#EASTERN RELIGIONS STUFF ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
visited_buddhist_temple;Recently Visited a Buddhist Temple;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
compassionate_loving_kindness_buddhist;Full of Compassion and Loving-Kindness;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
compassionate_loving_kindness_buddhist_desc;This Buddhist ruler is known for his or her kindness, an important virtue in Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
not_compassionate_loving_kindness_buddhist;Has no Compassion and Loving-Kindness;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
not_compassionate_loving_kindness_buddhist_desc;This Buddhist ruler is known for his or her lack of kindness, an important virtue in Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_temperance;Buddhist Moderation;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_temperance_desc;This Buddhist ruler is temperate in his or her wants and needs, an important virtue in Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_gluttony;Lack of Moderation;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_gluttony_desc;This Buddhist ruler constantly desires and craves luxurious things, a vice in Buddhism. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_zeal;Zealous Buddhist;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_zeal_desc;Zealous Buddhists try to comply with the Buddhist virtues, the Brahmavihara - loving-kindness, compassion, joy in others' happiness, and equanimity.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_cynicism;Cynical Buddhist;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist_cynicism_desc;Cynicism about religious affairs is not necessarily disapproved by all Buddhists. The Buddha himself argued that one must approach all teachings with a skeptical mind, and many Buddhist masters wholly disapproved of the religious aspects of their traditions.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.1.desc;To show your devotion to the Dharma and Sangha, or the Buddhist doctrine and community, respectively, you’ve decided to visit one of the major temples in your region. Entering the temple, you observe various routines, such as lighting incense, saying prayers, and engaging in a bit of meditation.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.1.a;Hopefully, I’ll cultivate good merit for this!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.12.desc;Your devotion to the Middle Way has earned you much praise and respect throughout the world. Buddhists around the world are proclaiming you a so-called “Dharma-King,” a protector and propagator of the Buddhist faith and a devout and compassionate practitioner who has dedicated [Root.GetHerHis] life for the benefit of all sentient beings. Whether you can continue upholding such ideals is another matter, but what is certain is that you will forever live on in the annals of history as one of the great Buddhist lords, akin to the noble monarchs of old such as Ashoka or Menander.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.12.name;The Dharma King;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.12.a;I will do my best to protect the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
aggressive_buddhist;Aggressive Buddhist;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
aggressive_buddhist_desc;This ruler is engaged in a war of aggression, which may upset some of his or her Buddhist subjects.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_dharma_king;the Dharma King;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
title_saintly_monk;Saintly Monk;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
title_saintly_monk_desc;"Saintly Monk" is a title given to a Buddhist Bhikkhu, or Monk, in recognition of his immense wisdom and great compassion.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
title_saintly_nun;Saintly Nun;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
title_saintly_nun_desc;"Saintly Nun" is a title given to a Buddhist Bhikkhuni, or Nun, in recognition of her immense wisdom and great compassion.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
#Dedicating Holy Site ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
building_buddhist_holy_site;Currently Building a Buddhist Holy Site;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
built_buddhist_stupa;Built a Stupa;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
built_buddhist_temple;Built a Temple;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
built_buddhist_monastery;Built a Monastery;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
visit_buddhist_temple;Visit a Buddhist Temple;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
visit_buddhist_temple_desc;Pay a visit to one of the local, powerful temples of your realm.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
visited_buddhist_temple;Recently Visited a Temple;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
visited_buddhist_temple_desc;This Buddhist ruler recently visited a Buddhist temple, where he/she participated in various religious practices.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
dedicate_holy_site;Dedicate a Buddhist Holy Site;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
dedicate_holy_site_desc;Initiate construction of either a Stupa, Temple, or Monastery in order to bring yourself much karmic merit.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.13.desc;In the past, Buddhist lords have often erected stupas, temples, or monasteries in order to help all sentient beings and increase their own merit. I will do likewise. Having gathered all the necessary resources and men, I will order the construction of a...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.13.a;Stupa;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.13.b;Temple;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.13.c;Monastery;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.14.desc;A stupa is often used to house the blessed relics of a great monk or spiritual teacher. The monks have identified the relics of one such holy man who once lived nearby, and his relics will be stored in this stupa.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.14.a;Now, we simply wait for construction to finish.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.15.tooltip;Construction of the stupa begins;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.15.desc;My stupa has finished construction! It is most auspicious that the holy relics can be stored in a good place like this in my own realm. I am glad to have been able to dedicate this stupa.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.15.a;I certainly gained a lot of karmic merit for this, too.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.16.desc;Buddhist temples are important to ensure that monastics and laypeople alike can continue practicing the Dharma and cultivate merit. I have found an excellent location for a new temple, and construction has just begun.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.16.a;We must now wait for it to be completed.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.17.tooltip;Construction of the temple begins;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.17.desc;My temple has finally finished construction. How inspiring it is to see the Buddha statue that adorns the main hall! Many will benefit from this temple, which will serve as a spiritual center for the local monks and laypeople.