If life is so short, what truly matters? Buddhist wisdom
(Buddhism Podcast) Buddhism Explained. In a world where everything fades—youth, success, even our own identity—what truly matters? This video explores the Buddhist teaching of impermanence (anicca, pronounced /AH-knee-chah/, that everything is in constant flux, hurtling towards destruction) and how it can help us live with clarity, peace, and freedom.
Drawing from the Noble Eightfold Path, the true nature of the self, and the roots of suffering, it offers not just reflection, but a way to live meaningfully—especially in the face of constant change.
00:00 - The One Truth No One Can Escape
03:32 - The Shadow We Mistake for Ourselves
07:46 - Why Letting Go Isn't Loss – It's Freedom
11:15 - The Noble Eightfold Path: Living with Clarity, Not Control
17:25 - What Truly Matters: Freedom from Suffering
I remember studying the doctrine of Dependent Origination(D.O.), hoping to determine a "first cause," a prime mover, the beginning of everything. Taken in an academic way, one might conclude that it all began with ignorance (avijja or avidya,"unknowing"). It made sense. IF everything is an illusion (maya), as Hinduism says, ignorance would be the first cause. Of course, it didn't really make sense but only remained academic.
Years later, speaking with someone who had attained the first stages of enlightenment (yes, such a thing is possible today), I of course asked what the breakthrough was: absorption (jhana), insight (vipassana), stillness (samadhi)?
I was baffled to be told that it was actually "the practice of Dependent Origination." I had to stop myself from saying, "But Dependent Origination is not a practice, just a theory of everything and how it all began..." I bit my tongue and instead asked, "How does one practice that?"
It goes back to what the wandering ascetic Siddhartha was doing in the forest that time. He pursued his great spiritual quest with the question, "Why do we suffer?" or "What is the cause of suffering so that we can end it?"
He was finally practicing the absorptions, or jhanas, which purified his mind until with "clear seeing," he asked, "What is the cause of present suffering (aging, decay, death)?"
He understood that it was rooted in rebirth, and he saw that rebirth is rooted in other things (becoming, clinging, craving, feeling, contact, senses, body-mind, consciousness, formations), back and back into past lives. And why were there formations? Ignorance is the answer. That having been, this came to be.
The ascetic Siddhartha traced it all the way back, seeing how things co-arise: With the arising of this, that arises. When this is not, that does not come to be. This is how he became the Buddha, "the Enlightened One."
I remembered how the Buddha had warned Ananda not to underestimate Dependent Origination. Ananda made the mistake of saying that he thought it was clear and obvious. "Do not say so, Ananda, do not say so." Dependent Origination is deep and profound and seems so to one who understands. It is on account of not seeing this that both he and all of us have wandered through samsara for so very long.
Dependent Origination is the vivid counterpart to the mind-bending doctrine of no-self (anatta). People necessarily misunderstand that doctrine -- according to their inclination, either as eternalism or annihilationism (both of which are wrong) -- because they have never understood Dependent Origination, which can be understood as a very general principle ("suchness") or a very specific practice.
"Practice, what practice?" I asked. See a proficient meditation master such as Pa Auk Sayadaw or any of his awakened student-teachers. Until it is put into practice, there will be no realization (liberating insight), no liberation (moksha), no enlightenment (bodhi), and no nirvana.
How the Buddha solved the mysterious riddle of life | His greatest teaching
(SEEKER TO SEEKER) The Buddha's greatest discovery, Dependent Origination (paticca-samuppada, aka conditioned cogenesis, conditional coarising, interdependent arising), reveals the profound mechanics of life, suffering (dukkha, disappointment), and liberation (moksha, nirvana).
This essential doctrine shows how all experiences arise from interdependent causes and conditions, unraveling the roots of our struggles and pointing to the path to ultimate freedom.
This video breaks down the 12 causal links of existence and their deep implications for our understanding of "self" and reality. #buddha#buddhism #philosophy #enlightenment#dharma#dhamma
(First To Eleven) Better looking and sounding than the original Disney product Sabrina Carpenter and her new hit "Espresso." This cover is by First To Eleven and it is of the biggest banger so far, at least until Lana Del Rey comes up with a third summer-related hit. This was recorded in May 2024. #firsttoeleven #pop #rock
California hits record temperatures as heat wave drags on
(CBS News)
July 11, 2024: The heat wave gripping California is breaking records, with multiple cities in the Golden State reporting temperatures at and above 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Death Valley Life: A Day at Lake Manly and a tour of guest trailer
(Wonderhussy Adventures) Oct. 25, 2023: Death Valley Life #38: Lake Manly is a real lake in the middle of the hottest desert in the world, Death Valley, California. It rained a lot after the drought, and the water filled up. There are even indigenous pup fish that live here year around, which may spread into the basin and spawn. Death Valley Park has finally reopened, so desert alcoholic Wonderhussy figured she should go out and see the "lake" that is temporarily filling Badwater Basin near Furnace Creek -- a rare event that only happens after extraordinary rainfall. But one can't really "swim" in Lake Manly because it's too shallow and salty...so she goes home and sets about getting a fifth wheel travel trailer ready for Mike Z to stay in while he's here helping with projects.
