Essential Buddhist teachings to improve your mindfulness practice.
What did the Buddha teach about loving your enemies? Central to this teaching is a meditation technique known as metta or lovingkindness. In Buddhist philosophy, lovingkindness is the first of the four sublime states of mind known as brahmavihara: lovingkindness, compassion, altruistic joy, and equanimity. They serve as an antidote to ill will, harmfulness, discontent, … Read more
How do Buddhist monks handle insults? I recently came across an answer to this question while reading the book Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw (July 29, 1904–August 14, 1982). In the chapter titled “The Purification of Conduct,” he outlines the four kinds of morality for Buddhist monks: observing monastic precepts, pursuing a pure … Read more
“We survive and thrive only in an environment of concern, affection, and warmheartedness — or in a single word, compassion,” wrote the Dalai Lama in reflecting on how to live a more purposeful and meaningful life. “The essence of compassion is a desire to alleviate the suffering of others and to promote their well-being. … Read more
How do Buddhist monks resist sexual temptation? A while ago, I wrote about how Buddhist monks handle insults, inspired by instructions in Manual of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw (July 29, 1904–August 14, 1982). The same manual has information about how Buddhist monks resist sexual temptation. There are four kinds of morality for Buddhist monks: observing … Read more
The great Zen master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh (October 11, 1926–January 22, 2022) has been a constant source of inspiration for my mindfulness practice. And not a day goes by that I don’t think about him, his teachings, and his incredible dedication to a Lifetime of Peace. He lived an extraordinary life by … Read more