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.17.a;I certainly gained a lot of karmic merit for this, too.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.18.desc;Monasteries are necessary to develop the intellectual and spiritual capabilities of Buddhist monks and nuns. I have located a good site for a new monastery. Soon, this place will be filled with the chanting and reciting of prayers!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.18.a;Until then, we must wait.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.19.tooltip;Construction of the monastery begins;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.19.desc;My monastery has finally finished construction. Already, monks and nuns are taking residence within its walls, and they will be able to provide for the spiritual needs of the community.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.19.a;I certainly gained a lot of karmic merit for this, too.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
#Nicknames ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_animal_protector;the Animal Protector;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_compassionate;the Compassionate;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_awakened;the Awakened;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_realized;the Realized;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_deluded;the Deluded;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_ever_craving;the Ever-Craving;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_anger_filled;the Anger-Filled;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nick_the_sage;the Sage;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
#Vegetarianism ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian;Vegetarian;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian_desc;Due to his or her moral beliefs, this character refrains from eating meats of any sort, be it beef, pork, chicken, fish, and so on.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
become_a_vegetarian;Become a Vegetarian;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
become_a_vegetarian_desc;Perhaps it is time to refrain from eating meat and gain great merit.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.1.desc;We are taught by [Root.Religion.GetRandomGodName] to be compassionate and to love all sentient beings, yet I eat meat every day. Can I truly call myself a true follower of the faith if I continue to participate in this wanton murder of innocent animals? Starting now, I will refrain from eating meat, and become a vegetarian.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.1.a;For all sentient beings!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.2.desc;I am no longer a follower of a faith that advocates a vegetarian diet. My public practice of vegetarianism is thus no longer necessary.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.2.a;So be it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.3.desc;All monks must vow to abstain from eating meat.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.3.a;So be it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.3.b;My sect or culture doesn’t require vegetarianism, but I’ll do it anyways.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.3.c;My sect or culture doesn’t require vegetarianism, and I won’t do it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.4.desc;Oddly enough, becoming a vegetarian was very easy for me. I don’t feel any attachment to meat at all.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.4.a;Maybe I was a vegetarian in my past life.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.5.desc;Having a vegetarian diet isn’t the easiest thing. The temptation to eat meat is still strong, but I must continue practicing loving-kindness and compassion to all sentient beings.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.5.a;I will endure.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.6.desc;Being a vegetarian is more difficult than I expected. It’s so hard trying to resist the temptation to meat!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.6.a;I don’t know how I’ll persevere, but I must.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.7.desc;I can’t take it anymore. Despite the karmic rewards, being vegetarian is too difficult - my attachment to meat is too great. There is no way I can avoid eating meat…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.7.a;It’s time to eat normally again.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.7.b;I must resist! I can resist!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.8.desc;Being vegetarian isn’t so bad, at least sometimes. Other times it’s hard to resist meat.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.8.a;That’s how samsara is.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.9.desc;One of your courtiers is tempting you with meat. “[Root.GetTitledFirstName], you may be vegetarian, what’s the harm in eating meat once in a while? Just a taste, for fun. You can always say some prayers later to make up for it.”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.9.a;Right! I’ll just have a few bites of that…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.9.b;No! I vowed to practice loving-kindness and compassion!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.10.desc;My desire for meat is overwhelming me. I am a [Root.GetTitle], after all… no one would object if I ate a little bit of meat, and I know the perfect way to get some without attracting too much attention…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.10.a;It’s just one time… or a few…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.10.b;I will resist any such temptations!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.11.desc;It seems the cook accidentally put some meat in my meal. I could ignore the meat… or I could just eat it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.11.a;It’s the cook’s fault and not mine, I’ll eat meat this one time!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.11.b;The cook already made it, so I’ll eat it reluctantly as to not waste food.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.11.c;Put the meat aside. I won’t be eating it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.12.desc;I am beginning to get used to my vegetarian diet. I never knew it was possible to eat a variety of foods without meat! Salty, sweet, spicy… all these flavors can still be experienced. Granted, things like beans are no substitute for real meat, but it’s not as bad as I initially thought.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.12.a;I’m strong to the finish, because I eat my vegetables.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.13.desc;Recently one of the local holy men gave a lecture on various topics to the nobles of my court. He said that my dedication to a vegetarian diet showed my devotion to the Dharma, and urged my courtiers to follow in my footsteps.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.13.a;It’s good to hear someone approves!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.13.b;I’ve done nothing great. I only wish others to be kind to all.