Tricycle » Pema Chödrön on Building a Stable Foundation

Pema Chödrön on Building a Stable Foundation February 9, 2010

Posted by Philip Ryan in : Buddhism , trackback

When we build a house, we start by creating a stable foundation. Just so, when we wish to benefit others, we start by developing warmth or friendship for ourselves. It’s common, however, for people to have a distorted view of this friendliness and warmth. We’ll say, for instance, that we need to take care of ourselves, but how many of us really know how to do this? When clinging to security and comfort, and warding off pain, become the focus of our lives, we don’t end up feeling cared for and we certainly don’t feel motivated to extend ourselves to others. We end up feeling more threatened or irritable, more unable to relax.

- Pema Chödrön from “Unlimited Friendliness” (Winter 2009)

Comments»

1. Shelley-Jo - February 9, 2010

this reading struck me in my core. I often cannot relax, feeling I should be “doing something” or feel alone as I cheerfully and with compassion and love, care for my family, friends, work and home which I see as my greatest practice at this point in my life. How does one foster the friendliness with oneself that I’m beginning to think I need?

PS, I’ll certainly be picking up this book, is it Pema’s latest?

2. Philip Ryan - February 9, 2010

Hi Shelley-Jo:

It is indeed her latest. It’s available here from Shambhala Publications!

3. Stormerne Hunt - February 9, 2010

When we build a house, before we even build a stable foundation, we begin by choosing the plot, making plans and gathering suitable materials together. So when we wish to benefit others, before we even develop warmth or friendship for ourselves, we begin by adopting a right and balanced view, and finding and understanding appropriate methods. And for those who haven’t built a house before, it can help to hire an architect, so finding a good teacher may be the very first stage!

4. How much lumber is needed to build a 1500 square foot house? | Lumberjakk - February 10, 2010