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 […]
Kindness to oneself means undertaking the responsibility for one’s own liberation. 17th Karmapa
So maybe the point is to confront ourselves with the question: am I really a good person, a good human being? Because that is what characterizes being an authentic Buddhist. 17th Karmapa
I have noticed from experience that taking things too seriously can be debilitating. It can paralyze us. It is usually more effective to approach problems with a light heart – a willingness to laugh at them and at ourselves. Otherwise, if we are too somber, we could be stricken with a heart attack before we […]
When compassion is present, we do not overlook others’ pain. Rather, there is a sense of urgency to end that pain, as if a fire has just been lit underneath you. When you have such compassion, as soon as you see suffering, you wish to jump up and act to end it at once. You […]
The more you learn, the more you are able to solve problems and deal with difficult situations. Alongside your main area of focus, why not also study something else just for the fun of it? 17th Karmapa
Greed keeps us focused on what we do not have, and blinds us to all that we already have. Greed guarantees that no matter how much we acquire, it will never be enough. Building a society or a life based on greed is a recipe for dissatisfaction, plain and simple. 17th Karmapa
Om Swasti Jayentu. Primordially pure, the expanse of all phenomena is great bliss. All signs of elaboration stilled, it is spontaneously present. In that glad realm, where the joyous ambrosia of the three vehicles is found. May the sun of naturally arising awareness be victorious. 17th Karmapa
Cutting through afflictions is difficult, especially once they have come up, because we are so habituated to them. What we can do is recognize that anger is about to arise and then take action. We can use a method or remedy that will deter the anger from becoming a full-blown negative emotion. One way I […]
The deepest reasons to love yourself have nothing to do with anything outside you – not with your body or with others’ expectations of you. If you ground yourself in your own goodness, nothing will be able to damage your self-esteem. 17th Karmapa
When looking for a spiritual teacher, in my view the starting point should be that they are a good person. You should consider not just whether the teacher is an educated and knowledgeable person, but also whether he or she is a genuinely good-hearted person who has real affection for you. This is hard to […]
Interdependence and emptiness show us that there are no fixed starting points. We can start from nothing. Whatever we have, wherever we are — that is the place we can start from. Many people have the idea that they lack what they need in order to start working toward their dreams. They feel they do […]
Different things in this world can bring happiness and enjoyment. The most important of them all is what brings peace and happiness to our minds. How can we develop these? Usually, our minds are filled with the movement of concepts that disturb it. When the mind is set in motion this way, it cannot remain […]
All we really need to do for practice is to study, reflect, and meditate. However, these days it is common in the East and West that desire for honor and gain creates problems. Imitation monks, phony lamas, fake tulkus, and false gods turn up, and because of this, it is difficult to find the right […]
True peace cannot be achieved by force or by merely invoking the word “peace.” It can only be attained by training the mind and learning to cultivate inner peace. Peace is a calm and gentle state of mind. 17th Karmapa
The most exalted example Buddhists use to explain compassion is motherhood. Consider all that your mother probably has done for you since the time you were conceived — carrying you for 9 months, experiencing the hardship of labor and birth, feeding and clothing you, taking care of all your needs, and worrying about you long […]
Through peaceful hearts, Peaceful feelings, And peaceful intelligence, May this world truly move From darkness to light. 17th Karmapa
There are many forces surrounding us that encourage us to follow along unthinkingly wherever our greed leads us. We are bombarded by advertising designed to convince us that our happiness depends on material goods. Today’s global culture tells us that having more of these goods is a measure of our success in life, and even […]
Although each of us has our own personality, our circle of friends can influence and change us. So it is important to rely on friends who have intelligence and integrity. 17th Karmapa
