Get The Facts.

They all say like Superman fighting for truth and justice.

You need facts not fiction.

That burka could be hiding a weapon of mass destruction.

What has caused our disagreements and arguments? Our problems stem from ignorance and they continue because of ignorance. Other defilements such as wanting possessions, power and position over others also play a big part.

The indigenous people of Australian needed nothing more than to be hunter gatherers.

Primitive man was ignorant of the causes of the elements that controlled his survival. Animism was an attempt to explain, the sun and rain and all the elements affecting his survival. This gave birth to shamans and witch- doctors, clever, devious people that claimed they could communicate with the e spirits world. This gave them standing and power in the tribe.

Australian Aborigines understood nature and had no need of technology.

This was in the time of the hunter gathers as man progressed to domesticating animals and cultivating crops he became less nomadic. Villages grew and man became more reliant on the clever ones to lead them.

They had their paradise taken over.

Cities and civilisations were formed. A clever leader created gods and raised taxes to build temples and idols of their gods. Many gods were created to meet all occasions. A hierarchy of priests invented dogmas controlling the people with fearful gods. Sultans and kings consulted the priests on how to manage their people.

Tens of thousands of years it is beleived they lived in harmony with nature.

Having many gods caused discord in the community, as it does to this day. Abraham united his people by giving them a vengeful jealous all powerful god that would not allow worship of other gods. Although the Jews were his chosen people they have been homeless and persecuted throughout history.

Suwon a walled city South Korea 30 km from Seoul.

Strong walls were necessary to protect crops from animal invasion backed up with armies, to protect the wealth of prestigious rulers and their religious priests. Many rulers were psychopaths. All were sick some proclaiming Divine right some claiming to actually be gods. Greed ruled as it does to this day. Greed goes with ignorance, as wisdom is followed by peace and contentment.

This is not a rescue helicopter.

Knowledge is not synonymous with wisdom, knowledge gave man bronze, iron, steel, gunpowder and the atom bomb. The technology we have today all came from knowledge. Technology allowed the powerful to invade, plunder, dominate and take control of other countries. Technology correctly used benefits man, but the ignorant abuse it. Wisdom must be practiced in the use of technology.

Modern technology terribly abused, sign in war museum Canberra.

That very brief outline of the history of man, if taken seriously and followed up by diligent research, from proven sauces, will contribute to enlightenment. Feeding the mind on nourishing wholesome food is the way to bring peace into our life. There are still foolish people that believe witch-doctors and cunning leaders. These gullible people are not evil it is what they accept without question that is evil.

 First World War, was his prayers answered?

 

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Where is the Answer?

Wondrous.

Where is the Answer?

Fantastic.

If I believed in miracles I would pray, the unanswered prayer, peace on earth and good will to all mankind.

My quiet tranquil hide away.

If I were a believer in the patriarchal God I would spend Jesus’s birthday in a secluded quiet place, calm and relaxed, paying thanks to my God for the natural wonders surrounding me. No matter what your beliefs are, being thankful, sharing and appreciating nature’s free gifts is a stress free way to spend every day.

There is serenity here also.

From all the accounts I have read Jesus was a kind compassionate pacifist. I really do not think he would appreciate the frantic way many of his followers are celebrating his birthday. He would be appalled at the way our commercial society has capitalised on his birthday.

Love past present and future.

Love is not something you can buy and wrap up in coloured paper.

Pretty decorations.

Just because I cannot bring myself to believe in miracles does not stop me from appreciating those that sincerely do believe. I still respect a person that follows an ethical path of loving kindness like Jesus exemplified.

Crucifixion Orchards.

Those that feel the need to visit loved ones during the festive season drive curiously, cautiously and carefully. To those that feel obligated to give gifts, be wise in what you can afford. Those with a weight problem, have the will power to show restraint. All things in moderation, never forget alcohol is a criminal, safe till it escapes from the bottle.

