Monthly Archives: February 2012

“Taking one for the team”

There has been much talk of loyalty, famously described by a US presidential pre-candidate in a recent debate as the willingness to ‘take one for the team’, even when such actions are contrary to one’s principles and harmful to others.   … Continue reading

Posted in Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A mind of good will

Even if bandits were to carve you up savagely, limb by limb, with a two-handled saw, those among you who let their hearts get angered even at that would not be doing my bidding.   Even then you should train … Continue reading

Posted in Dharma View | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

LOSAR Refuge Ceremony

Yesterday, at the Dallas Meditation Center’s LOSAR celebration, more than 50 Dharma students accepted Refuge for the first time, or renewed their vows! I wish to express my gratitude to the founder and director, Brother ChiSing, and the wonderful DMC … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When the Dharma seems a maze of confusion

The cultivation of the Dharma requires a gradual progression through the teachings, and when they are presented in a haphazard manner, they tend to generate confusion. My Root Teacher always said that when someone does not understand the Dharma, the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Exercise advice from the Buddha

There are these five benefits of walking for exercise. What five?  One is fit for long journeys; one is fit for striving; one has little disease; one has proper digestion; one attains long-lasting composure.  These are the five benefits of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Root of Prosperity

The root of wealth and prosperity is generosity. We can change our wealth karma by liberally giving voluntarily of what we have. It is a spiritual practice.  Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “charity” or “giving” —the practice of generosity, … Continue reading

Posted in Dharma View | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Monk for a day

Great merit can be accumulated by taking and observing these One-day Mahayana Precepts for any 24-hour period. The vows can be taken at your own home altar, in a temple, or simply after invoking the presence of the Buddha. Avoid … Continue reading

Posted in Dharma View | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Happy LOSAR!

Each of us has a place —one that is unique and irreplaceable. There is no need to claim it, secure it, or defend it. It is always ours. No Hope = No Fear We are an aspect of Natural Perfection, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Expressing and suppressing feelings

I grew up in a time when the expression of emotions was considered healthy and even necessary. Otherwise, we were told, suppression would lead to uncounted mental and physical maladies.    Suppressing emotions —and, for good measure, any and all desires— … Continue reading

Posted in Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Patience, revisited

When we perceive our impatience as impatience —lack of peace— we can begin to address it. As long as we give it some other meaning, and an external cause, we cannot address it.   There are conditions in which our lack … Continue reading

Posted in Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments