wisdom – Human Values Institute

When we are angry

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 […]

“True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively. Through universal altruism, you develop […]

2018 Nov. 24-25 Meditation Retreat in Tokyo “Compassionate Life Innovation”

Nov. 24 Sat. – 25 Sun, 2018 Meditation Retreat in Tokyo Compassionate Life Innovation Message from Dr. Barry Kerzin We will hold a 2-day weekend retreat that you all are welcome to join. The essence […]

How do we practice compassion?

How do we practice compassion? The six perfections (Sanskrit paramitas) are instructions for practicing compassion. Generosity has various methods, like giving money, shelter and food, giving time, giving kindness, listening non-judgmentally, giving love, and giving […]

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul died today. She sang like she was channeling a higher power, maybe God, or maybe the innate luminosity potential for total goodness, beauty, and happiness. Even mosquitos have this […]

We all have this potential

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 […]

Contemplative or analytical meditation

The second type of meditation is contemplative or analytical meditation. In this type of meditation we think about a certain topic like impermanence, compassion, or wisdom (shunyata). When we get some feeling, understanding, or an […]

8 Verses of Training the Mind

Please remember the ‘8 Verses of Training the Mind (in compassion)’ is meant to be lifelong study and practice. The last verse is particularly tough all about the Buddhist wisdom of reality not being what […]

8 Verses of Mind Training

Congratulations to all of you who have the courage and tenacity to read all the last 8 posts explaining the ‘8 Verses of Mind Training’ by Geshe Langri Thangpa. It is not easy, especially the […]