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Saddhā: The Criterion of Being the Tathāgata's Son
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Saddhā: The Criterion of Being the Tathāgata's Son
Saddhā: Criterion of being the Tathāgata's Son The first point to be looked at is the criterion of being the Buddha’s ‘true son’ which is, in this passage, defined by means of his irremovable confiden
This text discusses the criterion of being the Tathāgata's son, emphasizing the irremovable confidence (saddhā) in the Buddha. It defines this confidence as settled and unchangeable despite external i
Giving Courage to Others
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Giving Courage to Others
166 THE TRUE REFUGE VIIXVII Giving Courage to Others Before we can encourage other people, we should be able to encourage ourselves first. The only way to empower the mind is to cling to the source of
Before we can encourage other people, we should be able to encourage ourselves first. The only way to empower the mind is to cling to the source of the absolute power of the Triple Gem. If our minds c
Meditation for World Peace and Happiness
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Meditation for World Peace and Happiness
that wishes all beings free of suffering and able to attain greater happiness. Wish that all beings will discover the greatest thing: to attain the utmost happiness that arises from meditation and tha
This text emphasizes the profound benefits of meditation, encouraging practitioners to wish for the happiness and freedom from suffering of all beings. It advocates for a boundless mindset filled with
A Changed Region: The Transformation of the Middle East Post 9/11
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A Changed Region: The Transformation of the Middle East Post 9/11
A Changed Region After September 11, 2001, the Bush administration launched an ambitious policy to forge a new Middle East, with intervention in Iraq as the driver of the transformation. "The establi
This analysis reflects on the changes in the Middle East following the events of September 11, 2001, highlighting the ambitious policies of the Bush administration aimed at establishing democracy and
The Complex Dynamics of Sunni Politics in Iraq
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The Complex Dynamics of Sunni Politics in Iraq
nizations with local roots. They understand the importance and advantages of a decentralized system. They appear to have very little respect for the central government or even for Sunni politicians in
This text examines the intricate dynamics of Sunni political groups in Iraq amid changing power structures. Local organizations show a preference for decentralized systems, often in conflict with each
The Complexity of Syrian-Lebanese Relations
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The Complexity of Syrian-Lebanese Relations
represented by the March 8 forces led by Hizbollah and the Syrian regime, seen as proxies for Iran and its policy of regional domination. The Syria–Lebanon cluster, in this view, is at the center of t
This content discusses the influence of Syria and Iran on Lebanon's political environment, particularly the roles of the March 8 forces led by Hizbollah, and the March 14 coalition resisting Syrian co
Realities of the New Middle East
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Realities of the New Middle East
REALTIES OF THE NEW MIDDLE EAST 13 always been the possibility that Syria could be coaxed and pressured into adopting more pragmatic policies. Revived U.S. efforts to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian
The text discusses the political realities of Lebanon following Syria's withdrawal and the influence of Hizbollah and other political factions. Despite Syrian troop withdrawal, control issues persist,
U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Fostering Stability and Addressing Security Challenges
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U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Fostering Stability and Addressing Security Challenges
policy in Iraq and of the Palestinian–Israeli peace process. The United States needs to recognize that terrorism is not the result of blind hatred of Western civilization, as the Bush administration i
This text argues that U.S. policies in the Middle East must shift to address underlying political issues to effectively curb terrorism and ensure oil flow. It outlines critical tasks for U.S. engageme
Navigating the Complexities of U.S.-Middle East Relations
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Navigating the Complexities of U.S.-Middle East Relations
But it is impossible to turn back the clock to more propitious circumstances. The biggest tension—between integrating Hamas and denying the movement its proclaimed goal of destroying Israel—can only b
The text discusses the challenges of integrating Hamas while managing its actions against Israel. It stresses the importance of regional pressures and U.S. support for a unified Palestinian government
Understanding Boon and Kilesa in Meditation
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Understanding Boon and Kilesa in Meditation
Suzanne Jeffrey concentrate on the inside, or inside our center, it is impossible for kilesa to exist. Whenever you are angry, your mind goes outside. It is easy to get hooked, easy to be angry. The
In this insightful discussion on meditation, Luang Por explains how the mind often drifts outside our center, leading to anger and distraction from self-awareness. By focusing inward and engaging in g
