Gratitude To Bodhi: Lessons From My Dog

Have you ever noticed that the English word ‘dog’ spells ‘god’ backwards? Though this may not be a new discovery, it intrigues me. Maybe it’s something to do with a dog’s inherent goodness. As I write these words, I feel my heart fill with gratitude. In Buddhism, the term appreciative joy (mudita) correlates to gratitude, …

Cultivating Joy

GLAD an MBSR exercise. In psychology, research shows that gratitude is strongly linked with greater happiness. In the context of the traditional Buddhist heart practices, the Brahma-Viharas, gratitude may best be understood as appreciative joy. In the words of Lao Tzu, “When we know how to be content, we never want for anything.” Thus releasing …