Monthly Archives: March 2018

By entering the Eightfold Path, which has ethical discipline, concentration, and wisdom as its three divisions —and which is holy, incorruptible, and straight— one forsakes the causes of suffering and attains absolute peace. —Buddha Shakyamuni

As long as we have practiced neither concentration nor mindfulness, the ego takes itself for granted and remains its usual size: as big as the people around us will allow. —Ayya Khema

Seekers of virtue! If one becomes accustomed to discipline, then one will come to dwell in concentration. If one becomes accustomed to concentration, then one will come to attain wisdom. If one becomes accustomed to wisdom, then one will be … Continue reading →

Before we die, seekers of virtue must cultivate these eleven: What are those eleven? Non-attachment; loving-kindness for all sentient beings; totally giving up all resentment; confessing all violated ethical discipline; perfectly undertaking ethical conduct; broad-mindedness, even towards those who have … Continue reading →

Just as those without eyes are unable to see forms, so too the Dharma is not seen without ethical discipline. Just as it is impossible to embark on a road without legs, so too Liberation will not come without ethical discipline. Just … Continue reading →

Though all his life a fool associates with the wise, he no more comprehends the Truth than a spoon tastes the flavor of the soup. Though only for a moment a discerning person associates with the wise, quickly she comprehends … Continue reading →

If malice, the desire to hurt another, should stir your mind, purify it with the opposite. Kindness and compassion are the antidotes, for they are ever as opposed to hatred as light to darkness.   —Buddha Shakyamuni

The mind is spinning around about carrying out a lot of useless projects. It’s a waste. Give it up! Thinking about the hundred plans you want to accomplish, with never enough time to finish them, just weighs down your mind. You’re completely distracted by all … Continue reading →

There must not be a single thing in this world that we hold indispensable. To part from the cycle of birth and death while maintaining attachment to this existence here is out of the question. —Ippen Shonin

Suppose there is a poor man who day and night counts the treasure that belongs to another, while himself not having half a cent. Much learning is like this. —Avatamsaka Sutra It is like imagining oneself already in possession of … Continue reading →