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
“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 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
Do you want to learn how to practice one-minute mindfulness? I’ve been reading 8 Mindful Steps to Happiness, one of the most accessible and lucid guides to cultivating awareness, by the beloved Buddhist teacher Ven. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. In the chapter titled “Beginning a Practice of Mindfulness,” in discussing what beginners can do to be … Read more
Much has been written over the centuries about Buddhism and what its teaching really means. The word “enlightenment” is tossed around like a giant ball of cotton candy — delicious, fluffy but, ultimately, without much substance. This happens because “while second-hand wisdom is valuable as a signpost pointing the way, it is too easily … Read more