"Hot Girl Problems"
(Double Take) Hot Girl Problems, California song for residents and tourists
California Girls road trip: beach, Disneyland...
California Girls trip vlog: Disneyland, beach, sunsets, good food, and more ✨ππ☀️π’
CBS News Los Angeles reporter Kara Finnstrom has more. CBS News 24/7 is the premier anchored streaming news service from CBS News and Stations that is available free to everyone with access to the internet and is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting, and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stations' top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally, and around the globe. It is available on more than 30 platforms across mobile, desktop and connected TVs for free, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+ and live in 91 countries.
IET, July 1, 2020; Crystal Quintero, CC Liu, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit
If it's Barbie you want, and I want your attention, what else could I do but conform?
Celebrating Black History Month (all year long)
February is Black History Month. And there are many greats we have not heard of, due to some implicit bias in American history circles. Who invented electrified guitar rock 'n roll? Sister Rosetta Thorpe (the Godmother of Rock 'n Roll), later improved by Jimi Hendrix and a lot of Black-artist-and-Blues-loving British rockers.
Lewis Howard Latimer Life Story: Inventor and Innovator
(IET) Mr.Lewis Howard Latimer was one of the first major African-American inventors, responsible for items such as the forerunner to the air conditioner in 1886 as well as the first water closet (toilet) for railroad cars in 1874.
He is most noted for his work with Thomas Edison -- making electric light, through the incandescent light bulb, available to the world.
Lewis Howard Latimer, the man who played an important role in Edison and Bell’s historic work and whose inventions have touched our lives in more ways than we know, is an unsung Black hero.
This is his life story: Black inventor and innovator Latimer was born on Sept. 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA, as the youngest of four children born to George and Rebecca Latimer.
Six years prior to Latimer’s birth, his parents had been chattel slaves in the state of Virginia. They managed to escape and sought freedom in Boston, Massachusetts, but shortly after arriving in Boston, father George Latimer was recognized as a fugitive and jailed.
There was a trial, and the attempts to recapture George and return him to Virginia caused considerable agitation in Boston. When the trial judge ruled that Latimer still belonged to his Virginia owner, an African-American minister paid $400 for his release.
Edison: He was a great help to me.
With this very humble background, Lewis Latimer’s family could only afford a few years of grammar school for him and his siblings. He developed a keen interest in the arts but especially in drawing, a skill that would benefit him hugely throughout his life.
By the time of his adolescence, the Civil War had engulfed America, and in 1864, at the age of 16, he enlisted in the Union Navy.
At the close of the war, Latimer was honorably discharged and secured employment as an office boy with the patent law firm called Crosby and Gould.
Keen to advance himself and utilizing his interest in drawing, Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing. His perseverance and passion paid off, and he eventually managed to become chief draftsman at the firm during his 11 years.
He met and married Mary Wilson, with whom he would go on to father two daughters.
Latimer and Bell
The first phone transmitting device (Bell actor)
Lewis Latimer secured his first patent in 1874 for the Water Closet, an improved toilet system for railroad cars and, in 1876, he was hired by Alexander Graham Bell.
Bell: We're making history, boys.
Bell was working on his telephone invention and was in a race to get a patented design before anyone else registered a similar device.
Latimer’s expertise in drafting meant that on Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day?), 1876, Bell’s telephone patent was filed just a few hours earlier than Bell’s rival inventor, Elisha Gray.
If it had not been for Latimer’s expertise and knowledge, Bell would not have the fame for telephony he still holds in the world today.
Light bulb invention
In 1880, Latimer began to work as a mechanical draftsman for Hiram Maxim, founder of the U.S. Electric Lighting Company and a fierce competitor to Thomas Edison.
Here, Latimer learned so much about lightbulbs that by 1881, along with Joseph Nichols, he registered a patent for a light bulb with a carbon filament.
Shortly afterwards, he received another patent for "the process of manufacturing carbons," which was an improvement on the method for the production of carbon filaments used inside light bulbs.
