Buddha

Buddhism resonates with many in our increasingly secular culture. It makes no speculations about the nature of divinity or the origins of the universe. That's why some refer to it not as a religion or even a philosophy but rather "a science of the mind." The sayings of the Buddha tend to appeal to those of any religious faith... or none:

* Speak or act with an impure mind and trouble will follow you, as the cart follows the ox.

* Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

* I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.

* A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.

* However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?

* Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

* Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not affected by praise or blame.

* Contentment is the greatest wealth.

* I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.

* You will not be punished for your anger. You will be punished by your anger.

* Though one may conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, yet he is the noblest victor who conquers himself.

* The most essential prayer is patience.

* There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to Truth: not going all the way, and not starting.

* To understand everything is to forgive everything.

* Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with common sense and your own reason.

* Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.

* You too shall pass away. Knowing this, how can you quarrel?

Buddhist teachings have influenced millions, not just adherents in the East but many of the greatest thinkers in the West, including Transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, psychologist William James and - that old crepehanger himself - German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer.

The Buddha encouraged followers to develop their perspective through meditation and empathy. His goal? To wake us from our reverie, make us realize the impermanence of all things and the importance of easing the suffering of others.

His integrity and clarity had a powerful impact on everyone he met. According to the Pali Canon, which dates back to 29 BCE:

When the Buddha began to wander around India shortly after his enlightenment, he encountered several men who recognized him as an extraordinary being.

They asked him, "Are you a god?"

"No," he said.

"Are you a saint?"

"No."

"Are you a prophet?"

"No," he said again.

"Well," they asked, "what are you then?"

The Buddha smiled. "I am awake."

Carpe Diem,

Alex