We are capable of having a huge impact on the world. The only way for us to protect our species – and the planet – from our own destructive power is to do everything possible to maintain peace and stability among ourselves. Therefore, it is worthwhile for all of us to study and lovingly preserve […]
It is impossible to be at your best or your worst at all times. Who is always consistent? Everyone changes according to different situations and as they go through life’s different phases. There is no point in feeling great pride or great shame simply because of temporary circumstances. 17th Karmapa
Happiness is always there; we do not have to bring it in from the outside, but simply recognize it within and allow ourselves to feel it. For example, we can be content with what we have, whatever it is. If we have a lot, it doesn’t mean we have to get rid of things. We […]
We all react in similar ways to what is pleasant and what is unpleasant. Understanding this, we know how to help each other. Why not support others in promoting goodness and preventing harm? 17th Karmapa
We as buddhists believe that benefiting others is an act of kindness, and the first thing that comes to our mind, as act of kindness, is giving alms to the poor. That’s not the only way, there are many ways to be kind. Taking care of the environment and nature is also a very important […]
The Buddha Shakyamuni has given us effective methods for working on our minds; however, whether we use them or not depends on us. The Buddha does not sit there and tell us what to do all the time. We are our own savior, our own protector. We should give ourselves the gift of a good […]
Whether or not we believe in reincarnation, we can each live a purposeful life if we spend our time doing something beneficial for ourselves and others. At the very least, we need to find a way to lead our lives joyfully. But if we do the opposite – what a shame! If we only create […]
With regard to compassion, sometimes when compassion is held within and not expressed, not applied in action, it can become a source of suffering. Having compassion and feeling that you cannot do anything to help can be frustrating. Someone once came to me and said that they had seen a dog who had been hit […]
How many obscurations and how many afflictions have been subdued or cleared away? This is the true test of meditation, not what wonderful or special experiences we might have. 17th Karmapa
Om tara tuttare ture soha. Ah ho, The essential nature of simplicity is the ground’s ever pure expanse. When set the enchanting music of a clear and radiant knowing, naturally present. And matured by the jeweled rain of joy descending as the union of the three kayas, The soveriegn one, the ultimate lama, arises remembered […]
The benefits of dharma recounted by the Buddha and his disciples are the results of the proper practice of dharma. You cannot reap all those benefits just by listening to a few teachings. If you do not practice, you will think that the dharma does not work – especially when problems arise and you cannot […]
Diversity within a society does not have to be problematic; it can be a source of richness and enjoyment. We can recognize and enjoy differences, but we must be careful not to exaggerate their importance or solidify our differences. When we do, we easily lose sight of our shared humanity, and divide ourselves up into […]
In order to meditate, it is very important to first identify what we are meditating on. If we meditate without identifying that, there is the danger it will become idiot meditation or idiot Dharma. If we do not first fully comprehend through listening and contemplating the meaning of what we are meditating on, how can […]
When we bring our concern for ourselves into harmony with our concern for others, our life comes in balance. When our life feels imbalanced and pointless, usually we notice that our relationships have also become unhealthy. By thinking carefully about how we orient ourselves toward others and toward ourselves, we can build and enjoy healthy […]
Interdependence is our reality, whether we accept it or not. In order to live productively within such a reality, it is better to acknowledge and work with interdependence, wholeheartedly and without resistance. This is where love and compassion come in. It is love that leads us to embrace our connectedness to others, and to participate […]
Are we willing to accept that having more wealth – no matter how someone acquires it – is a sign of being more advanced? Surely there are other measures we could use to determine if we have enough, besides comparing ourselves to those who happen to have amassed more money and things than we have. […]
It’s crucial for us to become good people. If we are not, then how could we say we’re Buddhist? We need to reflect: What kind of person am I? If you’re making a golden vase, first you have to see if the material is real gold. If it’s brass, then you’re not making a gold […]
Bodhisattvas, not being deceived by their own possessions and so forth, take others, all sentient beings, as their highest priority. They strive to benefit others in any way they can. “As an extension of that striving,” the Buddha said, “I along with my retinue are continually traveling to many different lands and begging alms from […]
Once we begin to truly value others’ happiness, if an opportunity arises for us to give others happiness or protect them from suffering, we will be ready to do so. If we are able to nurture a sense of continual readiness to act, we will not miss opportunities to benefit others. Even if we cannot […]
I have noticed that some people are uncomfortable when they are told that change is a fundamental part of life, or that nothing lasts forever. Yet impermanence is just a basic fact of our existence—it is neither good nor bad in itself. When we face impermanence wisely, we have an opportunity to cultivate a more […]
