(Mushroom Wonderland) This is an in-depth expose on chanterelles. Yes, our favorite wild mushroom we love to forage in the fall and sometimes out of season. This channel is based in Washington state, in the Pacific Northwest, so we are talking about Pacific chanterelles. Beware of white chanterelles, California gold chanterelles and dangerous lookalikes.

These poisonous mushrooms grow worldwide: Destroying Angel, Death Cap, False Parasol, Deadly Galerina, Jack o' Lantern, Sulphur Tuft, and Earthball. Learn their different forms at different stages of development, as well as their safe and edible lookalikes. Location: VA, MD, PA, DE. Mushroom ID tool, AI-powered: ShroomID | Best Mushroom Identification App. More

The cutting edge of neurolinguistics meets the spiritual wisdom of the ages in a handbook of key words that literally rewire our brains. 

New discoveries in biology and the neurosciences are revealing how the structure of language -- the words we think and speak -- can actually change the way the neurons in our brains and hearts connect.

But thousands of years ago, our [Buddhist] ancestors understood this connection intuitively. They created specific word-patterns to provide comfort, healing, strength, and inner power in difficult times.

Researcher Gregg Braden

And they encoded these powerful words in prayers, chants, mantras, hymns, and sacred writings to preserve them for future generations.

Now teacher and thought leader Gregg Braden cracks the code and puts these powerful words in our hands.

Perfect as a pocket guide, a reference for spiritual study, or a gift to someone we love, this elegant, compact book contains Wisdom Codes that cut to the core of life's greatest tests, most challenging demands, and hardest lessons.

Find chapters devoted to healing from loss and grief, facing unspoken fears, finding certainty in the face of uncertain choices, and finding forgiveness (khanti), as well as ancient parables that offer a "fast track" to unraveling life's deepest mysteries.

Each Wisdom Code -- distilled from a quote, a scripture passage, or a parable -- is accompanied by a brief discussion of what the code means, why it's important, and how to apply it: Wisdom Codes

Ven. Akaliko, Ven. Anandajoti (ancient-buddhist-texts.net), Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Poverty Death says to Covid-19 Death, "You ain't seen nothing yet." (creators.com)

Ratana Sutta: "Precious Jewel Sutra"

The backstory of Bahiya of the Barkcloth

(May 18, 2020) The "Precious Jewel Sutra" was originally uttered or chanted by the Buddha and Ven. Ananda as a protection (paritta) for a city ravaged by a pandemic and haunted by the unclean spirits of those who had died as a result. Here two Western Theravada monks in the Thai Forest Tradition, Ven. Sujato and Ven. Akaliko, chant the abridged version for 2020 Vesak celebrations organized by the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils, an online event held during the pandemic.

CHANT: Ratana Sutta (Sn2.1)

Whatever riches there are -- here, elsewhere, or in the celestial realm -- that excellent treasure
Yaṁ kiñci vittaṁ -- idha vā huraṁ vā saggesu vā -- yaṁ ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ

cannot rival the Awakened One. This excellent treasure in [the world] is the Buddha:
na no samaṁ atthi Tathāgatena, idam-pi Buddhe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ:

[Pollutants’] end, dispassion, deathlessness, excellence: which the concentrated Scythian sage attained,
Khayaṁ virāgaṁ amataṁ paṇītaṁ, yad-ajjhagā Sakyamunī samāhito,

By virtue of this truth may there be safety!
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu!

There is nothing that is equal to that state. This excellent treasure in [the world] is the Dharma:
Na tena dhammena samatthi kiñci, idam-pi Dhamme ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ:

By virtue of this truth may there be safety!
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu!

That which the Buddha, the Great One, praised as pure, the concentration said to have immediate result,
Yam-Buddhaseṭṭho parivaṇṇayī suciṁ, samādhim-ānantarikañ-ñam-āhu,

no equal to that concentration is to be found. This excellent treasure is in the Dharma:
samādhinā tena samo na vijjati, idam-pi Dhamme ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ:

By virtue of this truth may there be safety!
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu!