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.14.desc;Now that I’m vegetarian, it saddens me when I think of the animals that are constantly slaughtered every day for food. Perhaps I should go into town, buy some of these animals and set them free. Practicing compassion doesn’t end with a vegetarian diet, after all.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.14.a;Yes, I should do this.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.14.b;No, I don’t have time for this.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.15.desc;It’s difficult explaining to some why I’m a vegetarian. “Don’t you miss the taste of meat?” or “Can’t you show your religious devotion through some other means?” some might ask. Today, however, I’ve managed to convince one of my courtiers that the merits of vegetarianism are worth it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.15.a;It’s good to have another vegetarian around!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.16.desc;My loyal subordinates fear that my vegetarian diet will leave me malnourished and frail, unable to perform my duties and manage my responsibilities.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.16.a;They do have a point… but what can I do?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.16.b;Ha! Haven’t they seen the healthy monks in the temples?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.17.desc;I have been experimenting with my vegetarian diet lately, but it seems the cook and I have miscalculated the sort of foods that would nourish me. I’m suddenly feeling very fatigued - it seems like this combination of foods isn’t very good at all!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.17.a;If only I could eat meat again, this would be so much easier...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.17.b;Looks like we’ll have to go back to the previous diet.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.18.desc;“Look at you meat-eaters! You’re no different from murderers!” you proudly proclaim to your courtiers, in another attempt to convince them of the merits of vegetarianism. “You’re all hypocrites, claiming to practice compassion and follow the Dharma while you continue to endorse the murder of innocents!”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.18.a;That should teach them.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.18.b;Maybe I was too harsh, and should apologize.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.19.desc;You didn’t notice it at first, but one of your more mischievous courtiers put some meat in your meal, and you consumed it by accident! That fool must be punished somehow.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.19.a;Why should I be bothered?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.19.b;Strongly condemn such actions.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.19.c;A day in the stocks should do!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.20.desc;“You are vegetarian?” the foreign dignitary looks, bewildered. He is currently visiting my court from a far-away land, and we happened to discuss my vegetarian diet. “But... you’re not that skinny!”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.20.a;Some of the vegetarian monks are very obese, I assure you.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.21.desc;Even though it’s for the good of all sentient beings, I’m starting to get sick of my vegetarian diet. It’s nothing but vegetables, fruits, and other bland things every day.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.21.a;I feel like a peasant.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.22.desc;My cook has to prepare meals not only for me, but everyone in my household and any guests who visit as well. I am aware that because of this, some of the vegetarian meals he prepares for me might be tainted with a bit of meat.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.22.a;That is something I have to live with.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.22.b;I’ll force my cook to take extra precautions!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.23.desc;Would I ever passionately kiss someone who just ate meat?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.23.a;I wouldn’t kiss anyone at all to begin with.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.23.b;Yes.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.23.c;No.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.23.d;Only if they are really attractive.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.24.desc;While arguing with one of my courtiers about the merits of vegetarianism, my courtier tells me, “People will still continue to kill animals no matter what. Animals will still be butchered and eaten by thousands and millions of people. By refraining from meat, you’re only saving a few animals at most.”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.24.a;Hmm… a good point. Would saving a few animals do anything?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.24.b;Even if I only save a few animals, that’s better than nothing.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.25.desc;xxxxx;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
vegetarian.25.a;xxxxx;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
#Choosing Buddhist Sects ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
pure_land_supporter;Patron of Pure Land;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
pure_land_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Pure Land sect of Mahayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
lotus_school_supporter;Patron of the Lotus School;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
lotus_school_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Lotus School sect of Mahayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
zen_supporter;Patron of Zen;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
zen_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Zen sect of Mahayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
yogacara_supporter;Patron of Yogacara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
yogacara_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Yogacara sect of Mahayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
gelug_supporter;Patron of Gelug;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
gelug_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Gelug school of Vajrayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
sakya_supporter;Patron of Sakya;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
sakya_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Sakya school of Vajrayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
kagyu_supporter;Patron of Kagyu;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
kagyu_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nyingma_supporter;Patron of Nyingma;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
nyingma_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Nyingma school of Vajrayana Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
mahavihara_supporter;Patron of Mahavihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
mahavihara_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Mahavihara branch of Theravada Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
