But it's precisely in the moments when we face illness, loss, or the presence of death that we can find our shared humanity and learn to expand our hearts with wisdom and compassion.

The Death, Love, & Wisdom Summit offers a nurturing space to explore spiritual and practical topics related to death, dying, and grief with 16 extraordinary Buddhist teachers and contemplative care professionals.

What You'll Learn During the “Death, Love & Wisdom” 2023 Summit

Although impermanence is the only certainty in our world, conversations about death and dying are too often avoided.

But these topics are not just about endings; they're also about transformation and growth—exploring the depth of love and meaning in life.

The esteemed lineup of expert presenters includes Buddhist teachers, chaplains and counselors, educators, leading teachers and pioneers in Buddhist and contemplative care.

You can expect to learn:

• Foundational perspectives and practices in Buddhist chaplaincy
• How to tend to loss, grief, and traumatic bereavement with care and self-compassion
• How to bring stability, understanding, and love to end-of-life experiences
• Create a supportive and caring environment during the dying process
• Ways to find meaning and joy in life through awareness of impermanence
• How to transform fear surrounding death into wisdom and resilience

“Death Love & Wisdom Summit” Daily Schedule

The summit will open with a live keynote session with Roshi Joan Halifax and close with a live keynote session with Frank Ostaseski, each hosted by Chenxing Han.

Each morning, they will release a new set of pre-recorded sessions for the day, and you'll have free access to each day’s sessions and free on-demand replays for 48 hours.

Day 1 – Making Our Peace With Death

Explore Buddhist wisdom for cultivating compassion in the presence of death, and how to find acceptance, clarity, and peace in the face of life's greatest uncertainty.

Day 2 – Hospice, Palliative & End of Life Care

Learn contemplative perspectives and practices that honor the dying process and help create a stable and loving environment to those preparing to die.

Day 3 – Right Here With You: Care at the Time of Death

Discover how to make friends with death and become a compassionate presence during life's final moments.

Day 4 – Grief and Bereavement Support

Navigate the terrain of grief with wisdom and kindness, learning to hold and heal losses with self-compassion, equanimity, and resilience.

Day 5 – The Supreme Meditation: How Awareness of Death Brings Us Joy & Wisdom

Cultivate a deep awareness of impermanence and learn to infuse each moment of life with joy, gratitude, and wisdom.

Speaker List: Death Love & Wisdom Summit 2023

You’ll learn from Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Frank Ostaseski, Koshin Paley Ellison, DMin; Chodo Robert Campbell, Claudelle Glasgow (Dr g), PhysD; Joanne Cacciatore, PhD; Cheryl Giles, MDiv, PysD; Chenxing Han, Roy Remer, Judy Lief, and many more.

Free Gift For Attendees

By signing up now you'll receive a free instant download, “Being Mindful of Our Mortality” an audio teaching from summit presenter Nikki Mirghafori.

Who Should Attend the 2023 Death, Love, and Wisdom Summit

For individuals seeking personal growth, it offers a unique opportunity to explore end-of-life transitions with wisdom, compassion, and love.

For those working in care professions, this summit provides invaluable insights and strategies to enhance your practice and learn to care for yourself at the same time.

Whether you’re facing illness, loss, caring for someone at the end of life, or a professional in the field of care, this summit offers a nurturing space to explore the depths of life, death, and love from a remarkable panel of contemplative care leaders.

You'll have a special opportunity to:

• Deepen your relationship with life and death
• Transform fear
• And learn what death can teach us about living fully.

Watch the “Death, Love, and Wisdom Summit” Trailer Video

Even if you can't attend as scheduled, register now because you'll be able to listen to sessions for brief time after they air.

Health Disclosure: The contents of this website/e-mail are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Affiliate Disclosure: We are grateful to be of service and bring you these life-changing events free of charge. In order to do this, please note that whenever you click the links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases we will receive a referral commission.

Your support in purchasing through these links makes it possible for people in over 150 countries globally to attend these live-changing events for free. Thank you! 🙂

The post Death, Love, and Wisdom Summit 2023 appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

These teachings go far beyond cultural and religious boundaries, offering universal truths that can help each of us in every area of our lives.

Wisdom for Life & Tricycle have teamed up to gather 35 Buddhist teachers and scholars to share practical Buddhist philosophy and wisdom that can help you gain the clarity and tools you need to meet many of life’s struggles and challenges.

Why Attend the 2023 Buddhist Wisdom for Life Summit

If you're ready to start healing as an individual and living more in tune with your true self…

Or you would like guidance and new perspectives on challenges in your life, then join the summit so that you can:

• Get insight and solutions for many of the recurring problems we experience in our daily lives
• Gain wisdom for relationships and connection, navigating emotions, life purpose and meaning, ethics and values, health and well-being and much more
• Discover tools of compassion, gratitude and love to deepen states of expansion in many areas of your life
• Cultivate resilience through profound practices so you can experience a renewed sense of confidence and balance
• Learn to live more authentically and bring more joy, inner peace, and freedom into your life

Who The Buddhist Wisdom for Life 2023 Summit Is For

The summit is for anybody who wants:

• To experience more inner peace, freedom and joy
• Help with some of life’s daily challenges and struggles
• More healing
• To stop feeling trapped, overwhelmed, and disconnected from who they really are
• To transform themselves and their lives, and need a clear path to move forward

Buddhist Wisdom for Life 2023 Schedule

• DAY 1: Navigating Emotions
• DAY 2: Relationships & Connection
• DAY 3: Ethics & Values
• DAY 4: Life Purpose, Vision & Meaning
• DAY 5: Health & Well-Being
• DAY 6: Professional & Work Life
• DAY 7: Social Justice & Protecting the Environment

Free Gifts for Summit Attendees

When you register for the Buddhist Wisdom for Life Summit, you'll get immediate access to several free gifts including:

Gift #1: “Five Practices to Change Your Mind” eBook

The Buddha taught that while we may not be able to change what’s going on around us, we can always change our own minds. This ebook contains five meditations—from mindfulness to loving-kindness—to help steady your mind in turbulent times.

Gift #2: Chapter 1 of Sharon Salzberg's New Book “Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom”

Receive an advance first chapter of Sharon’s newest book that will teach you how tools like mindful awareness, friendship and a greater sense of purpose can aid you on the path of expansive freedom and living true to who you really are.

Gift #3: “Finding Calm & Contentment in Turbulent Times” session from the Mindfulness and Compassion Global Summit

Get access to this powerful session from one of our partner summits with Rick Hanson. In this session, Rick Hanson offers a practical and experiential exploration of brain-savvy ways to grow lasting happiness and inner peace.

Gift #4: “Working With Daily Challenges as a Path to Deepending Self-Care” session from the Self-Care Summit

Get access to this powerful session from one of our partner summit with Susan Piver. In this session, Susan shares ways to work with emotional pain that connect you with your greatest good and purpose, and how lovingkindness meditation can shift your mindset and offer a new perspective.

Gift #5: Early Access Talk “Socially Engaged Buddhism: Taking Care of All Beings Equally” with Roshi Joan Halifax

Gift #6: Early Access Talk “Befriending Emotions: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities” with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

Affiliate Disclosure: We are grateful to be of service and bring you these life-changing events free of charge. In order to do this, please note that whenever you click the links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases we will receive a referral commission.

Your support in purchasing through these links makes it possible for people in over 150 countries globally to attend these live-changing events for free. Thank you! 🙂

The post Buddhist Wisdom for Life Summit appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

The Dalai Lama’s kindness, humility, and wisdom lead the way and set an example for us all, and we are pleased to invite you to explore his vision and key messages to the world in The Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit 2023.

What You'll Learn During the Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit

Join tens of thousands of participants from all over the world and hear from an esteemed panel of Buddhist teachers, experts, spiritual leaders, and activists to celebrate and reflect upon what it means to be human in our modern world.

