The following question was posed to Lama Surya Das at his Dzogchen Winter Retreat in Garrison, N.Y.
Leo S. asked: Can meditation practice assist in ending suffering?
Lama Surya Das: Sure it can! That is the very purpose of Buddhism, according to the original teachings: to find ourselves and reduce the causes and origins of suffering and dissatisfaction, and bring about a more free, unconditioned, harmonious and delightful way of life. This is all embodied in Buddha’s first teaching at Deer Park outside Benares, known to history as The Four Noble Truths - or four liberating facts of life...
22 Jan 2011 |
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Dr. Jennifer Howard is a internationally acclaimed coach, licensed psychotherapist, teacher, energy healer, and is a leading thought leader on spirituality and psychology. She is also the host of the popular radio show, "A Conscious Life."
How do you feel when you don't know the answer to a question?
You might be thinking, well that depends on the question. Yet, many people feel anxious when they don't have answers. As children some of us were told that it's not ok to question things, or that someone who acts like they "know" is the real authority so asking questions might imply that you are less...
Thank God for Buddhism. Facing cosmic absurdity, I’ve learned to laugh back. When I can separate myself from my own story-line, I always find it interesting that I assume there is a right way to do anything…a secret right way.
Pema Chodron, a Buddhist nun and one of wisest people in the Western World, talks about the importance of “befriending who we already are”. She says that making friends with ourselves is one of the essential goals of meditation and spiritual practice, more important than any other kind of transformation.
This goes against the grain of our American...
Henry R. asks: Why is it so hard to change my life and implement positive new directions? I keep resolving to start doing things differently, like in the New Year for example, but it doesn’t stick?
Lama Surya Das: We all know about New Year’s resolutions, and how often they don’t really work out. Habits are difficult but not impossible to overcome.
The bad news is that we’re heavily conditioned; the good news is that this is simply conditioning, which is the essence of karma— the law of cause and effect. We can consciously recondition and de-condition ourselves, if we work on it— especially...
04 Jan 2011 |
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Kate asks: Do I need a spiritual teacher to practice Buddhism?
Lama Surya Das: People often ask [me] ”Do I need a spiritual teacher, do I need to be part of a group [to practice Buddhism]?”…to hear my full answer, watch the video.
Submitted by Kate via “Contact Us” @ www.surya.org on December 10th, 2010
“I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Here are my 10 suggestions to help turn this season into a genuinely spiritual time, making the holidays more meaningful for you and your family:
1. Practice generosity in the form of donating, gift-giving, volunteering, and reaching out by making phone calls and writing. This cultivates cheerfulness and the spirit of giving and doesn’t require or foster overindulgence in consumerism.
2. Share a prayer or inspirational poem or quote with someone.
3. Give yourself a gift, whether material or a gift of time and space for some reflection, noble silence, and solitude.4. Make group meals and holiday...
Lama Surya Das: I’d like to follow-up on the question I answered earlier this week regarding chanting. I suggested you chant the compassion mantra “Om mani pedme hung”, which is the Dalai Lama’s chant. Please view the video and join me in chanting this wonderful, soothing mantra. ...
Lately I have had many questions about how to create a lasting relationship. Several years ago I wrote an article outlining some exercises you can cultivate to attract the relationship you are looking for.
Ten Principles of Sacred Relationships
1. Unselfishness and selflessness—Consciously put your loved one at the center of your heart and cultivate awareness of his/her needs. But don’t go overboard; remember to also take care of yourself. 2. Generosity—Give of yourself, sharing time, things, and emotions.
3. Acceptance—Commit...
26 Nov 2010 |
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Liz A.: What is the essence of spirituality?
Lama Surya Das: I think the essence today is integration; integrating the spiritual life, however you conceive of it, as a mindful life…to hear my full answer, watch the video.
Submitted by Liz A. via “Contact Us” @ www.surya.org on October 16th, 2010