abhayagiri_vihara_supporter;Patron of Abhayagiri Vihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
abhayagiri_vihara_supporter_desc;This Buddhist lord supports the Abhayagiri Vihara branch of Theravada Buddhism.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
spiritually_insincere_buddhist;Spiritually Insincere;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
spiritually_insincere_buddhist_desc;This lord's decision to shift support from one major Buddhist sect to another has been seen as insecure and questionable by many within his/her realm, and his/her reputation suffers as a result.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.2.desc;As a new Buddhist ruler, it is important that you maintain good relations with the Sangha, or the Buddhist community, by sponsoring one of the major sects of Buddhism in your realm. There are several prominent ones to choose from.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.2.a;I have thought over this matter much and have decided…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.2.b;I wish to learn more about these sects first.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.3.desc;Although you have long supported one Buddhist sect, you’ve decided that it’s time to shift support to a different sect. Only you know whether you do this for political or genuine spiritual reasons, but some may not see your change favorably, thinking you’re just playing politics.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.3.a;I have thought over this matter and have decided…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.3.b;I wish to learn more about these sects first.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.4.tooltip;Learn about the sects, their advantages and disadvantages;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.4.desc;You have recently just begun supporting a major sect of Buddhism, and it would probably be unwise to suddenly shift your support to another major sect. If you decide to go through with this change, your vassals and your people might not see you as favorably, thinking you’re just playing politics.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.4.a;Perhaps I am acting too hastily…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.4.b;No! I must change my support to another sect, and I’ve chosen...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.4.c;No! I want another sect. Let me learn about them first, however.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.5.tooltip;Learn about the sects, their advantages and disadvantages;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.5.desc;You gather a number of scholars, priests, and other learned men, and prod them for information as well as their opinions on various Mahayana Buddhist sects. You ask, “Can you tell me more about the sect they call…”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.5.a;Zen;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.5.b;Pure Land;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.5.c;Lotus School;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.5.d;Yogacara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.6.tooltip;Learn about Zen;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.6.desc;You learn more about Zen, a sect known for the puzzling and unusual methods it uses to teach practitioners and monks the way towards Enlightenment. (Sponsoring the Zen sect gives you +1 intrigue, and -20% build time and cost.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.6.a;I see. Now, tell me about Pure Land.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.6.b;I see. Now, tell me about the Lotus School.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.6.c;I see. Now, tell me about Yogacara.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.6.d;I have learned all I wanted to about these schools.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.7.tooltip;Learn about Pure Land;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.7.desc;You learn more about Pure Land, a sect named after the celestial realms of the Bodhisattvas and Buddhas. The sect emphasizes reaching a Pure Land as a means to enlightenment. (Sponsoring the Pure Land sect gives you +1 diplomacy, and +10 to general opinion.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.7.a;I see. Now, tell me about Zen.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.7.b;I see. Now, tell me about the Lotus School.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.7.c;I see. Now, tell me about Yogacara.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.7.d;I have learned all I wanted to about these schools.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.8.tooltip;Learn about the Lotus School;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.8.desc;You learn more about the Lotus school of Buddhism, which considers the Lotus Sutra a central element of Buddhist practice. Its doctrines are flexible and open-minded, readily accepting ideas from other sects. (Sponsoring the Lotus school gives you +1 stewardship, and +5% to tech.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.8.a;I see. Now, tell me about Zen.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.8.b;I see. Now, tell me about Pure Land.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.8.c;I see. Now, tell me about Yogacara.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.8.d;I have learned all I wanted to about these schools.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.9.tooltip;Learn about Yogacara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.9.desc;You learn more about the Yogacara, which is an old sect that has significant influence on "newer" sects such as Zen. Followers of this sect argue that the mind is real but objects are just ideas or states of consciousness. (Sponsoring the Yogacara sect gives you +1 learning and a piety boost.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.9.a;I see. Now, tell me about Zen.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.9.b;I see. Now, tell me about Pure Land.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.9.c;I see. Now, tell me about the Lotus School.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.9.d;I have learned all I wanted to about these schools.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.tooltip;Let me officially choose a sect already!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.desc;After careful deliberation and spiritual meditation, you have settled on supporting one of the major Buddhist schools . Whether you do so for practical reasons and ulterior motives, or because you genuinely believe in its spiritual methods and practices, is another matter. Thus, you decide to support…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.a;Zen;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.b;Pure Land;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.c;Lotus School;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.d;Yogacara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.e;Gelug;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.f;Sakya;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.g;Kagyu;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.h;Nyingma;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.i;Mahavihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.10.j;Abhayagiri Vihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.11.desc;Your decision to shift support from one major Buddhist sect to another are being questioned by many. Some see it as a political ploy, others think your beliefs aren't sincere. Your reputation suffers as a result.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.11.a;Bad karma on my part, I suppose.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.11.b;What? How…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
