Pocket Vase
I read an uplifting story about how a sickly Korean woman overcame illness by helping others. Her story gave me the inspiration to use a similar tactic in my own life.
The woman began practicing Buddhism and was encouraged to tell other about the philosophy, and to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. She gathered several pebbles and placed them in her pockets. Every time she told someone about Buddhism, she removed one stone. In three months time all her stones were gone, and so was her debilitating illness.
The word for introducing others to this particular sect of Buddhism is shakabuku. Proselytizing can be an uncomfortable practice – even when an individual has experienced absolute proof that chanting works. With that in mind, I decided to experiment with a whimsical icebreaker at my next Buddhist meeting.
I purchased a number of colorful glass stones and placed them in a large, glass vase. I passed the vase around and told the members to take a few stones. They could take one, two, or a handful, but they would be using the stones at a later date.
Everyone participated. Some folks carefully selected a single stone. Others took a handful. After everyone had their rocks I told them about the story of the Korean woman. I asked each person to carry their rocks around to remind them of the importance of telling others about their Buddhist practice.
A week later, I was at a different meeting, and since I still had plenty of stones, I did the same icebreaker. One of the men, a fellow named Rich, had been at my previous meeting. He told the group that when he came home from the first meeting, he told his wife, Kathy, that he had a shakabuku rock. He was going to carry the stone with him to remind him to share Buddhism with others. Unfortunately, Rich had discovered that he never had the opportunity to have a casual conversation with anyone at work. He also knew religious discussions at work were a taboo subject.
However, the following day, a coworker discovered Rich lived close to his house and asked if they could carpool to work. Rich gave the young man a ride and they wound up discussing philosophy. This unlikely event made it possible for Rich to tell the fellow about Buddhism. Rich told the folks at the meeting that the stone was a good reminder to take the time to share Buddhism with others – especially those who are suffering.
While I believe in the importance of spreading Buddhism, I thought that the stones don’t need to be limited to only religious introductions – or shakabuku. I thought to myself that I could carry stones to remind myself to practice other good deeds as well. I try to be a thoughful person, but it never hurts to have a little physical reminder.
Since I have a habit of sticking my hands in my pockets anyway, I can use this simple act as an opportunity to nudge me in a kinder, gentler direction. The act can be as simple as a smile to a stranger, opening the door for someone, or simply a kind word.
I’m using my shakabuku rocks to create a shift in my thinking. Rather than making a mountain out of mole hill when things do not go my way, my determination is to take a mole hill of kindness and turn it into a mountain – one beautiful, glass stone at a time.
About the Author:
Sally Marks is the president of Marks Public Relations and the co-author of the self-help book, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within. Check out her blog at www.erasenegativity.blogspot.com.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – A Pocketful of Compassion
|
|
Vintage Royal Copley Lady Head Vase Wall Pocket $20.49 |
|
|
Ibis and Orchid Asarina Wall Pocket / Vase New $34.95 |
|
|
GRAZIA DERUTA MAJOLICA WALL POCKET VASE SOME YEARS OLD $40.58 |
|
|
japanesee pocket vase $0.95 |
|
|
Cobalt Blue Cup & Saucer Wall Pocket Planter Vase CUTE! $9.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE GILNER POTTERY PINK WALL POCKET / VASE $10.00 |
|
|
GREAT ROYAL COPLEY OLD MAN TOBY HEAD VASE WALL POCKET $9.99 |
|
|
Vintage Blue Flow WALL POCKET VASE 8″ Water Pitcher $9.99 |
|
|
Pair of Pretty Victorian Encrusted Vases Pocket Vases $3.11 |
|
|
HUMMEL GIRL WALL POCKET VASE 360/C TM5 VGC $99.95 |
|
|
