Monthly Archives: September 2016

A statement endowed with five factors is well-spoken, not ill-spoken. It is blameless and un-faulted by knowledgeable people. Which five? It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. … Continue reading →

“Empowerment” (Tib. wang) is an inaccurate and misleading translation of the Sanskrit term abhisheka, which literally means “sprinkling, bathing, purifying”.  The Four Empowerments are first conferred by the Lama, and then renewed and cultivated as often as possible by the … Continue reading →

Manifest phenomena arise through a combination of causes and conditions in a sequence of interdependent events.Now, since all phenomena are interconnected in this way, it follows that within the realm of relative truth the law of cause and effect is … Continue reading →

Duty accomplished is the greatest satisfaction. When you focus on your own suffering, adverse conditions can overwhelm you, so always remember what it is that you are here to do, and who you are here to help. You are stronger … Continue reading →

Relinquishing ‘me’ is ceasing to want to be this and that. Relinquishing ‘mine’ is ceasing to want to have this and that. In samsara, nothing is worth being; nothing is worth having. When meeting with sensory objects, stop at contact: when hearing, … Continue reading →

I appeal to those desiring to protect their virtuous minds: always diligently guard your mindfulness and introspection. —Arya Shantideva How do we guard mindfulness? One is mindful to abandon wrong view and to enter and remain in Right View. One … Continue reading →

When we feel aversion for others (anger, hatred, or malice), who is it that experiences the emotion and its effects? Most often, the putative object of our aversion remains unaware, and it is we who suffer the physical, emotional, and … Continue reading →