During the Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit, we will unpack the essential teachings and priorities of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as we explore:

• Cultivating goodness in ourselves and others.
• How to use the power of the fundamental human quality of compassion to experience inner happiness and create a more harmonious and just society
• Embracing the Dalai Lama’s call for “a new global ethics of universal responsibility”
• Applying the personal insights gained through meditation to see the world more clearly and unlock a path toward societal change
• Key Buddhist teachings on wisdom to the challenges faced by humanity
• Navigating personal and collective challenges with wisdom and insight
• Guided meditations led by some of the world’s leading Buddhist scholars
• Experience the joy of a universal spiritual ethic rooted in compassion
• Creating a more united society through the power of compassion and virtue
• Learning how personal transformation is the key to social transformation
• Working together to create a better future, world, and society

Sign up today to join this free online experience:

• 5 days of inspiration and expert guidance
• 20 transformative talks, teachings, and dialogues
• 18 helpful guided meditations

Free Gift for Summit Attendees

When you register, you'll also get a downloadable selection of teachings from Lion's Roar's exclusive publication The Vision of the Dalai Lama: Wisdom for a Compassionate World.

Daily Speaker Schedule for the Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit

Day 1 – Goodness: Bringing Out the Best in Us

The Dalai Lama is a beacon of inspiration for our troubled society. To begin this momentous global summit, our expert speakers will illuminate the Dalai Lama’s message to the world and explore how we can cultivate goodness in ourselves and society.

Speakers: Thupten Jinpa, Robert Thurman, Lisa Miller, and Matthew Fox

Day 2 – Compassion: The Foundation of Connection

Compassion is at the heart of the path of the Buddha, and has the transformative power to unite us. Together we’ll discover how, by cultivating genuine compassion toward ourselves and others, we can experience inner happiness and create a more harmonious and just society.

Speakers: Phillipe Goldin, Cyndi Lee, Pamela Ayo Yetunde, and Tony Butterfly Pham.

Day 3 – Ethics: Upholding Universal Human Values

The Dalai Lama has called for “a new global ethic of universal responsibility,” and together we’ll explore what this looks like in practice. We’ll discover the joy of ethical action and learn how to lead with compassion and altruism.

Speakers: Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi, Brother Phap Luu, Joe Loizzo, and Tenzin Geyche

Day 4 – Meditation: The Key to Personal and Social Transformation

Join us for expert guidance in key meditation practices emphasized by the Dalai Lama, and learn how personal insights gained through Buddhist meditation can unlock a path toward societal change.

Speakers: Dan Zigmond, Dan Goleman, Ven. Thubten Chodron, and Spring Washam

Day 5 – Wisdom: Seeing Reality Clearly Together

With its conflicts, environmental crises, and many other societal challenges, our world needs wisdom now more than ever. Together we'll explore key Buddhist teachings on wisdom and discover how these can be applied to the many challenges faced by humanity today.

Speakers: Robert Thurman, Thupten Jinpa, Dr. Vandana Shiva, Pema Khandro Rinpoche, and Melvin McLeod.

About Your Summit Sponsors

About Lions Roar

Mission-driven, non-profit, and community-supported, Lion’s Roar provides Buddhist teachings, news, and perspectives so that the understanding and practice of Buddhism flourishes in today’s world and its timeless wisdom is accessible to all.

We do this by providing as many entry points as we can: through our print and digital publications, our website, video, social media, online courses, practice retreats, and more.

We try to bring dharma to people right where they are, knowing what a difference it can make in their lives.

About Tibet House US

Tibet House US was founded at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil.

By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people of the world, we hope to inspire others to join the effort to protect and save it.

Tibet House US is part of a worldwide network of Tibetan institutions committed to ensuring that the light of the Tibetan spirit never disappears from the face of this earth.

Replay Period For the Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit

Even if you can’t attend live, register now because each day's talks will be available for a brief replay period.

Affiliate Disclosure: We are grateful to be of service and bring you these life-changing events free of charge. In order to do this, please note that whenever you click the links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases we will receive a referral commission.

Your support in purchasing through these links makes it possible for people in over 150 countries globally to attend these live-changing events for free. Thank you! 🙂

The post Dalai Lama Global Vision Summit 2023 appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

What You'll Learn During the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit

Learn to open your heart and experience fearless compassion for yourself and others.

Each day of the summit includes talks, teachings, and practical guidance, including contemplative training to transform difficulty and awaken the heart.

• Explore how to turn uncertainty, loss, and difficulty into strength and compassion.
• Learn how to let go of habitual reactions and struggles, and experience more joy.
• Awaken your innate compassion and wisdom—your basic goodness.
• Ease burnout with strategies to nourish and care for yourself.
• Receive in-depth instruction in tonglen meditation and lojong (heart-mind training).

About Pema Chodron's Teachings At This Summit

Pema Chödrön has been a guiding light for millions of people around the world. She has shown us how to appreciate life, embrace uncertainty, and find courage and compassion when things fall apart. Her wisdom is supportive, grounding, and truly transformational.

We all know how it feels to be overwhelmed by uncertainty and change. It is our deeply ingrained habit to seek solid ground, and we often find ourselves grasping for it. Pema’s teachings illuminate how we often go looking for peace in all the wrong places, and that the key to working with life’s difficulties is in learning how to let go and to trust our innate goodness.

We are delighted to invite you to a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear from 11 Buddhist teachers and heart friends inspired by Pema Chödrön to celebrate her example and explore powerful teachings to transform difficulty and live fearlessly with an open and compassionate heart.

We hope you will join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Pema Chödrön’s cherished wisdom, and to learn new tools for navigating uncertainty, cultivating compassion, and finding joy.

Each day of the summit includes inspiring talks, spiritual teachings, and practice instruction from presenters, plus:

• Session introduction from Krista Tippett, award-winning creator and host of On Being
• Daily workshops on tonglen and lojong practice with Judy Lief
• Video teaching from Pema selected from the Shambhala Publications archive

Who The Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit Is For

This free online summit is for you if you’ve found yourself asking:

• How can I shake feelings of restlessness and learn to be ok with uncertainty?
• How can I embrace life’s ups and downs and use challenges to awaken my heart?
• How can I learn to practice loving-kindness when I feel hurt or betrayed?
• How can I move more gracefully through undeniable change?
• How can I bring more joy into my life, and into the lives of others?

As Pema says, “From great suffering can come hatred, resentment and despair… or from great suffering can come great openness of heart and a great sense of kinship with others.”

Essential Qualities The Summit Will Help You Cultivate

• Openness
• Kinship
• Joy
• Resilience

Inspired by one of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our time, Pema Chödrön.

How the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit Can Help You

When faced with uncertainty, we experience the painful familiarity of groundlessness and fear.

When these difficult emotions arise, we long for support. We search for new ways to navigate our inner world and work with the suffering that surrounds us.

If there’s one person whose wisdom we can count on to provide this support, it’s Pema Chödrön. Pema teaches us to let go of our habitual avoidance of suffering.

She shows us how to embrace the vulnerable and open space of the present moment. If we can tap into this space, we find an endless resource of innate wisdom and strength—and ultimately a path to greater freedom and joy.

During the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit, 11 remarkable Buddhist teachers and heart friends of Pema Chödrön will celebrate her legacy and offer powerful teachings and practices to help you awaken your heart and live with greater openness and courage.

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↘️ Click Here To Register For Free ↙️
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Daily Schedule for the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit

Day 1: Making Peace With Things As They Are

As human beings, we want to cling to what is safe and familiar, even though we know change is inevitable. Sadly, this clinging causes us a lot of pain.

Learn how we can let go of expectations and soften into a more accepting attitude towards uncertainty and change. Discover how this can help us adjust to life’s difficulties with greater joy, lightness, and ease.

Day 2: Befriending Ourselves

Despite our society’s growing awareness of the importance of self-care, many of us find loving ourselves to be the hardest task of all.

