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
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
Letting go is a way of letting things be, of accepting things as they are,” Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote while contemplating seven mental qualities of a good meditator. “When we find ourselves judging our experience, we let go of those judging thoughts. We recognize them and we just don’t pursue them any further. We let … Read more
“Just as in the great ocean there is but one taste — the taste of salt — so in this Doctrine and Discipline there is but one taste — the taste of freedom,” said the Buddha while pointing out the emancipating quality of his teaching. This is a beautiful quote that resonates with our modern … 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