Special Topics
An Introduction to the Four Immeasurable States of Mind
The Four Immeasurable States of Mind is a crucial practice to accomplish Bodhi, as well as the provision for the attainment of Buddhahood for lay Buddhist disciples (śrāvaka), solitary realizers (pratyeka), and bodhisattvas. The cultivation of the four states of mind – loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity – not only benefits innumerable sentient beings, but also brings about innumerable merits. It is a Dharma approach of bodhisattvas that requires the appl...
A Brief Introduction to the Mettā Sutta
The Mettā Sutta is also referred to as Karaṇīyamettā Sutta. The background of the scripture centers around a group of Buddhist monks were disturbed by spirits of the trees during their rains-retreat (Skt. varṣa) in a forest. So the Buddha taught them a method: cultivating the mind of loving-kindness. Right from the very beginning of the scripture, the Buddha introduced 15 qualities required for practicing the meditation of loving-kindness, including being capable (sakka), upright (ujū), no...
Ven. Dhammadipa on Cultivation of Four Immeasurable States of Mind
Ven. Dhammadipa from Czechia called the cultivation of Four Immeasurable States of Mind "the most beautiful spiritual practice." Through cultivating loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity, one not only can break through the limitations set by the mind and emit the power of beauty, wholesomeness, and equality to sentient beings, but also will experience a beautiful mental state as pure as the Buddha's. The foremost goal of Buddhist practice is ...
Zen Master Thầy Nhất Hạnh — Sowing the Seeds of Mindfulness with Compassion
In his later years, after wandering in foreign lands for four decades, Thầy Nhất Hạnh finally returned to his homeland, Vietnam. Over the years, Thầy Nhất Hạnh promoted "engaged Buddhism" in the West, advocating for peace with loving-kindness and forgiveness, and healing countless hearts with his teachings on mindfulness. His poetry, teachings, and conduct have instilled the energy of loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity into the world. During the Vietn...
His Holiness the Dalai Lama — Healing People's Mind with Loving-kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity
Being in exile in India for six decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always been forgiving and tolerant toward those attacked him, keeping his mind in serenity and joy as always. He constantly reminds people that human beings in the world are interconnected as one, and everyone is a part of "us." Only through loving-kindness, compassion, and mutual assistance and love can we create a peaceful future together. "I will dedicate the rest of my life to promote the values o...