Discover how making friends with yourself is the vital first step towards loving the world. Explore ways to express tenderness and care for yourself, and discover how that is the secret to weathering difficult times with greater equanimity and grace.

Day 3: Awakening Our Hearts

Once we experience that first spark of spiritual awareness in our hearts, we need to find a way to nurture it and help it to grow into a powerful fire of compassion.

Explore how to fan the flames of bodhicitta, the awakened heart of compassion and wisdom, and consider practical ways to develop this quality within your own life.

Day 4: Working With Obstacles

When we encounter difficult emotions — fear, anger, sadness — it’s easy to shut down, numb out, or just run for the hills.

Discover how the very things that challenge us most are also golden opportunities to wake up to the truth of impermanence and connect with the life-changing power of compassion.

Day 5: Trusting Your True Nature

We often find ourselves caught up in our surface level experience — letting our thoughts and emotions define who we are.

Learn how to nurture your innate goodness — your natural compassion, wisdom, and love. When we trust our capacity for these qualities, and bring awareness to them in our day-to-day lives, we move through the world with lightness, joy, and freedom.

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↘️ Click Here To Register For Free ↙️
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Speaker List for the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit

Judy Lief, Mingyur Rinpoche, Margaret Wheatley, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Tami Simon, Father Greg Boyle, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, Anam Thubten, Karma Lekshe Tsomo, Arawana Hayashi, Gaylon Ferguson

About Your Summit Sponsor – Lions Roar

Mission-driven, non-profit, and community-supported, Lion’s Roar provides Buddhist teachings, news, and perspectives so that the understanding and practice of Buddhism flourishes in today’s world and its timeless wisdom is accessible to all.

We do this by providing as many entry points as we can: through our print and digital publications, our website, video, social media, online courses, practice retreats, and more.

We try to bring dharma to people right where they are, knowing what a difference it can make in their lives.

Free Gift for Summit Attendees

When you register for the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit, you’ll also be able to immediately download a free e-book, “5 Teachings of Pema Chödrön.”

This concise yet powerful eBook is 17 pages long and covers the following topics:

• How to Tap Into the Natural Warmth of Your Heart
• Why Meditation Is Vital
• How to Make the Most of Your Day—and Your Life
•  How to Develop Unconditional Compassion
• Signs of Spiritual Progress
• How To Enjoy Life

Replay Period For the Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit

Even if you can’t attend live, register now because each day's talks will be available for 48 hours.

Affiliate Disclosure: We are grateful to be of service and bring you these life-changing events free of charge. In order to do this, please note that whenever you click the links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases we will receive a referral commission.

Your support in purchasing through these links makes it possible for people in over 150 countries globally to attend these live-changing events for free. Thank you! 🙂

The post Wisdom of Pema Chodron Summit | Free Ticket appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

More often than not, it’s the mental, emotional, and physical wounds of the past that land as debris along the journey of becoming…

These wounds block you from:

• Achieving your goals
• Optimal wellbeing
• And Harmonious relationships

And the wounds diminish the glow of your light-filled self.

During this free online spiritual healing class, with beloved psychotherapist Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone, you’ll discover how the enlightened teachings and sacred technologies of Judaism and Buddhism can serve to help you transmute the challenges of today into the solutions of tomorrow…

… and illuminate your path to becoming an agent of blessing in the world.

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↘️ Click Here To Register For Free ↙️
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What You'll Learn During This Free Online Spiritual Healing Workshop

• An embodied spiritual practice derived from an ancient Jewish ritual to help stimulate and regulate your brain and nervous system — and reconnect you to your innate goodness
• That old wounds can be positively repurposed and used to break through obstacles on the path to living a sacred, light-filled life and building yourself anew
• How ancient traditions are being renewed for a post-patriarchal world and relevance for our times
• The power that ancient sacred technologies still have to positively transform your life and the lives of others
• Why so many sacred teachers are weaving ancient teachings of Judaism and Buddhism together for personal and collective healing

Under Rabbi Tirzah’s guidance, you’ll explore how connecting with these ancestral wisdom traditions can connect you with your higher self…

And help you build the foundation you need to cultivate clarity and deepened awareness.

You’ll start seeding the world with hope and goodness by reconnecting to your sacred purpose and self through ancestral healing and timely ancient spiritual teachings…

That positively repurpose the wounds of the past and pave a new way forward.

And you’ll experience an embodied spiritual practice derived from an ancient Jewish ritual to help stimulate and regulate your brain and nervous system — and reconnect you to your innate goodness.

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↘️ Click Here To Register For Free ↙️
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About Your Spiritual Teacher – Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone

Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone is an author, psychotherapist, and a renowned Jewish scholar and teacher. Widely known for her groundbreaking work on Kabbalah, depth psychology, intergenerational trauma healing, and the re-integration of the feminine wisdom tradition within Judaism, Rabbi Tirzah lectures and teaches globally about spiritual and ancient wisdom practices that are honed to assist us at this critical time in world history.

Rabbi Tirzah’s publications include With Roots in Heaven: One Woman’s Passionate Journey into the Heart of Her Faith and The Receiving: Reclaiming Jewish Women’s Wisdom.

Her latest work, combining research on depth psychology, neuroscience, and the field of collective traumatology, is highlighted in the award-winning book Wounds Into Wisdom: Healing Intergenerational Jewish Trauma. In it, she shares the remarkable life stories of people around the world who have healed from profound tragedy and trauma. The book provides directives for the transformation of all of our injuries — both personal and inherited — into moral wisdom, courage, and compassion.

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↘️ Click Here To Register For Free ↙️
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Affiliate Disclosure: We are grateful to be of service and bring you these life-changing events free of charge. In order to do this, please note that whenever you click the links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases we will receive a referral commission.

Your support in purchasing through these links makes it possible for people in over 150 countries globally to attend these live-changing events for free. Thank you! 🙂

The post Living in Radical Presence – For Sacred Healing, Spiritual Growth, Hope & Goodness – With Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

Though disturbed by the monkey’s pranks, the buffalo bore everything patiently without complaining. The other animals of the forest saw this and wondered why the buffalo tolerated all the mischief without losing his patience or scolding the monkey.

Unable to hold back his curiosity, the elephant one day asked the buffalo why he never punished the truant monkey. At this the buffalo smiled and said that he was thankful to the monkey for teaching him how to be patient.

The monkey who was sitting on the tree heard this and was ashamed of himself. He came down at once to seek the buffalo’s forgiveness and thereafter they became good friends.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of “The Magic of Patience” Story?

The “Magic of Patience” parable delves into the depths of the human spirit, offering insights into the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and understanding. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the capacity for growth through adversities and challenges.

The Bodhisattva's manifestation as the buffalo signifies not just endurance but the embodiment of spiritual grace. The buffalo's response, marked by patience and gratitude, illuminates the path to higher understanding—a path paved with compassion, tolerance, and the capacity to learn from every experience, no matter how challenging.

At its essence, the Magic of Patience story speaks to the human experience—an exploration of our interactions, our responses to trials, and the lessons they bestow upon us. It resonates as a guiding light, urging us to cultivate patience, to embrace forgiveness, and to recognize the profound teachings embedded within the most unexpected circumstances and individuals.

In the reconciliation between the buffalo and the monkey, we witness the transformative power of humility and forgiveness—a testament to the potential for redemption and the harmony that arises when understanding and forgiveness intertwine.

Ultimately, the Magic of Patience parable offers a profound invitation—an invitation to foster patience, to embrace forgiveness, and to seek wisdom in every interaction. It beckons us to emulate the buffalo's unwavering patience and the monkey's transformative realization, forging connections rooted in understanding and compassion.