Those eight individuals praised by the noble ones, there are these four pairs (of individuals),
Ye puggalā aṭṭha sataṁ pasatthā, cattāri etāni yugāni honti,

those disciples of the Happy One are worthy of gifts, for things given to them have great fruit,
te dakkhiṇeyyā Sugatassa sāvakā, etesu dinnāni mahapphalāni,

this excellent treasure is in the Saṅgha:
idam-pi Saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ:

By virtue of this truth may there be safety!
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu!

Those who have firm and devoted minds, without sense desire in Gotama’s dispensation,
te pattipattā amataṁ vigayha, laddhā mudhā nibbutiṁ bhuñjamānā,

those who have attained, and entered the deathless state, are enjoying liberation, gained for free,
Ye suppayuttā manasā daḷhena, nikkāmino Gotamasāsanamhi,

this excellent treasure in [the world] is the Saṅgha: by virtue of this truth may there be safety!...
idam-pi Saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ: etena saccena suvatthi hotu!

The old is destroyed, and nothing new is produced, (their) minds are dispassionate about any future rebirth,
Khīṇaṁ purāṇaṁ navaṁ natthi sambhavaṁ, virattacittā āyatike bhavasmiṁ,

they have neutralized the seeds, and are dispassionate about growth, the wise are still, just as this lamp (is still),
te khīṇabījā avirūḷhicchandā, nibbanti dhīrā yathāyam-padīpo,

this excellent treasure in[the world] is the Saṅgha:
idam-pi Saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ:

By virtue of this truth may there be safety!
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu!

Deva Premal "Gayatri Mantra" via Ganesha on YouTube; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

The Gāyatrī (Sāvitri or Saraswati) Mantra is a highly revered chant from the Rig Veda (Mandala 3.62.10), dedicated to the Goddess Savitri, the deity (devi) of five elements.

Gāyatrī is the name of the Vedic meter in which the verse is composed (Frits Staal, "The Sound of Religion," Numen, 33, June 1986, Fasc. 1: 33–64).

Its recitation is preceded by Oṃ and the formula bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ, known as the mahā vyāhṛti or "great (mystical) utterance."

Vishvamitra had it created, and it is cited widely in Vedic and post-Vedic texts, such as the mantra listings of the Śrauta liturgy and classical Hindu texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Harivamsa, and Manusmṛti.

The Buddha
The mantra and its metric form was known by the Buddha, and in one sutra the Buddha is described as "expressing their appreciation" for the mantra (Brett Shults, "On the Buddha's Use of Some Brahmanical Motifs in Pali Texts," Journal of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies. 6: 119).

The mantra is an important part of the rite of passage upanayana ceremony for young males in Hinduism and has long been recited by "twice born" (dvija) males as part of their daily rituals.

Modern Hindu reform movements have spread the practice of this mantra to include women and all castes. Its use is now very widespread (Rinehart, 2004, p. 127; Lipner, 1994, p. 53). More

Ven. Piyadassi Thera (trans.), Ratana Sutta: "Jewel Discourse" (Sn 2.1, PTS Sn 222-238; Khp 6) edited by Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Wisdom Quarterly, March 2020, Coronavirus Age

The ancient city of Vesali (Bihar, India) was once afflicted by a famine, causing death, especially of the impoverished. The presence of decaying corpses attracted many unclean spirits that began to haunt the city. This was followed by an epidemic.

Plagued by these three fearsome things -- famine, spirits (non-human beings), and disease -- the citizens sought the help of the Buddha, who was then staying in Rajagaha (Rajgir, India).

Followed by a large number of monastics, including Venerable Ananda, his attendant disciple [possibly his son, according to some traditions, born before Rahula, the son of a harem girl named Mrigi], the Buddha visited Vesali. With the arrival of the teacher, there came a torrential rain, which washed away the putrefying corpses.

