Monthly Archives: December 2011

Success in any endeavor is measured not by the results obtained, but by the quality and intensity of the intention with which the action is performed; the beneficial effect on others of the person, thing, or situation that is the … Continue reading →

Two Fundamental Obscurations to Wisdom The self of persons: We perceive ourselves and others as if there were a substantial ‘person’ that is permanent and exists independently of our own perceptions. We do not realize that —at best— these perceptions … Continue reading →

The Dharma allows us to separate our discernment (of what is positive and negative) from our emotions. It is not that we will no longer perceive whether something is harmful or beneficial, positive or negative, but that we will be … Continue reading →

The cause of afflicted emotions (attachment, aversion, and indifference) is wrong view, of which there are only two: wrong view about the self, and wrong view about phenomena (everyone/everything else). Neither we nor ‘the other’ are truly as we appear … Continue reading →

Equanimity is the mind that wishes liberation and enlightenment for friend and foe alike, but we might sometimes think this only requires that we not discriminate against our enemies. That is indeed so: we should not wish our enemies any … Continue reading →

  Blessed are the poor in   spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are the meek, for   they shall possess the land.  Blessed are they who mourn,   for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are they … Continue reading →

A beloved Lama (guru, teacher) makes a promise to his disciples before dying: “I will return.” After a period of mourning, the heart-sons of the departed Lama scrutinize all possible signs for an indication as to where he will take … Continue reading →

During the period of impurity due to the presence of defilements, Buddha Nature resides as the basis for the subsistence of defilements. During the period of partial impurity and purity, Buddha Nature resides as the basis for purification of defilements. … Continue reading →

Phenomenal life is overwhelming —that is its nature: the suffering of pain, change, and conditioning. The experience of phenomenal life is fundamentally contrary to true purity, self, bliss and permanence, our ultimate reality, of which we are intuitively aware. If … Continue reading →