How Does One Nurture Proper Energy?

What is proper energy? It is a kind of spirit which exists in the whole universe between heaven and earth as well as in people's hearts. It is an indomitable spirit which does not fear evil forces. When one has it, he will know how to foster his integrity and deal correctly with the world, and how to regulate the body and nurture the nature.

How should we nurture this proper energy? From my point of view, there are two places to apply effort: 1) Inside. We should harbor proper thoughts in the mind, and be able to clearly distinguish right and wrong, good and evil. We should let go of the self. In daily life, read more books about the ancient sages and worthy ones, and study the Buddhist Sutras. All these will help us maintain wholesome thoughts. 2) Outside. We have to follow the maxim: "Do no evil and practice all good." As long as you act properly, your mind will be proper, and you'll naturally develop a magnanimous and proper spirit.

In fact, these two are complementary. When one's thoughts are proper, one's behavior will consequently be proper. When one's behavior is proper, one will certainly have proper thoughts. If one does not have proper thoughts and proper behavior, then over a period of time, he will be even more deviant and improper. On the contrary, if someone acts properly and harbors wholesome thoughts, his proper energy will increase day by day. Therefore, if we really want to nurture our proper energy, we can achieve it simply by practicing, "Always have proper thoughts and constantly practice the myriad conducts."

by Franklin Wu

Friends

If you want others to become your friends, first you have to be a friend to others. A friendship is characterized by mutual trust, understanding, communication, mutual aid and even more, learning from each other. These are the basic principles that you should know in being a friend to someone.

When your friend is very depressed, you should think of a way to help him. However, when he wants to be alone, as a friend, you should respect his wish. It is better to accord with others. I wish to have good friends who can truly help me. I hope we can advance together in harmony. In general, having some good friends is a fine thing in life.

by Frank Lin