i_choose_you_buddhist_school;You have chosen which sect to support - may it flourish across the land and help spread the Dharma!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
change_buddhist_sect;Support a Different Buddhist Sect;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
change_buddhist_sect_desc;Change support to a different Buddhist sect.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.20.desc;As I follow a different branch of Buddhism now, I can no longer support the sect I once supported.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.20.a;This is for the best.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.21.desc;You gather a number of scholars, priests, and other learned men, and prod them for information as well as their opinions on various Vajrayana Buddhist sects. You ask, “Can you tell me more about the sect they call…”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.21.a;Gelug;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.21.b;Sakya;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.21.c;Kagyu;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.21.d;Nyingma;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.22.tooltip;Learn about the Gelug;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.22.desc;You learn more about the Gelug school. A reformist school, it has scholastic leanings like the Sakya, but places a lot more emphasis on logic and debate. (Sponsoring the Gelug gives you +5% to cultural and economic technology and +0.35 prestige.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.22.a;I see. Now, tell me about the Sakya.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.22.b;I see. Now, tell me about the Kagyu.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.22.c;I see. Now, tell me about the Nyingma.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.23.tooltip;Learn about the Sakya;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.23.desc;You learn more about the Sakya school. It has a heavy emphasis on its scholastic tradition, and its monks are renowned for their skill in translation. The leaders of the Sakya school are also known for their political power in Tibet. (Sponsoring the Sakya gives you +1 diplomacy and +5% to land morale and levy reinforce rate.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.23.a;I see. Now, tell me about the Gelug;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.23.b;I see. Now, tell me about the Kagyu;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.23.c;I see. Now, tell me about the Nyingma.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.24.tooltip;Learn about the Kagyu;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.24.desc;You learn more about the Kagyu school. It is very mystical, even compared to other schools and sects within the Vajrayana tradition. (Sponsoring the Kagyu gives you +1 intrigue, +0.1 health, and +0.2 fertility.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.24.a;I see. Now, tell me about the Gelug;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.24.b;I see. Now, tell me about the Sakya;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.24.c;I see. Now, tell me about the Nyingma;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.25.tooltip;Learn about the Nyingma;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.25.desc;You learn more about the Nyingma school. The oldest school in Tibetan Buddhism, unlike the other branches, it is decentralized, with important decisions made by a group of monks. It also generally isn’t interested in politics. (Sponsoring the Nyingma gives you +10 general opinion and -0.05% revolt risk.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.25.a;I see. Now, tell me about the Gelug.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.25.b;I see. Now, tell me about the Sakya.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.25.c;I see. Now, tell me about the Kagyu.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.26.desc;You gather a number of scholars, priests, and other learned men, and prod them for information as well as their opinions on various Theravada Buddhist sects. You ask, “Can you tell me more about the sect they call…”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.26.a;Mahavihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.26.b;Abhayagiri Vihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.27.tooltip;Learn about the Mahavihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.27.desc;You learn more about the Mahavihara. They are considered the orthodox branch of the Theravada, believing that they propogate the authentic teachings of the Buddha. (Sponsoring the Mahavihara gives you -3% to all tech, but  +0.25 to piety and +0.1 tax.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.27.a;I see. Now, tell me about the Abhayagiri Vihara.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.28.tooltip;Learn about the Abhayagiri Vihara;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.28.desc;You learn more about the Abhayagiri Vihara. They are considered heterodox by some followers of Theravada, as they believe in integrating the teachings of non-Mahayana schools across the world. (Sponsoring the Mahavihara gives you -5 general opinion, but +10% to tech, and +0.25 prestige.);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.28.a;I see. Now, tell me about the Mahavihara.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.29.desc;xxxx;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
buddhist.29.a;xxxxx;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
#Retreat ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
begin_retreat_novice;I can hardly wait to get started. Let the retreat begin!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
begin_retreat_experienced;It is good to be back. Let the retreat begin!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
go_on_retreat;Go on a Retreat;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
go_on_retreat_desc;Live in a monastery or temple for three months, half a year, or a full year while engaging in meditation, practicing the Dharma and cultivating good merit;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
on_retreat;On a Retreat;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
on_retreat_desc;This character is participating in a meditation retreat.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
retreat_veteran;Retreat Veteran;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
retreat_veteran_desc;This character has participated in at least one meditation retreat, and has gained a degree of spiritual insight as a result. Without a doubt, due to this character's good karma, he or she will be reborn as a fortunate human in his or her next life!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
retreat_master;Retreat Master;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