The post The Magic Of Patience – Zen Buddhist Spiritual Story appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

After some time a young girl, named Kisa Gotami, an orphan and very poor, passed by, and seeing the rich man in the bazaar, said: “My lord, why do you pile up gold and silver for sale like this?” And the rich man said: “Will you please hand me that gold and silver?” And Kisa Gotami took up a handful of ashes, and lo! they changed back into gold. Considering that Kisa Gotami had the mental eye of spiritual knowledge and saw the real worth of things, the rich man gave her in marriage to his son, and he said: “With many, gold is no better than ashes, but with Kisa Gotami ashes become pure gold.”

And Kisa Gotami had an only son, and he died. In her grief she carried the dead child to all her neighbors, asking them for medicine, and the people said: “She has lost her senses. The boy is dead. At length Kisa Gotami met a man who replied to her request: “I cannot give you medicine for your child, but I know a physician who can.” The girl said: “Pray tell me, sir; who is it?” And the man replied: “Go to Sakyamuni, the Buddha.”

Kisa Gotami repaired to the Buddha and cried: “Lord and Master, give me the medicine that will cure my boy.” The Buddha answered: “I want a handful of mustard-seed.” And when the girl in her joy promised to procure it, the Buddha added: “The mustard-seed must be taken from a house where no one has lost a child, husband, parent, or friend.” Poor Kisa Gotami now went from house to house, and the people pitied her and said: “Here is mustard-seed; take it!” But when she asked, “Did a son or daughter, a father or mother, die in your family?” they answered her: “Alas the living are few, but the dead are many. Do not remind us of our deepest grief.” And there was no house but some beloved one had died in it.

Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless, and sat down at the wayside, watching the lights of the city, as they flickered up and were extinguished again. At last the darkness of the night reigned everywhere. And she considered the fate of men, that their lives flicker up and are extinguished. And she thought to herself: “How selfish am I in my grief! Death is common to all; yet in this valley of desolation there is a path that leads him to immortality who has surrendered all selfishness.”

Putting away the selfishness of her affection for her child, Kisa Gotami had the dead body buried in the forest. Returning to the Buddha, she took refuge in him and found comfort in the Dharma, which is a balm that will soothe all the pains of our troubled hearts.

The Buddha said: “The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain. For there is not any means by which those that have been born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there is death; of such a nature are living beings. As ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, so mortals when born are always in danger of death. As all earthen vessels made by the potter end in being broken, so is the life of mortals. Both young and adult, both those who are fools and those who are wise, all fall into the power of death; all are subject to death.

“Of those who, overcome by death, depart from life, a father cannot save his son, nor kinsmen their relations. Mark I while relatives are looking on and lamenting deeply, one by one mortals are carried off, like an ox that is led to the slaughter. So the world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world. In whatever manner people think a thing will come to pass, it is often different when it happens, and great is the disappointment; see, such are the terms of the world.

“Not from weeping nor from grieving will any one obtain peace of mind; on the contrary, his pain will be the greater and his body will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale, yet the dead are not saved by his lamentation. People pass away, and their fate after death will be according to their deeds. If a man live a hundred years, or even more, he will at last be separated from the company of his relatives, and leave the life of this world. He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and complaint, and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind; he who has overcome all sorrow will become free from sorrow, and be blessed.”

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

The post The Mustard Seed – Zen Buddhist Spiritual Story appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

I have heard about three monks. No name is mentioned, because they never told their names to anybody, they never answered anything.  So in China they are only known simply as “The Three Laughing Monks.”

They did only one thing: they would enter a village, stand in the marketplace, and start laughing. Suddenly people would become aware and they would laugh with their whole being.

Then others would also get the infection, and then a crowd would gather, and just looking at them the whole crowd would start laughing. What is happening? Then the whole town would get involved, and they would move to another town.

They were loved very much. That was their only sermon, the only message — that laugh. And they would not teach, they would simply create the situation.

Then it happened they became famous all over the country — the three laughing monks. The whole of China loved them, respected them. Nobody had preached that way — that life must be just a laughter and nothing else.

And they were not laughing at anybody in particular, but simply laughing as if they had understood the cosmic joke. They spread so much joy all over China without using a single word. People would ask their names but they would simply laugh, so that became their name, the three laughing monks.

Then they became old, and in one village one of the three monks died. The whole village was very expectant, filled with expectations, because now at least when one of them had died they must weep. This would be something worth seeing, because no one could even conceive of these people weeping.

The whole village gathered. The two monks were standing by the side of the corpse of the third and laughing such a belly laugh. So the villagers asked, “At least explain this!”

So for the first time they spoke, and they said, “We are laughing because this man has won. We were always wondering who would die first, and this man has defeated us. We are laughing at our defeat, at his victory. He lived with us for many years, and we laughed together and we enjoyed each other’s togetherness, presence. There can be no other way of giving him the last send-off, we can only laugh.”

The whole village was sad, but when the dead monk’s body was put on the funeral pyre, then the village realized that not only were these two joking — the third who was dead was also laughing… because the third man who was dead had told his companions, “Don’t change my dress!”

It was conventional that when a man died they changed the dress and gave a bath to the body, so he had said, “Don’t give me a bath because I have never been unclean. So much laughter has been in my life that no impurity can accumulate near me, can even come to me. I have not gathered any dust, laughter is always young and fresh. So don’t give me a bath and don’t change my clothes.”

So just to pay him respect they had not changed his clothes. And when the body was put on the fire, suddenly they became aware that he had hidden many things under his clothes and those things started… Chinese fireworks! So the whole village laughed, and those two said, “You rascal! You have died, but again you have defeated us. Your laughter is the last.”

Osho – “Vedanta : Seven Steps to Samadhi”

Click here to download the Three Laughing Monks story as a shareable PDF.

What Is the Spiritual Meaning and Moral of “The Three Laughing Monks” Story

The story of the three laughing monks isn't just a tale of laughter or jest; it's a narrative that delves into the deeper realms of the human spirit. It speaks volumes about the essence of existence, the transcendence of conventional norms, and the eternal dance between life and death.

Within these laughing monks lies a profound wisdom, a message that surpasses words. Their laughter isn't merely a frivolous act; it's a reflection of their profound understanding of the cosmic joke. They embodied a truth that life, at its core, is meant to be lived with joy, embraced with laughter, and celebrated with the lightness of being.

Their laughter was infectious, igniting a chain reaction of joy wherever they went. It wasn't a laughter pointed at any individual or circumstance, but a joyous resonance with the universal humor of existence. They didn't preach through words but conveyed a powerful sermon through their very presence, sparking a realization that life itself is a grand cosmic joke meant to be celebrated.

In their moment of loss, when one of the monks passed away, their laughter persisted. It wasn't a mockery of death but a celebration of life lived to the fullest. Their laughter stemmed from the understanding that their companion had triumphed in a way—having lived a life so rich with laughter and joy that even in death, he brought laughter to their lips.

The departure of this monk wasn't a somber occasion but a testament to his unwavering spirit. He, in his final request, epitomized the purity and vibrancy of a life filled with laughter. Refusing a change of clothes or bath, he symbolized how laughter keeps us perpetually clean, untouched by the impurities of life, ensuring that even in death, he radiated joy.

And as the funeral pyre embraced his earthly form, his last jest unfolded—a hidden stash of fireworks, a final act of mischief that set the whole village into laughter once more. His laughter echoed through his departure, leaving behind a legacy of joy, reminding everyone that even in the face of mortality, laughter transcends boundaries and defies expectations.

The story of the three laughing monks, beyond its humor, illuminates the profound spiritual truth that life isn't confined to the realms of sorrow or seriousness. It beckons us to embrace each moment with a heart full of laughter, to recognize that laughter isn't just a fleeting emotion but a force that transcends even death.

It's a gentle reminder that the essence of life isn't in accumulating material wealth or adhering to societal norms, but in embracing the purity of joy, celebrating the interconnectedness of our spirits, and cherishing the moments that bring us together in laughter.

