Existence is Absurd without Compassion

Our existence is absurd and utterly meaningless if we remain cocooned in the shell of self-interest. In that case, Samsara is a never-ending struggle of emotions and confusions with uncertain bouts of pain and pleasure. However, when the sprouts of great compassion for all beings without partiality arise in us, a it turns into the mind of awakening, Bodhicitta.

Read more

Breaking the Silence – The Teachings of Bodhidharma

This second part of the trilogy on Bodhidharma, goes deeper into Bodhidharma’s teachings, including the two methods Bodhidharma taught for entering the Way. We shall also see how Bodhidharma’s teachings fit within the broader context of various Mahayana methods.

Read more

Carefree Expanse – Careful Conduct

It is said that one should descend with the view from above and ascend with the conduct from below. It is equally important to maintain a view as vast and open like the sky, and to engage in conduct with precise regard for the cause and effect relations.

Read more

The Raft, to be Left Aside

In Diamond Sutra and the Alagaddupama sutta, the Buddha taught that his teachings are like a raft, to be used for a purpose and to be left aside without clinging on to. The raft simile also summarizes the meaning of the three turnings into one line. Here, we shall see how the four types of clinging are utterly abandoned using the three turnings of the teaching.

Read more

Knowing One Thing Liberates All

Although hundreds or thousands of explanations are given, there is only one thing to be understood – know the one thing that liberates everything – awareness itself, your true nature. If that one thing is ignored, everything else turn into speculative philosophy and mere proliferation of concepts.

Read more

The Bliss of Restraint to the Bliss of Freedom – on Mucalinda Sutta

A Commentary on Mucalinda Sutta. The gatha expressed in this sutra teaches four ways to blissfully protect mind and remain in proper composure. Here is an explanation of it as the stages of the path as well as powerful ways to regain composure while engaging in daily life.

Read more