Dalai Lama Quotes Pictures

Ayya Khema, a renowned Buddhist nun and meditation teacher, left an indelible mark on the world with her profound teachings and compassionate heart. Her journey to becoming a spiritual leader was marked by hardship, resilience, and a deep commitment to the Buddha's teachings.

Born in Berlin in 1923 to Jewish parents, Ayya Khema's early life was shaped by the tumultuous events of World War II. She and her family were forced into a Japanese concentration camp, where her father tragically passed away. After the war, she was able to emigrate to America with her husband and children.

However, it wasn't until she traveled throughout Asia in the 1950s that Ayya Khema discovered meditation and began to integrate its principles into her daily life. This experience led her to ordain as a Buddhist nun in Sri Lanka in 1979, taking on the name 'Khema', meaning safety and security.

As a nun, Ayya Khema went on to establish several monasteries and training centers around the world, including Wat Buddha Dhamma in Australia and Metta Vihara in Germany. She was also instrumental in founding Sakyadhita, a global organization dedicated to empowering Buddhist women.

Throughout her life, Ayya Khema shared her wisdom through numerous books and audio recordings, including her book 'All of Us', which explores the concept of no-self, and 'To Be Seen Here and Now', a guide to cultivating loving-kindness. Her teachings emphasized the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace.

Ayya Khema's remarkable life was marked by numerous accolades, including receiving the Christmas Humphreys Memorial Award for her book 'Being Nobody, Going Nowhere' in 1988. She also became the first Buddhist nun to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 1987.

Despite the challenges she faced, Ayya Khema's legacy continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their own spiritual journeys. Her quotes and teachings remain a powerful reminder of the importance of living with compassion, wisdom, and inner peace.

Quotes:

* 'The practice of meditation is not just for monks and nuns; it's for anyone who wants to develop greater mindfulness and concentration in their daily life.'

* 'Compassion is the foundation of all Buddhist teachings. It's the key to understanding and transforming our own minds, as well as those around us.'

* 'Metta is not just a feeling; it's a practice that we cultivate through our words, actions, and thoughts.'

About Ayya Khema:

Ayya Khema was born in Berlin in 1923 and spent her early years in Germany before fleeing to Scotland during World War II. She later traveled to Asia, where she discovered meditation and became ordained as a Buddhist nun. She went on to establish several monasteries and training centers around the world, and wrote numerous books on meditation and Buddhism.

* 'The Power of Mindfulness'

* 'Cultivating Loving-Kindness in Everyday Life'

* 'The Importance of Compassion in Buddhist Teachings

Dalai lama quotes pictures