Mindfulness Live at the moment

THICH NHAT HANH´S GATHAS

Dwelling in the present moment, We can see so many beauties and wonders right before our eyes–a child’s smile, the sun rising, the autumn leaves. We can be happy just by being aware of what is in front of us. Practicing with a gatha can help us return to ourselves and to what is going on in the present moment. It is helpful to memorize these gathas, a few at first, and more as You go on with the practice. As You silently recite the first line, breathe in; and as You silently recite the second line, breathe out. When the gatha is finished, continue your activity, and You will find that your mindfulness has increased. When We drive, road signs help us find our way. We “see” the last sign until the next one appears. Practicing with gathas is the same. When we practice well, the gathas are with us continuously, and we live our whole day in awareness.

1 Waking Up Waking up this morning, I smile.

 Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.

I vow to live fully in each moment

and to look at beings with eyes of compassion.

2 Taking the First Steps of the Day

 Walking on the Earth is a miracle!

 Each mindful step reveals the wondrous Dharmakaya.

3 Stepping out of Bed

 If today I inadvertently step on a small insect,

may it not suffer too much.

May it be liberated.

Homage to the Bodhisattva of the Land of Great Happiness.

4 Opening the Window

 Opening the window,

 I look out onto the Dharmakaya.

 How wondrous is life! Attentive to each moment,

 my mind is clear like a calm river.

5 Turning on the Water

Water comes from high mountain sources.

Water runs deep in the Earth. Miraculously,

 water comes to us and sustains all life.

 My gratitude is filled to the brim.

6 Washing Your Hands

Water flows over these hands.

May I use them skillfully to preserve our precious planet.

7 Brushing Your Teeth

 Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,

 I vow to speak purely and lovingly.

When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,

 a flower blooms in the garden of my heart.

8 Rinsing Your Mouth

Rinsing my mouth, my heart is cleansed.

The universe is perfumed by flowers.

Actions of body, speech, and mind are calmed.

Hand in hand with the Buddha, I walk in the Pure Land.

9 Using the Toilet

Defiled or immaculate,

increasing or decreasing

these concepts exist only in our mind.

The reality of interbeing is unsurpassed.

10 Bathing

Unborn and indestructible,

 beyond time and space

both transmission and inheritance lie in

the wonderful nature of Dharmadhatu.*

11 Looking in the Mirror

 Awareness is a mirror reflecting the four elements.

Beauty is a heart that generates love and a mind that is open.

12 Washing Your Feet

 The peace and joy of one toe is peace and joy for my whole body.

13 Sitting Down

 Sitting here is like sitting under a Bodhi tree.

My body is mindfulness itself, free from all distraction.

14 Finding a Stable Posture

 In the lotus posture, the human flower blooms.

The udumbara flower is here, offering its true fragrance.*

15 Calming the Breath

 Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment!

Greeting Someone
A lotus for you a Buddha to be.

17 Holding the Alms’ Bowl

The bowl of the Tathagata is in my two hands.

 Giver, receiver, and gift held in perfect oneness.

18 Before Eating

 The Buddha advises us to be mindful while we eat, to be in touch with the Sangha and the food. Brothers and sisters, when you hear the bell, meditate on the Five Contemplations:

This food is the gift of the whole universe, the earth, the sky, and much hard work.
May we be worthy to receive it.
May we transform unskillful states of mind, especially the habit of eating without moderation.
May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
We accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.
19 Holding the Empty Bowl

Looking at this bowl, I see how fortunate

I am to have enough to eat to continue the practice.

20 Serving

 Food In this food, I see clearly the entire universe supporting my existence.

21 Before Eating

Beings all over the Earth are struggling to live.

I aspire to practice deeply so all may have enough to eat.

22 Beginning to Eat

 With the first taste, I offer joy.

With the second, I help relieve the suffering of others.

 With the third, I see others’ joy as my own.

With the fourth, I learn the way of letting go.

23 Looking at Your Plate or Bowl

 after Eating The meal is finished, and I am satisfied.

The four gratitudes are deeply in my mind.

24 Inviting the Bell to Sound (Version 1)

Body, speech, and mind held in perfect oneness,

I send my heart along with the sound of the bell.

