Energy

113. THROUGH HEAVEN AND HELL

When the Buddha-to-be was born as King Nimi, he was so famous for his wisdom that the gods sent a chariot to fetch him to meet them. On his journey Nimi experienced all the hells and also the various heavens. Finally he discoursed with the gods and returned to earth. In Buddhism, wisdom means being familiar with all states of being, and never overwhelmed by them

THE NIMI JATAKA

114. THE JOURNEY, NOT THE GOAL

“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not the attainment. Full effort is full victory.”

MAHATMA GANDHI (1869–1948), INDIA

115. THE FIFTH PARAMITA

Energy (viriya) encourages us to abandon laziness and procrastination. Fear of not getting what we want can make us unwilling to wholeheartedly give ourselves to life’s challenges. Viriya counteracts this fearful “I won’t” and transforms the heart.

116. UPBEAT

“A person with patience should cultivate zeal, because awakening is established with zeal.”

SANTIDEVA (8TH CENTURY), INDIA

117. ENLIGHTENED ENERGY

The windhorse appears in the middle of traditional Buddhist prayer flags, surrounded by the garuda, dragon, tiger and snow lion. It embodies the uplifting energy that carries good fortune to all beings.

118. ASKING AND SEARCHING

“For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

MATTHEW 7:7–8