In the end, the laughter of the departed monk lingers as a tribute to a life well-lived, urging us to carry forth the legacy of joy, to embrace each moment with the lightness of being, and to let laughter be our guiding force through the journey of life.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

1. Reflect on the profound simplicity of the Three Laughing Monks' message — laughter as their only sermon. How might this simplicity translate into your own life, and what could laughter reveal about the cosmic joke we all share?
2. Consider the transformative power of laughter as a shared experience. Can you recall instances in your life when joy was infectious, spreading through a group and creating a sense of unity and connection?
3. Explore the notion of living a life that embodies joy and laughter. How does this story inspire you to infuse more lightness and humor into your own existence, regardless of external circumstances?
4. Reflect on the impact of the monks' laughter on the towns and villages they visited. How might your own authentic expressions of joy influence and uplift those around you?
5. Ponder the idea of the cosmic joke mentioned in the story. Can you identify moments in your life when you've glimpsed the humor in the grand scheme of things, even amidst challenges or hardships?
6. Consider the monks' response to the death of one of their own, expressing laughter instead of sorrow. How does this challenge conventional views on death and mourning, and what insights might it offer about celebrating life?
7. Reflect on the dead monk's request not to change his clothes, symbolizing the purity of a life filled with laughter. In what ways can you nurture the freshness and youthfulness of your own spirit, maintaining a lighthearted perspective?
8. Explore the theme of victory and defeat in the monks' laughter at the deceased's victory over them. How might this perspective reshape your understanding of success and defeat in the context of life's inevitable challenges?
9. Consider the surprise element in the story, with the deceased monk revealing hidden fireworks under his clothes. How might unexpected moments of joy and revelation be woven into the fabric of your own life?
10. Reflect on the lasting impact of the monks' laughter even in the face of death. How does this story influence your perception of mortality, and how might it inspire you to approach life with a lighter heart and a deeper appreciation for the shared joy of existence?

The post Story of The Three Laughing Monks appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

We can read about examples of miracles in the texts and holy writings of almost all of the major world religions, as well as in philosophy and history. This simple fact reminds us just how connected we all are, no matter how different we may appear to each other.

In that spirit, we have compiled some miracles about miracles in many of these sacred and historical texts, so that we can explore the impact that these have had on their contemporary cultures all the way up to the modern day.

Below, you'll find quotes and references to miracles in The Bible, The Sutras, The Quran, writings from the Ancient Greeks, scribings in the Torah, and even the Tao Te Ching.

Skip to:

• Tao Te Ching
• Bible
• Sutras
• Quran
• Vedas
• Torah
• Egyption Book of the Dead
• Bhagavad Gita
• Upanishads
• Epic of Gilgamesh
• The Iliad
• Works of Plato

Miracle References and Quotes in The Tao Te Ching

The ancient Tao Te Ching has influenced and inspired many aspects of Taoism, and philosophy, art and religion originating from China. As with some of the other religious texts, it talks about the origin and creation of the universe as a miraculous entity and the doorway to further miracles.

One of the guiding principles is that the self-guided release from worldly passions and ambitions allows the mind and spirit to reach the next level of existence.

This is a look at miracles and the miraculous from a slightly different angle to the holy scriptures of The Bible and the Quran, for example, but its overarching theme of there being miraculous entities remains the same.

Here are a few quotes which captures the essence of what Tao Te Ching has to say about creation and the miraculous:

“One cannot cognize Tao* only by speaking about It. One cannot name by a human name that Origin of the sky and the earth Which is the Mother of everything.

“Only those who are free from worldly passions can see It, and those who have such passions can see only Its Creation.

“Tao and Its Creation are One in essence, though They are called by different names. The passage which exists between Them is a doorway to all that is miraculous.” (Source)

The above quote speaks to how we can create miracles. The following one tells us exactly how we block them:

“From Tao originates calm, harmony, and justice. Yet, among people, there is selfishness, guile, falsity, and violence. One can enter Tao only through non-doing.

When people aspire to accumulation of a multitude of unnecessary things, they become poor spiritually. When they produce too many weapons, then robbery and disorder unavoidably arise.

“When crafty masters direct all their efforts at creating material valuables, then miraculous phenomena cease to happen in such a country.

“When laws and repressions become too strict, then the number of unsatisfied people and the opposition grow. This is why the wise abandon vanity and let everything happen by itself. (Source)

Miracle References and Quotes in The Bible

Some of the most well-known miracles still in common reference today are those performed by Jesus in the Bible, such as walking on water and turning water into wine.

However, the Bible contains many more references to miracles and miraculous events in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. These are often referred to in multiples, suggesting that miracles happened plentifully in those times, and were witnessed or talked about by a great many people.

The miracles referred to in this Christian holy text extend beyond those directly carried out by Jesus or God. In fact, they include normal men and women who were moved by God to carry out miraculous or supernatural acts which went beyond the known laws of nature, usually with a benefit for the recipient or observers.

For example…

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 5:9)

“They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them” (Nehemiah 9:17)

“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” (1 Chronicles 16:12)

“When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” (Exodus 7:9)

“Miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.” (Psalm 106:22)

“Jesus said to them, ‘I did one miracle, and you are all amazed.' (John 7:21)

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” (Acts 2:22)

“Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.” (Acts 8:13)

“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” (Matthew 7:22)

“Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.” (Matthew 11:20)

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew: 11:21)

“And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day” (Matthew 11:23)

“And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” (Matthew 13:58)

“When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. ‘Where did this man get these things?' they asked. ‘What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?'” (Mark 6:2)

“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” (Mark 6:5)

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.” (Luke 19:37)

Miracle References and Quotes in The Sutras

The sutras or ‘suttas’ (canonical scriptures) originating from religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism contain many references to miracles and miraculous events in their aphorisms and prosaic texts covering the teachings of the Buddha.

These include such occurrences as the Buddha transforming the cosmos, understanding the minds of individuals, and showing his special status through performing acts which defied belief. In these texts, the Buddha comes across as very much in favor of miracles, seeing them as a wonderful act.

Here are some examples from the texts…

“The miracle of the parasols almost immediately undergoes a further mutation which seems to remove any doubt as to the Buddha's complete control over it. With a touch of his toe to the ground the Buddha transforms the cosmos into a matrix of jewels, wherein each beholder perceives himself to be seated on a jewelled throne.” (Source)

“Buddha Shakyamuni, since he was Enlightened, could teach those who sought his advice on the basis of their own individual capacity. He had full awareness of each and every individual's mental inclination toward one way of practice or another. He was able to teach in many unusual ways such as performing miracles for those who would benefit from it. Because of his heightened capacity to perceive the state of mind of any given individual, he was able to give advice suited to that particular person or being. It is said that not only human beings sought his instructions but also non-human beings.” (Source)

“But as the sutta shows, even the Buddha's description of these teachings was not enough to win over Baka or the members of his following. They were convinced only when the Buddha then performed a feat of psychic power that (1) even Baka could not fathom and (2) illustrated the Buddha's major point. Up to then, in identifying Mara and the range of Baka's power, the Buddha was in effect saying, “I see you, but you don't see me.” With his display of psychic power, in which brahma and his following could not see him but could hear his voice, he demonstrated his point in such graphic terms that Baka and his following were immediately won over.” (Source)

“At this vision of the magnificent miracle effected by the supernatural power of the Lord Buddha, the entire host was extremely astonished, delighted, satisfied, and filled with pleasure. They all bowed down to the Tathagata, withdrew to one side with their palms pressed together, and gazed upon him.” (Source)

“When once the Will is awakened, it can never again be put to sleep. When once the connection is formed between the apex of a man's true nature and its foundation in the realm of matter, that connection cannot, ordinarily, cease to exist. It is by the power of the Atman, the Godhead within, that he achieves what would otherwise be a seeming miracle.” (Source)

Miracle References and Quotes in The Quran and the Hadith

The Quran and the Hadith refer in many places to God’s power to perform miracles. They talk about how miracles come only from God, and how past generations reacted to miracles.

