Monthly Archives: November 2019

Nothing whatsoever should be clung to as ‘I’ or ‘mine.’ The Buddha himself declared that this is the summation of all the Tathagata’s teaching. He said that to have heard the phrase Nothing whatsoever should be clung to as ‘I’ … Continue reading →

The rich are wretched with their money; the poor are wretched without money. Alas, with or without money, both are miserable! Happiness will come, dear children, if you can practice the Dharma. Remember then, my words, and practice with perseverance. … Continue reading →

My native land is all lands, in no particular direction. My monastery is the solitary mountains, in no particular place. My family is all the beings of the six realms. —Shabkar

“I am” is a vain thought; “This am I” is a vain thought; “I shall be” is a vain thought; “I shall not be” is a vain thought. Vain thoughts are a sickness, an ulcer, a thorn. But after overcoming all … Continue reading →

The supreme thing to know is bodhichitta. The supreme thing to learn is bodhichitta. The supreme thing to practice is bodhichitta. The supreme thing to meditate on is bodhichitta. […] Meditate upon bodhichitta when afflicted by disease. Meditate upon bodhichitta … Continue reading →

Even the path, which is extremely difficult to practice, can be accomplished with ease through the powers of the inconceivably great fortune of beings and the Buddha’s inconceivable wisdom being set in mutual interdependence.  […] The strength of inconceivable other-power … Continue reading →

There is a difference between watching the mind and controlling the mind. Watching the mind with a gentle, open attitude allows the mind to settle down and come to rest. Trying to control the mind, or trying to control the … Continue reading →

Compassion is the distinctive characteristic of Buddhism. Compassion is the very essence of all Dharma. Great compassion is like a wish-fulfilling gem. Great compassion will fulfill the aspirations of self and others. Therefore, all of you, practitioners and laypeople, cultivate compassion … Continue reading →

Great compassion makes a peaceful heart. A peaceful heart makes a peaceful person. A peaceful person makes a peaceful family. A peaceful family makes a peaceful community. A peaceful community makes a peaceful nation. A peaceful nation makes a peaceful … Continue reading →

For a disciple who has conviction in the Buddha’s message and lives to penetrate it, what accords with the Dharma is this: “The Blessed One is the Teacher, I am a disciple. He is the one who knows, not I.” … Continue reading →