retreat_master_desc;This character has participated in several meditation retreats, and has gained a great amount of spiritual insight as a result. This character has almost certainly gained a lot of good merit, and will likely be reborn in a fortunate realm in his or her next life!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.1.desc;Even if I am a well-off [Root.GetTitle] who has everything in the world, I feel like I am still lacking, spiritually. I’ve decided to thus go to one of the major temples in the region, and participate in a spiritual retreat for an extended period of time. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.1.a;It will be difficult to forget my worldly concerns for a while, though.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.1.b;I look forward to returning to the temple!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.2.tooltip;First, some preparations must be made while I am away. I must make sure everything at my court is in order, since I’ll be gone for a while.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.2.name;Coming to the Temple;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.2.desc;The journey to the temple was more strenuous than I expected, but we have arrived nonetheless. I engage in the normal formalities upon reaching the temple - prostrating before Lord Buddha, bestowing gifts upon the monks, and so on. Eventually, I remove all my luxurious clothing and put on the humble robes of an ascetic.\n\nAs night comes, I am shown to my dormitory where I will be sleeping during my stay. It’s a change from the luxurious palace rooms, but I’ll get used to it. After all, I’ll be staying for...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.2.a;Three months.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.2.b;Half a year.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.2.c;One year.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.3.tooltip;Tomorrow, the retreat will begin - I can’t wait!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.3.desc;My retreat has begun. It will be difficult getting used to only two sparse meals a day and the constant meditation sessions. Under the guidance of the temple’s retreat masters, I hope to cultivate my mind towards compassion and mindfulness.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.3.a;I will dedicate any merit gained to all sentient beings.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.4.tooltip;Tomorrow, the retreat will begin - it’s good to be back!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.4.desc;My retreat has begun. Although it’s been a while since I’ve lived such a spartan lifestyle, I’ve done it before, and I have no trouble adjusting back to it. Under the guidance of the temple’s retreat masters, I am reviewing several meditation techniques and learning a few new ones.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.4.a;During this retreat, I will try to focus on improving...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.5.desc;It’s been three months since I begun my retreat. I think I’ve gotten used to it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.5.a;Indeed.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.6.desc;It’s been half a year since I begun my retreat. So far, I have gained much spiritual insight… I think.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.6.a;I only have half a year to go.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.7.desc;It’s been nine months since I begun my retreat. Time passes by so quickly when one is engaged in spiritual practice.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.7.a;Only three more months to go.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.8.desc;The retreat is about to end in a few days, and I will thus have to leave the temple.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.8.a;I should get ready to leave.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.8.b;I see.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.8.c;Hmm. Is there any difference between the temple and palace?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.9.name;The Retreat Ends;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.9.desc;My spiritual retreat has ended. I feel strange, even frightened, leaving the temple and readjusting to normal life. The retreat was a strange, uncomfortable experience, after all, and I still think of it as rather difficult, yet I learned much.\n\nCompassion. Mindfulness. Patience. Inner peace.\n\nI have been exposed to the Dharma in ways I could not have possibly imagined. Can I possibly put these lessons to practice?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.9.a;At the least, I can try meditating a bit each day.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.10.desc;My spiritual retreat has ended. I feel anxious returning to my normal routine after being away for so long. The monks, too, are sad to see me go. They told me I have learned quite a lot in the short time I’ve been here, and feel I hold much promise, spiritually.\n\nPerhaps I should return one day, and engage in another retreat. Until then, I can try to apply the lessons I’ve learned to my daily life.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.10.a;For instance, I can meditate a bit each day.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.11.desc;My spiritual retreat has ended. Adjusting from the temple life to my daily routine as a [Root.GetTitle] isn’t as difficult as it used to be - my diligent efforts in studying and practicing the Dharma have equipped me with the tools needed to handle the toils and problems of normal life.\n\nRegardless, the monks say I have become quite realized myself, possessing a level of awareness uncommon even among most monks. I now understand that the troubles I encounter in this lifetime are the result of my karmic actions in previous lifetimes, and I am glad that I had enough good karma to be able to participate in this spiritual retreats.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.11.a;I will return. There is much I can still learn.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.12.desc;My spiritual retreat has ended. Adjusting from the temple life to my daily routine as a [Root.GetTitle] isn’t as difficult as it used to be - my diligent efforts in studying and practicing the Dharma have equipped me with the tools needed to handle the toils and problems of normal life.\n\nRegardless, the monks say I have become quite realized myself, possessing a level of awareness uncommon even among most monks. I now understand that the troubles I encounter in this lifetime are the result of my karmic actions in previous lifetimes, and I am glad that I had enough good karma to be able to participate in this spiritual retreats.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.12.a;I will return. There is much I can still learn.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.13.desc;My spiritual retreat has ended. Before, returning to daily life would’ve felt strange, jarring, even frightening. But I now know that there is no true difference between the temple and the palace. A true master can practice the Dharma anywhere, at any time.