Enjoy the wonder of it all.

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Consider, Consideration.

All colours are beautiful.

We are one but we are many.

“Smile Sweetie you are on ‘candid camera’. so are you baby.”

 The Canberra Floriade was a joy not only because of the flowers. The weather was perfectly  tempered warm sunshine. That made the flowers dazzlingly brilliant in a beautiful area by the lake. Everyone was in a friendly mood that match this spectacular free show.

Life is a picnic to enjoy.

There were people from many different lands all mixing friendly and happily. Australia is a multi-cultural land. I was reminded of the song ” We Are One But We Are Many”.

Their love shows.

I took almost as many photos of people as flowers. Because I knew I would do a post showing how we are really all brothers and sisters.

They are bubbling with love.

We all enjoy  Natures beauty, we all feel the same joys and the same sorrows.

It is times like the Floriade that we forget our problem and unite in the appreciation of our good fortune.

I hope this post with my poem spreads the goodwill felt on this wonderful occasion.

A loving scene.

 Consider, Consideration.

Beautiful flowers every to look at.

No one is bad for having a different view.

I do not want to change the world it is such a lovely place.

There is something we may want to change and that’s the human race.

Slow down life is not a race,

we all end up in the same place.

This was taken at the National War Museum.

If I raise my voice in an angry shout,

Tell the people what it’s all about.

To argue fight protest and start a war.

These things have all been done before.

To let them be is a good decision.

There can be no war without division.

Slow down and enjoy.

The whole cosmos is interconnected,

This is a thought to be reflected.

All that is needed is to love one another.

Then a wonderful world we discover.

In nature everything changes,

Nothing is lost it just rearranges.

Our body consists of atoms of matter,

When we die those atoms scatter.

Smiling beautifully.

Wasting time grieving about anger, envy and hate.

Enjoy this fleeting world before it is too late.

Unbiased living, loving, kind and caring.

Appreciate the world we are sharing.

Carried away with flowers.

Chew on these words of nourishment.

Changing ourselves should be our intent.

We cannot force other people to agree.

Show by your example for them to see.

A load of beautiful flowers.

With this understanding of life,

We are free from trouble and strife.

There is no problem in the world it is in us.

A change of attitude stops the fear and fuss.

Love is everywhere.

Improve yourself every day.

To show the world a better way

If some are too ignorant to see.

It is their problem, do you agree?

If you know of a better way,

Please do not hesitate to say.

Enjoying life with out a care.

We must stay calm to hear another person’s views.

Be unemotional and put ourselves in the others shoes.

If we could stand in their position.

There would be a whole transition.

Our view would alter in perspective.

We would become more reflective.

He looks happy has he found contentment?

We do not have to agree,

Only understand and see.

No one is bad for having a different view.

It becomes a problem when forced on you.

Love flowers everywhere.

One must consider with an open mind.

Leaving judgemental prejudices behind.

Weigh up the facts then understand,

You are now right the world is grand.

Happy serving lunch a great attitude.

Take time to consider and appreciate the other side of the equation.

Love, compassion and consideration are all that is needed as persuasion.

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The language of Uncle Sam.

Drovers use motor bikes and helicopters nowadays.

The words of Uncle sham.

What is for dinner?

Uncle Sam never lies; instead he invented a fertilizer and spread it all over the world garden and production flourished. USA, Us of A, us of Australia, have changed the English language, calling this type of fertilizer advertising. As in the conversation Humpty Dumpty had with Alice in. “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carrolls. “When I say a word,” Humpty said in a rather scornful tone, “It means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.” “The question is“said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many things.”

Pauline questions Humpty Dumpty.

The slaughter–house was demolished and in its place the abattoir was established. The meat industry still was not happy with sales. Meat processing plant was the phrase adopted, cut short, with a sharp knife, to processing plant. Flesh covered in hair has no resemblance to meat wrapped in plastic. The rainforests in Brazil are becoming grass lands for vast cattle-stations. Livestock use up more than a quarter of the earth’s surface and contribute to polluting precious water systems.

