We all want happiness, but often it is the difficulties that really shape us and help us grow. Beings in the god realms experience so much sensual pleasure that they never think about practising the Dharma. Even well-off human beings who have very few difficulties do... read more
Often, what we really need when there is conflict is simply to know that the other person understands where we are coming from. Whether they agree with us is not so important. Sometimes, just knowing that somebody understands where we are coming from enables us to... read more
Taking refuge in the Three Jewels means we have decided on our spiritual direction in life as well as our goal; in this case nirvana or complete awakening. And we are clear on who we are trusting to guide us there — the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Deciding... read more
Have you ever thought about conditionality and how nothing arises on its own? In our ordinary condition, we know so little about the specific conditions that cause things to happen. Some things that seem like a very big deal turn out not to have too many... read more
It is good to remember that whatever our senses come into contact with is simply an appearance. We tend to think that the things we see and the people we encounter are all real, that they are “out there”, existing from their side in the way that they appear to us. But... read more
