Buddhism presents a model of twelve links of dependent arising to describe the causal relationships that give rise to suffering. It is usually depicted as a circle, with the cycle beginning with ignorance, and developing through a chain of causal conditions that include volitional formations (activities), consciousness, mentality/materiality, six sense bases, contact, feeling, craving, clinging, [...]
Speech events are a marvelous opportunities to observe the constructions of self. Notice the subtle motivations behind your speech today. When is the primary communication merely your own existence? Sometimes what is said is not very important; what we are really saying is, "notice me, I'm here, I'm special, I am like this, I am." [...]
I was poking in the Pali-English dictionary yesterday to prepare for a dhamma talk on taking refuge in the Buddha. The Pali term sarana is usually translated as refuge, but also may be translated as house, protection, and shelter. This morning I am contemplating taking refuge in the Buddha, taking refuge in the potential of [...]
This morning I was contemplating a powerful quote from the Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya 10.87). "The days and nights are relentlessly passing. How well am I spending my time? This should be reflected upon again and again, by one who has gone forth." This question is worth asking ourselves everyday.
In the Loving Kindness (metta) class last night, Drew made an important point that brought out the essential nature of metta practice—metta practice cultivates an openness open toward all beings without imposing a strong position of self. The "near enemy" of metta describes what metta is not, but may be confused with, that is, attachment [...]