George, Homer, and the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama summing up his guide to spiritual growth:

"Our first hope is that we may overcome the problem, but, if not, at least the problem cannot disturb your inner mental peace.  That is good, is it not?  You are facing the situation and retaining your peace of mind - without taking drugs or trying to pull your thoughts away from it.  That is why we take such great interest in our weekends and vacations.  But this only means that you are trying to take your mind off your problem.  But the problem is still there.  However, if you have a good mental attitude, it is not necessary to divert yourself.  When you can face the situation and analyze the problem, then, like a big piece of ice in the water, it will gradually melt away."

Morality of Individual Liberation  

"Examine your motivation as often as you can.  At night examine what you did during the day.  Analyze your life closely.  Adopt a positive attitude in the face of difficulty.  Evaluate the possible negative and positive effects of feelings such as lust, anger, jealousy, and hatred.  Analyze more and more, and gradually your conviction will strengthen.

Be on guard for the suffering of change.  When a situation switches from pleasure to pain, reflect on the fact that the deeper nature of the original pleasure is revealing itself.  Attachment to such superficial pleasures will only bring more pain. (He uses often the example of eating - it's wonderful until/unless you overdo it, then it's awful.)  Realize that suffering can be removed, can be extinguished into the sphere of reality.  Reflect that this true cessation is attained through the practice of morality, concentrated meditation, and wisdom - the true paths."

More great truths . . . 

George Costanza: "Remember . . . it's not a lie . . . if you believe it."

Homer Simpson: (Muttering under his breath, incensed at the injustice of it all):  "I hate being called a liar . . . unless I'm currently lying . . . or I've just told a lie . . . or the next words out of my mouth are lies."

The Dalai Lama is great, sure, good stuff, but the vast majority of my life philosophy can be found in Seinfeld and The Simpsons.