Shambhala Sun - Wisdom for Difficult Times

Shabhala Sun has posted a collection of previous articles offer us heart wisdom to get through these challenging times. Many great articles here, especially Pema Chodron, my favorite teacher.

Wisdom for Difficult Times

Though some 2,500 years old, Buddhism has always offered wisdom for tough times, and it's as pertinent now as ever -- if not more so, what with the near-universal sense of concern that's been heightened by the global economic crisis. The whole world, it sometimes seems, is on edge, and that feeling is only exacerbated when we don't step back and look how we can each individually play a positive, peacemaking role -- instead of contributing more negativity and stress.

Here are some of the finest examples of Buddhist wisdom for difficult times, from the names you've come to trust -- all from the pages of the Shambhala Sun and Buddhadharma. Just click on any article's title to read further.

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Fear & Fearlessness: What the Buddhists Teach

So much of our suffering — as individuals and as a society — is caused by fear. In fact, according to Buddhism, fear is at the very root of ego and samsara. The Shambhala Sun and Omega Institute brought together four outstanding Buddhist teachers — Judy Lief, John Daido Loori, Sylvia Boorstein, and Robert Thurman — to discuss the vital practice of working with our fears.

Forum: How to Work with Emotions

In this forum, Buddhadharma’s Barry Boyce speaks with Sharon Salzberg, Judith Simmer-Brown, John Tarrant, and the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche about their views on skillful and unskillful involvement with our emotions. Their descriptions of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana practices open new perspectives on how to think about and engage with our emotional lives.

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From Pema Chödrön:

What to Do When the Going Gets Rough

Pema Chödrön on four ways to hold our minds steady and hearts open when facing difficult people or circumstances.

Three Methods for Working with Chaos

Times of chaos and challenge can be the most spiritually powerful . . . if we are brave enough to rest in their space of uncertainty. Pema Chödrön describes three ways to use our problems as the path to awakening and joy.

Bodhichitta: The Excellence of Awakened Heart

The mind of enlightenment, called bodhichitta, is always available, in pain as well as in joy. Pema Chödrön lays out how to cultivate this soft spot of bravery and kindness.

The Answer to Anger & Aggression is Patience

We can suppress anger and aggression or act it out, either way making things worse for ourselves and others. Or we can practice patience: wait, experience the anger and investigate its nature. Pema Chödrön takes us step by step through this powerful practice.

Turn Your Thinking Upside Down

We base our lives on seeking happiness and avoiding suffering, but the best thing we can do for ourselves—and for the planet—is to turn this whole way of thinking upside down. Pema Chödrön shows us Buddhism’s radical side.

The Wondrous Path of Difficulties

A conversation with Pema Chödrön and Jack Kornfield about the everyday difficulties that provoke us, reveal our habitual patterns, and ultimately transform us.

Go check out the site to see many, many more articles.

Tags: Shambhala Sun, Wisdom for Difficult Times, dharma, Buddhism, change, Pema Chodron, difficulties