The Six Principles of Compassionate Living

These points are from Pema Chodron, as summarized by my colleague Brock Davis. They offer a wonderful context within which to begin the new year.

1. Generosity: Giving as a path of learning to let go.

2. Discipline: Training in not causing harm in a way that is daring and flexible.

3. Patience: Training in abiding with the restlessness of our energy and letting things evolve at their own speed. If waking up takes forever, still we go moment by moment, giving up all hope of fruition and enjoying the process.

4. Joyful enthusiasm: Letting go of our perfectionism and connecting with the living quality of every moment.

5. Meditation: Training in coming back to being right here with gentleness and precision.

6. Prajna (or transcendent wisdom): Cultivating an open, inquiring mind.