The responsibility of bodhisattvas may feel daunting and great courage is needed to engage in this practice, but why not give it a chance?Mitra Karl Brunnhölzl together with Karunika Stephanie Johnston offered rich and inspiring teachings that spoke directly to our paths.
Christmas, New Year, all samsaric things like this naturally come. However, to practice Dharma, making a deep connection with our own mind, requires a lot of effort. Rather than turning inward, Lama Rabten Tshering noted that we tend to choose samsara– suffering. Why?
“It may seem impossible to live without being carried away by emotions, but we can respond differently. We can let emotions be part of our life, but not be controlled by them. And we must control our negative actions in response to those emotions. This will benefit ourselves and everyone around us,” writes Brazilian sangha member Sebastião Miranda.
When there is mutual understanding and trust, members can express themselves genuinely without fear. Conflict is no longer repressed; it is resolved. Connections become authentic and deep. Empathy prevails. This is true community.
The author contemplates the meaning of devotion in the context of volunteer work and examines obstacles such as procrastination.
Using Nalandabodhi’s tool of inquiry for transforming interpersonal conflict, the author unpacks long-held painful patterns in the context of practicing self-compassion.
