the bright wisdom of tao: managing our emotionsetc.nchu.edu.tw/sites/default/files/field... · the...
TRANSCRIPT
The Bright Wisdom of Tao:
Managing Our Emotions
Lily C. Hsu
English Tao Class
Kuang Ming Saint Tao Temple
May 7, 2011
SynopsisHave you ever wondered why one person may react so differently
from another person to the same event? For example, some of us might be resentful and angry if a colleague got promoted by taking credit for our months of hard work, while others can calmly go about their work as if nothing ever happened. And why is it that some of us have the integrity to do the right thing all the time, while others have moments of weakness? The answer lies in our karma.
In this lecture, we’ll briefly discuss what is “karma,” how it shapes who we are and what we do, and finally, how we can remove the previous negative karma to help us manage our emotions and to reclaim our inherent bright wisdom.
What are Emotions?
• Emotions = reactions to particular stimuli, such as a particular person or event
3 Stages of EmotionsSubjective Feelings
Physiological Responses
Expressive Behaviors
Internal feelings
Physical responses to emotions
Outward manifestations of our emotions,
including facial expressions, tone of voice,
and body languages
What is “Karma?”In Tao tradition, we believe that our actions, both the good and the bad, from our past lives and present, shape who we are today (e.g. our mental, moral intellectual and temperamental differences).
Karma is also known as “cause and effect”or action and reaction.
What is “Karma?”Misconception that just because we are born with karmas from our previous lives, everything in the present life is predetermined and there is nothing that we can do to change it.
On the contrary, our future is still within our hands. How so? Because the word “karma” means action. And doesn’t “action” implies that an act will be done? Because we are the action doers, it logically follows that it is within our hands or our choice whether or not we do those actions.
The key to happiness is to
“not to tie too many knots.
Be happy and learn from
Maitreya Buddha (Mi-Le Buddha).”
Holy Teacher
What are some “knots”?
* Anxiety
* Inferiority
* Pressure
* Bitterness
* Jealousy
* Worries
* Discontentment
* Anger
* Guilt / shame
* Regrets
Endless Knot
*Symbolizes the
endless cycle of birth,
death, and rebirth
*Resembles the
interplay and
interaction of the
opposing forces
*Symbolizes the
infinite wisdom of
Buddha
“A happy person is a person who does
not possess a lot, but rather is one who
haggles less. That means you have to
open your heart to accommodate
everything.”
Holy Teacher
“Our destinies are written on our
faces. To have a smiling face all the
time will change you for the better.”
Holy Teacher
“As long as we face the world with a
peaceful heart and cheerful
disposition, [we can always adjust
ourselves] to different circumstances
and cope with changes to turn big
problems into smaller issues and
resolve them.”
Holy Teacher
“When there are sorrows and sadness within,
if you are not aware of them, cannot
understand and dissolve them, or make
adjustments. You are only hurting yourself
and damaging your heart.”
Holy Teacher
“Holding onto anger is like holding onto a
hot coal with intent of throwing it at
someone. But it is you who gets burned.”
Siddhartha Buddha
“To store bitterness inside your heart is
real suffering… Happiness and bliss
start when you let go.”
Holy Teacher
“Heaven, when it is about to place a greatresponsibility on a man, always first tests hisresolution, wears out his sinews and boneswith toil, exposes his body to starvation,subjects him to extreme poverty, frustrateshis efforts so as to stimulate his mind,strengthen his nature and make good hisdeficiencies.”
Mencius
“When you are angry, it is very easy to pour all your anger onto others and inflict damage to both sides. Therefore, take a deep breath before you get angry.”
Holy Teacher
“Thwart our anger by holding our temper.”
How do we hold our temper? By doing the
“hold-in and breathe-out exercise and
letting out the damaging angers and
grudges with breathings.”
Another way is to “shout out all your
frustrations, shortcomings, and
negative emotions.”
Holy Teacher
Conclusion
Our emotions are the driving force
behind our actions
Learn to have an “attitude of gratitude”
Learn how to “live to give”
Then you will truly be fulfilled and happy.