The Buddha Said ...

 What does the Buddha say about aging?

Growing older is simply part of the natural cycle of life. Our bodies change, our appearance changes, and our physical abilities may diminish.

The Buddha taught that everything is impermanent (Anicca). Youth cannot last forever, just as old age will not last forever.

Rather than longing for the person we once were, we can learn to appreciate who we are today.   Our worth is not measured by our appearance. The Buddha placed far greater importance on the qualities of the heart and mind than on outward appearances.

Kindness, compassion, wisdom, generosity and inner peace are far more meaningful than a youthful face or a beautiful body. 

The Buddha's teachings remind us that we should not waste our precious time regretting our youth or worrying about growing old.

Instead, we should ask ourselves:

Am I becoming kinder?

Am I becoming wiser?

Am I learning to accept myself?

Am I bringing happiness to others?

Am I at peace. with myself?

And perhaps the most important lesson is this:

We cannot stop the body from ageing, but we can continue to nurture a beautiful heart.

May we grow older in years, wiser in understanding, gentler in heart and richer in compassion.

With Metta,

DA

Cat Wisdom

 

Leave a Little Light Behind

We may not leave behind riches or fame, but may we leave behind hearts warmed, lives touched, and kindness remembered. For in the end, the most beautiful legacy is not how brightly we shone, but how much light we left in others.

With Metta,

DA

Chit Chat

Ii is 6 p.m.  The evening sun is slowly fading.  A gentle breeze blows as two cats lounge comfortably beneath a large shady tree.

Ning (stretching lazily):    Aah, this is the life!  No worries, no responsibilities, nobody telling me what to do.  What more could a cat ask for?

Milo:    You're right, of course!  Thank God the cats were pretty well behaved today, otherwise I wouldn't have had time to come out here and chill!

Ning:     Don't you get tired of running round that shelter, feeding cats, looking after them, sorting out their little quarrels....?

Milo:    Are you kidding?  I love every minute of it.  There's always something happening, never a dull moment.  

Milo (turning towards Ning): Actually, that reminds me.  I've been thinking about you.  Ning, why don't you come and stay at the shelter?  It's certainly better than staying in your bachelor pad - four meals a day, medical attention whenever you need it, and Peter does a very decent grilled salmon!  Not forgetting a few really cute females around to keep you company!  Not a bad deal, huh?

Ning (raising an eyebrow): Four meals?  Grilled salmon?  Cute females?  You're making it sound like a five star cat resort!

Milo:    Well, it isn't exactly the Marriott but we do our best!

Ning (laughing): Thanks, Milo but I think I'll pass.  You see, there's just one little problem. If I stay at the shelter, it would mean giving up my independence, you know what I mean!  I can't go to the Club whenever I feel like it, nor can I stay out late or disappear for a day or two without having to explain myself.  Shelter life is not for me, buddy!

Milo:    Maybe you could negotiate with Peter?  You're getting old and you need someone to look after you.

Ning:    Hey, who says I'm getting old?  I can still jump over a fence or climb up a tree!

Milo:    Alright, alright but do think about it, won't you?  One of these days you might appreciate having someone around to help  you.  And I know Peter would be delighted to have you.

Ning:    Thanks, Milo.  What you offered is very tempting but I think I'll stick to my bachelor quarters for now.

Milo:    Alright, as you wish.

Ning:    Thanks for looking out for me, Milo.

Milo:    Anytime, buddy.

Ning:    Oh by the way, do you think Peter could send me some of that grilled salmon tomorrow?

Milo burst into laughter, gave his friend a friendly knock on the head and said "I'll try, but no promises!"

The two cats then settled back against the tree trunk and fell asleep.

The Buddha Said ...

“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.”(Dhammapada, verse 39)

Meaning: Fear comes from wanting things to stay a certain way or worrying about losing what you cling to. When craving stops, fear fades.

With Metta,

DA

Beyond the Jade Peak

 

Beyond the Jade Peak, mists drift by,

As time flows softly 'neath the sky.

We chase our dreams, we seek for more,

Yet peace lies not in wealth or store.

The flowers bloom, the seasons turn,

And life teaches what we must learn.

All things will fade, all things depart,

But kindness leaves its mark on every heart.

So walk with love, let wisdom guide,

Keep gratitude and peace inside.

For life's true worth is not what we take,

But the love we give, the hearts we wake.

With Metta,

DA

Cat Wisdom

 

Family

 

Shelter News - Meow Mail

 

When Ning told me he had three emails waiting for me in his Inbox after Da published that post about my work at the cat shelter, a wave of excitement washed over me. I admit a small part of me had hoped for a bigger avalanche of messages, but hearing from anyone who cared was still thrilling. Let me tell you what they had to say...

🐱Email No. 1

It’s from a kind lady who says she wants to adopt me! She promised a warm, comfortable bed, yummy meals, holidays, and endless cuddles and kisses. 

It’s definitely a tempting offer, but I’m just not cut out to be cooped up indoors all day. I love my work at the cat shelter way too much, and I’d miss my pals terribly if I left. I'm so sorry, Ma'am, but thank you from the bottom of my furry heart. Perhaps I can get Peter to help you find a wonderful companion from the shelter instead?

🐱Email No. 2

I never expected to receive a marriage proposal from a gorgeous feline such as you, Dee Dee (and thanks for the photo!). I am deeply flattered, but honestly, settling down is the last thing on my mind right now. Besides, if you married me, I would expect you to tag along on all my ghost-busting missions, and I’m pretty sure you'd be far too terrified to do that! Thanks anyway, Dee Dee, and I truly wish you the best of luck in finding another partner.

😼Email No. 3

I think this one landed in the wrong Inbox. A frog named Freddie wants me to come share his water lily pad with him! He claims it features a soft lotus bed, Wi-Fi and a mini-fridge fully stocked with fresh flies and grasshoppers (yuk!).  Sorry, buddy, wrong address!

A huge thank you to all three of you for writing in. May you all find the happiness, love, and companionship you're looking for!

Milo

Cat Wisdom