‘In the teachings of the Buddha, dāna (giving) holds a place of great significance. At its most basic level, giving is an ethical practice that cultivates generosity, selflessness, and compassion.’ Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — In his profound teachings.
‘In his profound teachings, the Buddha illuminated the possibility of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth — what we know as samsara.’ Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — Awareness, when steady and unentangled, remains untouched.
‘The Buddha’s teachings do not call for repression but for illumination. Awareness, when steady and unentangled, remains untouched by the arising and passing of thought. The key is not to eliminate thinking but to cease identifying with it.’ Everyday Buddhism
Only Genuine Compassion Will Do
Before we can generate compassion and love, it is important to have a clear understanding of what we understand compassion and love to be. In simple terms, compassion and love can be defined as positive thoughts and feelings that give rise to such essential things in...
Morning meditation — Things cease due to utter destruction.
‘Things cease due to utter destruction, But not due to understanding their conditioned nature; To whom will this be evident? How can “destruction” be possible?’ Arya Nagarjuna
Morning meditation — Reflecting on the way it is brings into consciousness.
‘Reflecting on the way it is brings into consciousness what a lifespan as a human being involves.’ Ajahn Sumedho
How Koans Show Us the Way
From the moment language blinked into existence, humans have tried to hold onto the words that accompany our mysterious moments of insight. We’ve etched them on bones, written them on papyrus scrolls, attached them to the refrigerator with a magnet. A bit more than a...
What a Good Horse You Are!
The life story of the Buddha is lofty, elevated, and inspiring, providing us with a role model we can admire and respect. We marvel at Prince Siddhartha’s renunciation of worldly life, and we are in awe at his attainment of buddhahood. But does the story also provide...
Morning Meditation — Patience requires us to go beyond the choice between fleeing or fighting.
‘Patience requires us to go beyond the choice between fleeing or fighting. It is the third and most difficult way. Affectionate awareness starts being a real central value in our lives.’ Corrado Pensa
When the Buddha Was a Tree
When I was young, trees were my friends. I’d climb up among the branches of the ones beside our three-story apartment building until I was higher than the roof. Perched among clouds and birds, I found comfort and ease. The friendliest tree was the sycamore. It had...
