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is unencumbered by attachment. Wisdom supports Accept reality. Life has challenges. This is the nature
bringing the whole heart to be with or address a of human existence. We do not live in a world without
situation even while letting go of the outcome right unpleasantness, disagreements, and pain. When we
at the onset of action. During the process and after truly accept this reality, there is no fighting to make
the compassionate act, clear seeing continues. The sense of why this is happening to us or happening at
heart moves from the rightness of the response even all. It is how things are. We can see things realistically,
while profoundly letting go. This is the integration of then kindly let them go or work to grow out of any
compassion and wisdom. unwholesome responses that arise. We don’t layer on
shame or frustration.
How can we know that both compassion and
wisdom are growing within us during our daily Getting to this level of wisdom and care is a gradual
practice of the teachings? path of practice. Along the way, we continue to develop
self-forgiveness and understand that we will continue
Growth is something measured over time, and time is to make mistakes. Unskillful mental states such as greed
of far less relevance than the intentions and actions and anger will still arise, but our practice will weaken
occurring in this moment, both in terms of the karma their hold. This gradual development, including the
you are making now and how you are conditioning your setbacks and mistakes along the way, is a part of the
heart to respond in the future. As much as possible, reality we hold with compassion and acceptance.
focus on the current moment. “Right now, am I acting
from compassion, and is the response appropriate to the The sensations and qualities of this acceptance are a
situation?” balanced and steady stance, an open and warm heart,
and a quiet and attentive mind. This is a powerful state
However, remembering past compassionate and wise of embodiment that allows us to respond to challenges
actions is of benefit when you want to lift any downcast with a clear mind and a kind heart.
mindset that arises and can encourage you to continue
to embrace kindness. It is also a good practice near your Cultivating the state of acceptance is done through a
death to recall the goodness you have done during your careful investigation of the tensions and relaxation in
life. This uplift can lead toward a good rebirth. the body, followed by a cultivation of love that radiates
into the space around us. Love becomes the power
What’s your advice to cultivate habits that will behind all our actions.
sustain our kindness and compassion with wisdom?
This is pure, unentangled love that fundamentally cares
Cultivating the basis of love (metta) from which acts for all beings and acts with kindness and compassion.
of kindness and compassion are the natural response This love’s movement is most effective because it is
to everything is a deeply transformative practice. The integrated with the power of wisdom. EH
result is general happiness, ease, and unimpeded
power to address challenging situations. This is not a
fluffy, disconnected practice. To be effective, it must be
aligned with things as they are.