14 Meaningless Things

Like returning empty-handed from an island of precious gems,
it is meaningless to
ignore the sacred Dharma
after having obtained a human body.

Like a moth diving into a flame,
it is meaningless to
return to family life
after having entered the gateway to the Dharma.

Like dying of thirst at the shore of the ocean,
it is meaningless to
live near a noble Dharma master
while having no trust.

Like leaning an axe against a tree trunk,
it is meaningless to
have a spiritual practice
that is not used to remedy the four roots and ego-clinging.

Like a sick person holding a bag of medicines,
it is meaningless to
have heard oral instructions
that don't remedy disturbing emotions.

Like a parrot reciting verses,
it is meaningless to
have a tongue that expertly recites Dharma words
that are not taken to heart.

Like trying to wash a sheepskin coat in plain water,
it is meaningless to
be generous with wealth
acquired through thievery, robbery, or deception.

Like handing a mother her child's flesh,
it is meaningless to
make offerings to the three jewels
by hurting other sentient beings.

Like a cat lying in wait for a mouse,
it is meaningless to
be stubbornly involved
in selfish aims for this life.

Like trading a wish-fulfilling jewel for a pile of ordinary
gems,
a load of leftover beer-mash, or a single bag of flour,
it is meaningless to
perform ostentatious virtuous actions
out of a desire for mundane praise and fame, honor and gain.

Like a doctor striken by an incurable disease,
it is meaningless to
have studied a lot
and yet remain a shallow person.

Like a rich man without the key to his treasury,
it is meaningless to
be learned in the oral instructions
but not apply them in practice.

Like the blind leading the blind,
it is meaningless to
teach others the significance of a spiritual practice
you have not realized yourself.

Like believing brass to be gold,
it is meaningless to
regard an experience produced through a technique to be the
supreme,
while neglecting the natural state.

These were the fourteen things that are meaningless.

- Gampopa

Words from Cheryl of 95S5

Life's Little Instruction Book: -



* Have a firm handshake.
* Look people in the eye.
* Sing in the shower.
* Own a great stereo system.
* If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
* Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
* Always accept an outstretched hand.
* Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
* Whistle often.
* Avoid sarcastic remarks.
* Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
* Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
* Lend only those books you never care to see again.
* Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
* When playing games with children, let them win.
* Give people a second chance, but not a third.
* Be romantic.
* Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
* Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
* Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for your convenience, not the caller's.
* Be a good loser.
* Be a good winner.
* Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
* When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
* Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
* Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
* Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
* Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
* Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the one's you did.
* Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
* Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
* Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
* Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
* Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
* Once in a while, take the scenic route.
* Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, 'Someone who thinks you're terrific.'
* Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
* Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
* Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
* Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
* Become someone's hero.
* Marry only for love.
* Count your blessings.
* Compliment the meal when you're a guest in someone's home.
* Wave at the children on a school bus.
* Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
* Don't expect life to be fair.