VINTAGE FISH WALL POCKET PLAQUE VASE RETRO CERAMIC 50S $45.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE FISH WALL POCKET PLAQUE VASE 50S RETRO CERAMIC $45.00 |
|
|
HILL POTTERY 4 POCKET VASE Hand Painted $9.00 |
|
|
HAEGER U.S.A. #725 Wall Pocket/Planter/Vase $0.99 |
|
|
Vintage Hanging Wall Pocket Pink Rose Vase with Gold $16.99 |
|
|
Japanese Moriage Wall Pocket Vase Cone Vintage $26.95 |
|
|
2 Vintage Porcelain Violin Wall Pockets Vases 22K Gold $9.99 |
|
|
2 VINTAGE BRADLEY LITTLE GIRL HEAD WALL POCKETS / VASE $28.99 |
|
|
Vintage Hand Painted Wall Pocket Vase Italy Large 14″ T $14.99 |
|
|
Wall Pocket Planter Vase. Hand Painted. Hen. Chicken $16.99 |
|
|
LARGE Wall Mount Pocket Vase Terra Cotta Made in Italy $9.99 |
|
|
Antique Wall Pocket Vase Carnival Glass $4.99 |
|
|
Satchel Bag Wall Pocket Wall Vase $33.99 |
|
|
Glass wall pocket vase green & clear 10″ with handles $9.99 |
|
|
Vintage Royal Copley Farm Girl Head Vase Wall Pocket $9.99 |
|
|
Vintage Rabbit Vase/Wall Pocket $14.95 |
|
|
Vintage Rabbit Vase/Wall Pocket $14.95 |
|
|
Vintage WALL POCKET planter sconce garden vase Kitchen $26.85 |
|
|
VINTAGE YOUNG FRECKLE FACED BOY HEAD VASE/ WALL POCKET $24.50 |
|
|
Vintage Ardalt Japan Cherub Angel Wall Vase Pocket $4.99 |
|
|
Vintage Ardalt Japan Cherub Angel Wall Vase Pocket $4.99 |
|
|
RARE SMALL Delft Style FLAT Wall Pocket Teapot Vase! $29.99 |
|
|
Blue & White BIG BAMBOO Wall Pocket Pitcher Vase! $24.99 |
|
|
Sanfords McCoy A-Z Pocket Guide Planter Vase $16.15 |
|
|
1940/50′S PARAKEETS WALL POCKET VASE $9.99 |
|
|
Lefton China Ref Book Head Vases Wall Pockets Figurines $29.95 |
|
|
UNUSUAL MCP MINGAY OFF WHITE TEXTURED WALL POCKET VASE $27.06 |
|
|
Vintage Orange Antique IRON WALL POCKET VASE Art Deco $27.05 |
|
|
Rare 18th c English Creamware Wall Pocket Vase $550.00 |
|
|
CUTE PAIR BAMBI 12cm WALL POCKET VASES MATCHING SET VGC $27.05 |
|
|
Lefton Vase and Wall Pocket Lot $20.00 |
|
|
ROYAL COPLEY DOLL HEAD FACE WALL HANGER POCKET VASE $40.00 |
|
|
~Deco Green Uranium Depression Glass Wall Vase Pocket~ $50.51 |
|
|
Decorative Pottery Wall Pocket Vase – Handmade & Signed $15.00 |
|
|
19c Rare Japanese Kutani Porcelain Wall Pocket Vase $23.40 |
|
|
Morton Potteries Pink Hen Wall Pocket Vase NICE $42.50 |
|
|
funky S SCHUCHARDT POTTERY PIECE Vase? Wall Pocket? $0.99 |
|
|
Very Rare Perfect TROIKA POCKET WALL VASE PLAQUE $312.24 |
|
|
TUSCAN FLEUR TRIPLE WALL DOOR VASE pocket sconce $16.00 |
|
|
Vintage Head vase wall pocket planter USA 810 Shawnee $17.99 |
|
|
c1924 NORITAKE TUCAN,PARROT,BIRD WALL POCKET,VASE $9.99 |
|
|
Holly Hobbie,Wall Pocket,Vase,Excellent Condition! $8.88 |
|
|
Wall Pocket Vase by Bishop California Ceramics $0.99 |
|
|
Royal Copley Old Man & Woman Wall Pockets Head Vases $9.99 |
|
|
Royal Copley Oriental Girl Wall Pockets Head Vases $9.99 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID DESIGN GRAPEVINE WALL POCKET VASE $5.99 |
|
|
Vintage Large Vase WALL POCKET wallpocket Green Flowers $14.99 |
|
|
OCCUPIED JAPAN WALL POCKET OR VASE $9.99 |
|
|
De Lee Art Pottery Skunk Wall Pocket Vase De-Stinker $24.50 |
|
|
Cottage Chic Cherub Wall Pocket Vase PINK Roses Shabby $9.99 |
|
|
GREAT ANTIQUE 1930’s ART DECO GREEN WALL POCKET VASE $3.99 |
|
|
Sweet Vintage Royal Copley Angel Wall Pocket Vase w/Tag $9.95 |
|
|
Royal Haeger Wall Urn & Wall Pocket Vase Vintage $45.00 |
|
|
Waterford Crystal Marquis Palma 7″ Pocket Vase $22.95 |
|
|
Royal Copley Vintage WALL POCKET PLANTER VASE Rare $7.95 |
|
|
Vntage Royal Copley Boy w/fishing pole Wall Pocket Vase $2.99 |
|
|
Rare Antique 1900’s Chinese Cloisonne Wall Pocket Vases $99.99 |
|
|
RARE LEFTON PUPPY PALS WALL POCKET HEAD VASE LEFTON NR $9.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE HEAD VASE WALL POCKET RUST LUSTER SHY LADY NICE $24.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE H.P. THAMES, WALL POCKET, VASE, MYRTLE WARBLER $12.99 |
|
|
SHAWNEE UNMARKED ART POTTERY WALL POCKET FLOWER VASE $9.99 |
|
|
Cast Iron Shell Wall Flower Vase Sconce Pocket Art Deco $13.99 |
|
|
Vintage Wall Pocket Double Vases Japan $12.99 |
|
|
Vintage Wall Pocket Vase $9.99 |
|
|
Takahashi Wall Vase-Pocket-Planter -Bunny Rabbit-Easter $14.50 |
|
|
