Use code SUMMERPRACTICE for a 25% discount on all On Demand Courses through August 31.

This is, because that is

With Kaira Jewel Lingo recorded on October 29, 2017.

Found our teachings useful? Help us continue our work and support your teachers with a donation. Here’s how.

“This is, because that is. This is not, because that is not. This comes to be, because that comes to be. This ceases to be, because that ceases to be.” – The Buddha

When conditions are sufficient things manifest. But if there aren’t enough conditions, things cannot yet manifest. How can we skilfully live in the midst of the truth of the uncontrollability of life while also believing in our capacity to change and transform ourselves and our society?

In today’s session we explore the great freedom that exists in accepting that we only have a limited influence in any given situation – because everything comes to be because of numerous causes and conditions. This freedom allows us to continue to practice steadily and engage wholeheartedly, without falling into despair or taking things personally, no matter the outcome. We can let go of the struggle and relax, remaining confident that each of our actions, words and thoughts do have an impact.

Listen to the audio version below, or click here to download the mp3.

Discussion

Leave a Reply

Discover more from the Dharma Library

  • The nature and practice of right view.

    If there is one practice that defines the quality of the Buddha’s teachings, it is right view. This is a wisdom path. Right view is the beginning and ending of the path. Right view comes first among the eight path factors because it is needed for the entire path. Right view can be described as…

    Read More

  • Daigan Gaither

    Living by Vow

    If we start with the understanding that everyone is living by vow, how can we examine what vows we are following and change to follow the ones that lead to liberation?

    Read More

  • Certainty in an uncertain world.

    Consider that your presence on the cushion doesn’t guarantee balance. It’s what you bring to the cushion that matters. The same could be true of the fullness of our lives. It’s what we bring to it. What shifts when we focus on creating a life of certainty? A life of certainty that whether you are…

    Read More

  • Daily Meditation Recordings, with Caverly Morgan – Week of June 29

    We’re very grateful to have Caverly Morgan hosting our Daily Meditation Series for North America. To find out more about Caverly, and to view her past recordings and contributions to Sangha Live, click here. Monday, June 29 In truth, you are never lost Wednesday, July 1 Integrating practice into everyday life Friday, July 3 Resting…

    Read More

  • photo of Martin Aylward smiling

    Daily Meditation Recordings, with Martin Aylward – Week of April 6

    We’re fortunate that Martin Aywlard has generously offered to lead our daily meditation sessions for Europe and the UK. To find out more about Martin, and to view his other contributions to Sangha Live, click here. View the text for the daily chants Martin offers this week Monday, April 6 Wednesday, April 8 Demands, defences…

    Read More

  • Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ulla Koenig – Week of 23 June, 2025

    We’re fortunate that Ulla Koenig has generously offered to lead our Daily Meditation sessions for this week. May they be of benefit to your practice.

    This week’s theme is: The Myth and Reality of Interconnection

    According to the Buddha’s teachings, nothing exists in isolation – everything is part of a constantly shifting web of relationships. This week, we’ll explore the deeper, and sometimes challenging reality of interconnection beyond spiritual clichés. Through reflection and practice, we’ll develop a grounded, practical approach to living this insight in everyday life.

    Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.

    Read More

  • Nirmala Werner

    Daily Meditation Recordings, with Nirmala Werner – Week of May 22 – 27, 2023

    This week’s topic is “The Steam of a Cup of Tea: Teachings on Generosity, Gratitude and Renunciation”. Can we achieve happiness and wealth by giving? Can we experience abundance through simplicity? In this exploration, we’ll examine how such concepts are possible in today’s world by delving into certain aspects of the 10 Perfections (Paramis), all while embracing our perfectly imperfect nature.

    Read More