worth admiring, examine him so you can be like him. When you see a man who is unworthy of admiration, examine yourself.If your thoughts are for this year, grow a plant; if your thoughts are for ten years, plant trees; if you are thinking about the next 100 years, teach the people-ConfuciusConfucius (more correctly Kung Fu Tzu) is the most well known Chinese philosopher.  He valued self improvement and responsibility to one’s family, ancestors and community.  He considered a strong society, guided by wisdom and ethics, to be a spiritual goal.  His term 'ren' defines people by their roles and relationships to others, as these are not separable from personal identity. A production of Septic Radio.  

Do you want to know what knowledge really is?The master said: Spend your time thinking about what is right for the peopleWhile keeping the demons far from your mind.When you know something, you have to recognize that you know it.When you don't know something, you have to recognize that you don’t know it.If you can do these' that is knowledge.-Confucius (Chinese philosopher)Confucius (more correctly Kung Fu Tzu) is the most well known Chinese philosopher.  His commentary on the nature of wisdom and knowledge have been respected and studied for 2500 years.  He commonly included moral positions in his guidelines for life, bringing spirituality into one's regular daily actions. A production of Septic Radio. Learn about Reiki for free by downloading this free guide: http://septicradio.com/RapidReikiReader_hmh.pdf

A thief pretended to be a holy man so he would not be accused of his crime.Namdev saw the truth and spoke these words to him:The snake can shed its skin, but not its poison:Since your heart is not pure,Why should you bother with your fake meditation?You are only a crane watching for fish in the water.But he who snatches food from the mouth of a lionIs truly the king of thieves.You have no chance in this debate.Those who show the world two facesShould drink from the infinitely deep cup of the true higher power-- Sakhi of Bhagat NamdevNamdev came from a poor family in the Maharastra area of India but lived for many years in Punjab.  There, his philosohy of devotion has continued to win respect from followers of the all religions in the area for the past 700 years.  Today, I hope you focus on his message of peace and meditation to guide your actions from within. A production of Septic Radio. Learn about Reiki for free by downloading this free guide: http://septicradio.com/RapidReikiReader_hmh.pdf

The holy man Vishoba Khechar came to Namdev in disguise.Namdev told him to face the stone idol when praying.So Khechar asked, point me in the direction where God does not exist.If Gods made of stone will never speak.How will they advise you on your problems?People think that stone idols are God,but the truly divine must be truly separate from our physical world.If a stone god could really satisfy your needs,then any fool could easily get relief from all the world’s sorrow and pain.Those who worship gods of stone are truly fools.Namdev was truly blessed to learn from the great Vishoba Khecharthat God was in his own heart.--Sakhi of Bhagat NamdevAlthough he is not very well known to Westerners, Namdev’s Hindu poetry has inspired Indians in general -- and Punjabi people in particular -- for the past 700 years.  He was respected for his total devotion to the deity Lord Vithoba.  His Lord came to him, suggesting that he take Visoba Khechar as his teacher and guru.  Going eagerly to him, he was dismayed to find th

What good is it to have a high social class and status? Truthfulness is measured within.Your high-class pride is like poison.  You can hold it in your hand and admire it,But if you eat it, you will die.You know your Guru’s has had Power for all time.Welcome his Commands and you will be welcomed into his home…Remember, you have come to this world only because of his command.His Word is spoken to you as loud as if pounded by a drummer.- Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Page 142, Line 15)The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of devotional hymns and poetry stressing long term peace through internal meditation and shows the reader a meaning of True God as morality, honesty and peace within your mind and not as a physical human form. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the highest regarded scripture in the Sikh religion. It not only contains the works of its own founders but also writings of philosophers from other faiths who inspired these leaders.  It is respected and revered by followers of other religious groups such as the Si