There is some overlap also with certain miraculous events from the Bible, suggesting that these supernatural occurrences from history were recorded in multiple sources and retain importance across cultures and religions to this day.

For example…

“When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that God is Omnipotent?” (2:106)

“Those who possess no knowledge say,'”If only God could speak to us, or some miracle could come to us!' Others before them have uttered similar utterances; their minds are similar. We do manifest the miracles for those who have attained certainty.” (2:118)

“When our miracles were presented to them, clear and profound, they said, ‘This is obviously magic.'” (27:13)

“We gave Moses the scripture, and subsequent to him we sent other messengers, and we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it not a fact that every time a messenger went to you with anything you disliked, your ego caused you to be arrogant? Some of them you rejected, and some of them you killed.” (2:87)

“If their rejection gets to be too much for you, you should know that even if you dug a tunnel through the earth, or climbed a ladder into the sky, and produced a miracle for them (they still would not believe). Had God willed, He could have guided them, unanimously. Therefore, do not behave like the ignorant ones.” (6:35)

“They swore by God, solemnly, that if a miracle came to them, they would surely believe. Say, ‘Miracles come only from God.' For all you know, if a miracle did come to them, they would continue to disbelieve.” (6:109)

“Even if we sent down the angels to them; even if the dead spoke to them; even if we summoned every miracle before them; they cannot believe unless God wills it. Indeed, most of them are ignorant.” (6:111)

“If you do not produce a miracle that they demand, they say, ‘Why not ask for it?' Say, ‘I simply follow what is revealed to me from my Lord.' These are enlightenments from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe.” (7:203)

“They say, ‘How come no miracle came down to him from his Lord?' Say, ‘The future belongs to God; so wait, and I am waiting along with you.'” (10:20)

“Those who disbelieved say, ‘If only a miracle could come down to him from his Lord (we will then believe).' You are simply a warner – every community receives a guiding teacher.” (13)

“We have sent messengers before you (O Rashad), and we made them husbands with wives and children. No messenger can produce a miracle without God's authorization, and in accordance with a specific, predetermined time.” (13:38)

“What stopped us from sending the miracles is that the previous generations have rejected them. For example, we showed Thamoud the camel, a profound (miracle), but they transgressed against it. We sent the miracles only to instill reverence.” (17:59)

“We supported Moses with nine profound miracles – ask the Children of Israel. When he went to them, Pharaoh said to him, “‘I think that you, Moses, are bewitched.'” (17:101)

“Nothing prevented the people from believing, when the guidance came to them, and from seeking the forgiveness of their Lord, except that they demanded to see the same (kind of miracles) as the previous generations, or challenged to see the retribution beforehand.” (18:55)

Miracle References and Quotes in The Vedas

The ancient Hindu scriptures of the Vedas, in their original Sanskrit, discuss miraculous topics of epic proportions, such as the nature of the universe, space and time, and the creation of the world.

These are miracles of existence as opposed to the one-off miraculous acts performed by individuals in holy texts such as The Bible and the Quran.

The concept of the universe as being a projection in space-time is mentioned here:

“A full pot has been placed in time and it is that which we see manifoldly.” (Atharva Veda 19.53.3)

Also, in the Dakshinamurty stotram composed by Adi Shankara, he states:

“This world is like a sprout of a seed within which transforms what is changeless state before, appear again as space and time, and endless varieties of pictures over it; all due to the creation of maya or miracle.” (Atharva Veda 19.53.3)

“He made this Earth fixed by different devices like hills and mountains in the shape of pegs but it still rotates. The sun never sets; all parts of earth are not in darkness.” (Source)

“The beginning of the world was conceived like the spring of nature; one miracle was explained by another.” (Source)

Miracle References and Quotes in The Torah

The Torah, sacred to Jews, and covering the first five books of Moses, discusses miracles in many places, familiar to the proponents of Judaism. An interesting aspect of the reference to miracles in these sacred texts, is that they are often discussed as a concept, such as their unpredictability or the inability of those undergoing a miracle to recognize this fact.

There is also discussion on the relative strength or benefit of miracles – a kind of miracle ranking system, as it were – and some wise warnings around not relying on miracles as a way of being saved, or hoping for them. This aspect of rarity and surprise is an important feature of miracles across many of the religious texts which refer to them.

Here are just some of the references to miracles and pieces of advice given in the Torah:

“The one to whom the miracle is happening does not recognize the miracle.” (Source)

“Never expose yourself unnecessarily to danger; a miracle may not save you…and if it does, it will be deducted from your share of luck or merit.” (Source)

“We thank You…. for Your miracles that are with us each day; and for Your wonders and favors in very season – evening, morning, and afternoon.” (Source)

“Rabbi Alexandri said in the name of Rabbi Hiya bar Abba, the miracle that is done to cure an ill person is greater than the miracle that was done for Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (who survived when Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into a fiery furnace). That of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah involved regular fire, which all could extinguish; but that of an ill person involves Heavenly fire, and who is able to extinguish that?” (Source)

“Hope for a miracle—but don’t depend on one.” (Source)

Miracle References and Quotes in the Egyptian Book of the Dead

It is interesting that the Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead’ designed to provide prayers or spells in funerals to guide the dead through their journey into the underworld, discusses miracles.

The end of one life and the start of the next is, by its very nature, beyond the ordinary and full of miraculous occurrences, as is the healing of the sick and the feeding of the masses with little food.

It’s in this context that miracles and ‘magic’ are linked together, and some scholars and historians interested in Ancient Egypt have connected the miracle references in the Book of the Dead to accounts of miracles in the Bible.

Read on for some examples of how some think these are connected, and why this text is relevant when looking at the historical and cultural story of miracles.

“I am one with Atum when he still floated alone in Nun, the waters of chaos, before any of his strength had gone into creating the cosmos. I am Atum at his most inexhaustible – the potence and potential of all that is to be. This is my magic protection and it's older and greater than all the gods together!” (Source)

“Amun Ra had a very similar pattern to Jesus Christ according to the book named ‘The Book of Dead.' It is the holy book of Egyptian history. His mother’s name was Meri, while his father’s name was Joseph. The birth of Ra was predicted because of a comet/star. When he was born, the shepherds and farmers witnessed his birth. The Egyptian King Herut tried to kill him for plaguing the minds of people about the one true God. When Ra turned thirty, he decided to get baptized. The person who baptized him had his head cut-off. He was followed by 12 disciples, and, since he is considered the son of the Sun god, the 12 disciples were the 12 zodiac signs. Amazingly, he also performed miracles, and walked on water like Christ. Ra was also crucified like Christ. He was buried in a tomb, and was resurrected in three days. He also performed a ‘sermon on the mount' like Jesus. (Source)

“It should be surmised that the raising of Osiris, the god in matter was individual, but, at the same time, the resurrection of the dead in Osiris who were the ‘All Souls' for the year or cycle was more general. The supreme miracle of ‘raising the dead' suffices of itself to show that it belonged to the mysteries of Amenta, as asserted in the “Pistis Sophia”, where the dead were raised; evil spirits were cast out, the blind were made to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, the bed-ridden to get up and go, not by miracle but as a dramatic mode of illustrating the mysteries of the resurrection in the Peri em hru or coming forth to day.

“It is noticeable that the miracles of healing on the mount described in Matthew (XV. 29-31), are immediately followed by the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes. There is no change of scene, the multitude upon the mount remain the same. And Jesus called unto Him His disciples, and said ‘I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I would not send them away fasting.' Thus three days are allotted to the work of healing in the mount, during which time the multitude were fasting in the company of Jesus and his disciples.

“In the Ritual these are not only the fasting, they are also deprived of breath. They are without a mouth. They are the blind, the dumb, the motionless, in short, they are the deceased awaiting in their coffins and their cells for him who is the resurrection and the life, as the divine healer and deliverer of the manes from Amenta; he is the “divine one who dwelleth in heaven, and who sitteth on the eastern side of heaven” (Rit., ch. 25) that is on Mount Bakhu, the mount of the olive-tree, the only mount on which the dead were ever raised (P. S., B. 2, 279).

