Like most of us here, I have been on many retreats, listened to endless dharma talks, and read countless books, but sometimes it's the tiny teachings, the one-liners a teacher or a friend says that resonates most and remains in your heart for years. Here are a few of my favorite short teachings: In the Buddhist tradition they are often referred to as Pith Instructions. Pith instructions are the most essential and practical instructions on a given topic, often transmitted orally. Below are written and audio short teachings.
Please share your favorite Pith instructions here in the comment section or on our community board.
Tiny Teachings
Let awareness be your steadfast companion
Lama Daniella Coriat
You don't need to be a buddhist to be a buddha
Lama Surya Das
Wisdom tells me I am nothing.
Love tells me I am everything.
In between the two-my life flows.
Nisargadatta Maharaj
Every act done in the sunlight of awareness becomes sacred
Thich Nhat Hahn
If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete
Jack Kornfield
Love your crooked neighbor with all your crooked heart
W.H. Auden
Nothing to do, figure out, or achieve-just sitting-just breathing-just being
Lama Christopher Coriat
Just to be is a blessing- Just to live is holy
Rabbi Abraham Herschel
Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise.
Surangama Sutra
Nowhere to go, Nothing to do, Just be
Thich Nhat Hahn
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
Thich Nhat hahn
The whole of the practice boils down to this: be aware and don't cling!
Joseph Goldstein
We’re all just walking each other home
Ram Dass
There is no way to peace, peace is the way
Thich Nhat Hahn
Don't just do something-Sit there.
Anonymous
Happiness is availble, help yourself to it.
Thich Nhat Hahn
Rest the weary heart and mind in the hammock of awareness
Lama Daniella Coriat
Tiny Teachings Audio
Podcast: Silvia Boorstein The Really Important Things to Know: The Relevance of the Buddha's Wisdom to Living in Our Complex, Contemporary World. Ten short discussions on various aspects of life and practice http://www.sylviaboorstein.com/audio
Youtube Tara Brach
When you just have a few minutes and you want to set the hearts compass in the right direction try one of Taras beautiful short talks. I find her teachings to be wise and kind and clear.