Out of Steam

Last month marked the 7th anniversary of The Endless Further.  I guess that’s sort of an accomplishment, because I read somewhere that the average lifespan of a blog is 2.75 years.

As you may have noticed, blogging in the last year or so has really slowed down.  There is a simple explanation for that.  I’ve run out of steam.  When I started the blog, I had a few things to say.  Well, I’ve said them.  At least, three or four times already.

There’s also the physical stuff I’m going through: lymphedema and chronic bursitis.  I’ve been in constant pain (or at least, persistent soreness) for over two years.  It takes away my energy, and weakens my enthusiasm for such things as blogging.

This is not to say that I’m quitting or shutting down the blog.  But posting is going to be really slow from here on out.  I’ll post again when I’m inspired to, or when I think I have something new or important to say.  I will probably post more frequently on The Endless Further Facebook page.

I want to thank you for reading my blog.  If you have found it informative or encouraging, I am glad.  I’ve heard from a small number of folks who have said that’s been the case for them.

I received Buddhist precepts on September 25, 1983.  That’s nearly 34 years ago.  Since then, I won’t say I have been a perfect Buddhist or anyone’s role model, but I have learned a few things.  And the most important of what I’ve learned is this:

Buddhism holds the view that the highest life condition, what we call Buddhahood or awakening, is not a destination to be reached in the remote future, but a potential already inherent in life.  The aim of Buddhist practice is to tap into this Buddha-nature, to change our thinking and our life, and then, strive to understand the meaning of compassion, to understand another person’s problems.  As the Dalai Lama says, this is the purpose of existence, to help others remove the cause for their suffering.

Until next time, peace.

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