Gavril Nikolaev

I'm a freelance writer and mindfulness advocate behind this blog. I started my meditation practice in 2014, and in 2017 I launched this website to share what I learn with others.

What Persists from Life to Life If There Is No Self? Buddhist Monk Explains the Most Confusing Concept in Buddhism

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Scholar-monk Bhikkhu Analayo clarified the Buddhist doctrine of no-self during an event at the Harvard Divinity School, addressing widespread misconceptions about the controversial concept that challenges both experts and everyday practitioners. Seated alongside Daniel T. Aitken, CEO of Wisdom Publications, and Charles Hallisey, senior lecturer on Buddhist literatures at Harvard Divinity School, Analayo discussed rebirth … Read more

Of Sleeping Cats and Emotional Triggers: Eckhart Tolle Explains How Your ‘Pain-Body’ Operates in Daily Life

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Of Sleeping Cats and Emotional Triggers: Eckhart Tolle Explains How Your ‘Pain Body’ Operates in Daily Life

I believe that negativity doesn’t work. That’s why one of my favorite meditations is dissolving negative energy in my body and mind. It helps me to prevent an undesirable reaction instead of dealing with its consequences later on. But only few of us know about this type of meditation, let alone practice it on a … Read more

What Is Mindful Sense-Restraint in Buddhism?

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What Is Mindful Sense Restraint in Buddhism?

I’ve been practicing mindfulness meditation for several years but only now starting to realize some of its deeper, more powerful benefits. Among them is the ability to avoid emotional reactivity when dealing with challenging situations or difficult people. Scholar Bhikkhu Analayo calls it the “middle path” that avoids the two unskillful extremes of reaction and … Read more

Would Piper Ratliff Change Her Mind If She Met the Buddha? Here’s What Ancient Scriptures Have to Say (‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Spoiler Alert)

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“You and your Buddha, why don’t you stick to the religion you were born with?” Jack Kerouac’s mother said when her son tried to explain Buddhism. This is exactly what Piper Ratliff feared her parents would say to her when she confessed to lying about her true motives for coming to Thailand. “She’s a religious … Read more