\n\nSome meditate while they eat, or walk. Some meditate as they make craftwork or practice archery. And, so too, will I meditate - focus and concentrate, stay mindful - in every moment, every breath, every moment while I work off my karmic debt in this life as a [Root.GetTitle].;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.13.a;I will attain enlightenment, for all sentient beings.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.14.desc;Today’s meditation sessions are going well enough.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.14.a;Breathe in… and out...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.15.desc;Sitting in meditation today, I feel much calmer than usual.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.15.a;Everything feels so relaxed.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.16.desc;I join the monks in chanting the names of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.16.a;This should improve my ability to concentrate.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.17.desc;As I walk towards the meditation hall, I notice many insects crawling about. I must be careful not to step on them!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.17.a;In this holy place, killing - even if accidental - is not permitted.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.18.desc;I suddenly have an itch while I’m meditating.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.18.a;Try to ignore it and resume meditating.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.18.b;Scratch it.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.19.desc;My current meditation session hasn’t ended yet, but my legs are getting numb.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.19.a;Ouch.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.19.b;I adjust my legs.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.20.desc;I ask one of the senior monks, "What is Buddha?"\n\nHe replies;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.20.a;"Three pounds of flax.";;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.20.b;"That tree over there.";;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.20.c;"A dried stick of manure.";;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.20.d;… by hitting me on the head.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.21.name;An Exam;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.21.desc;As usual, some of the monks and retreat participants are engaging in spiritual discussion and debate, and I decide to observe. Suddenly, a senior monk of great age brings forth a chair and sets it before everyone. “Can anyone prove that this chair’s true essence is that of emptiness, prove that it is an illusion in our mind?” he asks.\n\nThe others eagerly begin making their cases, citing the sutras or referencing ideas about the mindstream and dependent origination, saying the chair is like this and that. However, none of their answers satisfies the old monk. Finally, one monk - who had been silent for some time - speaks up, and asks, “What chair are we arguing about?”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.21.a;I see the old monk smiling.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.22.name;The Nature of Emptiness;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.22.desc;I am participating in a philosophical discussion with one of the senior monks to prove how much of the Dharma I’ve learned. I proclaim, “The true nature of everything is emptiness. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not exist. There is no realization, no delusion, no sage. There is no giving and nothing to be received.”\n\nThe senior monk is silent, his face unmoving. Is he thinking? Suddenly - WHACK - he hits me on the head. I am angered, but the monk patiently asks me:;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.22.a;“If nothing exists, where did that anger come from?”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.23.name;To Know and Not Know;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.23.desc;There is a kind and patient senior monk at the temple who has always provided me with good advice and insight. After a meditation session, I ask him, “What happens to an enlightened man after death?”\nHe replies, “I don’t know.”\nI subsequently ask, “But aren’t you a master?”\n”Yes,” he says, “But not a dead one.”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.23.a;Oh! The future is unforseeable. I must focus on the present.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.23.b;Ah. A wise man knows that he knows nothing.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.24.name;Lotus Position;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.24.desc;Many people, while doing sitting meditation, sit in the so-called half-lotus position, where only one foot is placed on the opposing thigh. Some more flexible individuals, though, can do the so-called full lotus position, where two feet are placed on the opposing thigh. However, few can learn this position without lots of practice.\n\nI myself, after a lot of practice, have managed to master the full lotus position without too much hassle. This should help me improve my meditation, as the monks say it naturally increases one’s concentration and mental ability.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.24.a;Let’s do this.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.25.desc;My attempts at more complicated meditation techniques have failed these past couple of days. Thus, I’ve decided that while meditating today, I’ll practice one of the most basic meditation techniques - trying to focus only on my breathing, and the sensation of my breath going in and out of my body.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.25.a;In… out… in… out...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.26.desc;During these meditation retreats, we’re not supposed to eat a lot - just enough to sustain ourselves. That said, since I am a [This.GetTitle], I could easily get away with taking more food than I am normally given.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.26.a;I definitely need more food!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.26.b;I will take just a little more food...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.26.c;No, I must practice self-control.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.26.d;I will fast for a few days if that’s what it takes!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.27.desc;I’m attempting to meditate with my eyes half-open, as some of the monks have recommended. Still, it’s distracting - I’m trying to clear my mind of useless thoughts, yet with my eyes half-open, I can still see some of things happening around me.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.27.a;Better try it with my eyes shut for now...;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.28.desc;A method of meditation taught by the masters is so-called visualization meditation, where one focuses on a specific Buddha or Bodhisattva. Aptitude with this form of meditation will greatly increase one’s chances of being born in a Buddha realm!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.28.a;I visualize Buddha Amitabha with all the concentration I can muster!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.29.desc;The robes I must wear during the meditation retreat are rather uncomfortable. I am not used to wearing these sorts of things everyday!