“This healing then was a mystery of the resurrection, the same in the canonical as [Page 814] in the Egypto-gnostic Gospel; the same as in the Book of the Dead, or Ritual of the resurrection. Three days was the length of time allowed for the burial in Amenta. This would constitute three days’ fasting of the dead. We must discriminate. In the lunar reckoning the resurrection of Osiris in the moon was on the third day, which corresponded to the actual appearance of the light in nature. This death, described by Plutarch, occurred on the seventeenth of the month. In the solar reckoning three whole days and nights were allowed for the burial of the sun or sun-god in the earth. Both are employed in the Gospels but not scientifically. Neither could the complex of soli-lunar reckoning be explicated in a single line of individual human history.” (Source)

Miracle References in the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, or the Gita, with its 700 verses in Sanskrit, covers miracles performed by Lord Krishna such as lifting mountains and transforming the minds of individuals.

Those familiar with this Hindu text will recall the tales of lengthening robes, all-seeing eyes and the revelation of holiness through the demonstration of miracles – some one-off, and some an all-out demonstration of holiness and power.

Below are some thoughts on the miracles discussed in the Bhagavad Gita and their relative importance and impact:

“Sri Krishna's form, His words, His plays and actions left devotees absorbed in bliss. There is no greater power, no greater miracle, than Krishna's deeds. In fact, Krishna's greatest miracle was not lifting the Govardhana mountain; it was the Bhakti-yoga He created in the hearts of the innocent Gopis. Because, the Gopis were simple, illiterate, village girls who had no exposure to scriptural knowledge. All they had was their innocent love for Krishna. They thought of Krishna as being the only truth, the only eternal companion, their only true wealth, their everything. Their wealth was Krishna, their truth was Krishna, their sole relative was Krishna, their self was Krishna… When they abandoned their husbands and children to follow Krishna, He told them to return to their household duties. The Gopis asked Him then, “We have reached You, to attain whom all the karmas (duties) of the world are performed. So, what significance do our duties have in our lives when we have attained You?” This is the attitude the Gopis had towards Bhagavan Krishna—the attitude of supreme love to God.” (Source)

“When Yudhishtra's reign turned out to be exceptionally successful and performance of the sacrifice called Rajasuya by him boosted up his image further more, Duryodhana decided to act. He therefore plotted with his wily uncle Sakuni to defeat Yudhishtira in his favourite game of dice. The game was played in front of Dhrtarashtra, Bhishma, Drona and other elders and Yushishtira suffered a disastrous defeat. As Yudhishtira unwisely played with his kingdom, brothers and their wife as stakes, Duryodhana got his opportunity to insult the Pandavas and destroy their dignified existence once and for all. He went to the extent of disrobing Draupadi in the middle of the large assembly of princes in his palace and in front of his own father, grandfather, preceptors and ministers. Draupadi utterly helpless with nobody coming to her help including her husbands, invoked the help of Krishna. Krishna, the avatara par excellence says the epic, retrieved the situation by magically increasing the length of her robe and Draupadi's honour was saved by this divine miracle.” (Source)

“Bhagavan Sri Krishna said to Arjuna, “I shall give you an eye with which you can instantaneously see this great, wonderful joy.” Pasya me yogam aisvaram (11.8): “Look at My glory! Behold this majesty of My yoga, Arjuna. See, I am here! See that which you wanted Me to show you. Look!” Evam uktva tato rajan mahayogesvaro hari?, darsayamasa parthaya parama? rupam aisvaram (11.9). Sanjaya then spoke to Dhritarashtra: “O king! Look at this miracle! Having uttered these words, the great Lord of yoga revealed His majesty.” The Mahayogesvara, Lord Krishna, revealed His eternal form, aishvara rupa—His supreme, deathless form.” (Source)

“Bhagwan Krishna performed miracles that no other being can perform. Anyone can claim to be God, but who can actually prove it? To protect innocent people from imposters, Arjuna asked Bhagwan Krishna to prove his divinity. Bhagwan Krishna granted Arjuna divine vision and revealed his spectacular unlimited forms as the cosmic universe. Thus he conclusively established his divinity:- ‘Arjuna saw in that universal form unlimited mouths, unlimited eyes, unlimited wonderful visions. The form was decorated with many celestial ornaments and bore many diving upraised weapons. He wore celestial garlands and garments, and many divine scents were smeared over his body. All was wondrous, brilliant, unlimited, all expanding. If hundreds of thousands of suns were to rise at once into the sky, their radiance might resemble the effulgence of the supreme person in that universal form.'” (Source)

“Miracles, especially those performed by God, are not against science; they are above science. The Bhagavad-gita (09.10) informs that working under the supervision of Krishna, material nature creates and changes things in an orderly manner. This orderly manner is uncovered by science through its discovery of the laws of nature and their practical application in the form of technology. Science studies matter and its working according to laws – this working is a valid and valuable truth to know.” (Source)

Miracle References in the Upanishads

The Sanskrit Hindu scriptures of the Upanishads refer to divine miracles: communication with the divine, understanding of the divine, and any divine act such as ruling over the world, births and deaths. The movement of the divine wheel of creation is attributed to a miracle.

In this way, the Upanishads share the discussion of the universe and the biggest, most fundamental aspects of existence, as miraculous in nature in common with other well-known religious texts from India, Buddhism, Jainism and many of the other major world religions.

Below are just a few mentions of miracles and the miraculous from the Upanishads:

“He that is not easy to be heard of by many,
and even of those that have heard, they are many
who have not known Him,-a miracle is the man
that can speak of Him wisely or is skilful to win Him,
and when one is found, a miracle is the listener who
can know Him even when taught of Him by the knower.” (Source)

“He is the great magician—
the miracle maker.
Being single and one.
He, with his over lordship
And miraculous powers rules
Over the whole world.
He is the cause of all births;
He is the cause of all deaths;
Those who know this reach immortality” (Source)

“The wise men speak of the inherent nature, others who are deluded in their minds attribute it to time. But it is because of the divine miracle that the wheel of creation (Brahma wheel) is made to rotate.” (Source)

Miracle References in the Epic of Gilgamesh

The ancient Mesopotamian poem The Epic of Gilgamesh isn’t a religious text as such, but is interesting as one of the earliest of all known literary works.

The below summary refers to a ‘miracle plant’ which gives him the gift of immortality. Whether or not this counts as a miracle in the same sense as those referred to in religious texts, is a matter for debate. It may be a fine line between ‘magic’ and ‘miracles’.

However, since gods and goddesses are a key component of this epic tale, this could be construed as a religious reference of sorts, and many of the miraculous events referred to in other sources do refer to eternal life or invincibility.

“In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is the King of Uruk, and he is 2/3 god and 2/3 man. Despite his physical beauty, he is a very cruel ruler. So, the gods create a friend for him, named Enkidu, to distract Gilgamesh from oppressing the people of Uruk. Together they go on many journeys and adventures, including a trip to Cedar Mountain to take on its monster-guardian Humbaba and to kill the Bull of Heaven sent to punish Gilgamesh for hurting the feelings of the goddess Ishtar. Gilgamesh and Enkidu wrestle the Bull and kill it, and the gods, being immensely unhappy with them, decide to punish them and kill Enkidu.

“The rest of the story focuses of Gilgamesh’s grief which he turns into a quest for immortality. He seeks out the Mesopotamian version of Noah, a man who after the great flood was granted immortality by the gods. Utnapishtim thinks Gilgamesh is not ready for immortality and gives him a challenge. When Gilgamesh fails the challenge, Utnapishtim’s wife tells him about a miracle plant that grants eternal life. Gilgamesh loses it to a snake (think serpent from the Genesis story). Beaten and defeated, Gilgamesh returns home to Uruk resigned to his own mortality. He learns a valuable lesson, though: he might not be able to live forever, but humankind will.” (Source)

Miracle References in The Iliad

Homer’s epic poem The Iliad, written and set in Ancient Greece, contains reference to several miracles, such as the personification of a horse, who is miraculously moved to speak and utter a deadly prophecy, and the rising from the dead of various characters and soldiers.

