If we sent photographs of Earth seen from space to politicians around the world and encouraged them to become aware of where our lives come from and the laws of Nature that govern our lives, would it be too optimistic to think some might conclude, “This is no time for war”? Well, at the very least, those of us who study the teachings of the Buddha are already learning the importance of the Earth as well as teachings that help us avoid conflict and division and bring about har

According to one study, people learn about themselves by reading stories, imagining the world within those stories, and empathizing with the characters. At the same time, reading seems to cultivate the empathy and sensitivity needed to understand other people’s positions and feelings, and to foster the sensitivity that inspires us to be considerate of others.

I am already in the middle of my winter years, but as a human being, I am nowhere near reaching such a mature state of mind. However, considering the average life expectancy back then compared with now, Confucius’s 70 years old would be about one hundred and ten years old today. I am an octogenarian, but my practice and learning are still far from complete, and there are many things I do not know or understand, so therefore, I honestly think that I should continue to learn a