uncategorized – Human Values Institute

Setting a motivation at the beginning of the day

Life passes quickly. Having a direction that is positive makes life meaningful. It is easy to slide from one day until the next until the next until we die. Adding a purpose helps us become […]

Let’s bow our heads to honor Thich Nhat Hahn

Let’s bow our heads to honor Thich Nhat Hahn (Thay) who passed away several days ago. He was a great teacher and practitioner who worked tirelessly throughout his life for world peace and inner peace […]

It is never fully satisfying, even when things are going “well”

Life is up and down. This is the nature of samsara. It is never fully satisfying, even when things are going “well.” This is excellent to remember. It helps us reduce our attachment to the […]

We just need to be open and attentive

Dharma is everywhere. We just need to be open and attentive. Love is everywhere. Wisdom is everywhere. We just need to be open and attentive. When the heart is open, the mind relaxed while alert, […]

We all know and experience physical and mental pain

The Buddha was very sophisticated when teaching about compassion, and about everything. He taught there are different gradations of suffering, or dukkha. Superficially we all know and experience physical and mental pain. A little hidden […]

Liberation and enlightenment

When the water is murky and the environment toxic, it is easy to get snagged in the mud and weeds. The Buddha’s first teachings of the 4 Noble Truths taught us that life is the […]

Dr. Martin Luther King

Dr. Martin Luther King said, “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” We honor him and his work for equality and justice […]

When we are feeling good, spread it to others

When we are feeling good, spread it to others. Naturally our joy radiates to others. Imagining others receiving our joy can also be contagious. When we are feeling down, take others’ suffering and give them, […]

When we forgive ourselves and learn to love ourselves

When we forgive ourselves and learn to love ourselves, we can more completely and with less attachment, love others. There is forgiveness, and then there is gratitude. Living in grace is magical. It makes every […]

8 verses of mind training

1000 years ago, Langri Thangpa wrote 8 verses of mind training (lojong tsigyema), summarizing the path to enlightenment. The first 7 explain compassion, and the 8th wisdom. The 2nd verse reads: “Whenever I am with […]