The Buddha Within

This past year I learned a lot about patience, humility, and compassion. I also developed a greater appreciation for what I have. However, I have much more to learn and much more growing to do. Therefore, this next year my focus will be to find the buddha within me to become even more patient, humble, compassionate, and appreciative. How will I do this, you ask? Well, I believe, as Shantideva (an 8th century Indian Buddhist scholar) did, that "happiness comes from thinking of others".

Shantideva's belief is paraphrased in my profile listed on the right, and has been literally translated as "If all the harms throughout the world, and all its fears and sufferings, all spring from clinging to a self, what need have I for such a demon?" I guess another way of looking at this way of thought is "it is better to give than to receive." I've received an awful lot throughout my life and when I look back at it, I don't feel I've given back as much. That being said, this next year I will giving more of my time, money, and effort towards the success and happiness of others. So, don't expect a lot of posting here about what training I'm doing or what race I'll be running next. Remember, this next year, it's not about me, it's about the happiness of others.

Namaste!