This was explained so well! It is written so that everyone can understand it and yet conveyed the nuances needed for real practice to bear fruit.
When we slip back into old patterns of thought (I call them "klesha attacks") how can we pull back from that without simply repressing the emotions we feel? We sometimes try to escape those emotions by putting our attention elsewhere. It has worked best for me to do that only after acknowledging and experiencing the emotion until my mind naturally moves away from it. Is there a better way?
Thank you for your kind words. I think you are dealing with your emotions in a constructive way. First, acknowledge and accept them. Don't see them as enemies, but as teachers. Secondly, look at them in a curious way. Why did they arise and what are they trying to teach me. Finally, thing of the best way to deal with them, and then let go and move on. I hope this is helpful 🙏
Do you have some thoughts on how to practice non-attachment with regard to a world that sometimes seems to be falling apart, and that’s responsible world citizens we feel an obligation to pay attention to: Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, the dismantling of the liberal post World War II western alliances and so much more, of course. Of course I can’t control any of this, but I am still very concerned. I seem to find the only way is to not pay any attention, but that makes me feel guilty.
It's hard to care about the world without feeling overwhelmed by it. The goal isn't to stop caring, but to learn how to care in a way that doesn't drain you.
Your worry shows you have a good heart.
We need to understand we are humans and we have limitations. That means we need to accept we cannot help everyone or every situation. Acceptance is saying, "This is the reality of this moment." This is not turning a blind eye. It's simply accepting the situation as it truly is.
Sometimes the best we can do is silently offer prayers of compassion, and make a heartfelt wish that the suffering will soon come to an end. I know that doesn't always seem enough, but it may be all we can realistically do.
So well said. You are able to teach Buddhist principles in such an eloquent way and I so appreciate that. Non-attachment is a tough one for me. But to cling to something just isn’t worth it. What have I really gained by forcing, arguing or cajoling? Not a thing. Having not come to full enlightenment yet…I work on this principle daily.
This was explained so well! It is written so that everyone can understand it and yet conveyed the nuances needed for real practice to bear fruit.
When we slip back into old patterns of thought (I call them "klesha attacks") how can we pull back from that without simply repressing the emotions we feel? We sometimes try to escape those emotions by putting our attention elsewhere. It has worked best for me to do that only after acknowledging and experiencing the emotion until my mind naturally moves away from it. Is there a better way?
Thank you for your kind words. I think you are dealing with your emotions in a constructive way. First, acknowledge and accept them. Don't see them as enemies, but as teachers. Secondly, look at them in a curious way. Why did they arise and what are they trying to teach me. Finally, thing of the best way to deal with them, and then let go and move on. I hope this is helpful 🙏
Thank you,that was truly beautifully written. I just joined here randomly, but now I really appreciate it.
Beautiful - and I notice I want to attach to it by saving it to my notes 🤣. Just sitting with that feeling 🙏
Many, many thanks for this beautiful piece. Such a beautiful reminder.
Do you have some thoughts on how to practice non-attachment with regard to a world that sometimes seems to be falling apart, and that’s responsible world citizens we feel an obligation to pay attention to: Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, the dismantling of the liberal post World War II western alliances and so much more, of course. Of course I can’t control any of this, but I am still very concerned. I seem to find the only way is to not pay any attention, but that makes me feel guilty.
Thank you for your comment.
It's hard to care about the world without feeling overwhelmed by it. The goal isn't to stop caring, but to learn how to care in a way that doesn't drain you.
Your worry shows you have a good heart.
We need to understand we are humans and we have limitations. That means we need to accept we cannot help everyone or every situation. Acceptance is saying, "This is the reality of this moment." This is not turning a blind eye. It's simply accepting the situation as it truly is.
Sometimes the best we can do is silently offer prayers of compassion, and make a heartfelt wish that the suffering will soon come to an end. I know that doesn't always seem enough, but it may be all we can realistically do.
So well said. You are able to teach Buddhist principles in such an eloquent way and I so appreciate that. Non-attachment is a tough one for me. But to cling to something just isn’t worth it. What have I really gained by forcing, arguing or cajoling? Not a thing. Having not come to full enlightenment yet…I work on this principle daily.