Most people have the mistaken idea that Buddhism is all about suffering. In actual fact, he once taught, “I teach only suffering and the end of suffering.” In reality, life consists of suffering, disappointment, unsatisfactoriness and unease. Some “suffering” is unavoidable such as old age, sickness and death. However, we are accustomed to adding a […]
The Goddesses of Knowledge and Wealth
February 8, 2017 by
We don’t often think of the Goddesses of Knowledge and Wealth, but when we do, so says Deepak Chopra, we should think of the Goddess of Knowledge, Sarasvati. But from what I’ve seen in his daily emails, is his online programs pay homage to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. In these emails, he is ABS […]
The Three Poisons
May 17, 2016 by
The three poisons or the three roots (of suffering) were the subject of Brother Phap Vu‘s dharma talk on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Earth Holder Retreat in the Deer Park Monastery. The three poisons are variously translated as shown in the following table (reading down) desire greed attraction hatred ill-will aversion ignorance illusion […]
Faith in Buddhism
September 28, 2015 by
The idea of faith in Buddhism was very confusing for me until I realized that it was faith in my own ability to awaken. This is the faith that we all have inherent Buddha nature (bodhicitta) – the compassion for ourselves and other beings to live in happiness and avoid suffering. The Buddha, himself, never […]
Words of Wisdom from Lao Tzu Part 2
August 11, 2015 by
Here is part 2 of the words of wisdom from Lao Tzu are from his famous book, Tao Te Ching. We are taught that “The tao that can be told of is not the absolute tao,” so please take this to heart as you explore these teachings. On being soft and slow: “The soft overcomes […]
Pema Chodron Turned 79!
July 17, 2015 by
A lot is happening in the world of Buddhism and yoga these days! With the Dalai Lama turning 80, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh being treated for his stroke at UCSF (near my home), and Swami Veda Bharati passing away I think it is high time to launch the Indiegogo campaign! Just a couple of […]
Get-What-You-Want Buddhism
May 25, 2015 by
Jan Nattier is a scholar of Early Indian Buddhism, Early Mahayana Buddhism, and Chinese Buddhist Translation and author of A Few Good Men (Studies in the Buddhist Traditions). She was a professor of Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at Indiana University and held the post of the Shinnyōen Consulting Professor (Buddhist Studies) […]
Ambition and Spirituality
March 16, 2015 by
Ken Wilber teaches us how to reconcile ambition and spirituality in these words of wisdom in his essay on “Egolessness” from his book The Essential Ken Wilber: An Introductory Reader. I’ve been admiring his work for more than twenty years now and find his wisdom very palpable. I have listened to the audio recordings of […]
The Mindfulness Trainings are not Formulas for Absolute Virtue
February 12, 2015 by
In these words of wisdom from Hannah Tennant-Moore, we learn that the precepts or the Mindfulness Trainings are not formulas for absolute virtue. Every single one of them, whether we are talking about the Five Mindfulness Trainings or the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing, is relative and depends on what is happening […]
Sister Chan Khong Spoke for Thich Nhat Hanh
December 5, 2014 by
Pope Francis invited Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) to speak about the signing of the declaration against slavery. Since Thay is still sick in the hospital, Sister Chan Khong spoke for Thich Nhat Hanh from a prepared speech. The speech is available in its entirety on the Plum Village website. Pope Francis invited spiritual […]
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