Perfections of the Heart (Opening) – We reflect on the Buddhist teachings known as the Ten Paramitas, also known as the Ten Perfections of the Heart. We look at the importance of the Paramita of Metta (Loving-kindness) along the path of awakening and share a simple practice we can use to hone in on that quality in our meditation.

“We’re talking about timeless qualities that are there in every human being. When you come to sit in meditation the game is to sit, let the mind quiet, tend to the heart and begin to listen to the mystery of life. You are not meditating to fix yourself – you may have had some success in that, but it isn’t the point. The point instead is to become present for the mystery of your life.”

The Heart of Compassion (10:25) – We look at what the story of the Buddha’s enlightenment has to teach us about why we practice Metta.

“It is said that the Buddha gazed around the world with the eyes of compassion that could see at great distances. When he did this he saw beings everywhere who wanted to be happy, but many of them were doing the very things that create suffering. Tears began to stream down his cheeks and when they hit the ground it is said that they turned into the Goddess Tara – who became the Bodhisattva of Compassion.”