Who is man? Man is the reflection of the Infinite Light. What is the world? The world is wave on the Infinite Sea. How could the reflection be separated from its Light? How could the wave be separated from its Sea? Remember this – when you see the reflection and wave you are gazing on the Supreme Light and Sea. -Jami, Diwan Nur ad-Din Abd ar-Rahman (known commonly as ‘Jami’ after his birthplace) lived in the area of Afghanistan during the 15th century. He was a poet, mathematician and historian, but is most well known for his Sufi spiritual teachings. He viewed Mohamed as an essential part of one’s spiritual development. His poetry is considered some of the last great Sufi (and in general, clasical Persian) works and still well respected today for its wisdom and humility. I think today’s quote shows us both of these qualities. A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book to help calm your mind at http://septicradio.com/free.php

Sheikh Farid (or Farīduddīn Mas'ūd)  was a Sufi poet from Punjabi.  His writings were so popular in the region that they became an important part of the Sikh religion, which developed there later.  Today, please think about this mythical conversation from the Sikh Guru Nanak to Baba Farid.  Notice that reflecting his master's words enhances both the student and the teacher.  Meditate and learn from two great wise men in one passage.Farid:Separated from God, my body burns like an oven,My bones burn like firewood.To meet the Beloved I would walk until my feet were tired,Then I would walk on my head.[ Guru Nanak comments:] You need not burn yourself like an oven,need not inflame your bones.Why torture your poor limbs?Behold the spirit in yourself.Nanak says, I search for my Friend, but my Friend is already with me.-Sri Guru Granth Sahib   A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book to help calm your mind at http://septicradio.com/free.php

When people hear these meditations, they eventually ask me what is the meaning of life.  Many have tried to answer this, so today I share some wisdom of the great teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.  I also chose to echo the Hindu aspects of life and the forces that control it. I hope you take time today to think about this combination of Eastern views in its positive light... that life is more than one isolated biological lifetime."The meaning of life, to help others, to spread wisdom..."   A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book to help calm your mind at http://septicradio.com/free.php

A drop Melting into the sea, Everyone can see. But the sea Absorped In a drop — A rare one can follow!  Kabir    Kabir was a highly respected Benares (Varanasi) spiritualist whose inspiring couplets promoted both Sufi and Bhakti philosophies.  He promoted meditation and thought instead of rituals and idol worship.  His poems are known for their clever analogies, even daring to use irony or satire to promote moral pacifism and purity.   A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book to help calm your mind at http://septicradio.com/free.php

"I know that you search for the golden chain of sprital wisdom. Grab it..." Buddhist Quote As you search for spiritual peace of mind do you recognize your material desires? It is hard to control your possessions. So many people let their possessions become their master. Let meditation give you a better perspective.   A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book to help calm your mind at http://septicradio.com/free.php

The whole world is obsessed with corruption. Corruption has drowned whole families. Humanity, Why have you wrecked your boat and let it sink... - Kabir One of the most respected Persian poets His colorful verses inspire both Muslim and Sikh philosophy   A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book at http://septicradio.com/free.php

"Do not follow a guide because he is a miracle worker.   Miracle workers attracts small minds." -Guru Nanak Founder and greatest teacher of the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak opposed rituals and miracles. His mind was always in meditation, developing a philosophy that inspires millions in Punjab and millions more around the world.   A production of Septic Radio. Download a free Yoga Training Book at http://septicradio.com/free.php

Who can capture the heavens and the earth. from "The Gospel of Buddha" compiled by Paul Carus   In "The Gospel of the Buddha", a Spirit from the other world comes to Earth disguised as a holy man. He asks the Buddha a series of questions. The Blessed One answers every question showing supernatural wisdom. The wisdom of the Buddha inspires many around the world. A production of Septic Radio.

What is the sharpest sword? What is the deadliest poison? What is the hottest fire? What is the darkest night? The Blessed One answered..." - Chögyam Trungpa (1939-1987) Founder of Shambhala Great Buddhist teacher within Trungpa tulkus, of the Kagyü lineage This is a tradition within Tibetan Buddhism but is motivated by Indian philosophy at a time when Buddhist study was strongest there. It uses yoga to enhance meditation.   A production of Septic Radio.  

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because many say it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything simply on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is for the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. -Gautama Siddhartha (Buddha) Buddhist Quote   A production of Septic Radio.   My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-59cb53b4a30f59c46f14f3481b97fdb6}