Contagious laughter and the Bodhisattva
In Tibetan Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is anyone who is motivated by compassion and seeks enlightenment not only for him/herself but also for everyone…someone dedicated to the ultimate welfare of all beings. A true Bodhisattva will strive to “attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.”
So can anyone be a Bodhisattva, especially if you don’t want to go all-out with the Buddhahood thing? Sure! Just spread a little love so that others can have a better time. Wanna start simple? Try laughter. It’s definitely contagious… Skype proved this in 2008 when they launched the Skype Laughter Chain with this video (scroll down a little further to see the Bodhisattva version):
Now, the Bodhisattva part… Enjoy! (And DO try this at home.)
(Thanks to Debbie for the submission!)
Earth Hour: Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Whatever time zone you’re in, switch off your lights at 8:30 PM for one hour on Saturday, March 28, as your vote against global warming. For more information, visit the Earth Hour website:
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.
Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.
We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.
VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.
February 10 is My Turn Day
From the My Turn Day website:
Our new president has devoted a lot of time to talking about rebuilding America. He has challenged us to be part of positive change in our nation, by getting involved in volunteer projects in our community.
What if.
What if you woke up one morning, and you were flooded with messages from people you know…all talking about the same thing? On your cell phone, on your Facebook and Myspace, on Twitter and Linked-in, in your email and on your instant messenger, Virtually everywhere you turned, you saw a message about yet another American giving their time to a great cause.
Think of the statement that could make.
And think of how many days would be improved, not just for you but for your entire community. Get more info at My Turn Day!
(Thanks to Demi for the idea!)
