Regard All Phenomena as Dreams

This slogan is another contemplation on absolute bodhichitta, our innate, ongoing wakeful state that is an expression of emptiness—the central Buddhist doctrine that reveals the phenomenal world as having no tangible, self-existing, or substantial nature. This world is said to be like a dream, a mirage, a magical illusion, an echo, or a reflection on water. That same world, when purified of our obscurations, is seen to be an ornament of our natural awareness. For when we awaken to ever-pres...

 Letting Go of Dreams

Our culture lionises grit and perseverance, but the ability to be adaptable and flexible, and pivot to new opportunities, is just as important. The common phenomenon of ‘goal shielding’ puts us at risk of persevering for too long with unobtainable dreams, though there is no surefire way to make the right decision on this. To assuage the pain of letting go of a dream, be realistic about what you’re giving up – even if you succeeded, it was unlikely to be the romanticised version you pi...