Similarities between Darwinism and Buddhism

From National Geographic News:

Charles Darwin probably didn't know it, but he held views on human empathy that mirror Buddhist beliefs, says a pioneer in decoding facial expressions. Based on his interactions with foreign cultures, Darwin came to define empathy as a desire to end someone's suffering to assuage one's own discomfort. Buddhist teachings also see empathy as a somewhat selfish motivation, but one that the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, calls the "seed of compassion."

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Photo from National Geographic News.

Daily quotes

Here are some daily quotes as posted by amidabuddha.org.

- January 3, 2009 -

Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little. - Buddha

-January 2, 2009 -

All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else. - Buddha

- January 1, 2009 -

These teachings are like a raft, to be abandoned once you have crossed the flood. Since you should abandon even good states of mind generated by these teachings, How much more so should you abandon bad states of mind! Conquer the angry man by love. Conquer the ill-natured man by goodness. Conquer the miser with generosity. Conquer the liar with truth. - The Dhammapada

Tzu Chi offers gift baskets for the needy

The Tzu Chi Foundation, a Buddhist relief group based in San Dimas, prepares gift baskets to give to 51 needy Lynwood families.

"Each family received a $75 debit card, a teddy bear, a box of candy and a 'green' blanket made of recycled plastic water bottles.

'Our faith teaches us to have compassion and love for everyone,' said Sumei Chen, a spokesperson for the Tzu Chi Foundation. 'We want to offer not only help, but hope.' "

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Photo from Los Angeles Wave

Bush calls the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama doesn't seem to be feeling to well recently and good old Bush decided to call and see how the Tibetan leader is doing. A thoughtful act of kindness and compassion or a politically-motivated move to reintroduce the Dalai Lama into the spotlight? Who knows...

"President Bush called the Dalai Lama this morning to express his concern over the Dalai Lama's health," said spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

"The president's call reflects the great esteem he and the American people hold for the Dalai Lama, who is a revered religious figure in Tibetan Buddhism, a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, and an important cultural figure and human rights advocate," said Johndroe.