May the hearers awaken from forgetfulness and transcend all anxiety and sorrow.

25 Inviting the Bell (Version 2)

May the sound of this bell penetrate deeply into the cosmos.

In even the darkest spots, may living beings hear it clearly,

so their suffering will cease, understanding arise in their hearts,

and they can transcend the path of anxiety and sorrow.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya.

26 Inviting the Bell (Version 3)

May the sound of this bell penetrate deeply into the cosmos so that beings,

even those in dark places, may hear it and be free from birth and death.

 May all beings realize awakening and find their way home.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya.

27  Listening to the Bell (Version 1)

 Listen, listen, this wonderful sound brings me back to my true home.

28  Listening to the Bell (Version 2)

 Listening to the bell, I feel my afflictions begin to dissolve.

My mind is calm, my body relaxed, a smile is born on my lips.

Following the bell’s sound, my breathing guides me back to the safe island of mindfulness.

In the garden of my heart, the flower of peace blooms beautifully.

Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya.

Listening to the Bell (Version 3)
Hearing the bell, I am able to let go of all my afflictions.

 My heart is calm, my sorrows ended.

I am no longer bound to anything.

I learn to listen to my suffering and the suffering of the other person.

When understanding is born in me, compassion is also born.

30 Impermanence

The day is ending and our life is one day shorter.

 Let us look carefully at what we have done.

Let us practice diligently, putting our whole heart into the path of meditation.

Let us live deeply each moment and in freedom,

so the time doesn’t slip away meaninglessly.

31 Praising the Buddha

The Buddha jewel shines infinitely.

 He has realized perfect enlightenment for countless lifetimes.

The beauty and stability of a Buddha sitting can be seen in the mountains and rivers.

 How splendid is the Vulture Peak!

How beautiful the light that shines forth from Buddha’s third eye illuminating the six dark paths.

The Nagapuspa assembly will be our next appointment for the continuation of the true teachings and practices.

We take refuge in the Buddha ever-present.

32 Praising the Dharma

The Dharma jewel is infinitely lovely.

 It is the precious words spoken by the Buddha himself,

like fragrant flowers floating down from the heavens.

The wonderful Dharma is plain to see.

It is recorded luminously in three transparent baskets,

 handed down from generation to generation in the ten directions,

 so that today we can see our way.

We vow to study it with all our heart, and take refuge in the Dharma ever-present.

Praising the Sangha
The Sangha jewel is infinitely precious,

a field of merit where good seeds can be sown.

The three robes and the bowl are symbols of freedom.

Precepts, concentration, and insight support each other.

The Sangha dwells in mindfulness day and night providing the foundation for us to realize the fruit of meditation.

 With one heart, we come home to the Sangha, and take refuge in the Sangha ever-present.

34 Breathing (Version 1)

 Going back to the island of self,

 I see Buddha is my mindfulness shining near, shining far.

Dharma is my breathing guarding body and mind.

Sangha is my five skandhas working in harmony.

Breathing in, breathing out.

 Flower, fresh. Mountain, solid.

Water, reflecting. Space, free.

35 Breathing (Version 2)

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.

 Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.

As my in-breath grows deep, my out-breath grows slow.

Breathing in, I calm my body Breathing out, I feel ease.

Breathing in, I smile Breathing out, I release.

 Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is a wonderful moment.

36 Breathing (Version 3)

I have arrived I am home In the here In the now

I am solid I am free In the ultimate I dwell.

Arrived, arrived At home, at home

 Dwelling in the here Dwelling in the now

Solid as a mountain Free as the white clouds

The door to no-birth, no-death has opened

Free and unshakable I dwell.

37 Smiling

 at Your Anger Breathing in,

I know that anger makes me not beautiful.

Breathing out, I smile.

I stay with my breathing so I won’t lose myself.

38 Turning on the Computer

Turning on the computer, my mind gets in touch with the store.

I vow to transform habit energies to help love and understanding grow.

39 Driving the Car

Before starting the car

 I know where I’m going.

The car and I are one.

If the car goes fast, I go fast.

40 Drinking Tea

This cup of tea in my two hands,

mindfulness held perfectly.

My mind and body dwell

 in the very here and now.

