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

Search Sangha Live

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

  • Dave Smith

    Liberation through the Heart (Citta Vimmuti)

    Recorded : June 28, 2020

    Most people associate Dharma practice with the concept of Wisdom. Here, the idea is that we need to “know” something that we don’t already know. For English thinking minds this can become very problematic and can turn our practice into a cognitive or intellectual endeavor. With the earliest teachings of the Dharma we see that…

    Read More

  • photo of Martin Aylward smiling

    The colouring of awareness.

    Recorded : July 12, 2015

    Meditation practice trains our capacity to be aware, in real time, of what is happening. But what is colouring your awareness? We can pay very clear and steady attention in a way that is also demanding, defensive or deluded. Or we can give attention in a way that conduces to wisdom, spaciousness, equanimity and kindness.

    Read More

  • Deborah Eden Tull - Senior Dharma Teacher

    Luminous Darkness: A Path for Seeing Clearly from the Heart

    Recorded : October 2, 2022

    One of the gifts of global uncertainty is that it requires us to recognize and release unconscious biases that have been passed down for generations. These include the perception that splits into opposites and values light over dark, speed over slowing down, productivity over attunement, and conclusion over not knowing. Awakening requires that we soften…

    Read More

  • Wiebke Pausch

    Daily Meditation Recordings, with Wiebke Pausch – Week of November 20, 2023

    This week’s topic is “May I be kind to myself”. May I be kind to myself – coming home to kindness and giving ourselves the love and care we need and deserve. What helps us to nurture this love – especially in the most challenging moments? We will explore how we can move towards more tenderness and open heartedness for ourselves and others.

    Read More

  •

    Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ulla Koenig – Week of June 13, 2022

    This week’s topic is Healing Shame and Guilt. Psychologists describe shame as soul-eating emotion. Shame and guilt prevent us from developing trusting connections with others and a healthy sense of appreciation for ourselves. The Buddha taught that systems of self-reference such as shame and guilt can cause pain and stress. To find liberation is to find freedom from these deeply harmful emotions. We will look at practical ways to find such freedom in our own lives.

    Read More

  • Dave Smith

    This Dharma I Have Reached

    Recorded : March 4, 2018

    Without a doubt, Buddhism is recognized as one of the world’s great religions. For almost three millennia these ancient teachings have spread rapidly around the globe influencing humanity in a variety of ways. Needless to say, the historic Buddha, (Siddharta Gotama) did not teach Buddhism, he taught the Dharma as a means to overcome suffering…

    Read More

  • Shaila Catherine

    Angulimala: an ethical transformation

    Recorded : December 10, 2017

    Shaila tells the life story of Angulimala and his transformation from notorious robber and murderer to a peaceful, compassionate, truthful, and awakened monk. It is an inspiring example of the power of restraint, and the potential for redemption. Habits and dispositions do not need to control our lives. We can stop unwholesome, unhealthy, and harmful…

    Read More