Favorable Qualities
for Householders
Who is wise and virtuous,
Gentle and keen-witted,
Humble and amenable,
Such a one may attain to honour.
Who is energetic and not indolent,
In misfortune unshaken,
Flawless in manner and intelligent,
Such a one may attain to honour.
Who is hospitable, and friendly,
Liberal and unselfish,
A guide, an instructor, a leader,
Such a one may attain to honour.
Generosity, sweet speech,
Helpfulness to others,
Impartiality to all,
As the case demands
These four winning ways
make the world go round.
[Buddha]
.........
The past is already past.
Don’t try to regain it.
The present does not stay.
Don’t try to touch it.
From moment to moment.
The future has not come;
Don’t think about it
Beforehand.
Whatever comes to the eye,
Leave it be.
There are no commandments
To be kept;
There’s no filth to be cleansed.
With empty mind really
Penetrated, the dharmas
Have no life.
When you can be like this,
You’ve completed
The ultimate attainment.
~Layman P’ang (740-808)~
“Thousands of candles
can be lit from a single candle,
and the life of the candle
will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases
by being shared.”