Via The Tricycle Community \\ Three Teachings on Seizing the Moment

 

Browse our online courses » September 18, 2025 The Opportunity of Karma   In writer Ann Tashi Slater’s book Traveling in Bardo: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World, she recalls the time in her life when she mistakenly likened karma to fate—an avoidable outcome of past deeds, and a present reality over which we have no control. When she started learning more about Buddhism, she realized that this interpretation was missing the mark. Karma refers to action. It’s how we shape our path in every moment. Through mindful awareness and living virtuously, the Buddha said, we can consciously respond to our present. Yes, the present is a result of past actions and intentions, but with ethical action and intention, we find opportunity. We’re no longer bound by the causes and conditions that led to the ever-evolving present, but able to plant seeds for a positive future.  As Thanissaro Bhikkhu says, “You don’t have to resign yourself to the present moment as a given. You can develop the skills to make it more livable, through your generosity, virtue, and meditation, even in the face of negative influences from the past. In doing so, you can create good conditions for many present moments in the future.”  This week’s Three Teachings reminds us that we can always work for a better present. Forward today's teachings to a friend » The Karma of Now By Thanissaro Bhikkhu American Theravada Buddhist monk Thanissaro Bhikkhu explains why the present moment isn’t the goal. “The Buddha is focusing you on the present moment not for its own sake but for the sake of something that lies beyond.” Read more » Traveling in Bardo With Ann Tashi Slater In an interview on Tricycle Talks, writer Ann Tashi Slater discusses how we can be the artists of our own lives.  Listen now » Karma in Action By Andrew Olendzki Professor Andrew Olendzki explains that if we fail to pay attention to the present moment, learned behaviors and conditioned responses will propel us through unconscious decision-making when we could have instead increased our capacity for a wise response. Read more »