The Song of the Two-Headed Bird
There was a monk in the Buddha’s time, it is said, who originally came from an extremely wealthy aristocratic family. Because he had lived a very pampered life, he was ignorant about some of the simplest things, which made him the object of much teasing by the other monks. One day they asked him, “Where does rice come from, brother?” He replied, “I
... See moreLion’s Roar • Becoming the Ally of All Beings
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There’s a wonderful formula that the Buddhists have for the Boddhisattva. The Bodhisattva, the one whose being, satra, is illumination, bodhi, who realizes his identity with eternity, and at the same time his participation in time. And the attitude is not to withdraw from the world when you realize how horrible it is, but to realize that this horro
... See moreBillMoyers.com • Ep. 2: Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth — ‘The Message of the Myth’
A common theme in many wisdom traditions encourages us to see things from many viewpoints and avoid the illusions that come from looking only through our own eyes. Buddhist practice can take this to extremes, adopting the perspectives not only of other people but also of animals, plants or physical objects, breaking down the distinction between us
... See moreGeoff Mulgan • Another World Is Possible: How to Reignite Social and Political Imagination
“I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the dharma, I take refuge in the sangha.” I take refuge in the Buddha as the example of surrender, the example of acknowledging negativity as a part of our makeup and opening to it. I take refuge in the dharma—dharma, the “law of existence,” life as it is. I am willing to open my eyes to the circumstan
... See moreChögyam Trungpa • Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
“the path of the Bodhisattva:” I am the protector of the unprotected and the caravan-leader for travelers. I have become the boat, the causeway, and the bridge for those who long to reach the further shore. May I be a light for those in need of light. May I be a bed for those in need of rest. May I be a servant for those in need of service, for all
... See morePaul F. Knitter • Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian
Most people – maybe more than you think – are peace- and love-seeking creatures who are sometimes caught in bad situations. The most practical thing you can do, even in hard times, is to lead with curiosity, lead with respect, work hard to understand the people you might be taught to detest.
“That means seeing people with generous eyes, offering tr... See more
“That means seeing people with generous eyes, offering tr... See more
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We face life as it is, and bow to it as our true teacher. True compassion, a life spontaneously and wholeheartedly lived in the service of others, may be forged in this crucible.
Barry Magid • Ending the Pursuit of Happiness: A Zen Guide
We are not separate from each other. But we don’t always believe it, and we certainly don’t always practice it. In fact, we often practice the opposite—disconnection and domination. From unconscious bias to “cancel culture,” denial of our inherent interconnection limits our own freedom.
Sebene Selassie • You Belong: A Call for Connection
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