This is what we call ignorance: not recognizing the void nature of phenomena and assuming that phenomena possess the attribute of true existence although in fact they are devoid of it. With ignorance comes attachment to all that is pleasant…
Gratitude, the simple and profound feeling of being thankful, is the foundation of all generosity. —Sallie Tisdale, “As If There is Nothing to Lose”
To help others is to help oneself. It may also be said that to help oneself is to help others, since real, effective help is not possible as long as we ourselves are deluded and filled with greed and hatred.…
The Buddha identified the basis for all our good and skillful qualities as heedfulness—not innate goodness or compassion: heedfulness. —Thanissaro Bhikkhu, “What Is True Safety?”
If someone insults us, we usually dwell on it, asking ourselves, “Why did he say that to me?” and on and on. It’s as if someone shoots an arrow at us, but it falls short. Focusing on the problem is…
You see, the past is past, and the future is yet to come. That means the future is in your hands—the future entirely depends on the present. That realization gives you a great responsibility. – H.H. the Dalai Lama, “The…
There is grace in suffering. Suffering is part of the training program for wisdom. – Ram Dass, “America’s Guru”
Faith in the Buddha’s own awakening is a requisite strength for anyone else who wants to attain awakening. As it fosters persistence, mindfulness, concentration, and discernment, this faith can take you all the way to the deathless. – Thanissaro Bhikkhu,…
Anger that is motivated by compassion or a desire to correct social injustice, and does not seek to harm the other person, is a good anger that is worth having. – The Dalai Lama, “The (Justifiably) Angry Marxist”
As your mindfulness develops, your resentment for the change, your dislike for the unpleasant experiences, your greed for the pleasant experiences, and the notion of selfhood will be replaced by the deeper awareness of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and selflessness. —Bhante Henepola…