What is for lunch.

Ronald McDonald decided to dress up as a clown and put play grounds in his fast food outlets. If we can get the kids in mum and dad will follow. Advertising invades almost every area of our garden. Our only escape is a date with Mother Nature, to meditate and gain control of our thoughts. How much fertilizer can be put on the garden before it destroys our source of nourishment, killing our garden paradise, banishing us once more from Eden? Too much of a good thing is growth without attention to sustainability. There is a difference between useful necessities and luxuries or useless trinkets. We horde and want too much and share too little.

How about that?

TV is a habit, especially if you have been on the tread mill all day trying to keep up with the Joneses. Leaving no time to quietly meditate or think is this really a good way to live? The Joneses are not content with all their toys advertising keeps showing them a new and better version they must have. This is dynamic lifter (The trade name for chicken manure) and is being tipped in our lounge rooms via the TV. TV is the secret weapon for the effluent that is spread to the affluent. Politicians keep you in a job so you will keep them in a job. The buy-buy materialistic economy is unsustainable. 

I don’t want to be The Red Rooster.

Too exhausted to cook a wholesome meal, take the family to Ronald’s or to Colonel Saunders if you prefer eating dead chicken. There is no cleanup after, just dump all the superfluous packaging in the rubbish bin, if you can muster up the energy. Then home to sit back and watch TV commercials, interrupted by a frivolous show that some viewers value more than the ads. No need to think, the canned-laughter and applause from the studio audience will let you know how to react; they are shown sign boards so they know when to laugh. This is an example of the vicious tread mill where the rodents train for the rat race.

Scrap metal collector.

The endless growth of materialistic economics combined with the imbalanced distribution to regions where life’s needs are lacking, has caused the increase of global temperatures and hostility between people. Freedom-fighters, guerrilla armies or are they terrorists it depends on whose side you are on. Today let us not call a spade a spade that would be ruled out-of-order. Social justice must prevail. Spade and Sambo are derogatory terms for Afro-American.

Can Barak Obama clean up the mess or is he going to be blamed for the chaos left in the wake of the Bush administration.  Someone is always the fall guy. I would like to see Uncle Sambo out-wit the tiger as in the cartoon link. Those old cartoons full of racial slurs were considered harmless fun by white people. As a child I could not see how harmful and hurtful they were.

All car parts of a days work.

It is a war of words it takes our mind off the real issues. Words have become weapons of mass deception. Uncle Sam needs you to fight for truth and justice and the American way. Play it again Sam, you cannot have it both ways, it is either truth and justice or the American way. Ironically many Americans would agree, they have lost faith in their political system. Intent on promoting the American way in the world and neglecting the flood banks in New Orleans. Where mother Nature put on a little demonstration of her power.

Just a wave from Nature.

Australia is indebted to America, in that it saved us from the Japanese invasion. Supplying us with armaments at a reasonable cost, then when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor they actually entered the war to save Australia. The war took a decided turn when Uncle Sam arrived with the cavalry. In typical Hollywood fashion they were heroes to the rescue, no vengeful motives. Japan was on her last legs when America dropped atomic bombs on two cities that ended the war days, perhaps weeks, quicker than it would have. I am not going to say it was wrong to drop those bombs or the methane bombs on Vietnam or any of the other conflicts Sam has entered into in the name of truth and justice. I do know the armaments industry is big business also the construction industry. Well-off nations are always ready to help rebuild demolished cities and they are conversely expert in demolishing them.

Think food for thought, food for all.

We are all involved in the biggest battle in history. Can America help in the fight Mother Nature has declared on the human race? I do not think we will win without the super powers contributing. The best thing we can do is surrender our materialistic way of life. Giving what is surplus to our needs to those who are ravenous for life’s necessities. Saying the words clean air, food and shelter, will not help one deprived of these necessities. You may give to charities but how much cream is skimmed off your milk of kindness.

