Every time I settle down to meditate, I begin with around ten minutes of mettā meditation:the practice of loving-kindness. Although mettā is a well-established part of Buddhist meditation, it is only relatively recently that I have fully incorporated it into my own daily practice. Since doing so, I have found it quietly transformative. The purpose Read More
Tag: Buddhist_Practice
Manjushri and the Meaning of Wisdom in Buddhism
The word "wisdom" appears repeatedly throughout the Dhammapada, and for good reason. Within the Noble Eightfold Path, wisdom forms one of the three central areas of practice alongside moral discipline and mental discipline. The two elements associated with wisdom are Right View and Right Intention, which together encourage a clearer understanding of ourselves and the Read More
The Quiet Stillness of Lagan Ashoka Stupa
In the busy heart of Lalitpur, the Lagan Ashoka Stupa feels unexpectedly quiet. Traffic moves constantly nearby, people pass through the surrounding streets, and yet within the stupa grounds there is a noticeable sense of stillness. Trees and shrubs soften the noise of the city, while a large pond—currently being restored—adds to the atmosphere of Read More
Buddha Jyanti at Home: A Simple Full Moon Observance
Buddha’s birth in the full moon of Baisakh is marked quietly in my own way. In Nepal, this day—Buddha Jayanti—carries deep significance. It is associated with the birth, awakening, and passing of the Gautama Buddha. Temples fill, lamps are lit, and people gather in shared acts of devotion. My observance is much simpler. There are Read More