Message – Human Values Institute

Fame and disrespect

Fame and disrespect is the second pair of the 8 worldly concerns. The 8 worldly concerns are the ways we ordinarily live our lives. Our default position is to be caught up with these. We […]

Praise and blame

Praise and blame is the first pair of the 8 worldly concerns. They are all about the ego. Being praised the ego feels reinforced, it feels good. When we are blamed, conversely, the ego feels […]

We often forget gratitude

We often forget gratitude. There is so much to be grateful for. The next breath we take for granted, forgetting how precious it is to be alive. Remember to be grateful for the next breath. […]

Forgiving ourselves creates a beautiful cake called a ‘torma’ in Tibetan. On a deeper level this “cake” is actually the enlightened mind of a Buddha. We all have this potential. Forgiveness helps ripen this. So […]

Polishing the tarnished love we all have inside

Love makes the world go around. It moves mountains. It brings inner peace not only to oneself but also to those around us. It is the deepest nature of the mind, inseparable from wisdom realizing […]

We all want to be happy, and none of us wants to hurt

Living a life of humility, simplicity, and helping others is meaningful. It brings joy along with deeper satisfaction and contentment. These qualities are often lacking in today’s environment. Being humble counters the tendency not only […]

Each one of us is valuable

Each one of us is valuable — beyond all the money in the world. Not only are we loved by others, but we also have this precious potential to be fully omniscient and happy. Sometimes […]

Life’s challenges can be daunting sometimes

Life’s challenges can be daunting sometimes. What do we do when faced with huge obstacles? We may freak out! That’s o.k. provided we calm down we get courageous and strong. Emotionally let’s step back to […]

We can change

We are now in the second half of the month the Shakyamuni Buddha became enlightened – Saga Dawa duchen. The fact that enlightenment was in fact achieved by one individual means we all can do […]

5/28 HAPPY SAGA DAWA

In the US it is Memorial Day, commemorating soldiers who gave their lives for this country. So they did not die in vain, may conflict be resolved peacefully without violence and war. In the world […]