41 Watering the Plants

Don’t think you are cut off, dear plant.

This water comes to you from the Earth and sky.

You and I have been together since beginningless time.

42 Using the Telephone

Words can travel thousands of miles.

 May my words create mutual understanding and love.

May they be as beautiful as gems, as lovely as flowers.

43 Watering the Garden

The sunshine and the water

have brought about this luxurious vegetation.

The rain of compassion and understanding

can transform the dry desert into a vast fertile plain.

44 Walking Meditation

The mind can go in a thousand directions,

but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace.

With each step, a cool wind blows.

With each step, a flower blooms.

45 Turning on the Light

 Forgetfulness is the darkness,

 mindfulness is the light.

 I bring awareness to shine upon all life.

46 Washing Vegetables

 In these vegetables I see a green sun.

All dharmas join together to make life possible.

47 Planting a Tree

I entrust myself to Earth;

Earth entrusts herself to me.

 I entrust myself to Buddha;

Buddha entrusts herself to me.

48 Cleaning the Bathroom

 How wonderful to scrub and clean.

Day by day, my heart and mind grow clearer.

49 Sweeping

As I carefully sweep the ground of enlightenment,

 a tree of understanding springs up from the Earth.

50 Cleaning the Meditation Hall

As I clean this fresh, calm room,

 boundless joy and energy arise!

51 Throwing Out the Garbage

In the garbage, I see a rose.

In the rose, I see compost.

Everything is in transformation.

Impermanence is life.

52 Lighting a Candle

Lighting this candle,

Offering the light to countless Buddhas,

the peace and the joy

 I feel brighten the face of the Earth.

THICH NHAT HANH´S GATHAS

Mindfulness_Live at the moment
Chân Vĩ Nghiêm vietzen.vn

Easy Kale Chips

I usually use kale in many dishes from boiled to making juice. In my opinion, kale should not be used for juicing because kale does not have much juice and lots of fiber from the kale. Adding kale to smoothies is also a way to bring kale into your body every d. However, in order to eat a lot of kale without being bored, kale chips are one of the most popular snacks. Today, I will share a recipe for making kale chips using a microwave. The results are wonderful because the spices that accompany the kale are coconut oil, cayenne powder, and garlic powder that are very helpful for the body. Add a little salt to the kale to make it tastier. In a few minutes in the microwave, a very nutritious snack has been created.

Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale
2 tbs coconut oil
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:
Wash kale. Remove hard stems and use them to juice. Cut kale leaves into pieces not too large not too small.
Place cut kale leaves in a mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Use your hands to coat kale with all the ingredients. You also can melt the coconut oil and let cool or use olive oil (your choice and also the spices too)
Line a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper. Arrange each piece of kale onto the dish (trying not to overlap them). Microwave about 3 to 4 minutes depending on each Microwave. Continue until all kale becomes chips. Place in an airtight container and enjoy!!

East-West Tuna Pizza

I used to work at California Pizza Kitchen, and many critics say that their pizza is not "real" pizza. However, the menu varieties are fantastic. For years working there, I really love their concept. It like East meats West. I create many recipes with these ideas and today, I like to introduce the Tuna pizza using the East meats West concept. It is the easiest pizza that anyone can create at home. let's start it.

Ingredients:
Two 8 inch pizza dough (homemade or already made).
4 oz. can tuna
Sauce ingredients:
2 tbs Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tbs garlic oil*
Filling ingredients:
2 artichoke hearts, sliced
1/4 cup red onions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1 tsp caper
2 mushrooms, sliced
1 to 1/2 cup cheese (Mozzarella, goat cheese, etc., your choice)

Directions:
Combine the Thai chili sauce and garlic oil.
Brush the pizza dough with chili sauce mixture.
Divide the filling delete for each pizza.
Sprinkle some cheese on each pizza. Then spread the fillings, starting with tuna and finishing with red onions and some cheese on top .
Bake in a preheated oven set to 450° for 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
*Crush 2 garlic cloves and fry with 2 tbs peanut oil until golden brown.

