There are 4 great seals of Mahamudra
– the main principles of Buddhism.
They’re called ‘seals’ because they are non-negotiable truths. If we hold these truths in our heart, then we are holding a Buddhist point view; and we’re creating freedom for ourselves and others.
So nothing to do with these cuties, but everything to do with why Buddha’s advice works so very well.
(Considering you can’t google ‘seal images’ without getting photos of some incredibly stupid humans on a clubbing spree, it seems that a lot of people really do miss the point. Maybe they just like the thrill of the chase.)
ॐ
“Selfish desires are a bottomless pit” (Shantideva)
So there’s no joy to be found in desiring more all the time. It’s dissatisfaction and discontent all the way. Grasping at worldly happiness is like trying to get a handful of water. We’re trying to hold onto something so insubstantial and changeable it’s bound to be frustrating. And isn’t it?
It makes much more sense just to let go, be content, and watch the stream go by.
And because this is a nice idea, but we are a bit busy today;
Buddha taught the four great seals to remind us how things really are.
Like a cosmic reality check.
‘Hello?.. This is our reality…’
ॐ
The Four real Seals:
all products are impermanent
all contaminated things are the nature of suffering
all phenomena are selfless
only nirvana is peace
more to come on this…
(List source – ABC Website)
Jun 05, 2012 @ 12:10:19
Great post! I love the way you brought in the ocean seals. I enjoyed reading this post so much I’m going to put it on my fridge today.
I can think four ways. Yeah… I can do this.
Have a great day.
Meredith
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Jun 05, 2012 @ 13:38:29
Wow, thank you It had to go through through a few revisions before it really got a feel of what Buddha was saying. And yeah, you can do this!
The next article will expand a little on these 4 ways of thinking ~ they really are a liberating path.
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Jun 05, 2012 @ 13:34:55
Things change, things hurt, nothing exists and realising this sets you free.
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Jun 05, 2012 @ 13:37:09
Exactly 🙂
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