Infusing Western Life with Tibetan Buddhist Compassion
“Oh, How I love my self, the essence of my self, the importance of my self.” How thoughtlessly simple this is . . . until our Dharma Eyes open. *** Self-centeredness is an archaic trait, rooted in territorial animal impulses and ignorance of reality beyond personal areas of experience. Most ancient tribes thought their tribe … Read more
This year’s Earth Day observations, we had our first March for Science. Crowds massed in Washington, D.C., and around the world to support science and evidence-based research – a protest partly fueled by opposition to Trump’s threats of budget cuts to agencies funding scientists’ work. *** Science is a process. It does not pretend to … Read more
It is Easter Sunday, and I’ve been speculating on the meaning of this day through the lens of Dharma perspectives. Thinking, in particular, of the idea of resurrection . . . of a perfect, eternal energy ascending from and through the harrowing trials and tribulations of mortal life. In my own Buddha-speak . . . … Read more
Dharma teachings can be extremely simple, quite profound, and/or anything in-between. (Often they are all of these, simultaneously.) In hearing these teachings, full of empowering perspectives and insights, people often think or say to themselves something like: “Makes sense” . . . “Sounds good” . . . “But it’s so hard to do” . . … Read more
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is, in a way, a “Last of the Mohicans” . . . one of the final bridges we have between the old country of Tibet and modern Tibetan Buddhist practices and ways. He is extensively world-traveled, has authored more than 150 books, and hosts regular meetings of the planet’s … Read more
Dharma is the work of understanding what is buried and hidden in each of us. It leads us to identify who we are, and then to use what we learn to cultivate virtue and benefit . . . while maintaining a fertile atmosphere for all who cross our path to safely experience whatever aspects of … Read more
No matter who is the American president, crocuses and pansies, daffodils and tulips, primrose and petunias will bloom as springtime brings warming sunlight. Babies will be born, loved ones will die; for some people there will be joyous moments, for others inconsolable sadness. Acts of generosity and kindness will continue to heal hearts that are … Read more
At this moment, as you read this, you are alive. It could be daytime or night where you are . . . you might be excited or bored, tired or vibrant, hungry, warm or cold, joyous or sad, focused or distracted, anticipating or dreading what lies in your immediate future. The possibilities are infinite. You … Read more
There’s a common notion that Tibetan Buddhism, in its simplest form, is a battle – to the death — between our ‘true’ (i.e., wisest) self and our Ego. Our wisest self-wishes to evolve, blossom and be free . . . the Ego likes things just the way they are, under its control . . . … Read more
I read some of the Buddha’s Atthakavagga teachings after breakfast this morning, a nice way to prepare for the work of the day. I’m now at my writing desk, Diogi is sleeping alongside on his quilted-comforter bed. Coming through the window is that luminous shine – a glow, actually – of winter sun’s reflection on … Read more