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

  • Lisa Ernst

    Exploring Karma, Choice and the Mind

    Recorded : June 30, 2024

    Karma is action in Buddhism, driven by intention. With practice we cultivate the ability to choose our response and our actions, internally and externally. We might think if our intentions are good our actions will follow, but our intentions are often under the influence of strong conditioning that prevents us from living our choices. But…

    Read More

  •

    Daily Meditation Recordings, with Milla Gregor – Week of June 20, 2022

    This week’s topic is Skills for Inner and Outer Transformation. Dharma practice gives us great tools for inner and interpersonal change. It’s empowering to explore how these can also be useful for social and environmental transformation. We will tour such qualities, including equanimity (upekkha), non-self (anatta), and sukha (yes, pleasure!). Together, we will draw on both traditional and more contemporary voices to show how your skills as a practitioner could be vital to the work of changing the world.

    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

  • Deborah Eden Tull - Senior Dharma Teacher

    Mindful Inquiry: A Path of Freedom and Joyful Responsibility

    Recorded : January 20, 2019

    Mindful Inquiry is the path of asking the question that points to freedom. This practice can support even long-time practitioners to find more relief from suffering and clarity about the ever-present wholeness of True Nature. A good teacher can point the way, but it is up to each of us to take responsibility for our…

    Read More

  •

    Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out

    Recorded : May 20, 2018

    Racism remains one of the most rooted and painful impasses of our time. Why is this so? And what does this have to do with you? In her talk, drawing from her recent publication, Ruth explores an understanding of our individual and collective racial conditioning and its social proliferation, and how mindfulness provides a foundation…

    Read More

  • Jessica Morey

    The seven factors of awakening.

    Recorded : September 11, 2016

    Jessica discusses the seven factors of awakening (mindfulness, tranquility/relaxation, piti/joy, concentration, investigation, viriya/courageous energy, equanimity) and how to work with them in meditation practice to balance the mind and support insight through specific meditative techniques.

    Read More

  •

    Responding to a World in Crisis with a Strong Heart

    Recorded : March 24, 2024

    How do we keep the heart open and strong amidst so much pain and suffering in our world? What does our contemplative practice have to offer in times of upheaval and change? Join author and Dharma teacher Oren Jay Sofer for this session focused on building inner resources to heal our hearts and respond effectively…

    Read More