Antique Delft Wall Pocket Vase $39.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE POTTERY WALL POCKET BONNET HEAD VASE MCCOY? NR $7.99 |
|
|
3 Blue Glass Violin Bottle s vase wall pocket NR music $7.77 |
|
|
Unusual Ceramic Floral Vase Flower Pocket Vintage $9.99 |
|
|
Two Reflections Handcrafted Glassware Wall Pocket Vases $12.00 |
|
|
HAEGER “BONNET GIRL” WALL POCKET-VASE $19.99 |
|
|
Sanfords McCoy A-Z Pocket Guide Planter Vase $16.15 |
|
|
Young Girl Head Vase Wall Pocket Royal Copley $14.00 |
|
|
VTG. TUSCAN TWIST & TASSEL CRM/GRN WALL POCKET VASE, #2 $9.99 |
|
|
VTG. ART POTTERY ROYAL COPLEY APPLE WALL POCKET VASE $3.99 |
|
|
Shoe shape wall hanging vase planter pocket $14.99 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID BEAUTIFUL GRAPEVINE WALL VASE POCKET) NIB $34.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE WHITE HAT W PINK FLOWERS WALL POCKET VASE $7.99 |
|
|
ART GLASS SEASHORE TROPICAL FISH FLOOR WALL POCKET VASE $229.99 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID LOVELY COLUMBINE WALL VASE, POCKET, NIB $34.99 |
|
|
BESWICK Art Deco c1930 Wall Pocket Vase by Mr Symcox $15.61 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID DAISY & BEE WALL VASE (POCKET) CUTIE, NIB $39.99 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID BEARDED IRIS WALL VASE (POCKET) BEAUTIFUL $39.99 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID BEAUTIFUL ASARINA WALL VASE, POCKET, NIB $39.99 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID PRETTY SNOWDROPS WALL VASE, POCKET, NIB $34.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE 1950′S ROSE ART POTTERY VASE BLUE WALL POCKET $79.99 |
|
|
Silhouette pocket vase Studio Szeiler Engagement gift $7.00 |
|
|
Birds posy pocket vase Studio Szeiler England Siskin $3.50 |
|
|
Country Lemons Metal Tin Wall Pocket Vase Welcome Sign $6.39 |
|
|
IBIS & ORCHID GINKGO WALL VASE (POCKET), PRETTY, NIB $39.99 |
|
|
Stack & Grow – Indoor / Outdoor Stackable Flower & Garden Planter With Wheel Base ###############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################… |
|
|
NambĂ© Pocket 9-1/2-inch Vase $155.00 Inspired by the shape of a common shirt pocket, this stunning crystal vase bears an uncommon beauty. From acclaimed designer Karim Rashid, the rectangular vase stands 9-1/2″ tall with curved sides and intertwining cut lines…. |
|
|
Cast Iron Wall Birdbath Shell Vase Sconce Bird Feeder $3.34 Nostalgic styling abounds in this quaint wall-mounted pocket holder, finished in weathered auburn and crowned with a leafy bird-and-branch bas-relief. A perfect decorative cradle for birdseed, water, or even a tiny tender plant; it adds a gently sentimental touch! Iron. 6 1/2″ x 3 1/4″ x 7 1/2″ high…. |
|
|
Embossed Gold Metal Wall Pocket Set of 2 Gold Metal Planter Flower Vase Wall Pocket This pair of wall pockets is the ultimate container for dried flowers or grasses. A perfect accent for the kitchen, bathroom or living room. Antique gold metal with embossed design. H:22″ and 18.5″… |
|
|
Large 15 Wall Sconce Flower Pocket Vase NEW high-quality clear hand blown glass wall vase. Design Center Quality. It is 15″+ long, with a nice thick rounded bottom. Vase has a hanging hole hand-blown into the glass at top back (hole created by glass-blower with vase – not cut in later). Size: Measures 15″ long, 4.5″ wide at top. Flowers or Greenery NOT INCLUDED…. |
|
|
Pocket Ball & Vase – Magic Trick $39.91 The Pocket Ball & Vase is a smaller replica version of the Mega Ball & Vase. Its petitie size measures a mere 3″ when fitted together…. |
|
|
Les vases en metal precieux a l’epoque mycenienne (Studies in Mediterranean archaeology : Pocket-book) (French Edition) … |
|
|
Collecting Head Vases Identification and Value Guide with Updated Values 2006 updated values. Features several thousand head vases in more than 1,500 color photographs, many never before seen in any publication, the book contains primarily lady heads but also features other types of miscellaneous head vases – clowns, animals, children, Madonna figures, celebrities, Umbrella girls, Betty Lou Nichols vases, children, couples, Art Deco, wall pockets, convention pieces, Ch… |
|
|
Van OS: Fruit and Flowers in a Terracotta Vase (Pocket Jigsaw Puzzles Series II) $4.50 … |
