Why We Should Cherish Others

“Another reason for cherishing others is that it is the best method to solve our own and others’ problems. Problems, worry, pain and unhappiness are types of mind; they are feelings and do not exist outside the mind. If we cherish everyone we meet or think about, our mind will be at peace all the time so that we will be happy all the time and there will be no basis for developing jealousy, anger or other harmful thoughts. Jealousy, for example, is a state of mind that cannot bear another’s good fortune; but if we cherish someone how can his or her good fortune disturb our mind? How can we wish to harm others if we regard everyone’s happiness to be of paramount importance? By genuinely cherishing all living beings we will always act with loving kindness, in a friendly and considerate way, and they will return our kindness. Others will not act unpleasantly towards us, and there will be no basis for conflict or disputes. People will come to like us, and our relationships will be more stable and satisfying.”

Excerpt From: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. “How to Transform Your Life.” iBooks.

Advice from Shantideva

Happiness and Suffering are States of Mind

“In recent years our knowledge of modern technology has increased considerably, and as a result we have witnessed remarkable material progress, but there has not been a corresponding increase in human happiness. There is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. Indeed, it might be said that there are now more problems and greater dangers than ever before. This shows that the cause of happiness and the solution to our problems do not lie in knowledge of material things. Happiness and suffering are states of mind and so their main causes are not to be found outside the mind. If we want to be truly happy and free from suffering, we must learn how to control our mind.”

Excerpt From: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. “Modern Buddhism 1: Sutra.” iBooks.

Learn to Meditate

Cherishing Others

Semestral Break