The Buddha saw an old man, ill man, dead man, and wise man. As her father’s health declined, Minal Hajratwala saw these same sights.
Nibbana Is Giving Up, Letting Go, and Being Free
Ajahn Chah explains some of Buddhisms most important principles, including nirvana, samadhi, and why it’s important to “Be really careful!”
Leaving the Shore of Illusion
As a child, Buddhist practitioner Leslie Davis escaped her painful reality by daydreaming. Through meditation, she’s learned to resist the urge to escape into her mind and focus on the present moment.
How to Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes
Contemplative psychologist Karen Kissel Wegela teaches a practice to help us see difficult people — and ourselves — more clearly.
How to Practice Deep Relaxation
Relaxing the mind is a big goal of Buddhist practice, but to do that you need to relax your body as well. Sister Chan Khong teaches us a three-step practice to access a deep restfulness that rivals sleep.
Doing Nothing
Karen Maezen Miller on how meditation helps her bring “doing nothing” into everything she does.
How to Drink a Mindful Cup of Tea
A cup of tea or coffee is a nice break. Drinking it mindfully is a real break. Joseph Emet teaches us this five-step practice.
Searching for Wisdom in the Clutter
Towering stacks of newspapers, a mountain of clippings — James Kullander feels they might contain some fact that would transform his life.
Meditation Only Goes So Far
If you want to connect with the open, spacious quality of mind, says Willa Blythe Baker, at some point you have to stop trying to meditate.
Waking Up to Your World
Pema Chödrön shares why the simple practice of taking a break from our usual thoughts is the most important thing we can do with our lives.