Peace of Mind

photo by Jonathan Worth

“Now, you see, world peace through mental peace is an absolute. It is the ultimate goal. 

But as for the method, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. 

Under a particular set of circumstances, a certain approach may be useful while under other circumstances another may be useful. This is a very complicated issue which compels us to study the situation at a particular point of time. We must take into account the other side's motivation, etc., so it is a very complex matter. But we must always keep in mind that all of us want happiness. War, on the other hand, only brings suffering--that is very clear. Even if
we are victorious, that victory means sacrificing many people. It means their suffering.
Therefore, the important thing is peace. But how do we achieve peace? Is it done through hatred, through extreme competition, through anger? It is obvious that through these means it is impossible to achieve any form of lasting world peace. Hence, the only alternative is to achieve world peace through mental peace, through peace of mind. World peace is achieved based only on a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, on the basis of compassion. The clear, genuine realization of the oneness of  all mankind is something important. It is something important. It is something we definitely need. Wherever I go, 
I always express theses views."
 --H.H. The Dalai Lama

Sent to me by a friend, Sheppard Powell, from San Francisco in response to my depleting spirit.

Cycle Repeats

I feel as though I'm really caught in some kind of cycle that repeats rapidly.
My cat, Serengetti is on the same ride with me. 

art by Josee Bisaillo

I have another birthday on Dec 1 and within a few months, Losar follows not too far behind, bringing my 60 years cycle with the Iron Rabbit.

So, once again, my cycle begins. I pray that it not.