‘When we cling to a fixed idea of self, we set ourselves in opposition to the natural flow of life. But when we embrace impermanence, we align ourselves with reality, and in doing so, we find peace.’ Everyday Buddhism

Introduction By Pamela Ayo Yetunde The sankofa is a mythical bird of the Akan people in Ghana. It’s depicted with its head turned backward, pointing to the past, while the feet are turned forward, pointing to the future, and its body is centered in the now. This...

‘Supposing one is living the ‘forest’ life — if that person’s religious spirit is not minutely ordered and careful, and if his thoughts are not kept pure — in what way is that different from life in a house?’ Zen Master Hakuin

‘If one-mindedness is impeded, All dharmas are misunderstood. Coming and going thus, Is there need for thorough investigation?’ Niutou Farong

‘Many people make a show of possessing the heart which is searching for the Way, as if that were a sort of ornament to exhibit. Yet it is hard to find anyone who has truly made up his or her mind to carry on the spirit of meditation.’ Zen Master Hakuin

‘This is the Buddha’s firm and unshakeable awareness that watches over and protects the mind.’ Ajahn Chah

Melvin McLeod: How Do you define mindfulness? Jon Kabat-Zinn: Nowadays, the word mindfulness is used in a lot of different contexts. To some degree, its deep meaning has been obscured through becoming so popular in the mainstream world. That itself is not necessarily...

Death feels to me like an invitation, one that we reject at our peril. We can overthink it, worry it. Not now, we might say to death. Later would be better, or never. As adults we develop an opinion about it. I tell my ex-partners I will help them with their goals of...

‘The exploration of the illusion of self is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a profound journey towards the heart of reality, where the dualities of self and other, form and emptiness, dissolve into the radiant clarity of clear awareness.’ Everyday Buddhism

As we study and practice Buddhism, we encounter three subtle yet powerful obstacles: the superiority complex, the inferiority complex, and the equality complex. Each creates unique suffering, trapping us in the habit of comparison and judgment. Yet, with gentle and...