Monthly Archives: June 2021

Buddha Shakyamuni says in the Paramarthasunyata Sutra: “Both karmic actions and their maturations exist, but an agent is not observable.” Bondage to karma arises from the illusion of subject and object, doer and deed, grasper and grasped, but a mind … Continue reading →

If Bodhisattvas wish to attain a Pure Land, they should purify their minds. Proportionately to their mental purity, their lands are pure. —Vimalakirti, Vimalakirti Sutra

If beings knew, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would they allow the stain of meanness to obsess them and take root in their minds. Even if it were … Continue reading →

If we do not tend to one another, who then will tend to us? Whoever would tend to me, should tend to the sick. —Buddha Shakyamuni, Kucchivikara-vatthu

The third Fundamental Bodhisattva Vow, “I shall open boundless Dharma Gates,” is not an exhortation to cultivate multiple different methods of practice, but rather to practice in every situation and under any condition, thus making each occasion a Dharma Gate. … Continue reading →

These two are fools. Which two? The one who takes up a burden that has not fallen to him, and the one who does not take up a burden that has. These two are fools. —Buddha Shakyamuni, Bala Sutta

When we are self-conscious, the thoughts of “me and mine” block the view of reality. It is like sitting in the partial view section of a theater or stadium: we know something is happening “down there,” but we cannot see … Continue reading →

Whoever prevents another from giving a gift creates three obstructions, three impediments. Which three? He creates an obstruction to the merit of the giver, an obstruction to the recipient’s gains, and prior to that he undermines and harms his own … Continue reading →

These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful for a kindness done and feels inclined to reciprocate. These two people are … Continue reading →

One who censures someone deserving of censure when it is accurate, factual, and timely, and praises another one deserving praise when it is accurate, factual, and timely is most excellent and sublime. Why is that? Because it is excellent to … Continue reading →