Category Archives: 16 Guidelines

Humility is the attitude of experiencing the world and what it contains with wonder and awe, aware of the relative importance of self and others. The opposites of humility are pride and indifference.  Humility is essential for a meaningful, successful … Continue reading →

Patience is the ability to control our reactions and retain our peace of mind in any situation, imperturbable in the face of harm and hardship. It is the practice of exercising forbearance toward persons, objects, behaviors, or situations that might … Continue reading →

Contentment is the state of mind that allows us to be quietly happy in any situation, and to be at peace with who we are.  Contentment is freedom from anxiety, want or need. Contentment is the goal behind all goals … Continue reading →

Rejoicing is the genuine appreciation of the good in all persons, situations, and objects; delighting in its causes; and wishing its endurance.  Others have contributed and continue to contribute to our welfare: our parents gave us life, nourished, and protected … Continue reading →

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” HH the XIVth Dalai Lama  Kindness is the intention to be friendly, caring, generous, benevolent, considerate, respectful, fair, and affectionate to all. It is one of the ten paramitas (excellences) of … Continue reading →

Honesty is the disposition to act without harming others, never placing our own interests ahead of theirs, and always cherishing the needs and wishes of others. It is the positive aspect of the avoidance of taking what is not freely … Continue reading →

Generosity is the wish to benefit others, sharing whatever time, energy, talents, and possessions we have. It is the first among the Six Transcendent Excellences.  The Buddha’s Teachings on Generosity  Even if a person throws the rinsing of a bowl … Continue reading →

If a statement is ‘true’ but leads to harm, it is in fact false. What is the real meaning of true and untrue? That which is helpful to others is true. —Kambala, Alokamala v 37 Right speech is the first … Continue reading →

Respect is the acknowledgement that all sentient beings have the same basic physical, psychological, and spiritual needs, and that another’s experience and wisdom can be helpful to us.  Aspects of Respect Functional: All beings want happiness and to avoid suffering. … Continue reading →

“He abused me, he struck me, he overcame me, he robbed me” —in those who harbor such thoughts, hatred will never cease. “He abused me, he struck me, he overcame me, he robbed me” —in those who do not harbor … Continue reading →