Easy Crockpot Chicken Stew

Most of the housewives are busy taking care of family. The crockpot is the God-send kitchen gadget for them. It is especially helpful on the weekend when the whole family can get together for games or taking the kids for some activities. Women have the choice of cooking by using a crockpot. So many easy recipes that can be prepared in the morning and dinner will be ready at any time. Whether a meal is served immediately or made in advance, a crockpot delivers as a loyal best friend. I try to make many recipes with a crockpot, and I love it. Today, I will share one of my own recipes here. I call it an easy healthy chicken one pot meal for the soul.

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts cut into cubes
1/2 white onion,  roughly chopped
1 total cup bell peppers (green, yellow and red)
1 large potato, peel and cut into cubes
2 cups cooked beans, your choice
15 oz. can tomato with juice
1 cup chicken broth
Spices:
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbs taco seasoning*
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbs fresh herb (thyme or oregano)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbs olive oil

Directions:
I use the Aroma rice cooker/crockpot.

Turn the cooker on to stir-fry function. Add oil until hot. Stir in onions, garlic, and the rest of the spice ingredients. Stir and cook until fragrant. Add chicken and brown chicken cubes until they have some browned edges.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the cooker.

Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Adjust the seasonings before serving

 

*I use taco seasoning for the Mexican taste. Omit it and season with any of your spice choices. Coconut milk or cream can be added to this recipe. There are endless possibilities to get the taste of your choice.

Easy Scones Ever

Scones are an afternoon tea snack from country such as England, Scotland. As my knowledge serve well is that we place scones in the oven just as the guests arrive. Scones serve warm with jam and butter or cream in an afternoon with tea in the middle of a fragrant garden is not to be missed. I used to be afraid of baking, but not any more. I watched you tube about "100 years recipe for scones' and others 2 or 3 ingredients scones which is encourage me to make scones. However, baking is fun but I do not believe that has to take all days. This recipe is the most easiest scones ever and the variation are endless; The scones are sweet or savory by just changing some ingredients. For the beginner baker as myself; let make a simple raisins scones.

Ingredients:
2 cups self rising flour
1/2 tsp baking powder*
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisin
1 1/2 cups cream or coconut cream*

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set a side
Place the flour, baking powder, sugar and raisin in  a mixing bowl. Whisk well

Pour the cream or coconut milk into the flour.

Use wooden spoon or fork to mix the flour. Gently mix flour to make a soft, sticky dough.
Sprinkle some self rising flour on a counter, knead dough gently until smooth.

Press dough out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 8 pieces.

 

 

Place scones on a prepare pan, touching each other.

Brush scone with some cream or milk.
Bake scones for 15 minutes.
Serve with your favorite jam

* Adding extra baking powder is optional
*I use the coconut cream for healthier version of scones

Gluten-free Garlic Salmon

I use the word gluten free for this dish because in my family and circle of friends quite have gluten problem. Most of the recipes that we can create gluten free by using  the gluten seasoning. I do not think it is hard to create a wonderful gluten free dish at home. This recipe can prepare with shrimps and also with chicken too.  It is quick, easy and healthy that what I like to create daily.

Ingredients:

Two 6 oz salmon fillets, thaw and cube

1 tbsp peanut oil

1 tsp salt 

Garlic sauce:

3 tbsp honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

1/2 tsp chili flake

3 garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

1/4 cup fish stock or water

1/4 tsp salt and black pepper
1 tsp wine rice vinegar

Others:

3 green onions cut into section

Steamed vegetables on the side

Hot cooked brown, red or white rice

Directions:

Place cubed salmon in a mixing bowl. Add peanut oil, salt and mix well. Let it marinate for one hour

 

Combine the garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl; mix well and set a side.

Heat a nonstick wok or large saute pan in medium high heat. Add fish. brown the fish about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove if you do not want fish over cook. Add a little more oil if needed.

 

In the same pan add sauce and bring to boil.

 Cook sauce for 1 minutes and return the fish to the sauce.

 Make a quick stir and add green onions; Adjust the seasoning with more salt or soy sauce.

Serve with rice and steamed vegetables

 

Serve 2

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out non essential numbers.
This includes age, weight, and height.
Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them. 
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)   
3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. 
Never let the brain get idle.
'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her!   
6. The tears happen: 
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is our self.
LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love: 
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.  Your home is your refuge. 
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 
9. Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is 
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. 

From Congdong.net