Path of Action: Day 25 The Buddhas and Arhats do not work for themselves, but for the future and for other people. That is why the knowledge they manifest can endure in the world. The actions of the Great Bodhisattvas produce benefit on many levels: immediate benefit, long-range benefit, and benefit that works its wayRead more about Compassion in Action[…]
Path of Action: Day 24 Contemplating work deeply, you can move past the “tick . . . tick . . . tick” of time passing, past the pressure and tension of time pressing in on you. Going inside the work, you can enjoy yourself fully, even when you are operating with tight deadlines. Someone withRead more about The Dynamic of Knowledge[…]
Path of Action: Day 23 Most Westerners think of the Buddhist path as centering on meditation, but sitting on a cushion is not the only practice that leads to enlightenment. Dedicated action, as expressed in the six paramitas, is also essential. In our community, we act to educate, to preserve, and to promote knowledge. WeRead more about Following the Path of Action[…]
Path of Action: Day 22 Learning to be alert in this way is a sign of progress on the path. It is definitely challenging, but facing and overcoming that challenge is a good test. If you can succeed at this stage, you will find later on that you are able to control emotional habits andRead more about Rely on Alertness More than Planning[…]
Path of Action: Day 21 Language curves the structure of mind in particular ways. The way we use the term ‘alertness’ is a good example, because the word carries overtones make it sound something like spying— looking from our position here at something going on over there. But spying eyes are critical and suspicious, andRead more about Fully Alert[…]
Path of Action: Day 20 At the level of the body, awareness depends on alertness. When you are alert, you do not disengage. You can focus on the goals of the project, ready to respond to each new situation. When you are alert, you need no outside reminders to take care of your responsibilities. Instead,Read more about Awareness in the Body: The Role of Alertness[…]
Path of Action: Day 19 The work we do lets us manifest body, mind, and spirit in ways that support making spiritual progress. To take full advantage of this great opportunity, we must put into place structures that support success. At one level this means developing the skills associated with success, such as leadership, administrativeRead more about The Path for Spiritual Progress Starts with Awareness[…]
Path of Action: Day 18 Most people think of dedication in a fairly casual way. They make a commitment, and then they dedicate themselves to meeting their commitment. But after a while, they may change their minds, or give up when they encounter obstacles, or get distracted by something else. Until the mind is reallyRead more about Points to Practice: Dedication as the Key to Focusing the Mind[…]
Path of Action: Day 15 Like rich, nourishing food, majestic music, or radiant jewels, goodness manifests everything positive; like the sun illuminating the world, goodness is ever present in your heart. The practice of dedication shows you how to let goodness shine more brightly with every thought and every gesture, spreading light and warmthRead more about Dedication is an Antidote to Negativity[…]
Path of Action: Day 13 Contemplation gives us the strength to fight back against negativity and emotionality. The basic rule is clear: Practice what is positive, and your actions will produce positive results. Before you traumatize yourself emotionally one more time, you need to act on this knowledge—to turn toward goodness by relying on theRead more about Strength through Contemplation[…]