Monthly Archives: July 2016

And what is namarupa, name-and-form? Feeling, perception, intention, contact, and attention —these are called “nama”. The four great elemental states (solidity, liquidity, radiance, and volatility) and the forms dependent on the four great elemental states —these are called “rupa”. This … Continue reading →

If Dharma practitioners are holy, it follows that wherever they go they leave in their wake an increase in faith and compassion, a diminishing of sectarianism and emotionalism, and beings who are more gentle and relaxed. When faith, respect, and … Continue reading →

The original name of this practice is maitri bhavana (Sanskrit) or metta bhavana (Pali). Maitri means love, friendliness, or kindness, and bhavana means development or cultivation. A common form of the practice consists of five stages: Cultivate loving kindness for yourself, reciting: “May I … Continue reading →

Liberation is not a place, another realm, or a destination. It is an uprooting of the emotional afflictions in my mind, so that they never arise in the future and are purified within the expanse of suchness.   “Once the … Continue reading →

Once infinite loving kindness has been developed, frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded, made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection, then it will be impossible for ill-will to take possession of and obsess the mind, for infinite loving … Continue reading →

Appearances arise from afflictions and karma. Karma originates from the mind. The mind is constituted by latent tendencies. Freedom from latent tendencies is bliss. This blissful mind is peaceful. A peaceful mind will not be ignorant. Not to be ignorant … Continue reading →

We who are like children, shrink from pain, but love its causes. We hurt ourselves through our misdeeds. So why should others be the object of our rage? —Arya Shantideva, Bodhicharyavatara, 6.45

Everywhere, people of good will want peace. However, most of us feel overwhelmed by the prevalence of violence, fueled by animosity and hatred. Peace requires not only the wisdom to practice patience in the face of those situations that agitate … Continue reading →

True peace is always possible. Yet it requires strength and practice, particularly in times of great difficulty. To some, peace and nonviolence are synonymous with passivity and weakness. In truth, practicing peace and nonviolence is far from passive. To practice … Continue reading →

All phenomena arise from causes. Those causes have been taught by the Tathāgata, and their cessation has been proclaimed by the Great Śramaṇa. ye dharmā hetu prabhavā hetun, teṣāṃ tathāgato hyavadat, teṣāṃ ca yo nirodha, evaṃ vādī mahāśramaṇa —Asvajit The … Continue reading →