All he needs to be happy.

A cliché is an overused phrase, but often true. Charity begins at home, another is if you want to change the world start with yourself. Try to live an exemplary life, I say try, as I try to follow the Buddha’s wise philosophy and I find it is very easy to step off the path he taught. With all my harsh criticism of Uncle Sam I am no doubt straying, hurting some people’s feelings. But it is the intention more than the action that governs the merit of an action. My intention is not to be hurtful they are ideas to assist people with good intentions, stop and think how can I best help the suffering in the world today. Without violently protesting or getting distressed. It is impossible to win a fight with Mother Nature, we must cooperate. Some of my ideas I hope may be a step on the path to understanding.

Awesome sky, watch it.

  

   

 

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Nimbin no alcohol needed.

Nimbin colour on display.

Highs and lows of Nimbin.

Welcome to Nimbin.

The area around Nimbin is beautiful and one can see why people would want live there. The climate is mild, the land is lush and fertile. Back in the 70s a mixture of people took up residence in the area. There were environmentally conscious people; people interested in permaculture, sustainability and hippie types. They started their communes; they protested and succeeded in stopping rain forest logging in the state of N.S.W.

Unreal happy high.

The indigenous people of Australia had a life style that had no detrimental effect on the environment for tens of thousands of years. Then the white man came and discovered Australia or should I say invaded it as Australia was already inhabited by perhaps the oldest race on earth. The invaders cleared and plundered the land, their cattle polluted the streams and the aboriginal way of life was stamped out. The materialistic commercial system favored a few and created hardship for others.

The post is history.

Some forward thinking people and lots of dreamers thought there had to be a better way. These people formed communes and struggled to establish a life in line with their Hippie ideals. The Hippies were those Vietnam protesters, women’s rights movement, peace and unbinding love advocates. Love based on one’s honor instead of a binding legal document.

This wagon parking ticket has expired.

In America the pot smoking, long-haired Hippies made the headlines. Morally depraved, sabotaging Christian values. They were easy pickings for the negative news stirs. They were a threat to the American way of life. Folk singing Hippies were ‘Blown in the wind’ by a record company deal and the beads and colourful dress became commercialized into a fashion statement. Bob Dillon went electric and commerce thrived.

Buddha is in fashion.

1973 the Aquarius Festival was held in Nimbin. Nimbin was put on the map as the first place in Australia to allow communal land title and became know as ‘The Alternative Lifestyle Capital. The media dubbed it “The Drug Capital of Australia”. As usual the negative is stressed because it is sensational and sells papers and advertising.

Bob Marley peace, pot and dreadlocks.

Cannabis can never be made legal it would put the breweries out of business. There would be dropouts in education, absenteeism would rise in the work force. The incentive drive would be replaced by an optimistic laid-back, could not care less attitude. Home gardens of non taxable herbal roll your own would flourish. The whole grasping commercial system would go to pot.

Hand-made novel head-wear.

Nimbin and the surrounding area is a sight well worth a visit, if your intentions are to enjoy the arts and crafts and the natural beauty. I have visited Nimbin over a number of years and found it to be a quiet little village. The local people are an assortment of friendly kind individuals.

An origonal local in tune with life.

If you go to Nimbin, or anywhere for that matter, with selfish intentions of gratifying your wanting ego, you will be disappointed. Nimbin is a quiet peaceful village under normal conditions. You can still wear your recycled cloths and a flower in your hair the locals will not mind or you can buy some new colourful hand-made cloths in Nimbin. If you want imitation faded, frayed and worn jeans you may have to go to an up market store in the city.

Cottage charm.

I enjoyed this visit and did not leave without a sample of the local generosity. I was given four posters, one poster I gave to Pauline, I gave the others to people who like colourful fun posters and may care to go to the event.

Note no alcohol needed.

