Buddha wise

Although wishing to be rid of misery,
They run toward misery itself.
Although wishing to have happiness,
Like an enemy they ignorantly destroy it.

-Santideva, "Bodhicaryavatara"

I believe there is an important distinction to be made between religion and spirituality. Religion I take to be concerned with belief in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition or another--an aspect of which is acceptance of some form of meta-physical or philosophical reality, including perhaps an idea of heaven or hell. Connected with this are religious teachings or dogma, ritual, prayers and so on. Spirituality I take to be concerned with those qualities of the human spirit--such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring happiness to both self and others.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

New Outlet

Have a new place to blog. It's an anonymous site for blended families. I LOVE it and all the new friends/support I have found there. It's a place I can write about the things I cannot write about here :)

SO.... I have been absent here for a few weeks.

But I would like some advice from my blogger friends. I am trying to organize a Step mom retreat for some women on there. Here are my requirements-

Within five to six hours drive North, South, or West of Canton, Ohio
A place with one of the following atmospheres

Beach (a lake is good. Not Cleveland- looking for something different)
River city
Mountains/Hills/Cabins
Culture- plays, shopping, art
Spa

So let me know what you all think!