I am still captivated by the story of the Thai boys and their coach who were rescued from a cave after spending two weeks trapped inside. Eleven have recently been ordained as Buddhist novices and will spend nine days following Buddhist teachings and precepts. Here is what Praphun Khomjoi, chief of the regional branch of the National Office of Buddhism, said about the hope for the boys during this experience.

“The teachings that we would like the boys to learn is the awareness of themselves and the importance of their lives. It is extraordinary to be born as humans. And as we are given this opportunity, we should use Buddhist principles or principles of any religions as guidance for living. That’s the lesson that we want them to learn.”

What great lessons for all of us…to realize that it is indeed extraordinary to be born and to use the principles of our religion to guide our lives. Whatever your religion, whatever your spiritual persuasion…be it organized, personal or simply the religion of kindness…living it is what counts. There is no greater calling than to express the core principles of your spiritual understanding to the highest and best for yourself and for others.

Much love always
Paula

Credit Vanessa Romo, story at NPR.org.
Photo credit Panumas Sanguanwong/AFP/Getty Images