Awakening the Heart of Joy

Published: Dec. 18, 2017, 1:52 a.m.

b"The Buddha's path of practice is aimed at extinguishing the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion that so often overwhelm our unconscious motivations and behaviors. In doing so, we must learn how to look deeply into our own minds to examine our beliefs and motivations and learn to practice and intentional way of relating to the changing conditions of our lives. Our ability to awaken demands that we have access to enjoyment, learning to take active delight in the pleasures and successes of our lives without falling into the habit of enmeshment, obsession, or unhealthy attachment. We must also learn to take delight and sympathize with the goodness of all beings. Having an ability to see the good in others allows for the development of a compassionate heart, one that dissolves the barriers of separateness that so often keep us isolated and in conflict."