This post is inspired by Here Comes the Sun published by my friend Nancy, who I love dearly. It’s dedicated to all those who have met their ugly other and learned to love her/him because until we do that we are not in a position to love so-called “difficult” people. Please read Nancy’s post before […]
Nature is the overbearing factor in our behavior but nurture also has a role that cannot be neglected. Early exposure to violence, combined with poverty and abuse can shape our attitudes and behavior in such a way that the damage to the psyche will contribute to the manifestation of violence in thoughts and actions throughout […]
Compassion may be defined as deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the desire to relieve it. Our own suffering gives rise to compassion and can result in doing something for another without the expectation of return, often at a personal risk or cost. Without compassion our species would not have survived.
Understanding the concept of suffering helps us understand and develop compassion. Suffering usually has a negative connotation yet it is a natural part of living, our cyclic existence, samsara, the cycle of birth and death.
I am an admirer of Ani Choying Drolma, also known as Choying Drolma and Ani Choying. She is a Buddhist nun and musician from the Nagi Gompa nunnery in Nepal. Throughout the world Ani Choying is known for her compassion, her lovely smile, and her beautiful voice. Rather than just relying on prayer alone, she is […]
Mantras can be orally chanted, intoned, visualized and/or repeated mentally to oneself. Mantras can also be sung. I love singing. Vocal improvisation and mantras are a part of my practice. In this post I’m sharing two very different versions of the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra and I hoping you will give an ear to […]
Compassion without attachment is possible. Therefore, we need to clarify the distinctions between compassion and attachment. True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively. Genuine compassion is based not on our own projections […]