There really are "unclean spirits" who harm.

The atmosphere was purified, the city was physically clean, and the Buddha delivered the following Jewel Discourse (Ratana Sutta) to Ven. Ananda, and gave him instructions on how to tour the city with the Licchavi citizens reciting (chanting) the discourse as a mark of protection to the people of Vesali.

Ven. Ananda followed the instructions and sprinkled blessed water from the Buddha's alms bowl. As a result the unclean spirits were exorcised, and the epidemic subsided.

Thereafter, Ven. Ananda returned with the citizens of Vesali to the public hall, where the Buddha and a number of disciples had assembled awaiting their arrival. The Buddha then recited the Jewel Discourse to the gathering:

Ratana Sutra: The "Jewel Discourse"

Dispelling fear hand gesture

1. "Whatever (non-human) beings are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, may they all have peace of mind, and may they listen attentively to these words:

2. "O, beings, listen closely. May you all radiate loving-kindness to human beings who day and night bring offerings to you (share merit). Therefore, protect them diligently.

3. "Whatever treasure there be, whether here or in the world beyond, whatever precious jewel there be in heavenly worlds, there is none comparable to the Tathagata (the Wayfarer, the Thus Come One, the One Arrived at Suchness, the Perfect One). This precious jewel [1] is the Buddha [2]. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

4. "That Cessation, that Letting Go, that Deathlessness (Nirvana) supreme, the calm and collected Scythian (Shakyian) Sage directly realized. There is none comparable to this (Nirvana) Dharma. This precious jewel is the Dharma [3]. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

Fearless be (abhaya mudra)

5. "The Supreme Buddha extolled a path of purification (the Noble Eightfold Path) calling it the path that unfailingly brings concentration. There is nothing comparable to this concentration. This precious jewel is the Dharma. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

6. "The eight persons extolled by virtuous people constitute four pairs. They are the disciples of the Buddha and are worthy of offerings (arhats). Gifts given to them yield rich results. This precious jewel is the Sangha [4]. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

7. "With a steadfast mind and applying themselves well in the dispensation of the Buddha Gautama, free from (defilements), they have attained that which should be attained (arhatship, full enlightenment) encountering the Deathless. They enjoy the peace of Nirvana freely obtained [5]. This precious jewel is the Sangha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

8. "As a post deep planted in the earth stands unshaken by the winds from the four quarters so, too, I declare is the virtuous person who comprehends with wisdom the Ennobling (Enlightening) Truths. This precious jewel is the (Noble) Sangha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

9. "Those who realized the Noble Truths well taught by the one profound in wisdom (the Buddha), even though they may be exceedingly heedless, they will not take an eighth rebirth (in the sensual sphere) [6]. This precious jewel is the Sangha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

10. "With the gaining of insight one abandons three states of mind -- namely self-illusion, skeptical doubt, and belief in meaningless rites and rituals, should there be any. One is also fully freed from the four states of woe and is therefore incapable of committing the six major wrongdoings [7]. This precious jewel is the Sangha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

11. "Any harmful action (karma) one may still do by deed, word, or thought, one is incapable of concealing it, for it has been proclaimed that such concealing is impossible for one who has seen the Path (of Nirvana) [8]. This precious jewel is the [Noble] Sangha. By this (asseveration of), truth may there be happiness.

12. "As the woodland groves in the early heat of the summer month are crowned with blossoming flowers, even so is the sublime Dharma leading to the (calm) of Nirvana that is taught (by the Buddha) for the highest good. This precious jewel is the Buddha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

13. "The Peerless One, the Excellent One, the Knower (of Nirvana), the Revealer (of Nirvana), the Bringer (of the Noble Path), taught the excellent Dharma. This precious jewel is the Buddha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

14. "Their past (karma) is spent, new (karma) no more arises, mind is free from future becoming. The seed (of rebirth-consciousness) has dissolved, they have no more craving for continued rebirth. Those wise one go out (of Samsara, the Wheel of Rebirth and Suffering) as the flame of this lamp (goes out). This precious jewel is the [Noble] Sangha. By this (asseveration of) truth, may there be happiness.

