High Theft (Stop Stealing Food -- yes, you :)

What is more precious than your life, and what loss could be more extreme than the loss of your life? What treasures could possibly compensate that loss?

Life is the most precious thing you have, that any sentient being has. From it, all other things and experiences flow. Thereby, what theft could be more extreme than the theft of what is most precious, the theft of life, any life -- intentionally taking a being's life?

Exhibit A, Stop Stealing Food, the case (an incomplete work-in-progress) for theft-free meals:

The Brahmajāla Sutta -- All-embracing Net of Views (translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi)

SECTION II. THE ANALYSIS OF VIRTUE 1. The Short Section on Virtue (Cūḷasīla)

Having abandoned the destruction of life, the recluse Gotama [Buddha] abstains from the destruction of life. He has laid aside the rod and the sword, and dwells conscientious, full of kindness, compassionate for the welfare of all living beings.

Having abandoned taking what is not given, the recluse Gotama abstains from taking what is not given. Accepting and expecting only what is given, he dwells in honesty and rectitude of heart.

Photo of Andromeda Galaxy taken from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk9bAjpkNJmI7u_PayWmCm9VIcKN5d_2Lyk8AVU7PV5QMHU_RloAHJ1zPr2qSmrHOJl-MPzWNyHF7ELCTlqAPR3-P9s0joYx0DMgB4CPigWn7PSXrFynWfBuJ8zmCGpaS4dq_8s2mjPM/w140-h41-p/1280px-Andromeda_galaxy_Ssc2005-20a1.jpg

Maya Devi Temple, Birthplace of Siddhartha Gotama, later known by the title Buddha, in Lumbini, Nepal. The shrine erected over the birth site is named after Buddha's mother Maya Devi. She died within days of giving birth to Siddhartha.

#Buddha, #veg, #Lumbini, #PrinceOfPeace

"Is your Love enough or can you Love some more?"

Michael Franti -- perhaps as close as it comes to a modern day 'prince of peace'.

He and bandmates Spearhead made a journey to war zones in Western Asia including Iraq, Israel and Palestine to witness the 'human cost of war' with their own senses, and the experience totally informed the writing of the album Yell Fire!

The material was too heavy, and the band went off to Jamaica to record and lighten it up.

That's the hearsay as I know it. Yell Fire! is one of my all-time favorite albums. 

Here is Franti yellin' fire...totally inspirational -- 'Power to the Peaceful'

The following is the studio version with a soul-stirring chorus with reggae artist Gentleman, 

Documentary, I know I'm Not Alone -- Franti and friends in West Asian war zones.
"Ring the alarm, we come to wake up the snorin' ...Yell Fire..."

#Franti, #YellFire, #IsLoveEnough?, #IsYourLoveEnough, #WestAsia, #princeofpeace, #Iraq, #Israel, #Palestine, #powertothepeaceful