 

 

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No Fairy Story.

This is a Photoshop mirical.

   Do you believe in fairies?

down to earth view of our garden.

If you have read my blog you will know I do not believe in the supernatural, just the facts. So there are no fairies at the bottom of our garden. But some strange things are happening a photo of a dish of fruit was gmailed to me from Google, taken on my iphone, great idea, Google you have done it again. This is not magic but it is close to it.

The wonderful world.

Things these days make it hard to believe our eyes. Working on my P.C. and out of the blue a message comes up on the monitor telling me not to switch off, updates are down loading from Microsoft. Has the machine got a mind of its own? There is a logical reason I just do not know all the tricks. I do know some of Photoshop’s tricks that look like magic.

The Hyacinth flower lasts only one day.

I want you to reassure me there are no fairies, elves or little people invading my home. I have some little people decorating the garden made out of clay they are not to blame. You can check them out if you like.

In our water garden.

Could some mischievous goblin have taken my camera into the garden and had some fun at my expense. Look at these pictures; I am now over eighty years young, could I bend down low enough to take them.

Under our van Matilda.

Pauline my pommepal believes I am capable of getting up to many things but doubts that I could get down that low. There has to be a logical explanation, may be I am getting old-timers dis-ease. Do you think Pauline is having a joke with me? This is something for you to explain, who took the photos? How could someone take photos from an ant’s perspective? When I put photos in my blog I always use my own or acknowledge. As I did in the post The Montage of Religion to make that montage I got some of the pictures from the internet.

Reflect on this photo it is not Photoshoped.

These photos are a different way of seeing things. We get attached in the way we view the world. The world is constantly changing and we need to try and adjust. Accepting the useful logic and rejecting the unacceptable nonsense. Believing in the logic of today not stuck in obsolete old ways. Consider all the visual angles and other aspects of our life. The detrimental parts of the old myths and fairytales can then be discarded.

This is the low down on fairytailes.

Fairy stories can be entertaining and may have some moral lessons we can use. As long as we understand what is fact and what is fiction we will not argue about irrelevant stupidity.  Magic and miracles all have an explanation if we can see through the trickery, sleight-of-hand, deceit and subterfuge. Mysteries exist that man cannot explain and a hypothesis is put forward to work by. With advancements in understanding the old ideas are replaced by feasible ones.

A fairytail or a naughty gnomes trail.

People are naturally reluctant to change and some people have ulterior reason to not want change. Men in high positions of power suppress the facts that would put them out of business. They suppressed truth and their followers are encouraged to continue in their ignorance. Fear and promises are used to keep their gullible supporters under their control. Greed, fear and ignorance are the three poisons our magnificent natural world is stressed by. If as individuals we do not yield to the evil of greed, bribery or fear, remaining reciprocal, unbiased and learning from all of life teachings, the world will benefit.

looking up at all the angles.

While greed and lies prevail and men fight over the small issues of power, the hungry starve and nature suffers under the pressures of a system based on acquisition. Fairies in our garden are for the enjoyment of children. Adults can have a laugh too and then look at all the angles without fairies, angels and divine messengers. Arguing about who created our wonderful world is destroying it. By taking only what you need appreciating and sharing natures wondrous free gifts. Our individual personal actions may make our world a better place. 

Follow The Path to contentment.

http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.htmlto  I would recomond following this path.

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NO WORRIES.

Have they got it all?

All my personal problems, on reflection, were mostly of my own making. All I wanted was to be carefree, happy and not create discord and difficulty. In my ignorance I made a determined effort to achieve my desired goals. In hindsight my wanting caused pain and suffering to others as well as myself. The trouble I caused was not a deliberate wish; it was a product of my lack of understanding. Blind to the feelings of others my desires fueled a fire that burned all it contacted.

What else do they need?