With his knowledge and expertise in the field, he was eventually hired by The Edison Electric Light Company in 1884. Here he worked closely with Edison and become his patent investigator and expert witness, protecting Edison’s patent and inventions of imitators.
Latimer would also go on to become one of the charter members of the Edison’s Pioneers, where he was the only African-American member of the highly prestigious group.
Air conditioning
What is the secret to making ice? - High five?
Latimer’s inventing talents were not limited to light bulbs. In January 1886, he invented an "early air conditioning unit" seen as the grandfather of the modern air conditioning unit.
Latimer stayed with Edison’s company throughout the years as it merged with other companies to form General Electric, the same American company that is active today.
Lewis Howard Latimer came from so little and at a time in history where he was a second-class Black citizen in a very racist, white supremacist society that his accomplishments are astonishing.
But through hard work and determination, he managed to rise up and make important advancements in many practical scientific technologies that we use today.
Although "Latimer" is not a household name like his contemporaries and colleagues, he truly deserves a place alongside them.
Lewis Latimer inventions:
Light Bulb Invention
Air Conditioning Inventor
Helped Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone (patent provider)
Water Closet for Railroad Cars
Locking rack for hats, coats, and umbrellas
If he's so famous, why doesn't he have a Wikipedia entry?
I thought I was the only Black American to be shafted and outshone by a famous white colleague
He does! Lewis Howard Latimer (Sept. 4, 1848–Dec. 11, 1928) was a scientist, American inventor, and patent draftsman.
The Dems let us down worse than racist Trump
His inventions included an evaporative air conditioner, an improved process for manufacturing carbon filaments for light bulbs, and an improved toilet system for railroad cars.
In 1884, he joined the Edison Electric Light Company where he worked as a draftsman. Latimer's innovations in the design of carbon filaments, which were used in incandescent light bulbs, significantly improved the bulb's efficiency and made it more practical for everyday use. [Wait, that wasn't Edison himself making these improvements?]
Latimer's contributions to the lighting industry helped make electric lighting more accessible and affordable for all Americans [1].
While Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the practical incandescent light bulb, it was actually Latimer's contribution to its development that were invaluable. Latimer played a crucial role in advancing the technology.
The Lewis H. Latimer House, his landmarked former residence, is located near the Latimer Projects at 34-41 137th Street in Flushing, Queens, New York City. More
Shwe Zan Aung and Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids (trans.), TathatΔkathΔ, Points of Controversy 19.5, Of “Thusness”; Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Controverted point: That the fundamental characteristics of all things (sabba-dhamma) are unconditioned.
TheravΔdin: (PTS cs 19.5.1) Do you then identify those fundamental characteristics or “thusness” ["suchness," tathatΔ] with nirvana, the Shelter…the Goal, the Past-Deceased, the Ambrosial? Or are there two “unconditioneds”? You deny both alternatives, but you must assent to one or the other.
If to the latter, I ask, Are there two kinds of Shelters and so on? And is there a boundary or…interstice between them? (PTS cs 19.5.2) Again, assuming a materiality (rΕ«patΔ) of matter or body, is not materiality unconditioned?
You assent. Then I raise the same difficulties as before. (PTS cs 19.5.3) I raise them, too, if you admit a “hedonality” of feeling, a “perceivability” of perception, a saαΉ khΔratΔ or co-efficiency of mental coefficients, a consciousness of being conscious.
If all these be unconditioned, are there then six categories of “unconditioneds”? (UttarΔpathaka: PTS cs 19.5.4) But if I am wrong, is the “thusness” of all things the Five Aggregates [clung to as self] taken together?
TheravΔdin: Yes.
UttarΔpathaka: Then that “thusness” of all things is unconditioned. Source
Features Writer Sahar Ejaz, Gulf News, 8/26/22; Ashley Wells, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Happiness? When justice wins! (Che)
Does anyone know that it’s easy to train our brain to be happy? Turns out, Pavlov (the guy with the dog) was right. The Russian psychologist proposed that we learn by conditioning our brains.
Remember the dog that salivated every time a bell rang after it was conditioned to associate food with the sound? Apparently, we’re a lot like Pavlov’s dog except for the drool.
In our case, the bell is a sight we see every day that slowly grows on us, simply because it’s there.
As obvious as this sounds, it is a psychological phenomenon that can actually help us reboot our life for the better.
We hold the power to train our minds to lead happier lives. And the best part? All we have to do is change our environment to get the ball rolling.
According to American social psychologist Robert Zajonc, familiarity does not breed contempt. He proved the statement in a seminal paper he titled "Attitudinal Effects of Mere Exposure" back in 1968.
