One of my favourite quotes of Shakyamuni Buddha was when asked to summarise his teachings, he replied: “Abandon harmfulness. Cultivate goodness. Subdue your mind.” You might say that non-harmfulness is the hallmark of Buddhism and it’s the subject I’d like to explore today. Before I do, I’d like to pause for a moment on the last part of that soundbite: ‘Subdue your mind.’ This is because when we’re able to subdue our mind during meditation, even to some degree, we come to discover that consciousness is quite different from what we may have assumed. Far from being creatures driven by self-interest, we find that our mind is expansive, sky-like and lacking any sense of an inherently existent ‘me.’ If anything, consciousness is pervaded by a feeling of spacious benevolence. We are, in fact, beings of light and love!
Thank you, David for this week’s message. A wonderful article which gently reminds us all of what we are to be about, if we are REALLY striving to attain enlightenment. The challenge is to not be in a hurry. This is a lifetime path and one to be cherished as we move along. I for one am so grateful to be a part of this group. . . . I thoroughly enjoyed the video of the nuns. How beautiful! Then burst out laughing at the kitty/monkey photo! That will keep my laughing all day long!
Thank you David, the advice is so simple, it should be obvious. But it is so easy to slip into negative ways, to join in critisism of others etc. I find hardest of all is to maintain compassion for those who have done me harm. But I wn't stop trying.
Thank you so very much for the wisdom of this message…many aha moments personally making me love this gift of life even more! And everyone else!! In the past few years balancing the outer and inner existence is actually something that brings such joy as it happens now seemingly magically! Once again there’s no going back… 🙏🌹-Adrienne
Dear David, thank you so much for yet another wonderful life lesson! I always look forward to learning more about the Dharma in your Saturday emails, and I just love the photos you include. I bless the day I received the gift of a copy of The Dalai Lama’s Cat some tears ago; and I am so grateful to be a part of this community. 🙏🏻🪷
Sweet little monkey and kitten and happy faces from the nunnery... Lovely. And thanks for the reminder that focussing in the area of our biggest, most regular trigger can be a great starting point. ❣️ I've found is astonishing to discover I've let my husband's actions become this for me, and this is astonishing because he's the kindest, most compassionate person I know! It's clear to me that letting my ruminations go is so important. If I can relax my mind at home, all our lives will be better! Thanks so much.
Oh, and on a side note, I mentioned loving your books to my adult children, and they LOVED the idea of them, so I'm sending them copies. You're work is appreciated. ❣️
I am so appreciative of your gift of teaching the Dharma. It always feels like you are right here with me sharing the wisdom of your teachers. I look forward each week to your words. It is a joy to be part of a group of beings who are growing in the Dharma. Thank you.
Great post David. Economy with the truth is one of the great lies of modern life and is to be avoided even if the truth causes pain. I tried to give up lying at a ‘big’ birthday - 40 if I’m being honest! My memory wasn’t that good anymore. The truth - no matter how unpalatable - is generally easier and always comes out in the long run.
“Abandon harmfulness. Cultivate goodness. Subdue your mind.”. So simply stated. A lifelong goal. As always, I cherish your enlightening articles. Thank you David.
thank you for this - i am grateful you appeared in my substack feed today! i so appreciate the clarity of your explanations. you reminded me of how i need to practice more compassion and less negativity.
Thank you, David for this week’s message. A wonderful article which gently reminds us all of what we are to be about, if we are REALLY striving to attain enlightenment. The challenge is to not be in a hurry. This is a lifetime path and one to be cherished as we move along. I for one am so grateful to be a part of this group. . . . I thoroughly enjoyed the video of the nuns. How beautiful! Then burst out laughing at the kitty/monkey photo! That will keep my laughing all day long!
🙏🏽 Love the Chart as it is something easy to share with others 💖 worth volumes and keeps it simple ❣ xoxo
Thank you David, the advice is so simple, it should be obvious. But it is so easy to slip into negative ways, to join in critisism of others etc. I find hardest of all is to maintain compassion for those who have done me harm. But I wn't stop trying.
A truly priceless and very helpful teaching. Thank you, David. 🙏🏼💖
Thank you so very much for the wisdom of this message…many aha moments personally making me love this gift of life even more! And everyone else!! In the past few years balancing the outer and inner existence is actually something that brings such joy as it happens now seemingly magically! Once again there’s no going back… 🙏🌹-Adrienne
Thank you for your latest post and excellent explanation of the rules for non-harmful living and for the images of the nunnery and cat with monkey.
Dear David, thank you so much for yet another wonderful life lesson! I always look forward to learning more about the Dharma in your Saturday emails, and I just love the photos you include. I bless the day I received the gift of a copy of The Dalai Lama’s Cat some tears ago; and I am so grateful to be a part of this community. 🙏🏻🪷
Dear David,
Thank you for the clear explanation! This is of most importance in order to develope a warm and open heart.
Sweet little monkey and kitten and happy faces from the nunnery... Lovely. And thanks for the reminder that focussing in the area of our biggest, most regular trigger can be a great starting point. ❣️ I've found is astonishing to discover I've let my husband's actions become this for me, and this is astonishing because he's the kindest, most compassionate person I know! It's clear to me that letting my ruminations go is so important. If I can relax my mind at home, all our lives will be better! Thanks so much.
Oh, and on a side note, I mentioned loving your books to my adult children, and they LOVED the idea of them, so I'm sending them copies. You're work is appreciated. ❣️
What a wonderful video from the Nunnery. Thanks for sharing. : )
Dear David
I am so appreciative of your gift of teaching the Dharma. It always feels like you are right here with me sharing the wisdom of your teachers. I look forward each week to your words. It is a joy to be part of a group of beings who are growing in the Dharma. Thank you.
Great post David. Economy with the truth is one of the great lies of modern life and is to be avoided even if the truth causes pain. I tried to give up lying at a ‘big’ birthday - 40 if I’m being honest! My memory wasn’t that good anymore. The truth - no matter how unpalatable - is generally easier and always comes out in the long run.
Losar Tashi Delek, David! Many blessings for a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
* years not tears!
“Abandon harmfulness. Cultivate goodness. Subdue your mind.”. So simply stated. A lifelong goal. As always, I cherish your enlightening articles. Thank you David.
thank you for this - i am grateful you appeared in my substack feed today! i so appreciate the clarity of your explanations. you reminded me of how i need to practice more compassion and less negativity.