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challenges, teachings must be framed in relatable terms, Tsepal: Using examples from current world problems
emphasizing how emptiness liberates and compassion to teach the Dharma is very engaging, and models
strengthens. Practical actions, like ethical consumerism how to apply Dharma in everyday life. Reaching
and community service, can bridge the gap, showing audiences where they spend time, i.e. social media, is
how these principles address modern issues like also necessary. Throughout history, the flourishing of
inequality and environmental degradation. Buddhism in an area depends on the existence of the
fully ordained Sangha (monks and nuns), who devote
Tsepal: Both compassion and the wisdom realizing their lives to actualizing the teachings. Supporting
emptiness take concerted time and effort to cultivate; monasteries is therefore vital to preserve the teachings.
there is no quick way to actualize them, and our
understanding requires relying on a qualified teacher. My suggested readings are as follows:
Fewer people have interest in spiritual traditions that
require time and effort to cultivate, and some people In Praise of Great Compassion by the Dalai Lama and
may not be determined and patient enough to pursue Thubten Chodron, Wisdom Publications, 2020
such goals.
Searching for the Self by the Dalai Lama and Thubten
8. How can these teachings be made accessible and Chodron, Wisdom Publications, 2022
relevant today?
Insight Into Emptiness by Khensur Jampa Tegchok,
Aggacitta: Advancements in IT, AI, and digital Wisdom Publications, 2012
technology provide numerous tools to make these
teachings more accessible and relevant. With the right Emptiness Yoga by Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins, Snow Lion, 1987
resources—time, skilled personnel, and creativity—the
possibilities are limitless. Venerable Āyasmā Aggacitta is
the founder of the Sāsanārakkha
Min Wei: To make the teachings of emptiness and Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) in
compassion accessible and relevant today, Mahāyāna Taiping, Perak, a Pāli scholar and a
Buddhism can adapt its methods to modern contexts meditation teacher.
while preserving their essence. First, teachings should
be framed in relatable terms, using contemporary
examples to illustrate interdependence and the illusion Ven. Min Wei is a teacher of e-learning at the
of a fixed self. For instance, exploring how social media International Buddhist College (IBC) and an
shapes identity can help people grasp the concept of independent translator of Buddhism.
emptiness by showing how the “self” is constructed and
fluid. Second, compassion can be demonstrated through Venerable Tenzin Tsepal was
practical actions like community service, environmental ordained by HH The 14th Dalai
stewardship, and ethical consumerism. These efforts Lama in 2001 and received her
highlight its relevance in tackling global challenges such higher ordination in Taiwan in
as inequality and climate change, making compassion 2019. She is currently a nun
a lived experience rather than an abstract ideal. Third, residing at Sravasti Abbey, USA,
integrating mindfulness and meditation into daily life supporting Ven Thubten Chodron in
can help individuals directly experience emptiness and her teachings. EH
cultivate compassion. Digital platforms can further
amplify these teachings, creating virtual sanghas that
provide support and connection in an increasingly
fragmented world.