Here, a miracle is clearly an unexpected, improbably and astonishing act which greatly surprises the observer and defies all known laws of how the world should work. As with many other texts which discuss miracles, these events are epic, life and death events which change the course of history.

For example…

The Reconciliation Of Achilles And Agamemnon.

“Thetis brings her son the armour made by Vulcan. She preserves the body of his friend from corruption, and commands him to assemble the army, to declare the end of his resentment.

“Agamemnon and Achilles are solemnly reconciled with speeches, presents, and ceremonies to mark the occasion. Achilles is, with great difficulty, persuaded to refrain from battle until the troops have refreshed themselves, upon Ulysses’ advice.

“The presents are conveyed to the tent of Achilles, where Briseis laments over the body of Patroclus. The hero obstinately refuses all repast, and gives himself up to lamentations for his friend. Minerva descends to strengthen him, by the order of Jupiter.

“He arms himself for the fight. He addresses himself to his horses, and reproaches them with the death of Patroclus. One of them is miraculously endued with voice, and inspired to prophesy his fate: but the hero, not astonished by that prodigy, rushes with fury to the combat.” (Source)

“Look – a genuine miracle right before my eyes!
Hector's escaped again, he's risen from the dead!
And just as each of us hoped with all his heart
He'd dropped and died at the hands of giant Ajax.
But again some god swoops down and saves this Hector –
And hasn't he wiped out enough of us already?
Now he'll make more slaughter, well I know.
He'd never be at the front, smashing our lines
Unless Old Thunder, Zeus, had put him on his feet.” (Source)

“By heaven, an awesome miracle right before my eyes!
These gallant, die-hard Trojans, even those I've killed,
they'll all come rising back from the western gloom!
Look at this fellow here, back he comes again,
fleeing his fatal dayand
I'd sold him off as a slave in holy Lemnos
but the heaving gray salt sea can't hold him back,
though it stops whole fleets of men who buck its tides.
Let's try again-this time he'll taste my spearpoint.
Now we'll see, once and for all we'll know
if he returns as fast from his newest destination or
the firm life-giving earth can hold him down,
the grave that hugs the strongest man alive.” (Achilles Fights the River, Book 21)

Miracle References and Quotes in the Works of Plato

Plato is often seen as a very pragmatic philosophers, but he is not alone amongst the Ancient Greeks to refer to ‘miracles’ and ‘divine dispensation’ when looking at the basic essence of knowledge and the natural beauty and order in the world.

He discusses this in The Republic and his other works. Whilst he believes in a natural order to things, he still maintains that a certain extra supernatural act, i.e. a miracle, is needed in order to explain why the world is the way it is.

Here's a little more depth about Plato’s thoughts on miracles:

“There is no philosopher ruler in the Laws. But the Laws recycles some of the same thoughts about ruling. The Republic itself rates the chances of ‘the muse’ (of philosophy) controlling a city very low (e.g. Rep. 6.499C–D).

“The Athenian Visitor takes the view that it would require a miracle (‘divine dispensation’) for 177 THE RULE OF KNOWLEDGE someone with the right understanding of the paramount importance of action for the common good to assume absolute power without disastrous consequences for himself and the city as a whole. Inevitably he would succumb to the human temptation to pursue his own interests and go after pleasure (Laws 9.875A–C; cf. 3.691C–D, 4.713C–D). Hence the Laws’ decision to make the rule of law the basis for its choice of the best social and political system humans can realistically hope for (9.875D; cf. 4.713E–714A).” (Source)

“The world is a miracle in beauty and order, and this can never be the result of coincidental causes. Rather, it is the making of a reasonable being Who sought good and arranged everything on purpose and with wisdom.” (Source)

“If a person having arms is overtaken by the enemy and does not turn round and defend himself, but lets them go voluntarily or throws them away, choosing a base life and a swift escape rather than a courageous and noble and blessed death–in such a case of the throwing away of arms let justice be done, but the judge need take no note of the case just now mentioned; for the bad men ought always to be punished, in the hope that he may be improved, but not the unfortunate, for there is no advantage in that.

“And what shall be the punishment suited to him who has thrown away his weapons of defence? Tradition says that Caeneus, the Thessalian, was changed by a God from a woman into a man; but the converse miracle cannot now be wrought, or no punishment would be more proper than that the man who throws away his shield should be changed into a woman.

“This however is impossible, and therefore let us make a law as nearly like this as we can –that he who loves his life too well shall be in no danger for the remainder of his days, but shall live for ever under the stigma of cowardice.

“And let the law be in the following terms: When a man is found guilty of disgracefully throwing away his arms in war, no general or military officer shall allow him to serve as a soldier, or give him any place at all in the ranks of soldiers; and the officer who gives the coward any place, shall suffer a penalty which the public examiner shall exact of him; and if he be of the highest class, he shall pay a thousand drachmae; or if he be of the second class, five minae; or if he be of the third, three minae; or if he be of the fourth class, one mina.

“And he who is found guilty of cowardice, shall not only be dismissed from manly dangers, which is a disgrace appropriate to his nature, but he shall pay a thousand drachmae, if he be of the highest class, and five minae if he be of the second class, and three if he be of the third class, and a mina, like the preceding, if he be of the fourth class.” (Source)

“The ruler may impose the laws and institutions which we have been describing, and the citizens may possibly be willing to obey them?

Certainly.

And that others should approve, of what we approve, is no miracle or impossibility?

I think not.

But we have sufficiently shown, in what has preceded, that all this, if only possible, is assuredly for the best.

We have.

And now we say not only that our laws, if they could be enacted, would be for the best, but also that the enactment of them, though difficult, is not impossible.
Very good.” (Source)

Final Thoughts

As you can see, just what we mean by a miracle varies by culture and time in history. Still, it’s clear that the very concept of a miracle is one which is understood regardless of era, position in society or religious belief.

We can see that some miraculous events even expand across multiple religions or have common references. Most of all, we can see that they are occurrences which change the way individuals and whole societies view the world.

With one eye to the past and all of these examples of miracles, we can also look to our present time and ahead to the future, to consider what miracles may be happening around us in the world we live in today.

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The sage looked him in the eye and said, “The reason your monastery has languished is that the Buddha is living among you in disguise, and you have not honored Him.” The abbot hurried back, his mind in turmoil

The Selfless One was at his monastery! Who could He be? Brother Hua?…No, he was full of sloth. Brother Po?…No, he was too dull. But then the Tathagata was in disguise. What better disguise than sloth or dull- wittedness? He called his monks to him and revealed the sage’s words. They, too, were taken aback and looked at each other with suspicion and awe.

Which one of them was the Chosen One?

The disguise was perfect. Not knowing who He was they took to treating everyone with the respect due to a Buddha. Their faces started shining with an inner radiance that attracted novices and then lay supporters.

In no time at all the monastery far surpassed its previous glory.

– Personal adaptation by Srikumar Rao, based on an ancient parable.

This spiritual story was written by Professor Srikumar S. Rao. You can learn directly from him during his free masterclass “A System To Totally Eradicate Stress & Anxiety.”

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Professor Srikumar Rao is an international speaker, bestselling author, and one of the most popular MBA lecturers in America. His courses are among the highest rated at many of the world’s top business schools, including Columbia University and The London Business School.

Srikumar Rao regularly consults leading executives and entrepreneurs from the likes of Google, Microsoft, IBM, United Airlines, John & Johnson, and countless more in areas like meaning, purpose, performance, and leadership.

The post A Buddha Is Among You – Spiritual Story By Srikumar Rao appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.