Through a series of experiments, Prof. Zajonc showed that we tend to favor objects we’re repeatedly but subtly exposed to. He called this the "mere exposure effect," otherwise known as the familiarity principle.
Now think about the social and behavioral cues around us and all that we could have picked up without realizing – good or bad. The effect, then, works both ways. The brain favors the good and the bad the more it sees it.
"We feel more secure as we are exposed more to the same person, object, or social situation. It reduces the uncertainty in the environment" (Dr. Lakshmi Saranya, Lifeline Modern Family Clinic).
According to Dubai-based clinical psychologist Dr. Lakshmi Saranya, it only takes a fraction of a second for our subconscious mind, the one in charge of decision-making and storing habits, to internalize what it has seen. More
September equinox is the evening or equaling as the seasons change, going from summer to autumn. The Southwest has just had a heat wave on top of a drought with monsoon rains and drastic flooding. When it rains it pours. And when it doesn't, it all dries out.
The Wiccans will soon be dancing. Halloween is on its way. And the dead are stirring. No one really dies, except that this ego is fading constantly, rebuilding, and falling apart until the transition we call "death" seems to take them away, from this dimension to another, from the human to the ghost, heavenly, hellish, or another human realm.
The human plane is very large, much larger than earth, extending into space in all directions.
Rebirth is a crapshoot. Based on Abhidharma("Higher Doctrine" or "The Dharma Explained in Ultimate Terms"), whatever "mind moment" or citta comes up will condition and determine the rebirth plane and circumstances.
There goes the summer, the craziest summer our society has had in decades!
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If an entheogen (DMT) could make us see reality
Every act (karma) left countless impulsions (javanas) that can serve as the basis for the future. So unless we're very careful and doing something about it right now, we could be in for a world of hurt in any of the lower planes or in a bad way on this plane in the future. It won't all be devi bliss and enhanced celestial pleasures all the time, like so many of us seem to imagine.
Hey, Gwen, what's up at Woodstock III?
Gwendolyn in Berkeley was a hippie who didn't believe in religion, but she did believe in heaven -- at least to the extent to constantly say, "If there is one, that's where I'm going." How did she know, and what did she think was preventing her for destinies elsewhere in the downward-path (niraya), the Fall, the hellish unfortunate destinations (naraka)? She didn't think that far. She just loved keeping it in the moment and not thinking too much. Aren't many of us like that more than we care to admit? Phish, Grateful Dead, slob rock (lo-fi), and everything is groovy.
Most of the life forms that we know and understand exist above the ground and need light and air to exist. We'd certainly be struggling without them. But as the saying goes, "Life finds a way." It can hide at the bottom of the deepest pit on the planet or thrive at the bottom of the ocean. Whether we're talking about people, animals, or bacteria, this video takes a closer look at some of the most incredible and remote places that life has been found to exist.
Conditionsexist through change. We can’t prevent it. Just think, Could we exhale without inhaling? Would it even feel good? Or could we just inhale? We want things to be permanent, but that can’t be. It’s impossible.
Radical impermanence
Anicca (the impermanent nature of things) is the first of the "Three Characteristics of Existence." By realizing this truth, in most texts, the other two characteristics (the disappointing and impersonal nature of things) are derived. Realization of the three leads to awakening.More
Recorded at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre (BSWA), Perth, Western Australia. Ajahn Brahm discusses how blaming others is counterproductive. And he explains what to do when blamed and how to nurture the good parts of others by giving praise (positive feedback) instead of noticing and criticizing their bad states and traits. Support BSWA making these types of teachings available for free online via: patreon.com/BuddhistSocietyWA.
[Like Little Piggies] anyone can build a house of straw, of stick or brick. But the Buddha taught that this sort of house is not a real home for us. It’s ours in name only.
It is a kind of house in the world, for it follows the way of the world. Our "real home" is inner peace.
An external, material house may well be pretty, but it's not peaceful. There’s this worry then that, that anxiety then this. So we say, It’s not our real home. It’s external to us. Sooner or later we’ll lose it and have to give it up.
It’s not a place in which we can live permanently. Why? That's because it doesn’t really belong to us. It belongs to the world.
Our body is the same way. We take it to be myself, to be "me" and "mine" and "I." But in fact it’s not really so at all.
It’s another worldly house. Our body has followed its natural course from birth, and when it’s old and sick, we can’t forbid it from being that. That’s the way it is.
Wanting it to be any different is as foolish as wanting a duck to be a chicken. When we see that that’s impossible -- that a duck must be a duck, and a chicken must be a chicken, and that these bodies have to get old and die -- we find courage and energy.
However much we want the body -- or any temporary house -- to go on lasting, it won’t do that. It won't last long. The Buddha said:
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