Metropolitan Buddhist

Occasionally, we need to forgive
others’ major offenses.
Daily, we need to forgive and let go
of minor irritations.
Venerable Wuling

Everyone has “demons”.

These demons take various shapes:

• Chronic Pain
• Compulsion
• Addiction
• Anger
• Jealousy
• Attachment

The first step is to acknowledge the demon’s presence in your life.
Second, embrace it. Understand it. Seek the source.
Once you’ve identified the source, work to make changes to drive it away.

Do not expect others to see your demons or have a desire to offer help. Should you need help, do not hesitate to ask. Heavy lifting is best done with assistance.

We learn worldly knowledge through reading.
We learn Buddha-dharma through experience.
Venerable Wuling

The problem of criticizing others
is not deciding who is right.
It is that we are judging others.
Venerable Wuling

This quote from Venerable Wu Ling reminded me of a time I met a very well-known guitar player. I sat with him before soundcheck at one of his shows while on tour a few years back. One of the questions I asked him was “What has been your biggest challenge in life, and how did you overcome it?” – to which he said “I try every day not to criticize others. That is an ongoing challenge.” He elaborated and asked me not to publish what he shared, but his first statement stuck with me. Here’s a man who has toured the world and worked with so many talented people in his life. Yet, he reminds himself every day to not criticize or judge others. My respect for him has never been higher since.

It is not the quantity of teachings that matters,
but how well we practice those we have.
Venerable Wuling

Accepting that life will continue without us
is letting go.
Venerable Wuling

Remembering those who have passed before us means they’ve left only the physical world. They live on forever in the souls they have connected with.

Take nothing for granted,
assuming it will always be around.
Venerable Wuling