Forgiving takes a heavy load off our chest. We feel light as a feather. Practicing gratitude opens the heart. We feel that everything sparkles. Countering anger with tolerance brings ease and understanding. We feel relaxed. […]
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 […]
Experience of our days is up and down. This is on the outside and superficial. As we practice more, an inner experience begins to permeate our whole experience, our whole being. At first it waxes […]
A square peg doesn’t fit in a round hole. So don’t push it. A round peg doesn’t fit in a square hole. So don’t push it. These are learning situations I often have to relearn. […]
Living in the world, but not part of the world is the best way to serve others. A Bodhisattva strives to help all others. In order to help, we must know their thoughts, feelings, intentions, […]
“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound; that saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.” These moving words of the song Amazing Grace are […]
Living a life with joy is meaningful. Wisdom and compassion play crucial roles. Wisdom helps foster humility. Reduction in ego-centricity is part and parcel of humility. There is automatically more focus on the wellbeing of […]
Love makes the world go around. Love, love, love is what it is all about. Love yourself, love others. Just love, and more love. We are trying to make love our default state. It is […]
The first beneficiary of compassion is always oneself. When compassion, or warm-heartedness, arises in us and our focus shifts away from our own narrow self-interest; it is as if we open an inner door. An […]
When we are angry we are blind to reality. Anger may bring us a temporary burst of energy, but that energy is blind and it blocks the part of our brain that distinguishes right from […]
Human Values Institute