I no longer have regrets; I have learned the unsatisfactory nature of life is the causes of much suffering to the unaware. The young and inexperienced cannot be condemned for their misunderstanding learned from a materialistic social system. We are fed on the misguided belief that acquiring possessions brings happiness. Nurtured on greed and fear one strives for security, not realizing that fear and greed are poison to peace in our world.

It is a rat race down there.

When helpful truths are learned, from worthy role models and life experiences, we realize wanting and struggling for material things does not bring lasting happiness. In time all things lose their sparkle and shine and the pleasure soon fades. The novelty of succeed does not stop the wanting urge. Wanting to fill our emptiness we keep striving on the endless tread mill, called desire. Wanting, grasping and clinging to things we desire and trying to avoiding what we do not want, we are never at peace. Out of misplaced zeal we strive for what we want and are unmindful of others needs, this behavior can kill love. Destroying our happiness, joy and contentment, the very things we value most. This is how ignorance leads us to fall into life’s traps and pitfalls.

With the right attitude it is beautiful.

We should not grieve over past mistakes, learn from the experience. Do not fear the future enjoy each day, tomorrow we have no control over. The most important time is now, the most important person is the one you are with now, and the most important thing you can do is what you are doing now. Try to live in a modest, uncomplicated way. Taking only what you need, all the really essential things, in life are available if we live in a kindly, sharing and caring way. You cannot change the world you can only live in harmony with the world.

This is the highest position in Sydney.

Never let fear, greed or hate influence you or led you into being afraid of unproven threats. Kindness and understanding are the way to peace, force encourages the opposite reaction. Selfish hording and greed breeds discontent. Lacking understanding of others needs, affluent people flaunt their greedy way of life. Television reaches the eyes of the poor and hungry also the uneducated and gullible who are then ready to be led by unscrupulous, opportunist leaders.

Back down to earth.

I am not saying life is not good, when I say life has an unsatisfactory nature and this is the cause of much suffering. I am saying it is a universal truth that in time all things change and to understand that grasping and clinging to anything is inviting sorrow. As all things are subject to change like water they will run through your fingers. You are left empty and cry out why is this happening to me?  It is not personal, it is just the way things are, it happens to everyone. When we have right understanding of the true nature of things we can face life with a balanced outlook.

Let’s keep it simple

We still work for worthwhile goals but without the urgency, the frenzy or obsession. We enjoy our work if we chose an occupation that will be a benefit to all. Doing a useful job we can take a pride in, it could be cleaning windows, if we have the right attitude it is a wonderful job, for a time I worked at it, out in the fresh air, good exercise, a healthy job, no worries just learn all the tricks of the trade to make those windows perfect. I gave those office workers stationed at their desks a clear view of the outside world. I also enjoyed unobstructed views of the beautiful city of Sydney. We all need a clear view, good attitude and no worries.

That’s all we want.

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What shall I do?

“What’s all the stink about?”

What is going on out there?

according to the media it is mostly all mayhem. Watching world news on T.V. can be very disturbing. It would be irresponsible to take no interest, The question is what can we do as individuals to fix these problems?

I am not looking for trouble.

Reinhold Niebuhr came up with, “The Serenity Prayer.” To quote it “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and to have the wisdom to know the difference.” This is good advice, but without his faith in God, what shall I do!

Keep quiet.

We have little control over the outside. Therefore we should direct our time and energy, not dwelling on the things of the material world. We should concentrate on what emotional effect all this-worldly turmoil is having on our mind.

Racing in the rain,

Is our mind racing around juggling thoughts, frantically pursuing answers, to no avail? What shall I do? Become apathetic and chase after pleasurable distractions and finding no lasting satisfaction from that, chase what is pleasant only to find that it is only a temporary distraction. Hurrying to what we want or scurry away from the unpleasant, on the go never calm. We become unhappy, even disturbed, and emotionally unstable. In this state of mind we can not do anything or help anyone, we will then need help. What shall I do!

The ostrich, it is said, sticks its head in the ground.

