07/09/2026
335. THE ESSENCE OF BUDDHISM — Written by TRALEG KYABGON
(Published by Shambhala Publications)
“The practice of meditation and the observance of spiritual practices should be undertaken in everyday life, not just in the monastic environment. We have to actually live in the world.”
“We create problems in our lives precisely because we attach so much importance to things, thinking that they have enduring essence. Then we become so serious; we begin to cling, grasp, and can’t let go.”
“Buddhism does not discourage thinking, but it does discourage excessive thinking, which doesn’t lead us anywhere. Much of the thinking that occupies our mind for twenty-four hours a day is motivated by delusions of excessive attachment, anger ……”
“But because everything is subject to change, sooner or later we have to accept the fact that what used to give us pleasure no longer does so, or even becomes the cause of unhappiness.”
“Without change, nothing could happen. So, instead of thinking of emptiness as negative, we should consider that it is because of emptiness that the world can function at all. Emptiness makes it possible.”
Overall: 9/10 (“the main suffering that afflicts us is created by our own mind and attitude.” It’s so heartbreaking to know that so many young people take their own lives today. It might be good for us to spread the philosophy of Zen no matter how small of an impact we make. 🙏🙏🙏)
Difficulty: 10/10