The Buddha washing a sick monk himself.

15. "Whatever (non-human) beings are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial (of earth or sky), come let us salute the Buddha, the Tathagata (the Perfect One, the Wayfarer), honored by devas and humans. May there be happiness [9].

16. "Whatever beings are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, come let us salute the perfect Dharma, honored by devas and humans. May there be happiness.

17. "Whatever beings are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, come let us salute the perfect [Noble] Sangha, honored by devas and humans. May there be happiness."

NOTES

1. Ratana means precious "jewel." Here the term is applied to the three jewels or gems, the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

2. Literally, in the Buddha is this precious jewel.

3. Literally, in the Dharma is this precious jewel.

4. Literally, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.

5. Obtained without payment: avyayena (KhpA).

6. The reason why it is stated that there will be no eighth existence for a person who has attained the first stage of enlightenment (stream-entry) is that such a being can be reborn at most only seven times in the sense sphere (kama loka).

7. Abhithanani: i. matricide, ii. patricide, iii. the murder of an arhat (enlightened one, consummate one), iv. the shedding of a buddha's blood, v. causing a schism in the Sangha, vi. pernicious false views/beliefs (niyata micca ditthi) that lead to woeful rebirths.

8. One is a stream-enterer (sotapanna), one who has attained the first stage of awakening.

9. The last three stanzas were recited by Sakka, the King of the Devas (in two celestial world immediately above the human plane) (KhpA).

Citation: "Ratana Sutta: The Jewel Discourse" (Sn 2.1), translated from Pali by Ven. Piyadassi Thera based on Access to Insight (BCBS edition), Nov. 30, 2013. Access to Insight (accesstoinsight.org) is owned and managed by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.

.

What should be done by one skillful in good

So as to gain the State of Peace [nirvana] is this:

Let one be able, upright and straight,

Easy to speak to, gentle, and not proud,

Contented, too, easily supported,

With few tasks, and living very lightly;

One's faculties serene, prudent, and modest,

Unswayed by the emotions of family clans;

And let one never do the slightest thing

That other wise persons might hold blameworthy.

 

(And let one think:) "In safety and in bliss

May creatures all be of a blissful heart.

Whatever breathing beings there may be,

No matter whether they are frail or firm,

With none excepted, be they long or big

Or middle-sized, or be they short or small

Or thick, as well as those seen or unseen,

Or whether they are dwelling far or near,

Existing or yet seeking to exist.

May creatures all be of a blissful heart.

Let no one work another one's undoing

Or even slight one at all anywhere:

And never let them wish each other ill

Through provocation or resentful thought."

 

.

And just as might a mother with her life

Protect the son that was her only child,

So let one then for every living thing

Maintain unbounded consciousness in being;

 

And let one, too, with love for all the world

Maintain unbounded consciousness in being

Above, below, and all round in between,

Untroubled, with no enemy or foe.

And while one stands or walks or while one sits

Or while one lies down, free from drowsiness,

Let one resolve upon this mindfulness:

This is Divine Abiding here, they say.

 

But when one has no trafficking with views,

Is virtuous, and has perfected seeing,

And purges greed for sensual desires,

One surely comes no more to any womb.

Slightly modified version of ©1994 English Sangha Trust. From Chanting Book: Morning and Evening Puja and Reflections (Hemel Hempstead: Amaravati Publications, 1994) revised for AccessToInsight.org on Nov. 2, 2013.

• Four alternate translations: Ven. Ñanamoli, Ven. Buddharakkhita, Ven. Piyadassi, Ven. Thanissaro

The following is an edited, interpretive translation of the famous Discourse on Loving Kindness" by the Western Theravada monk Ven. Dhammarakkhita from his book Metta Bhavana: Loving-Kindness Meditation.

