suffering – Human Values Institute

The dharma

Dharma does not just happen while we are sitting on our cushion. It is available all the time. Whatever situation we find ourself is an opportunity to practice the dharma. Especially powerful is transforming our […]

The heart of the practice

The 1st Panchen Lama, Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen, in his ‘Guru Puja’ (‘Lama Choepa’) writes, “This chronic disease of cherishing ourselves is the cause giving rise to our unsought suffering; understanding this, we seek the courage […]

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 […]