suffering – Human Values Institute

Our path to freedom

We get easily caught up in our self and loose site of others. When others enter the picture, we see them through the eyes of our own self-interest. We forget that everyone has a story […]

How can we maintain our sanity, let alone joy?

These are very hard times. When we feel we are emerging, BAM, another difficulty arises. This is what the Buddha called suffering of suffering, one suffering upon another. How can we maintain our sanity, let […]

Recognizing others’ suffering opens our hearts to compassion

We must be careful when we tap into the massive suffering in the world, not to be crushed and overwhelmed. Recognizing others’ suffering opens our hearts to compassion. It does not close our hearts. This […]

The nature of unenlightened existence is suffering

When you are sick, think of others. When you are well, think of others. By sheer numbers they are more important thus us. This does not diminish our value. Rather, it enhances their value. Through […]

So many people are suffering

So many people are suffering layer upon layer. Only the tip of the iceberg is apparent. Please remember this when you interact, even virtually, with others. Be kind. Be aware of their trauma. The amount […]

The purpose of our life

Compassion is the reason we are alive. It is the purpose of our life. Survival depends on it. This is a mantra I want you all to write down, copy many times, and display wherever […]

The most impotant day of the Buddhist year

Today is the most important day of the Buddhist year. Shakyamuni Buddha was born, enlightened, and passed into parinirvana. The results of all of our actions are exponentially multiplied today, so be good! Recite Shakyamuni […]

The 3rd day of celebration of Saga Dawa

Today is the 3rd day of celebration of Saga Dawa, the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana month of Shakyamuni Buddha, 2600th year anniversary. The results of all our actions are exponentially increased, so be good! Please […]

The joy of love

Joy comes in many forms. The subtle lasting ones are the best. Even better is when the joys are dedicated to others, in the service of others, bringing love to others. Then the joy radiates […]

3 levels of dukkha

Compassion is an often-used word, but rarely understood. According to the Buddha, compassion is the relief of suffering. So, what is suffering? Buddha used the word ‘dukkha.’ We do not have an English equivalent, so […]