As We Understood
The phrase “God as we understood Him” in the 11th Step (and throughout the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous) is a cornerstone of the program’s inclusivity and accessibility. It acknowledges that individuals come to AA with diverse beliefs, or no belief at all, about a higher power. Here’s a breakdown of what it means: Practical […]
We have to find a way to be happy with what we’ve got.
Okay, let’s unpack the statement, “We have to find a way to be happy with what we’ve got,” especially in the context of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings in Seeing with the Eye of Dharma. While it might sound like a simple call to be content, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. It is about acceptance […]
In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.
The quote holds deep insight into the nature of disputes and our response to them. The quote teaches that when we engage in a controversial situation or argument, our primary aim should be to seek and understand thetruth. However, as humans, we are prone to ego-driven tendencies, such as the desire to be right, to […]
By living ethically…
By living ethically, practicing meditation, and developing wisdom and compassion, we can end the suffering and addiction we create by resisting, running from, and misunderstanding reality. INSIGHT
I now understand where my wants blur into needs, and that my focus on outcomes can lead to poor choices. I can also see how my ideas of ‘must’ and ‘need’ are holding me back from living fully.
INSIGHT
Smile, breath, and go slowly.
The quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, “Smile, breathe, and go slowly,” is a profound statement that encapsulates the essence of mindfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. To fully understand the depth of this quote, it is essential to delve into the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk, peace […]
Five Precepts
Okay, let’s explore the Five Precepts in Buddhism and how they relate to the journey of recovery, whether from addiction, codependency, or other life challenges. The Five Precepts are ethical guidelines for lay practitioners, and they offer a practical framework for living a more wholesome, compassionate, and responsible life. They are not commandments, but rather, […]
Meaning of Kilesas
Okay, let’s explore the concept of kilesas. In Buddhism, kilesas (often translated as defilements, afflictions, or mental obscurations) are the mental states that cloud our minds, disturb our peace, and lead to suffering. They are the root causes of unwholesome actions and perpetuate the cycle of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). Think […]
Delusion of a Separate Self
Okay, let’s explore the Buddhist concept of the “delusion of a separate self,” also known as the concept of “no-self” or anatta (in Pali) or anatman (in Sanskrit). This is a core teaching in Buddhism and can be a challenging idea to grasp at first. The Core Idea: No Permanent, Independent Self The delusion of a […]