The key to happiness

Most unhappy people I know never seem to consider the question below. Instead, it is all about "me," rather than "we." To truly give with both hands is a gift to yourself in addition to others.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Letting go of ego

This passage below summarizes all that is good in my parents' relationship of 51 years. They have a total "we" relationship style that is love-, not fear-based. This passage reminds me of what Marianne Williamson used to say, "Do you want to be right or be happy?" The ego rather be right. David's words are inspiring and insightful.

If the partners in a relationship are mainly concerned with proving themselves right, then the ego rules the relationship. If they are concerned with how to make the relationship work, then cooperative love rules. Ego, which means "I," is the main obstacle to intimacy, which implies "we." In reality, there is no solid, separate self. We are all interconnected and contingent upon one another.

--David Richo

Skillfully working with my fears

The Buddhists encourage us to take the Middle Path in which we don't deny or overindulge our fears. Instead, simply noticing and gently "holding" them when they inevitably arise. When I was younger, I tended to veer off into either extreme. Not so much now. But this requires staying on the spot, being mindful and waking up (over and over again). This practice is challenging and wonderfully-rewarding stuff.

If I lived in Haiti...

...I would find it difficult to keep moving ahead while being surrounded by poverty, the widespread degradation of its natural environment, political corruption and crime, and frequently-occurring natural disasters. This impoverished islands has suffered through many hurricanes in the past decade and now it is recovering from a massive earthquake. So much suffering!

Having watched the news about Haiti, I continue to be impressed by the resiliency of human beings and their ability to accept what is and move forward. My prayers are with the people of Haiti.

"Not always so"

“Not always so” is one of Suzuki-roshi’s main lessons, illustrating the idea that we suffer because our preconceived notions and expectations. In contrast, having what Suzuki-roshi called “fresh eyes” requires us to be awake, live in the present and be willing to accept what is in front of us.

On why marriage equality matters...the male plantiffs in the Federal case to overturn Prop 8

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Ted Olson’s Opening Statement in Prop. 8 Trial

The federal trial over the unconstitutionality of Proposition 8 began today with a powerful opening statement by attorney Theodore Olson, who with David Boies is leading the legal team assembled by the American Foundation for Equal Rights to litigate the case:

This case is about marriage and equality. Plaintiffs are being denied both the right to marry, and the right to equality under the law.

The Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly described the right to marriage as “one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men;” a “basic civil right;” a component of the constitutional rights to liberty, privacy, association, and intimate choice; an expression of emotional support and public commitment; the exercise of spiritual unity; and a fulfillment of one’s self.

In short, in the words of the highest court in the land, marriage is “the most important relation in life,” and “of fundamental importance for all individuals.”

As the witnesses in this case will elaborate, marriage is central to life in America. It promotes mental, physical and emotional health and the economic strength and stability of those who enter into a marital union. It is the building block of family, neighborhood and community. The California Supreme Court has declared that the right to marry is of “central importance to an individual’s opportunity to live a happy, meaningful, and satisfying life as a full member of society.”

Proposition 8 ended the dream of marriage, the most important relation in life, for the plaintiffs and hundreds of thousands of Californians.

For the full text of his opening statement, click here.

More ancient wisdom

Sent by my friend Richard:

The temple bell stops
but I still hear the sound
coming out of the flowers.

--Basho, 1680

The biggest one on the block

This graphic says a lot about the psychology of men and the builders of these skyscapers.

A favorite quote from "The Course in Miracles"

Love is the answer, whatever the question.
--The Course in Miracles

However, love sometimes means saying no, setting boundaries, and stopping violence or cruelty.