Compassion: a Zen perspective. From the Latin Com = together, Passionate = suffering. In Zen, compassion, referred to as karuna, is fundamentally the wish and the behavior that the self and others be free from suffering, and its roots.  It is not a feeling of mere sympathy or just empathy, but a deep, intrinsic understanding […]

Complaining is one of our ego’s favorite strategies for self-identification and strengthening.How often do you catch yourself complaining about whomever, whatever, whenever?Or even about your life and life in general. The list is endless. We are complaining mostly subconsciously, as demonstrated using hypnosis.Our reactions while complaining take many forms, appropriate or detrimental, that I will […]

There are 2 types of awareness: One is the mundane one that is knowing this and that from memory. The other one is more subtle and fundamental regarding Zen philosophy and practice. Awareness is to pay attention, mindfully, to the present moment, and its content, whatever it is. Awareness is the essence of the practice […]

A koan is a short story, a sentence, a parable, an image, a few words, a dialogue, a riddle that, at first glance, does not make any sense, being perceived as absurd, illogical, crazy, aberrant, or meaningless.  Example: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Koans were created in the 13th century in China […]

  Proper Action  by Miranda Proper action, the fourth step of the Noble Eightfold Path, falls under the category of ethical conduct. It guides us toward living morally, peacefully, and honourably by refraining from harmful behaviour. Skilful action emphasises abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, encouraging us to cultivate a life rooted in compassion and […]