The Concept of the Unknown Factor in Human Belief
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The Concept of the Unknown Factor in Human Belief
Luang Por: "Humans are categorized into two groups: either believing that the Unknown Factor exists, or believing that it does not exist. There are, of course, atheists, who say that the possibility e
Luang Por categorizes humans into two groups based on belief in the Unknown Factor, discussing atheists inclusively in those who believe. He elaborates on those who perceive this factor as necessary f
Be Yourself: Embrace Your True Potential
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Be Yourself: Embrace Your True Potential
THE TRUE REFUGE VIIXIV Be Yourself What is it like to be yourself? Look at the sun, generating its own light and heat which becomes a tremendous source of power. Comparing ourselves ourselves with the
This text encourages individuals to embrace their true selves, comparing their potential to that of the sun, which emits light and heat as a source of energy. It emphasizes that, like the sun, humans
Upasokkaew Ceremony: A Blessing for His Majesty the King
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Upasokkaew Ceremony: A Blessing for His Majesty the King
On January 29-31, 1999, Luang Phaw Dhammajayo organised the Upasokkaew ceremony (laymen’s retreat) to offer a blessing to His Majesty the King related to the celebration of the 72 nd anniversary of Hi
On January 29-31, 1999, Luang Phaw Dhammajayo organised the Upasokkaew ceremony to celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday with around 200,000 participants. The event emphasized the power of collect
The Power of Pure Meditation for Global Peace
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The Power of Pure Meditation for Global Peace
Let your mind connect with all beings. Let them only have happiness. Let all countries in the world prosper and be full of good people who work for true happiness and peace for all persons. Let the po
This text emphasizes the importance of connecting with all beings and the role of meditation in spreading happiness and compassion. It advocates for a world where love prevails over exploitation and d
Iran's Strategic Influence in Post-Saddam Iraq
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Iran's Strategic Influence in Post-Saddam Iraq
which ended conclusively with a UN-mandated cease-fire and eventually a return to the status quo, made it very clear that neither country could break the balance of power. By removing Saddam Hussein,
This text discusses the significant changes in the balance of power in the Middle East following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the subsequent rise of Iranian influence in the region. The removal o
The Complex Relationship Between Syria and the United States
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The Complex Relationship Between Syria and the United States
but set aside its criticism when this was in its interest. It was never in agreement with the United States and sought other allies, but never became so antagonistic as to provoke a strong American re
The text explores the evolving relationship between Syria and the United States, highlighting key moments such as the leadership transition from Hafez al-Assad to Bashar al-Assad, the impact of the Ir
Realties of the New Middle East
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Realties of the New Middle East
REALTIES OF THE NEW MIDDLE EAST 21 otherwise unwelcome consequences..... And another message should be equally clear: leaders who abandon the pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and
This text discusses the complexities and challenges in the New Middle East, particularly regarding nuclear ambitions of countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the decline of the U.S. freedom agend
Political Dynamics and Sectarian Tensions in the Middle East
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Political Dynamics and Sectarian Tensions in the Middle East
retrenchment into a more ideological posture by a movement that has sought, but has so far been denied, a legitimate political role. The adoption and subsequent abandonment of the freedom agenda broug
The text discusses the complexities faced in promoting democracy in Arab nations, highlighting the influence of incumbent regimes resistant to political reform. It notes that, despite potential allies
The Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Middle East
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The Evolving Dynamics of Power in the Middle East
36 THE NEW MIDDLE EAST restoring a balance of power that is not entirely dependent on a long-term, large U.S. military presence with its financial costs and negative political perceptions in the regi
This text discusses the changing power dynamics in the Middle East, particularly the region's responses to Iranian influence and the evolving role of the U.S. Historically reliant on American support,
Khun Yai's Vision for a Meditation Center
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Khun Yai's Vision for a Meditation Center
and her team could have their own place to teach and practice meditation and to propagate Buddhism. Unfortunately, all Khun Yai had in her possession was her own meager savings of 3,200 Baht ($160 in
This text narrates the challenges faced by Khun Yai and her team as they aim to create a meditation center despite limited resources of only 3,200 Baht. With unwavering faith in the power of merit, Kh