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.29.a;However, I must wear them so I can concentrate.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.30.desc;When today’s last meditation session ended, my legs were so numb I couldn’t walk. However, one of the monks noticed my trouble, and he showed me some techniques to relieve my legs of numbness I was previously unaware of.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.30.a;What a kind man!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.31.desc;The monks instruct me that meditation is a method for gaining inner peace, as well as a way to see the world more clearly. If I am calm and thoughtful, I’ll be wiser in my decisions and more virtuous in my conduct.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.31.a;I must have a lot of self-control and patience.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.31.b;Bah, why is this self-control and patience so difficult?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.32.desc;Sitting still is so difficult! How do these monks manage it? My buttocks are in pain, I am constantly falling asleep... it is so difficult to concentrate while meditating. I could just pretend to be meditating while thinking about other things - that would be much easier, but then that would defeat the purpose of meditation.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.32.a;I take a deep breath, then redouble my efforts to concentrate.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.32.b;My mind starts wandering to pleasurable thoughts…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.33.desc;Pleasurable fantasies overtake my mind while I’m supposed to be meditation. Delicious wines… scrumptious foods, sweet, salty, spicy… and the most beautiful women, with luscious curves and - WHACK! Suddenly, one of the higher-ranked monks patrolling the meditation room birches one of the novice monks who was falling asleep. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.33.a;Back to meditating! Breathe in, breath out…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
didnt_get_caught_not_meditating;Good thing I didn’t get caught!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.34.desc;Usually during retreats, participants sleep very little - a few hours a night, in fact. Yet, I’ve never felt more energized. The senior monks say that if one meditates well, one can reduce the need to sleep.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.34.a;Amazing.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.35.desc;I think I fell asleep while meditating today. Thankfully no one noticed… right?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.35.a;Nervously I try to regain my composure.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.36.name;Live in the Moment;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.36.desc;When retreat participants aren’t meditating, praying, or engaging in some sort of spiritual practice, they also engage in philosophical and spiritual debates and discussions. It’s amazing seeing so many learned and wise monastics gathered together!\n\nIn my eagerness I approach one of the renowned, local monks, an old man known for his deep knowledge of the Dharma. I ask him, “Master, I am very eager to learn about the Dharma, and I would like to hear your opinion - what is enlightenment to you?”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.36.a;The master replies: "When hungry, eat. When tired, sleep.";;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.37.desc;During my retreat, I’ve noticed that one the old monks always goes outside and help the other monks tend the garden that provides most of the food we eat during the retreat. “Why do you work like this, despite being so old?”;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.37.a;“No work, no food,” he replies.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.38.desc;As my ability to concentrate is not highly developed, the monks have suggested that I continuously (but quietly) chant a mantra or a similar prayer, and focus all my energy on that. That way, I can train my mind to concentrate on one single thing.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.38.a;Namo Amitabhaya…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.39.name;Going Outside;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.39.desc;I’ve decided to meditate outside today, rather than inside. Not everyone chooses to meditate this way, preferring the comforts of the inside, but some have said that meditating outside is a very different experience. As I sit down and begin meditating, I can already feel the difference.\n\nNormally, I am so busy with work that I rarely think about what is happening in the world around me. I hear the birds, the insects, the rustling of the trees, the wind as it blows from the heavens above…;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.39.a;This is… refreshing.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.40.desc;What am I? Am I? Am I not?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.40.a;Never mind. Meditating on these questions will distract me.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.41.desc;When I begun doing meditation retreats, I used to probe many different spiritual and philosophical questions and provide myself of many different answers. As I have gained more and more insight, I notice I have less and less questions, and less and less answers.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.41.a;The masters say this is a good thing.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.42.desc;As I eat my vegetarian meal for breakfast, I concentrate on the moment. The food. The texture. The smells. The sensation of my mouth moving up and down, chewing. My hands guiding the food into my mouth. Every inch of my body as it prepares to receive the food.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.42.a;One must meditate in everything one does!;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
mu_zen;"Mu" (i.e., emptiness);;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.43.desc;Why?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.43.a;Why not?;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.43.b; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.44.desc;I am meditating outside with several monks. I suddenly notice a small insect crawling under the sun, so I pick it up and leave it under the shade of a tree.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.44.a;I then return to meditate.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.45.desc;My efforts in meditation has given me much insight into natural phenomena. With greater concentration and patience, I discern minute details about the world I would have never noticed otherwise.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.45.a;I must not, however, get so attached to such abilities.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.46.desc;I fell asleep while meditating today. However, I am neither bothered nor not bothered by my lack of diligence, making sure not to pass unnecessary judgement on my mistake.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.46.a;I quietly resume meditation.;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.47.desc;xxxxx;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
meditation.47.a;xxxxx;;;;;;;;;;;;;x
