Compassion is something that we all agree is important. It’s fundamental to all religions and systems of virtue. We all agree that it’s important, but at the same time we so often and clearly fall short of really trying to embody it. …

“All the sufferings of the lower realms, so extremely difficult to bear, Are taught by the Sage to be the fruit of one’s evil actions. Therefore, it is the practice of bodhisattvas To constantly refrain from evil actions, even at the cost of one’s life.” -the 37 Practices of a…

“Bound, themselves, in the prison of samsara, Whom are the worldly gods able to protect? Therefore, it is the practice of the bodhisattvas To go for refuge in the three unfailing jewels.” -the 37 practices of a bodhisattva, verse 7* Samsara means suffering. Actually, samsara doesn’t mean suffering. But that…

“When relying on the sacred spiritual friend, our faults become exhausted And our good qualities increase like the waxing moon. It is the practice of bodhisattvas to value such a sacred spiritual friend As more precious than their own body.” -The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, verse 6.* What is…

“If, while befriending someone, the three poisons increase, The activities of study, reflection, and meditation degenerate, And love and compassion disappear, Then it is the practice of the bodhisattvas to give up this company.” -The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, verse 4. * The motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “You’re…

“Separated from each and every long-awaited companion, Leaving behind hard-earned wealth and possessions, Guest-like consciousness abandons its guesthouse, the body; To give up concern for this life is the practice of the bodhisattvas.” the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Verse 4.* No matter what it is, no matter how much…

I learned that Lama Chuck Stanford has passed away. I was not close with Chuck Stanford but his death has affected me. I’m not writing this because my friend died. He wasn’t my friend. He was my first Buddhist teacher. He was the first Buddhist teacher of many people in…

“Abandoning negative places, disturbing emotions gradually subside; Being free from distraction, the practice of virtue spontaneously increases; With brightened awareness one feels confidence in the Dharma; To adhere to solitude is the practice of the bodhisattvas.” the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Verse 3.* We need to be aware of…

Toward friends, attachment rages like a river; Toward enemies, hatred blazes like fire. Therefore it is the practice of Bodhisattvas to give up that home, Where the darkness of stupidity, of forgetting what to accept and reject, prevails. the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Verse 2.* Attachment and hatred. These…