Owing to the glorious power of this Metta Sutra, spirits dare not appear in frightful forms. Anyone who [practices and] chants this discourse, day and night, sleeps peacefully, has no bad dreams, and enjoys many benefits. Come on, let’s recite this Metta Sutra!

One who is skillful in good practices and

wishes to attain to that state of peace [nirvana]

should follow this: One should be able and

upright, perfectly straight, dutiful,

gentle in speech, and humble,

contented, easy to look after,

with few [distracting] duties,

simple in livelihood, controlled in senses,

discreet, modest, and not greedily

attached to people.

One should do nothing that the wise

may blame one for. Just think:

May all beings be happy and secure!

May their hearts be wholesome.

Whatever beings there are,

weak or strong, without exception,

long, stout, or medium, short or tall,

large or small, seen or unseen,

near or far, born or unborn,

may all beings be happy!

Let no one deceive another,

nor despise anyone at all.

With anger or ill will, let one

not wish harm to any other,

just as a mother would protect

her only child,

even at the risk of her own life,

let us develop boundless

loving-kindness towards all beings.

Let’s send unlimited loving-kindness

towards the whole world,

above, below, and all around,

freely and without hatred or enmity.

Whether sitting standing,

walking or lying down,

as long as we are awake,

we should develop this mindfulness,

for this, they say, is the highest conduct.

Not following wrong views

but purely and wisely being unattached to

many pleasures, one gains freedom

from endless rebirth. More

Editors, Wisdom Quarterly based on Buddhanet.net (abbreviated Pali chant)

Discourse on Great Blessings (Maha-Mangala Sutta)

Check this out, Mr. Pope, ancient relics.

Êvam mê suttam êkam samayam bhagavâ Sâvatthiyam viharati Jêtavanê Anâthapindikassa ârâmê, atha kho aññatarâ dêvatâ abhikkantaya rattiyâ abhikanta vannâ kêvalakappam Jêtavanam bhâsetvâ, yêna bhagavâ tênupasamkami. Upasam kamitvâ bhagavantam abhivâdetvâ êkamantam atthâsi. Êkamantam thitâ kho sâ dêvatâ bhagavantam gâthâya ajjhabhâsi. Bahû dêvâ manussâ ca mangalâni acintayum. Âkankhamânâ sotthânam brûhi mangala muttamam. Asêvanâ ca bâlânam panditânam ca sêvanâ. Pûjâ ca pûjaniyânam êtam mangala muttamam...

This sutra was delivered by the Buddha in the City of Vesali, whose citizens appealed to the Buddha for help because they were afflicted by famine, pestilence, and disturbances from foul spirits.

As a mark of protection for the people of Vesali, the Buddha delivered this sutra to exorcise these spirits as part of getting the pestilence to subside.

Protection
Whatever beings are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, may they all be happy! Moreover, may they listen attentively listen.

Accordingly, give heed, good beings. Show love to these human beings, who day and night bring offerings. Guard them zealously.

Whatever treasure there is, either here or in worlds beyond, whatever precious jewel in the precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

The tranquil Sage of the Shakyas realized that cessation, passion-free, Deathless (nirvana) supreme. There is nought comparable with to Dharma. In truth, in the Dharma is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

That enlightenment praised by the Buddha supreme is described as "concentration without interruption. There is nought like that concentration. In truth, in the Dharma is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

Those eight individuals,* praised by the virtuous, constitute four pairs. They, who are worthy of offerings, disciples of the Welcome One -- to these gifts given yield abundant fruit. In truth, in the *[Noble] Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

With steadfast mind, applying themselves thoroughly in the dispensation of the Buddha, exempt (from passion), they have attained to "that which should be attained" and, plunging into the Deathless, they enjoy peace obtained without price. In truth, in the [Noble] Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

