Being Black

1. Life's inherent discomfort is the starting point for spiritual growth.

As a part of our ongoing life experience, we are prone to discomfort.

Acknowledge discomfort. The first step to spiritual growth is acknowledging that life is inherently uncomfortable. This discomfort manifests in various forms, from mundane daily annoyances to profound physical and emotional pain. Recognizing this truth is not pessimistic but rather a realistic foundation for navigating life's challenges.

Universal experience. Suffering is a universal human experience, transcending age, race, income, and education. Recognizing this shared reality fosters a sense of connection and reduces feelings of isolation.

Key to understanding. Accepting the First Simple Truth—that life is uncomfortable—is the key to understanding the nature of our existence. It provides a framework for processing experiences and developing resilience.

2. Desire, fueled by attachment, is the root cause of suffering.

It is this wanting, this ever-present, unchecked desire that is at the root of our discomfort.

The nature of wanting. Human beings are in a constant state of wanting, never feeling that they have enough. This persistent craving for things to be different or to stay the same is the source of much of our suffering.

Clinging and conflict. We have a habit of attaching ourselves to things, people, and situations, and holding on tight. This clinging becomes the single source of our conflict, tension, and frustration because we cannot control all of the elements that go into making up life.

Instant gratification. The need for instant gratification exacerbates the problem, leading to reckless spending, substance abuse, and aggression. By becoming aware of how our desires operate, we can begin to reduce our discomfort.

3. Ending discomfort is possible by reducing unnecessary wanting.

Reducing our desires and eliminating false neediness is the answer to resolving the nagging inner discomfort that we feel.

Release, not conquest. The solution to discomfort is not to conquer the "me" but to release fixed ideas about how the world should appear. Desires can simply fall away when our attention is paid to releasing, not wanting to release.

Calmer existence. Once we let go of our desires, we find that a calmer, more graceful way of existing is revealed. It has been there all along, but the wanting has made it difficult to recognize.

The question of release. The key question is how to release our wanting, and with it our discomfort, without creating another problem at the same time. This requires a shift in perspective and a commitment to reducing unnecessary desires.

4. Teachers, teachings, and community are essential treasures for navigating life.

We need community to support us and be the proof that we are not alone.

Three treasures. Teachers, teachings, and community are the three essential treasures that provide a protective shelter and nurture spiritual growth. These resources are always available and can be accessed through awareness.

Interconnectedness. The freedom and happiness of each individual are intertwined with the freedom and happiness of all. Every person has a responsibility to nourish the community in exchange for the benefits it provides.

Diversity as strength. Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division. By celebrating our unique qualities and sharing our different perspectives, we can create a wider and more inclusive vision for the community.

5. Greed, anger, and ignorance are the three poisons that hinder spiritual progress.

Greed, anger, and ignorance have lived with us for a long time.

Obstacles to enlightenment. Greed, anger, and ignorance are the three serious poisons that stand between us and our chance at enlightened being in the world. These poisons cloud our judgment and prevent us from touching reality.

Manifestations of poison. Greed manifests as a compulsive sense of wanting more, anger as hatred and disregard for others, and ignorance as a delusion that our own views are the only reality.

Releasing the poisons. Releasing these poisons requires recognizing their presence in our lives and making a conscious effort to transform them. Only then can we begin to heal the damage they have done and become whole.

6. Awakening the warrior-spirit involves embracing life's challenges with courage and compassion.

Awakening warriors live in a way that is of benefit to all, and their work is done here in this world.

Beyond self-concern. Awakening the warrior-spirit means giving up aimless living and being concerned only with ourselves. It involves living in a way that benefits all and taking responsibility for ending suffering.

Not aggression, but action. Embodying the spirit of a warrior does not mean taking up arms or developing aggressiveness. It means bringing a life of action and clear direction to the cause of peace and harmonious connection.

The Bodhisattva Vows. The Bodhisattva Vows—to save all beings, end all desires, master all truths, and attain enlightenment—are a powerful expression of the spirit of an awakening warrior. These vows encourage daily action and a commitment to collective responsibility.

7. A strong moral foundation, grounded in pure precepts, is crucial for a meaningful life.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Ethical compass. A solid ethical foundation helps ensure that we feel good about everything we do in our lives. It provides a reference point for making decisions and navigating complex situations.

Three Pure Precepts. The Three Pure Precepts—to not create evil, to practice good, and to practice good for others—are a simple code of morality that is central to Buddhist practice. These precepts are universal and represent our basic goodness.

Self-care is essential. Practicing good for ourselves is not selfish but rather a necessary component of a meaningful life. By tending to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, we can better serve others.

8. The Eightfold Path provides a practical framework for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.

If we didn’t spend so much time reacting to things, we would spend less time feeling bothered.

Threefold training. The Eightfold Path is broken down into three main training areas: wisdom (Right Understanding and Right Thought), ethics (Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood), and awareness (Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration).

Interconnected steps. Each step on the Eightfold Path is interconnected and influences the others. To take one step is to take them all.

Continuous practice. The Eightfold Path is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-improvement. By diligently practicing each step, we can cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

9. Mindfulness, or being fully present, is key to experiencing grace and seeing reality as it is.

Mindfulness just means being in the moment that you’re actually in.

Beyond past and future. Mindfulness means being in the present moment, not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. It's about really being here, being present.

Attention to detail. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the details of our lives, from the taste of food to the feeling of the breeze on our skin. By engaging our senses, we can fully experience each moment.

Letting go. Mindfulness is also about letting go of thoughts and ideas that distract us from the present moment. By releasing these attachments, we can experience a clearer and more peaceful state of mind.

10. Fearlessness arises from facing our fears and acting with awareness and compassion.

What fearlessness is really about is knowing that you are afraid . . . and acting anyway.

Beyond the absence of fear. Fearlessness is not the absence of fear but rather the ability to act despite it. It involves acknowledging our fears and moving forward with courage and compassion.

Overcoming limitations. By cultivating fearlessness, we can challenge the limitations that we place on ourselves and embrace new possibilities. We can step beyond our comfort zones and pursue our goals with greater determination.

Acting from the heart. Fearlessness allows us to act from the heart, without hesitation or self-doubt. It empowers us to live our lives with authenticity and purpose.

11. Transformation requires a conscious effort to wake up and embrace our shared humanity.

If we had to choose one ideal, it is Love and the true practice of compassion that is the only political, religious, social construct or modality that we need to see ourselves through.

Beyond separation. Transformation requires a conscious effort to move beyond separation and embrace our shared humanity. It involves recognizing our interconnectedness and working towards a more just and compassionate world.

Love and compassion. Love and compassion are the essential tools for creating a better world. By practicing these virtues, we can heal divisions and build stronger communities.

A call to action. Transformation is not a passive process but rather a call to action. It requires us to wake up, embrace our warrior-spirit, and work towards a more enlightened way of being in the world.

Last updated: March 30, 2025