THE FACTS OF LIFE: EGOLESSNESS

Egolessness means that the fixed idea that we had about ourselves as solid and separate from each other is painfully limiting. That we take ourselves so seriously, that we are so absurdly important in our own minds, is a problem. Self-importance is like a prison for us, limiting us to the world of our likes and dislikes. We end up bored to death with ourselves and our world. We end up very dissatisfied.

We have two alternatives: either we take everything to be sure and real, or we don't. Either we accept our fixed versions of reality or we begin to challenge them. In Buddha's opinion, to train in stain open and curious--to train in dissolving the barriers that we erect between ourselves and the world--is the best use of our human lives. (From Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chodron)

JOURNEY OF THE WARRIOR-BODHISATTVA

On the journey of the warrior-bodhisattva, the path goes down, not up, as if the mountain pointed toward the earth instead of the sky. Instead of transcending the suffering of all creatures, we move toward turbulence and doubt however we can. We explore the reality and unpredictability of insecurity and pain, and we try not to push it away. If it takes years, if it takes lifetimes, we let it be as it is. At our own pace, without speed or aggression, we move down and down and down. With us move millions of others, our companions in awakening from fear. At the bottom, we discover water, the healing water of bodhichitta. Bodhichitta is our heart--our wounded, softened heart. Right down there in the thick of things, we discover the love that will not die. This love is bodhichitta. It is gentle and warm, it is clear and sharp, it is open and spacious. The awakened heart of bodhichitta is the basic goodness of all beings. (From Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chodron)

"THEODORE"--A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

"GOD BLESS AMERICA" MEANS WHAT, AGAIN?

These are my thoughts on the words "God Bless America." What do they mean to you? How do you feel when you hear them over and over again during a political campaign? What could they mean?

WHY DON'T WE SAY PLEASE?

WHY DO BUDDHISTS CARE ABOUT CELL PHONES?

I hope you'll watch these brief videos and let me know what you think about people who drive with cell phones. In the first one, I offer my thoughts.

In this one, Paul asks me a few questions about why I see things this way. (We had a little background noise when we made this one, so you might want to turn your speakers up for this one.)

Now, what do you think? Please leave your thoughts in a comment.

BATMAN THE BODHISATTVA

MEETING DEATH: YOU'RE INVITED

From October 31 to November 2, I will be at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Connecticut to participate in the program "Meeting Death" sponsored by The Casagrande Institute for Interfaith Conversation. We will explore the spiritual support offered to people by American Indian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim as well as Buddhist traditions at this juncture in life. Perhaps you'll join us. Click here to view the brochure.

Photo: Stock Exchange

MAY I...

May I be peaceful, happy, and well.
May I be free from harm and grief.
May I be free from hatred and greed.
May I be free from jealousy and envy.
May I have courage, understanding, and determination.
May I resolve my problems.
May I overcome my failures.
May I be successful.

Photo: Stock Exchange

WHO IS THE KARMAPA LAMA?

The Karmapa Lama is Tibetan Buddhism's second highest ranking spiritual leader. Called "a reincarnation of the living Buddha," the 23-year-old is considered by many to be the Dalai Lama's spiritual heir and the next international voice of Buddhism. The term karmapa literally means "the embodiment of all the activities of the Buddhas." For the last nearly 1000 years, a karmapa lama has led the Kagyu tradition within Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhists believe enlightened spiritual masters can choose to be reincarnated in order to come back and help others to achieve enlightenment.

In an exclusive U.S. television interview, the Karmapa Lama talks with Kim Lawton about his increasing public role and how he can help the modern world better understand the teachings and main purpose of Buddhism. "It does seem to be the case that I am receiving more and more recognition in the world," notes the Karmapa. "And my main aspiration is that I use this recognition for a beneficial purpose. The essential points of Buddhism are beyond culture and beyond traditions." (Click here for the interview.)

Photo: The Dalai Lama (left) with the Karmapa Lama