Stop it is as simple as that, meditate, calm down, concentrate get those disturbing thoughts under your control. Like a radio when static interferes we have to tune in and stop the mind static by meditation. An unsettled mind cannot think clearly. Practicing meditation you become mindful of your thoughts and your emotional state.

Takeing it easy, in deep thought.

Be aware of those negative mind states and how they feel and what they are. When you are delayed or have to wait, recognize impatience arising, when you are mindful the impatience will not escalate into anger that can turn to what is known as road rage. There are many bad feelings, fear, envy, jealousy, hate, greed and anger. Anger is ruinous a person consumed by the fire of anger enjoys nothing. Under strong negative emotions the joy in your life disappears. The antidote for the negative is to fill your heart with positive kind loving and caring feelings for others. There are always people with more, do not envy them, think of the less fortunate and be grateful.

Put on a brave face.

When something breaks or is lost in some way, getting upset will not bring it back, you may feel the loss but does it do any good to let it spoil your day. We can be injured or sick and in pain but is there any need to suffer, crying and making other lives miserable. When in pain you are unhappy and when the pain stops you are happy. Therefore anytime you are not in pain, should be a reason to be happy. What shall I do?

I don’t want to hear it.

Look on the inside; think what is happening inside your mind. What effect is the outside environment having on your mind and take control of your thoughts. Thoughts lead to actions and actions become habits. You can cultivate good or bad habits and as you sow so shall you reap, that sentiment is quoted in all major ideologies.

The Buddha.

What you can do, is to make your goal in life, to change the world by your example. To do that, you need to be aware of your thoughts and their effect on your feelings and behavior. This is not easy it takes practice, another quote, “To know and not to do, is still not to know.” I have found that meditation has helped me to be a better person and being a better person has brought its own rewards. There is no action without reaction; this is the law of Karma.

The indigenous Australian have been persecuted suffered.

What shall I do? Start with a smile and the world will return your smiles. That was my first lesson on Karma. Taking a deep breath and trying to follow only my breathing was the beginning of meditation practice. The Buddha gave us a wonderful guide in, “The Eight Fold Path, it is a lifelong endeavor of self-improvement. In this world of many distractions you will often take wrong turns, but as in meditation just refocus, put it behind you and continue.

When you are smiling the whole world smiles with you.

Your smile will be infectious. Your courtesy when driving will alleviate stress in others. Your kindness will be appreciated; your honesty will breed trust. If you want to conserve be conservative not extravagant. Your appreciation will be appreciated and your respect will bring you respect. In heavy traffic you will have the opportunity to practice your patience and if you do you will not promote that dreaded “road rage”. There will be many opportunities in life to change the world, around you for the better, by your actions.

In the temple meditating.

Do not expect others to do this for you. Wish in one hand and cry into the other and see which gets full first. You can protest, you can pray or Keep asking, what shall I do?

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STEPS TO RESTORING THE ENVIRONMENT.

 Steps to restore the environment.

Rest is found in the greens of nature.

This post was prompted because so many people are deeply concerned about the impact our materialistic system is having on the environment and our quality of life.

Worry is futile.

Worries and fears will not help and violent action will aggravate the problem. Putting our hands together praying may still our fear but the problem will remain. Although a practical spiritual approach is needed.

Friends with Buddha.

Understanding the Taoist ideas of wu-wei, (the action of non action) and to be in balance with nature, would be of some help. The Buddha’s understanding of the nature of reality found in the Four Noble Truths and practicing the steps he prescribed in The Eight Fold Path could be the answer. If we were to follow this philosophy the problems of the modern world could be turned around. With this understanding and practice I believe there would be a vast improvement in your happiness and the world in general.

Fathers choice a Christian child.

There is no need to change your religious beliefs, understanding the Four Noble Truths and by following the Eight Fold Path would enhance your existing beliefs not change them.

Sacred places are tranqual havens.

Mother natures problem child.

