Category: Wisdom

Empathy

6/13/2026

Empathy is one of the most valuable amotions we can cultivate. To be a person of empathy requires having both wisdom and courage. Unlike mere sentimentality, which is more about being nice, polite, and pleasing, empathy calls upon our deepest insight and strengths so that we can reach out and touch and transform those who are hurting. Change and healing can take place in the wounded only when they sense that we understand and feel their truth. Such is the power of empathy.

Who in your social and professional circle is hurting today? What can you say or do that will make a difference?
-Victor M Parachin, Eastern Wisdom for Western Minds

Mind Familiarity

2/10/2026

"If you place your mind on thoughts that are based upon compassion and wisdom, that's what the mind will become familiar with." -Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

The above quote is provocative because it raises this vital question: "What's my mind 'familiar' with?" If you'd like to begin with our culture, ask the question differently: "What's familiar to the mind of people in our society?"

The answer is as quick as it is obvious: violence, anger, greed, frustration, even rage. These are so "familiar" to the mind that they are easily, quickly, and readily triggered by the smallest of issues. The concepts that are not familiar to the minds of many people in our culture are wisdom, compassion, kindness, civility, etc.

The concept that we become what we think was first taught by the Buddha, who succintly said, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become." . . .

Here is a meditation to explore mind familiarity.
- Sit comfortably and quietly.
- Focus on your breathing for a few moments by saying "In" on the inhalation and "Out" on the exhalation.
- Ask yourself, "What is my mind 'familiar' with?"
- Pause to see what comes up: anger or acceptance, greed or geerosity, cruelty or kindness.
- Conclude with the resolve to make your mind more "familiar" with virtues associated with compassion and wisdom. Do this by repeating affirmations like these:
--- I act compassionately to all.
--- I respond with kindness to all.
--- I see the best in each person.
-Victor M Parachin, Sit a Bit

Empathy

Mind Familiarity

Victor M. Parachin ... a

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