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
Have you ever truly loved? More often than not, what we love is the idea we have of someone. It’s our own concept — our own selves — that we love. Two people say “I love you” or think it or feel it, and each has in mind a different idea, a different life, perhaps … Read more