Via GBF// "Joy & Compassion in the Face of Overwhelm" - JD Doyle

 Here's a 60-second audio preview: "The Components of Compassion" - JD Doyle

(part of our "Dharma Nuggets" series)

______________

When the world gets to be a little too much for us, how can we keep from shutting down?

JD Doyle shares that the key lies in returning to our interconnectedness. JD ties this beautifully with the practice of the brahmaviharas (the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity). JD explains that when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we witness or experience, turning to these qualities helps us stay grounded. By cultivating loving-kindness and compassion, we can face challenges without closing off emotionally.

JD encourages finding sympathetic joy—the ability to take pleasure in others’ happiness—even when we’re struggling ourselves. This practice shifts our perspective, allowing us to connect with joy rather than being consumed by negativity. JD also emphasizes equanimity, helping us maintain balance and compassion even when we feel like the weight of the world is too much. Through these practices, we develop resilience and stay open-hearted in the face of overwhelm.

______________

You can watch or listen to the full talk on our website or YouTube: 

Joy & Compassion in the Face of Overwhelm – GBF

Joy & Compassion in the Face of Overwhelm - YouTube

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Developing Unarisen Healthy States

 

TRICYCLE      COURSE CATALOG      SUPPORT      DONATE

RIGHT EFFORT Developing Unarisen Healthy States Whatever a person frequently thinks about and ponders, that will become the inclination of their mind. If one frequently thinks about and ponders healthy states, one has abandoned unhealthy states to cultivate healthy states, and then one’s mind inclines to healthy states. (MN 19) Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts the mind, and strives to develop the arising of unarisen healthy mental states. One develops the unarisen awakening factor of equanimity. (MN 141)

Reflection We all have the capacity for generosity, kindness, and wisdom. Some would even say these are more fundamental to our nature than their harmful opposites: greed, hatred, and delusion. All these mental and emotional traits remain dormant until one or another of them is roused into becoming an active mental or emotional state. Instead of waiting passively to see what emerges, take the lead and call up the good stuff. Daily Practice Take a few moments from time to time to “stir up energy” and develop one or more of the healthy states that lie sleeping as healthy traits in your unconscious mind. Make them conscious by deliberately invoking generosity or kindness or equanimity, and see how you can induce these states more or less at will. It is a healthy skill to learn. Arousing equanimity is particularly useful in situations where you are challenged. Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Mind and Abiding in the Third Jhāna One week from today: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning. Donate »

© 2024 Tricycle Foundation 89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Via Daily Dharma: The Truth of Fear

 

Support Tricycle with a donation »

The Truth of Fear Buddhism teaches that behind all our fears is our inability to actually appreciate, on a visceral level, the truth of impermanence. Norman Fischer, “No Beginning, No Ending, No Fear” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

The Real Humbling By Santiago Santai Jiménez A Zen monk on the imperfect and yet transformative potential of student-teacher relationships along the spiritual path. Read more »