Heart Intelligence: full moon - Monday 2nd February, 2026
To harm living beings
who, like us, seek contentment,
is to bring harm to ourselves.
Dhammapada 131
We all have some familiarity with the open-hearted state, that is warm and caring. We probably also have some familiarity with the opposite, the heart that has contracted and grown cold. Obviously, the company of those who show respect for others, who appreciate their concerns and needs, is more agreeable than the company of those who are self-obsessed. So why are we not all focussed on cultivating that which brings mutual benefit? Partly at least it is because of a lack of inner awareness. Those who harm others are not aware that they are obstructing their own well-being. They are lost in ideas of right and wrong and have forgotten to listen to their hearts’ intelligence. All beings suffer and want to be free from suffering.
The Way Things Appear: full moon - Friday 5th December 2025
It is easy to do that which is
of no real benefit to oneself;
it is difficult indeed to do that
which is truly beneficial and good.
Dhammapada 163
When we register just how complex and challenging this human existence has become, the task of trying to change it can appear impossible. There is already enough evidence showing how powerful technology causes fragmentation, both within communities and individuals, contributing to despair. There is also evidence that unimaginably good things can happen. If you have ever broken a bone, the recovery process takes time. Healing doesn’t happen according to our preferences – though healing can happen. The task of addressing the suffering in our world, inwardly and outwardly, takes effort. Let us not just settle for the way things merely appear to be. May the Buddha’s wisdom serve to inspire us.
SEEING THE FLAWED AS FLAWED: full moon - Wednesday 5th November 2025
The clear seeing that knows
that which is flawed as flawed,
and that which is pure as pure,
can lead beings to transcend misery.
DHAMMAPADA v. 319
Can we view that which is flawed as flawed without adding an indignant, It shouldn’t be this way? The simple perception of how things should and shouldn’t be is not so much the issue. It is by getting lost in feelings of wild indignation that we contribute to the chaos. Compared with an imaginary world where beings aren’t acting out of greed, hatred and delusion, then yes, our world shouldn’t be this way. However, surely we need to acknowledge that the reason things are this way is that there are causes. If we remember to bring careful attention to the causes for the misery, then we will be in a better position to make a difference.