Instead of being at the mercy of desire and attachment we need to understand the sticky nature of every form of desire – and then to weaken and abandon it. Besides using mindfulness there are a number of approaches to skilfully deal with desire.
Feeling free can feel distant from our busy or troubled lives. But Dharma teachings are not waiting for some future moment that is perfect for their exploration. They are for life, here and now, as it unfolds. Whenever we bring mindful and heartful presence we notice that freedom starts right there.
The world (loka) and beyond the world (lokuttara) are distinguished by only one thing: loka is what is constantly disintegrating and disappearing whereas in lokuttara there is peace with no arising and passing away.
Exploring how cultivating a compassionate heart awakens and frames our capacities to respond with loving awareness to the suffering in ourselves and the world. Compassion practices allow us to ferry to the other shore with a softened, tender yet fierce heart.
