One of the primary conditions for suffering is denial. Shutting our mind to pain, whether in ourselves or others, only ensures that it will continue. We must have the strength to face it without turning away. By opening to the pain we see around us with wisdom and compassion, we start to experience the intimate connection of our relationship with all beings.

We are all too often told by someone that we are too old, too young, too different, too much the same, and those comments can be devastating.

Vulnerability in the face of constant change is what we share, whatever our present condition.

My ideal registration system would be an opt-out one, where every single person is registered once they turn 18. In Australia, I’m told, everyone is registered to vote and you pay a fine if you don’t vote.

Loving kindness is the spirit of friendship toward yourself and others.

Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world.

Meditation trains the mind the way physical exercise strengthens the body.