The Buddhist story, “The Jewel hidden in the robe,” told in Chapter 8 of the Lotus Sutra, tells a tale of ignorance, spiritual poverty, and transformation.
Reflecting and taking responsibility for our past thoughts, words and actions, “repentance,” is the first step in cultivating a new life. Like the adage says, “the first step in changing anything is recognizing there is a problem.”
Modern psychology and neuroscience again find evidence of contemplative meditation practices supporting wellness. This is a great article how our shodaigyo meditation practice trains our mental "happiness" muscles: Concentration/Calming, Clarity/Insight, Friendliness/Loving Kindness, and Equanimity! We can’t “think” our way to happiness, but we can train ourselves to be happy!
