‘The realisation of clear awareness is not an abstract or mystical state reserved for a select few. It is, in fact, our most natural state of mind, obscured only by the veil of conceptual thought and attachment to self.’
Everyday Buddhism
Buddha as Experience
Morning meditation — The Buddha’s caution against clinging to views is a reminder that the ultimate goal of the Dharma.
‘The Buddha’s caution against clinging to views is a reminder that the ultimate goal of the Dharma is not the articulation of truth but the direct experience of it.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — By being fully present, we allow the truths of impermanence, suffering, and not-self to reveal themselves.
‘By being fully present, we allow the truths of impermanence, suffering, and not-self to reveal themselves. In this way, awareness and wisdom are not separate; they are two aspects of the same practice, each deepening and supporting the other.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — Awareness is the foundation of all Buddhist practice.
‘Awareness is the foundation of all Buddhist practice, as it trains the mind to stay grounded in reality rather than becoming lost in distraction or delusion.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — When we integrate the understanding of anicca (impermanence) with the practice of patience.
‘When we integrate the understanding of anicca (impermanenc) with the practice of patience, we develop a profound equanimity. We recognise that whatever difficulties or challenges we face will also pass, just as all things do.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — Buddha made an important distinction between ordinary acts of giving and true dāna.
‘The Buddha made an important distinction between ordinary acts of giving and true dāna, which transcends the ordinary understanding of giving. In true dāna, there is no giver, no gift, and no recipient.
This is the union of giving and anattā (not-self).’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — In the teachings of the Buddha, dāna (giving) holds a place of great significance.
‘In the teachings of the Buddha, dāna (giving) holds a place of great significance. At its most basic level, giving is an ethical practice that cultivates generosity, selflessness, and compassion.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — In his profound teachings.
‘In his profound teachings, the Buddha illuminated the possibility of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth — what we know as samsara.’
Everyday Buddhism
Buddhism now 