One of the last things the Buddha said, when he passed out of this life, was “transient are all conditions.” Everything that arises—this life, this mayfly, this flower, this mountain, and most importantly this life—anything that’s a created thing, passes. Then he said to be confident about the future. Let the future arise in confidence. I love that! I’ve said many times that there is really only one Dharma talk: Life is complex and challenging all the time from the beginning to the end. But it’s manageable, it’s doable. And it’s possible to celebrate it because it’s magnificent and awesome and interesting.
Sylvia Boorstein
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, has taught Dharma and mindfulness meditation since 1985 and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock. A psychologist as well as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she emphasizes daily life, citizenship, and social activism as integral to practice. Her books include It’s Easier Than You Think, Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There, That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist, Pay Attention for Goodness’ Sake, and Happiness Is an Inside Job.