Monthly Archives: February 2018

Other struggles may be fueled by greed, hatred, fear, or ignorance, but a nonviolent one cannot use such blind sources of energy, for they will destroy those involved and also the struggle itself. Nonviolent action, born of the awareness of … Continue reading →

Any situation, whether “good” or “bad”, will be made better or worse by the attitude we bring when facing it. Will a negative attitude ever improve a bad situation? Even a positive situation can be spoiled by a poor attitude. … Continue reading →

Those who know gratitude, even while in the cycle of birth and death, will keep intact their roots of virtue.   Those who do not know gratitude ruin their roots of virtue and accumulate unwholesome karma.   Therefore, the Tathagatas … Continue reading →

Why do we do anything? Why do we rest when tired, eat when hungry, or drink water when thirsty? From the simplest to the most complex organism, we seek to avoid pain and suffering and enjoy pleasure and happiness. Unfortunately, … Continue reading →

During the period of impurity due to the presence of defilements, Buddha Nature resides as the basis for the subsistence of defilements. During the period of partial impurity and purity, Buddha Nature resides as the basis for purification of defilements. During the period … Continue reading →

Bodhisattvas overcome five fears through the practice of generosity: the fear of loss of life, the fear of loss of control of the mind, the fear of loss of reputation, the fear of loss of livelihood, and the fear of … Continue reading →

These two mental states are conducive to correct knowledge. Which two? Peace and clarity. By developing peace, what purpose is served? The mind is purified. By purifying the mind, what purpose is served? Craving is abandoned. By developing clarity, what … Continue reading →

From the Buddha comes the Dharma; from the Dharma, the Sangha of those who have deep realization; from the Sangha, recognition of the reality of Buddha Nature, pure wisdom.  Ultimately, when this wisdom has been made fully manifest, there will … Continue reading →

If a good man or woman practices the Five Gates of Mindfulness and if that practice is perfected, ultimately that disciple will obtain birth in the Pure Land of Peace and Bliss and will see the Buddha Amideva.  The first … Continue reading →

This food is a gift of the earth, the sky, numerous living beings, and much hard and loving work. May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive this food. May we recognize and transform … Continue reading →