‘To know our mind is to obtain liberation. To obtain liberation is to attain Samadhi of Prajna, which is 'thoughtlessness'. What is 'thoughtlessness'? 'Thoughtlessness' is to see and to know all Dharmas (things) with a mind free from attachment.’ Hui Neng

Tonight, I find myself in the curious position of feeling grateful for gratitude itself. It’s meta, I know, but there’s something profound about recognizing this capacity within myself as a gift worth acknowledging. I’ve been thinking about how gratefulness acts like...

On a gorgeous late autumn day—blue skies sparkling and crisp—four other Westerners and I followed a staffer from the Private Office up a sloped road to a detached concrete building. He ushered us inside, into a formal parlor with an old British feel: lace doilies on...

‘Should we introspect our mind with real Prajna, all erroneous views would be vanquished in a moment, and as soon as we know the Essence of Mind we arrive immediately at the Buddha stage.’ Hui Neng

“Enough is a decision, not a condition.” ~Unknown The night sky above Disneyland shimmered in color as fireworks burst to life. My daughters leaned against me, sticky-fingered from melted ice cream, eyes wide with wonder. It was supposed to be the happiest place on...

‘Learned Audience, without enlightenment there would be no difference between a Buddha and other living beings; while a gleam of enlightenment is enough to make any living being the equal of a Buddha.’ Hui Neng

‘Whether in a literal forest or in the midst of a busy life, the challenge remains the same: to step away from the distractions of the world, to face the restless mind, and to find the peace that comes from understanding the true nature of existence.’ Everyday...

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson I grew up as the fifth of seven children in a strict religious family where faith shaped everything. From an early age, I learned to...

‘The third noble truth offers the promise of liberation: the cessation of suffering is possible. This state, known as Nirvana (Nibbana), is the extinguishing of craving, the ending of attachment, and the realisation of the unconditioned.’ Everyday Buddhism

Trigger Warning: This piece contains references to childhood trauma, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care of yourself as you read, and step away if you need to. If you are struggling, you are not alone — support is available through trusted loved ones,...