The problem child does not want to go to bed, stays up late watching television. What the child watches is mostly violence or negative nonsense interrupted by the advertising of useless extravagant things we cannot afford. The violence instills fear because of fear the child is driven to school. Two cars are then needed in the family. Father has no time to wait for busses to get to work. Busses are so infrequent, no-one uses them except old people and they get a concession on their fare, no wonder public transport is failing to give good service. The children need to be taken to sport, and other activities by car, they cannot ride their bikes because the roads are crowded with dangerous drivers, hurrying to keep up with the modern pace of the human race.

A nice toy for the boy.

The cost of all the labour-saving devices, we are enticed to buy by the advertising industry has made it necessary to go to a gym to exercise. We could get our exercise in many other ways but there is not time for messing around at the beach surfing or wandering in the mountains. We have to keep earning those dollars to pay for all our time-saving and fashionable, ego building, items advertising lured us into buying.

Natural and free is the way to be.

The garden is paved there is no time to play in a garden. A chlorinated swimming pool replaces the lawn, with a few sculptured garden gnomes and sometimes a concrete Buddha meditating. The birds, bees and interesting creatures have no reason to visit, this sterile unnatural place. Mother Nature’s delinquent children have no time to enjoy her free gifts. They are too busy greedily acquiring more things to hoard and clutter up their life.

Economical and practical.

This is not my problem I am not wasting my time worrying about the environment. Nature is infinite it cannot be destroyed; man will ultimately destroy himself with his ignorance. In nature nothing is lost it only changes, as matter in a compost heap breaks down to become nutrients for new life.

We need to take care, of natures beauty.

A truce is needed in all mans wars and a united effort is needed to restore our alliance with nature.

Altogether beautiful.

I am only concerned in fixing my own faults and how much I am abusing nature’s free gifts. I have little influence on the world; I only have influence on myself. Advertising is selling it but I am resisting the temptation to buy and throw out something just because it is faded or out of fashion. Do not buy unless you have a genuine need. Nature is a lasting free gift, other costly things are impermanent and time is an irreplaceable resource, once spent it can never be regained, you cannot relive yesterday. Our life is made of un-renewable time.

beautifying the world.

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The big questions.

Good outlook, heigh position.

The big question.

Philosophers ask the big questions, here are some small questions and ironic answers.

Great job.

Why are we working long hours? The answer is to pay for time and labor saving devices. Why do I need a car to go to the gym? Because we get no exercise driving a car. Cycling or walking in the open air with the world unfolding at an enjoyable pace is worth considering.

Skys the limit.

Why do we need a car that travels faster than the legal speed limit? Same reason people smoke. We need to slow down and look at the flowers you do not see much at fifty km/hr through a smoke haze.

No gym fees low cost transport, no smoke.

Why do we buy expensive equipment and not read the manual on how to use all the available features? Because we do not need all the features we have paid for.

Why do we discard things that are still useful and serviceable? The reason often is because they are not the latest fashion.

We have it all.

Why do we waste our time on material things we do not need? Because we do not value our time that is an irreplaceable commodity.

We may think he has it all.

Why do we want everything? Because we are lacking something.

Why do people argue with us? It is because we are disagreeable. Why are we too short of time to relax? Because we are too busy making money.

On reflection this one has it all.

Why do we worry because most of the things we worry about never happen?

Why do we try to convert others to our beliefs? Because we will not consider changing our beliefs.

Why do some people want for nothing? It is because they are contented with having what they need and real needs are not extravagence.

Which one is the best?

It is a poor man that needs to greedily hoard material things in an effort to be happy. Modern technology can never surpass, in any field of mans costly endeavors, natures gifts. Nature’s wonderful gifts are free to those that respect and appreciate what she offers.

I think I’ll go by train.

This entire futile struggle needs to be questioned and a more leisurely approach, in balance with the flow of nature, is required. 

Bikes are best.

 

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