Just as a firm post sunk in the earth cannot be shaken by the four winds, even so do I declare him to be a noble person who thoroughly perceives the [Four] Noble Truths. In truth, in the [Noble] Sangha is the precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

Those who comprehend clearly the [Four] Noble Truths, well taught by him of wisdom deep, do not -- however exceeding heedless they may be -- undergo an eighth rebirth. In truth, in the [Noble] Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

For one with the acquisition of insight, three conditions come to nought, namely: self-illusion, doubt [about the Buddha, Dhama, or Sangha], and clinging to (useless) rites and ceremonies [that in themselves are incapable of resulting in enlightenment], should there be any.

From the four states of misery [below the human plane of rebirth], one is absolutely freed and is incapable of committing the six heinous crimes [that would lead to rebirth on those planes]. In truth, in the [Noble] Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

Whatever harmful deeds one does, whether by body, word, or thought, one is incapable of hiding it. For it has been said that such an act (kama) is impossible for one who has seen the Path. In truth, in the [Noble] Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

Like unto the woodland groves with blossoming tree tops in the first heat of the summer season has the sublime doctrine, which leads to nirvana, been taught for the highest good. In truth, in the Buddha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness.

The unrivalled Enlightened One, the Knower, the Giver, and the Bringer of the Excellent has expounded the excellent Dharma. In truth, in the Buddha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

Their past is extinct, fresh becoming there is not, their minds are not attached to a future rebirth, their craving grows not -- and those wise ones go out even as this lamp. In truth, in the [Noble] Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!

We beings here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, salute the Accomplished Buddha, honored by devas and humans. May there be happiness!

We beings here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, salute the Accomplished Dharma, honored by devas and humans. May there be happiness!

We beings here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, salute the Accomplished Sangha, honored by devas and humans. May there be happiness!

Deva: What is life's highest blessing?

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One (the Buddha) was staying at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta's Grove near Savatthi (ancient India).

Now when the night was far spent, a certain deva (angelic deity, "shining one"), whose surpassing splendor illuminated the entire woodland grove, came into the presence of the Blessed One.

Drawing near, the deva saluted him, stood respectfully to one side, and addressed the Blessed One in verse:

Many devas and humans yearning after the good have pondered blessings. Pray, tell me the highest blessing!

To avoid associating with fools, to associate with the wise, to honor those worthy of honor -- this is the highest blessing.

To reside in a suitable location, to have completed meritorious deeds in the past, to establish oneself on the right course -- this is the highest blessing.

Wide learning, skillful handicraft, well trained discipline, pleasant speech -- this is the highest blessing.

Support of father and mother, cherishing spouse and children, harmless occupation -- this is the highest blessing.

Generosity (liberality), good conduct, helping relatives, blameless action -- this is the highest blessing.

To cut and abstain from further harm, foregoing intoxicants, steadfastness in virtue -- this is the highest blessing.

Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, opportune listening to the Dharma (truth, teaching, doctrine) -- this is the highest blessing.

Patience, compliance, seeing wanderers (purified ones), uplifting spiritual discussion in season (at the appropriate time) -- this is the highest blessing.

Self control, the supreme life, perception of the (four) ennobling truths, the realization of nirvana -- this is the highest blessing!

• AUDIO: What is "nirvana"? (Bhikkhu Bodhi)

One whose heart/mind does not flutter by contact with worldly things, sorrowless, stainless, secure -- this is the highest blessing.

For those fulfilling these -- everywhere invincible, in every way moving happily -- these are the highest blessings.

Teresa Iafolla (Nautilus.us, 3/26/18) via GetPocket.com; Ajahn Lee (trans. by Ven. Thanissaro, accesstoinsight.org); Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Ellie A. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Meet Fortuna, Goddess (Devi) of Luck, Abundance, and Fate (icydegwick.com)

.

Luck can seem synonymous with randomness. To call someone lucky is usually to deny the relevance of their own effort, intelligence, hard work, or talent.

