Buddhists Monks in the early morning collecting food, Luang Probang, Laos
One of the most impressive sights in Laung Probang, Laos is the line of monks early in the morning. They walk around town in a single file while people put sticky rice and other food supplies into their bowls. The monks come from 32 temples that were built before French colonization. Lao Buddhists believe that feeding the monks is one way of earn merit to improve their lot in future incarnations. Buddhist Philosophy There is nothing more precious than our human life. Having been born as a human being we have immense freedom to accomplish almost anything we want. We can become a powerful politician, a successful businessman or woman, or a great scientist or artist. We can travel the world or even go to the moon, or we can settle for a simple family life. With so much freedom, we need to ask ourself what is the most meaningful way to use our life. What will make us truly happy? What will benefit others most? And when this life is over, what will help us then? If we ask ourself these questions sincerely and deeply we shall discover that the way to make our life truly meaningful is to dedicate it to spiritual development. In essence this means to eliminate our negative and deluded states of mind, and to cultivate positive, peaceful states. By making this our priority, the negative minds that are the source of all our problems, such as anger, jealousy, attachment, pride, and ignorance, will gradually decrease; and our positive quali-ties, such as love, compassion, and wisdom, will increase. As a result we shall enjoy a happy, peaceful life, free from anxiety and problems, and we shall naturally benefit others. Spiritual practice is what gives meaning to our lives, and by applying our practice at the time of death we can die joyfully and experience pure, lasting happiness in all our future lives. Eventually we shall be able to transcend all the limitations of ordinary existence and attain the highest state of all, full enlightenment.
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