“Just so, Anajnda, in one who contemplates the enjoyment of all things that make for clinging, craving arises; through craving, clinging is conditioned; through clinging,…
Grief and loss and suffering, even depression and spiritual crisis, the dark nights of the soul only worsen when we try to ignore or deny…
You’ve had many tastes of the ever-present mystery of life when you’ve fallen in love or been present at the birth of a child, or…
One of the world’s greatest examples of how to survive difficult times is Nelson Mandela, the first president of modern South Africa. After twenty-seven years…
Out of a foundation of conscious conduct, the first steps of the mindful way, grows the second aspect of the path, which is called the…
When we are willing to rest with trust on this earth, the great force of life will begin to move through us. I saw this…
A certain man caught a bird in a trap. The bird says, “Sire, you have eaten many cows and sheep in your life, and you’re…
The radiant abodes express the fruit of mental development. When they are in balance, loving-kindness, compassion, and joy rest in an unshakable equanimity. This peace…
The great Persian poet Rumi had an extraordinary teacher named Shams. Even as a child Shams seemed different. His own parents struggled with whether to…
A big, tough samurai once went to see a little monk. “Monk,” he said, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, “teach me about heaven…
A century ago, a young student at the great Oxford University in England was taking an important examination in religious studies. The examination question for…
In the mandala of wholeness we are called to the practice of forgiveness. We must especially find a forgiving heart with family and those
