Category Buddhism

We don’t have to look at others and be critical of their lack of virtue. Even when those close to us can’t practice, we should do what we can first. Before we worry about the deficiencies of others, those of…

If we have ambitions—even if our aim is enlightenment—then there is no meditation, because we are thinking about it, craving it, fantasizing, imagining things. That is not meditation. This is why an important characteristic of shamatha meditation is to let…

People who are awake see the manifestation of the dharma in everything. A pebble, a bamboo tree, the cry of a baby, anything can be the voice of the dharma calling. We should be able to practice like that. —Thich…

Grief can lead us to a profound understanding that reaches beyond our individual loss. It opens us to the most essential truth of our lives: the truth of impermanence, the causes of suffering, and the illusion of separateness. —Mark Matousek,…

The Buddhist teachings say that when we can actually feel pain directly, we spontaneously let go, just as feeling the hot handle of a cast-iron skillet makes us let go. When we feel the powerful, undeniable suffering of jealousy, we…

Worldly life is easy at the beginning and difficult at the end. A spiritual life is difficult at the beginning and easy at the end. – Ani Chudrun, “Unusual Choices”

There are three types of practitioners: practitioners of small capacity, who die without fear; practitioners of middle capacity, who die without regrets; and practitioners of the utmost capacity, who die happily. – Tanya Piven, “‘Like Roaring Earth’”

Wisdom has to do with seeing clearly, seeing things as they are, that is, coming to terms with the way things are. —Larry Rosenberg, “Death Awareness”

A hero, a person who is courageous, has the courage to admit one’s mistakes, one’s faults. —Sayadaw U Pandita, “The Best Remedy”

If you have a supportive sangha, it’s easy to nourish your bodhicitta, the seeds of enlightenment. If you don’t have anyone who understands you, who encourages you in the practice of the living dharma, your desire to practice may wither.…