Exploring common afflictive thought-patterns such as lack mind, comparing mind and the inner critic, and orienting to wisdom and compassion to help them release
A vegetarian diet, while encouraged in most schools of Buddhism, isn’t a requirement of the Buddhist path. But there are powerful spiritual opportunities in embracing a plant-based diet. Following a vegetarian or plant-based diet is one way to practice compassion, reduce harm, and recognize our interconnectedness with all living beings and the earth itself. So what does the dharma say about vegetarianism? How might plant-based eating support our spiritual practice?
Let your body be present and also relaxed. As you let go, feel how the Earth completely supports you. Let the heart be soft to receive whatever arises with compassion. Begin to notice how the body is breathing itself, exchanging air with the leaves of the trees around you and with the breath of every other living being on Earth—we share this atmosphere.
An exploration of what it means to take refuge generally, and then specifically in relation to dharma, with a brief introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Four Brahamavihāra of kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity