From today's Beliefnet newsletter:

Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things.

The Buddha meditated for six years, Bodhidharma for nine. The practice of meditation is not a method for the attainment of realization—it is enlightenment itself.

-Zen Master Dogen, "The Practice of Meditation"

The aim of religious or spiritual practice

One of the major aims and purposes of religious practice for the individual is an inner transformation from an undisciplined, untamed, and unfocused state of mind towards one that is disciplined, tamed and balanced.

--His Holiness the Dalai Lama

This quote was taken from "The Pocket Dalai Lama," edited by Mary Craig, 2002, reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, www.shambhala.com, and forwarded via beliefnet.

Daily Words of the Buddha

Paryatti

May all creatures, all living things,
all beings one and all,
experience good fortune only.
May they not fall into harm.

I receive a buddhist 'thought for the day' from this bookseller.

KTD--An Introduction to the Site--: "Visit the North American seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa, located in Woodstock, New York."

KTD--Hartford KTC--: "
An Evening Dharma Chat: Women in Dharma
Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
$15 suggested donation

...about the role of gender in dharma practice.... Are certain practices gender-based? Is it better for women to do the practices of female deities, such as Tara?....

Free Public Talk: Making Life a Spiritual Journey
Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
The Universalist Church of West Hartford
433 Fern Street, West Hartford, CT

..... Outer and inner busyness can make us feel frantic, and leave us feeling snared in worldly ties. But with the application of a few short phrases, we can make even the busiest life a journey that gives us purpose. ....

Cultivating the Compassionate Heart: The Practice of Chenrezig
Saturday & Sunday, March 27-28
10:00 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m.
All 4 sessions: $60/$55 seniors & students/$50 HKTC members
Single session(s): $15

...This weekend will focus on quiet sitting meditation, compassion meditation, ... Through these three practices, we will find ways to actualize compassion in our daily lives.

In order to allow the teachings to start on time, we strongly urge you to register in advance. For those who can't, you are advised to arrive 30 minutes early."

On Training Injured Lastly, remain active in the dojo even if that means just watching your class and helping out with chores. The Japanese consider this a valid form of training called "mitori geiko" (observation practice) and I can’t stress enough that the longer you stay away from the dojo the harder it is to return. So regardless of whether your injury is minor or quite severe keep coming to class; it’s a fun, positive place to be and aids in your smooth transition back to physical training.