Daily Life

Points to keep in mind as a newcomer to Buddhism so as to be realistic and avoid disappointment.

All of Buddha’s teachings are intended to help us overcome difficulties in life.

We need to develop the determination to be free of our habitual routines that cause us stress and train ourselves in self-discipline, concentration, and discriminating awareness.

The essentials for practicing Buddhism in the West do not significantly differ from what they have always been: being sincere and realistic in working on ourselves.

Attachment to someone is based on unrealistic projections; but with a more objective view, we can learn to relate to the person in a more loving and considerate way.

Atisha presents in poetic form the most essential guidelines for how to live one’s life as a bodhisattva in the tradition of mind training (lojong).

Dr. Berzin’s advice to Kalmyks on dealing with the massive changes in their lives resulting from the move from their traditional kibitkas (large ox carts with tents on them) to cities in standard flats.