we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
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VERSE 7
Just like the mind, there is wisdom and knowledge of the body. Trust its innate instincts. Listen to every facet of information that comes to you. Your heart, your gut, your mind, and your physical body all provide unique information.
Think with the whole body.
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VERSE 8
It is impossible to be constantly thinking of the past and future and still get the most out of life. Focus your full attention in the present moment and connect to “the now,” to increase your mindfulness and the quality of your experiences.
Do not lose yourself in the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. Do not get caught in your anger, worries, or fears. Come back to the present moment, and touch life deeply. This is mindfulness.
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Verse 9
The mind alters the perceptions of reality. Use it as an instrument for wisdom and righteousness on earth. The mind can have a significant bearing on the things of this world.
Not the wind, not the flag; mind is moving.
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VERSE 10
The body and mind must be disciplined to remain focused and healthy. Guard yourself against evil and meaningless temptation. This could encompass anything from excess materialism, gossip, jealousy, greed, and more.
Buddha means awareness, the awareness of body and mind that prevents evil from arising in either.
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VERSE 11
Both the mind and body must rest in order to stay healthy. Yin and yang encompass the very meaning of balance. Yin is rest, yang is movement. You cannot be balanced with just stimulation and action, but will also be unbalanced with only rest and reflection.
Calming allows us to rest, and resting is a precondition for healing.
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VERSE 12
The fight is always won before it begins. Set your sights high—not just towards your goal, but beyond it.
If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.
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VERSE 13
The mind is as complex and beautiful as the earth and heavens—where you choose to roam, however, will make the difference as to what you see, experience, and learn. Direct your mind to higher things, beautiful and bright destinations.
I come to realize that mind is no other than mountains and rivers and the great wide earth, the sun and the moon and stars.
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VERSE 14
A undisciplined mind can easily be led astray by manipulation and bad influences. Take responsibility and action for yourself to know what is right.
It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
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VERSE 15
Being genuine is very rare nowadays, especially speaking and acting from the heart. Try speaking and acting today only with pure and sincere motives, you may be surprised at how much effort it takes.
If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows them like a never-departing shadow.
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VERSE 16
Ignorance in the mind is always deliberate. We all have the choice to follow the path to enlightenment, yet choosing to do nothing is still making a decision. Choose better for yourself and to improve the quality of your life.
When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality.
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