Developing Good Heart

Everyone knows how important it is to establish a good heart. A good heart is the only thing that is truly worthy, not only of helping others, but also of sustaining oneself in a state of happiness, joy and contentment. Yet it often seems there is a conflict inwardly. Though people know the value of

As we discussed in Part 1, our present culture is sometimes referred to as the “degenerate age.” But, this does not refer to a condemnation of beings or of modern society. Rather it describes a pervasive suffering within society that occurs when there is a loss of noble values. We can observe this in our

In the Buddhist teachings, we often encounter the phrase, “the degenerate age,” or “the beings of degenerate times.” It is important not to misunderstand these references by assuming that this is a condemnation of modern society or the people living in a modern age. In fact, one of the sutras states, “Enlightened beings never condemn

The stronger our drive, the faster we are able to reach our destiny. Drive comes from passion, and passion is created by our own deep motivation._x000D_ _x000D_ Our motivation must be to transform our mind through the practice of a good heart, and thereby release our internal suffering through the blessing of this bodhicitta. We

Instead of self-importance, put others in the center. Do this at the aspirational level first. It’s not that you need to commit yourself to do anything outside of your mind. But, first, get the priorities right._x000D_ _x000D_ A lot of people feel threatened by this, as if by aspiring they suddenly have to be engaged

How can we make others the source of our happiness? By seeing our regard for others as an opportunity to discipline our own mind. This is an opportunity to discipline our mind to become kind and compassionate, to develop sympathetic joy and a sense of equanimity among all whom we relate to. Then we can

The starting point for transforming our minds is to view ourselves, in a disciplined and conscious way, as equal to others. Then we gradually shift our focus from me to we, and from we to they. We may as well work to make this transformation now, consciously, instead of waiting until we’re older or ill,

We need to understand and realize just how much human beings are suffering. Then we can develop the proper motivation to free ourselves and free others from both suffering and the causes of suffering. To begin with, we cannot go on living our lives as if nothing were wrong. We cannot pretend that our lives

When we begin a session by “generating bodhicitta,” this means we start by creating the noble intention to benefit others through clearing away darkness in the minds of all beings, freeing them from ignorance to allow the recognition of their own enlightened nature. And the only effective way to be of unfailing benefit to others