As Professor of Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK Richard Wiseman puts it:

Lucky people “appear to have an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time and enjoy more than their fair share of lucky breaks.”

What do these people have that the rest of us don’t? It turns out “ability” is the key word here.

Beyond their level of privilege or the circumstances they were born into, the luckiest people may have a specific set of skills that bring chance opportunities their way. Somehow, they’ve learned ways to turn life’s odds in their favor.

“His research is hilarious.”

Demystifying this luck skillset has been a personal project of Christine Carter, a sociologist and senior fellow at the Greater Good Science Center, at the University of California at Berkeley. A few years ago, she was putting together an online course for families on raising happier kids.
 
She translates research findings on qualities such as gratitude, mindfulness, and happiness into quantifiable, teachable skills.

Amidst her work, she stumbled upon a funny little concept that seemed to be entangled with all these things -- luck. More

Sivali's super karmic good luck
Wisdom Quarterly Wikipedia edit

Buddhist Sivali gave himself luck by his profitable karma and gained enlightenment.

  

Ven. Sivali gold amulets (WQ)

Ven. Sīvali (Thai พระสีวลี, Chinese 尸婆羅) is an enlightened (arhat) Buddhist monk widely venerated among Theravada Buddhists.

He is the Buddhist "patron saint" of travel, for he -- by his great karma -- is believed to ward off misfortune at home, such as fire and theft. His veneration predates the introduction of Theravada Buddhism into Burma.
 
Ven. Sīvali, whose statue is often mistaken for that of the Buddha, is typically depicted standing upright and carrying a walking staff, an alms bowl, and Buddhist mala beads.

Thai good luck Ven. Sivali talismans

Born to Queen Suppavasa, young Sīvali is said to have remained in his mother's womb for seven years because of past karma.
 
After a week in labor, his mother gave birth to a precocious boy who could immediately speak.

Thereafter, the historical Buddha's chief male disciple foremost in wisdom, Ven. Sariputra, ordained Sīvali into the Sangha.

Burmese Buddhists believe that Sīvali is still living and that he can be invoked to come by a special incantation. His mere invisible presence brings prosperity and good fortune.


Karma: sharing is merit

Attractive gold Sivali talisman

Eating modestly: This type of eating is very good, both in terms of worldly success and of the Dharma [spiritually beneficial, profitable in the gaining of enlightenment and liberation]. Take Ven. Sivali as an example.

He ate modestly. How? All that most of us know about Ven. Sivali is that he was extremely wealthy in terms of the donations (dana) he constantly received. But where did that wealth come from? It comes from eating modestly.

Eating modestly is the source that gives rise to wealth. What Ven. Sivali did was this: whenever he received cloth, he would not wear what he had received until he had given some of it as a gift to someone else.

When he received food in his alms bowl, he would not eat until he had given some of it as a gift to someone else.

No matter which of the Four Requisites [permissible for Buddhist wandering ascetics and intensive meditation practitioners] he received --

1. food
2. clothing
3. shelter
4. medicine

no matter how much or how little -- once it was in his possession, he would not use it until he had shared some of it with those around him.

When he received a lot, he would make a large gift to benefit many people. When he received just a little, he'd still try to benefit others. This gave rise to all sorts of good things. [It is one of Buddhism's Four Bases of Popularity].

Thanks! I feel lucky now, and it shows!

His friends loved him, his community loved him, and they were kind to him. This is why being generous [and unbiased in our generosity rather than preferential to some] is said to tie the knot of friendship and to wipe out our enemies.

So that's what Ven. Sivali did. When he passed away from his previous lifetime and was reborn in his final lifetime (final because it is when he finally achieved awakening and complete liberation from all rebirth and all suffering), he gained all kinds of wealth and never had to go hungry.

Even when he went to travel or live in places where food should have been scarce, he always enjoyed plentiful abundance and never suffered scarcity, never had to do without... More