First things first! This painting was done by Robin Uron - http://eyeconart.net This 42-year old lady has had to be ever so resourceful with her money so she can continue to live 100% off the small income she receives.
Robin receives a large sum for her works; but few can buy beautiful art in times of tight money, right?
Robin has rented a large home; she sub-lets rooms to ARTISTS. They pay
what they can; if they have little, they pay little - if they have more, they
'catch up'...they are loving people helping each other.
Robin adheres to the Buddha thinking - she sent me piles of information on 'what she believes', and frankly, my old eyes are just too tired to read through all of it.
However, what she did send - and what caught my tired old eyes is this:
The Precepts
All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:
to abstain from killing any being;
to abstain from stealing;
to abstain from all sexual activity;
to abstain from telling lies;
to abstain from all intoxicants.
There are three additional precepts which old students (that is, those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are expected to follow during the course:
to abstain from eating after midday;
to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations
to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.
All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:
to abstain from killing any being;
to abstain from stealing;
to abstain from all sexual activity;
to abstain from telling lies;
to abstain from all intoxicants.
There are three additional precepts which old students (that is, those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are expected to follow during the course:
to abstain from eating after midday;
to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations
to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.
Of course this looks a bit 'antiquated' to most of us, right?
Still, most 'monks' rarely want for anything - and while I'm not advocating living 100% like a monk, if you look closely, you can see some things that might appeal to you.
As a nation in the USA - we can see the high cost of war; a myriad of questions are now being asked about the problems its causing for our citizens.
You can think of 'stealing' - money or goods, but how about the time you 'steal' when you fail to use it wisely; lovingly, and with your thinking cap on as you plan out your cost-reduction/reduction-of-expenses program?
Are you telling yourself lies? Are you trying to console yourself that you're 'okay' at this time when things might be tougher than you want to admit?
Aside from 'intoxication' for alcohol (and that costs money too), are you intoxicated with your own 'self' - your 'ego'...watch out, don't be too proud to read the rest of this 'blog' - or the many others, that are reaching out to give you an idea or too....we care - all of us, that's why we're taking the time to create this information for the betterment of all.
The eating habits suggested will save you money on the food bill.
Not clamoring for expensive bedding and all the frills that go on your bed, will save you money.
The sensual activity is clear; I know of at least 4 stores in our area, that charge a lot of money for this 'pass-time'. Also, it can lead to 'sexual' activity - that can lead to an unwanted child.
Please don't add a 'new babe' to this world, if you're not able to care of that child properly.
See, as you think through all of this, it's pretty good stuff I think!
