Monthly Archives: November 2011

To forgive is not synonymous with tolerance for wrongful actions. Forgiveness only requires that the actions we take be inspired by sincere love and compassion, instead of anger and resentment. Tolerating bad behavior can be a form of cruelty, since … Continue reading →

Our faults are merely narrow or constricted expressions of virtue, and can thus be expanded beyond their present limits through cultivation. Attachment is the limited expression of loving kindness, since both lead us to perceive that which is desirable. When … Continue reading →

Just as grammarians Begin with reading the alphabet, The Buddha teaches doctrines That students can bear. To some he teaches doctrines For the reversal of sin; To some, in order to win merit; To some, doctrines based on duality. To … Continue reading →

The clairvoyant may see forms which are elsewhere, but they cannot see the formless. The telepathic may communicate directly with the mind of another, but they cannot communicate with one who has achieved no-mind. The telekinetic may move an object … Continue reading →

There are essentially three sources of valid cognition: direct perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), and valid testimony (shabda). Of course, the quality of all three can be compromised by our own or others’ afflicted emotions and obscurations to wisdom. To give … Continue reading →

Just as no pleasure can bring delight To someone whose body is ablaze with fire, The great compassionate ones cannot be pleased When harm is done to sentient beings. — Shantideva Happy Thanksgiving! Today and every day Please protect the lives … Continue reading →

In order to properly understand a Dharma teaching, it is necessary to consider its Foundational Intent, Content, Applicability, and Form: Foundational Intent is defined as the overarching purpose, in the context of the entirety of the teaching: Is it provisional … Continue reading →

Four Types of Karma Positive results in positive effects within samsara liberates from suffering Negative results in negative effects within samsara perpetuates and increases suffering Throwing directly causes rebirth into a specific realm or state causes rebirth as a human with either great fortune … Continue reading →

To remove the sufferings of infinite sentient beings who have been your mother over and over, repeatedly make potent prayers again and again with love and compassion, and listen when the great conch shell of Dharma is blown. No matter … Continue reading →