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One of the best-known Buddhist teachings on grief is the story of Kisa Gotami. Mad with sorrow after her child died, she asked the Buddha for medicine. He told her to bring a mustard seed from a house where no one had ever died. She searched the whole village and found no such house — and in that search, she found she was not alone.
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Buddhist teaching gently invites us to see that all things change, to meet painful feelings with kindness rather than resistance, and to come back, again and again, to the breath and the present moment.
Lines marked “After” are paraphrases of traditional texts.
The breathing lantern on our home page is a simple way to practise returning to the breath, even for a minute.
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love. This is the eternal law.
— After the Dhammapada, 5All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
— After the Dhammapada, 1Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.
— After the Dhammapada, 100There is no house that loss has not visited. In grief, we join every family that has ever loved.
— After the parable of Kisa GotamiJust as a mother would protect her only child with her life, so let us cultivate a boundless love toward all beings.
— After the Metta SuttaAll things that arise also pass away. Strive on with care.
— After the Buddha's last wordsHolding on to anger is like picking up a burning coal to throw at someone; you are the one who is burned.
— After BuddhaghosaYou yourself, as much as anyone in the world, deserve your own love and kindness.
— Often attributed to the BuddhaFeelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
— Thich Nhat HanhNo mud, no lotus.
— Thich Nhat HanhThe present moment is the only place where life can be lived. Come back to it, breath by breath.
— After Thich Nhat HanhSmile, breathe, and go slowly.
— Thich Nhat HanhA cloud never dies. It becomes rain, and then the river, and then the tea in your cup.
— After Thich Nhat HanhLet go, or be dragged.
— Zen sayingBefore enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
— Zen sayingBecause nothing stays, every moment of love we were given was precious.
— After the Buddhist teaching of impermanence
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