The nature of samsaric evolution is not such that death is followed by nothingness, nor that humans are always reborn as humans and insects as insects. On the contrary, we all carry within us the karmic potencies of all realms of cyclic existence. Many beings transmigrate from higher to lower realms, others from lower to higher. The selection of a place of rebirth is not directly in our own hands but is conditioned by our karma and delusions.
They who possess spiritual understanding can control their destiny at the time of death, but for ordinary beings the process is very much an automatic chain reaction of karmic seeds and habitual psychic response patterns....

Our repeated experience of frustration, dissatisfaction and misery does not have external conditions as its root cause. The problem is mainly our lack of spiritual development.  As a result of this handicap, the mind is controlled principally by afflicted emotions and illusions. Attachment, aversion and ignorance rather
than a free spirit, love and wisdom are the guiding forces.
Recognizing this simple truth is the beginning of the spiritual path.
-
- by H.H. the Dalai Lama, edited and translated by Glenn H. Mullin, from The Path to Enlightenment, published by Snow Lion Publications

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blessings of a kind heart upon you;
Blessings of the eyes of compassion upon you;
Blessings of giving to the earth upon you;
Blessings of the wisdom of the seasons upon you;
Blessings of breathing freely upon you;
Blessings of this moment upon you.
--Jack Kornfield. 2/2000

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Prayer for any day of the year:

Beloved Tara, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic
last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing
home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few
precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who
can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student,
balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his
student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Tara, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same
spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions
that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the
store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment,
knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will
be the last year that they go shopping together.

Tara, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the
greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we
hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all
humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience,
empathy and love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in
contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." -- Peter Marshal
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more
painful than the risk it took to blossom" -Anais Nin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways. Meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with Great love. She is also the patron Saint of flower growers and Florists (and pilots!). She is represented by roses. May everyone who receives this message be blessed. Theresa's Prayer cannot be deleted. REMEMBER to make a wish before You read the poem. That's all you have to do. There is nothing Attached. Just send this to sixpeople and letme know what happens On the fourth day. Sorry you have to forward the message, but try not tobreak this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but A lot of reward. (Did you make a wish?) If you don't make a wish, it Won't come true. This is your last chance to make a wish.St.
Theresa's Prayer: May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love That has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.... Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the Freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.