Gavril Nikolaev
How do you learn Buddhist meditation? If you’re reading this article, you might have come across several book lists on the subject by now. But I can tell that the number of items in them felt a bit overwhelming, especially for a beginner. This is why I’ve picked three essential reads that will teach … Read more
Sometimes, loss comes suddenly, unexpectedly. You feel like your world is falling apart, and you desperately need someone to be there for you. If the unthinkable happened and your heart is aching and beating in pain, the poem “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” will be a source of healing and constant … Read more
Compassion is one of the core Buddhist practices that allows us, at least for a few moments, to step out of our ego-created shells and direct our energy towards others, to feel what they feel, and soften our hearts. Very often this is hard to do, for to feel another person’s pain requires not only … Read more
When my good acquaintance relocated abroad, got married, and moved up a career ladder, I felt a sting of envy. Even today, I’m embarrassed for my reaction. But it wasn’t surprising. The news came at a time when I was single and hated my job. Hearing of anyone’s success — much less of someone’s I … Read more
It has been said that grief is love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot give. The more you loved someone, the more you grieve. This is a theme of the Buddhist “Parable of the Mustard Seed.” If you’re interested in what the Buddha taught about overcoming grief, I’d like to share … Read more