George Carlin Dead

Just received an email news alert from New York Times that the famed comedian, George Carlin, has passed away from heart failure this evening.  He had been just admitted into an L.A. hospital earlier this afternoon for chest pains.

 

Well, at least it was a quick one.

 

George Carlin had a knack for words.  He poked fun at everyday absurdities and pointed out the nonsense in phrases that we all thought made sense.  If you've never heard of him, watch him in this YouTube video, it's George at his best.  If you've been a fan, watch him in this YouTube video, it's George at his best.

Buddhist Five Precepts

Perhaps as a Christian I should not be discussing Buddhist values. I'm not certain where the lines lie. But my conversations with a friend led to the following five Buddhist precepts, and I found them profound and valuable:

1. Do not kill. Sure, this one's easy.
2. Do not steal. "In its broadest sense, observing the second precept also means that one cultivates the virtue of generosity."
3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct. Not sending anyone on a guilt trip, just everything in moderation, and have respect for yourself.
4. Do not make false speech. Respect the truth.
5. Do not take intoxicants. Cultivate your body, as well as your mind.

A motivational speaker - whose name escapes me - who focuses on the topic of morality once said he always asked his audience why they'd do the right thing. "Because it makes us feel good," they'd say. His response? "You should do the right thing NOT because it makes you feel good. You should do it simply because it's the right thing to do." Food for thought?