Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

What if you could instantly reduce stress, anxiety, and worry—not by changing your circumstances, but by changing how you see them? So much of our discomfort comes from labeling things as "good" or "bad," clinging to what we want and resisting what we don't. But what if these labels aren't inherently true?

In this episode of Buddhism for Everyone, we'll explore the Buddhist teaching that nothing is truly good or bad on its own—it only appears that way based on our perspective. By understanding this, we gain the ability to meet life's challenges with wisdom, flexibility, and peace.

So, if you've ever wished you could let go of stress, worry, or frustration over "bad" things happening, this episode is for you. Let's journey beyond good and bad—to a place of inner freedom.

Him I call a brahmana, who, in this world, has transcended both ties good and evil; who is sorrowless and, being free from the taints of moral defilements, is pure.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 412

References and Links

Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=412

Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 3 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.

Find us at the links below: 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

X: @Joannfox77

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

In this episode, we dive into the very heart of Buddhist wisdom: the Four Noble Truths. These foundational teachings illuminate why we experience suffering and dissatisfaction and the path to inner peace and freedom.

Buddha explained that dukkha, translated as suffering or dissatisfaction, arises from craving (attachment) fueled by ignorance. To use these Truths in daily life, Buddhist Teacher JoAnn Fox suggests a powerful practice for letting go of attachment: “Welcome Everything.”

Welcome Everything

What does it mean to truly embrace life as it unfolds, without clinging or resistance? We can use this simple yet profound mindset of welcoming everything to cultivate peace and free ourselves from the cycles of craving and dissatisfaction.

The Four Noble Truths:

1. The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life is pervaded by suffering and dissatisfaction. Suffering includes not only physical pain but also emotional pain, such as anxiety, depression, and grief.

2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering arises from craving (also called attachment) fueled by ignorance.

3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and dissatisfaction by letting go of attachment.

4. The Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga): The way to the end of suffering and dissatisfaction is through the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom.

Him I call a brahmana, who has no desire either for this world or for the next, who is free from craving and from moral defilements.

Him I called a brahmana, who has no craving, who through knowledge of the Four Noble Truths is free from doubt, and has realized Nibbana the Deathless. 

--Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 410 and 411)

References and Links

Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=410

Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 and Volume 2 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.

Find us at the links below: 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

What does it mean to live generously? In this episode of Buddhism for Everyone, we explore the subtle ways we can practice abandoning stealing—not just materially, but in the countless small ways we might take without realizing it, like stealing time, being late, or complaining.

Living generously is about cultivating a mindset of abundance and integrity. In daily practice, it means transforming our actions into gifts of kindness, consideration, and fairness. Small, mindful shifts can make a big impact on the way we live and interact with the world. Through Buddha's teachings, stories, and practical tips, we'll uncover how letting go of taking leads to greater peace and joy in our lives. 

Him I call a Brahmana, who, in this world takes nothing that is not given him, be it long or short, big or small, good or bad.

Whoever in this world Takes nothing not given, Whether it is long or short, Large or small, Beautiful or not, I call a brahmin. (409)

—Buddha, The Dhammapada

References with Links

Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=409

Find us at the links below: 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

Buddha taught that "A disciplined mind brings happiness." In this episode, we explore how shedding the habits of mind that are harmful to ourselves or others is the key to our own happiness.

In the stillness of reflection, we may notice how easily the mind clings to habits that bring harm—to ourselves, to others, to the fragile beauty of our relationships. Perhaps it is anger, rising like a sudden storm, that steals our peace. Or it could be an endless loop of self-criticism that pains us. These are habits of mind that obscure our happiness.

When we take up the work of letting go—of releasing judgment, anger, envy, fear—we are not losing anything. We are gaining the freedom to connect with the happiness that has always been ours to reap.

This letting go requires discipline, yes. But not the cold, harsh kind. It is the discipline of kindness, of gently steering our minds away from harm and toward healing. Buddha's teaching reminds us that we are not our anger, our jealousy, our despair. These are visitors, and we can send them on their way! In that letting go, we return to ourselves—whole, radiant, and alive with joy. It is a daily practice and perhaps a lifelong one. But as we strive in this practice, we uncover the deep truth of life: our joy is not something to be sought; it is something to be revealed.

May we each take up this practice with courage and tenderness, knowing that as we uncover our joy, we offer it to the world.

Whoever lets passion, aversion, 

Conceit, and hypocrisy fall away 

Like a mustard seed from the tip of an awl, 

I call a brahmin.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada Verse 407

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 (Link)

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. [Kindle] Pages 143-149. 

Find us at the links below: 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program

The Buddha, in his gentle wisdom, offered us a path to mindful speech through what he called "The Five Gatekeepers of Speech." These gatekeepers stand like sentinels, reminding us to pause before we speak. We ask ourselves:

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Is it beneficial?

Is it necessary?

Is it the right time?

Our speech, whether it lands on another's heart or drifts unnoticed through the air, always leaves its karmic mark on us. If we are kind to others with our speech, we create causes for our own happiness. When we are unkind to others, we create suffering for ourselves.

Words are the most powerful tool we carry, shaping not only the world around us but also the spirit within us. With every sentence, we build up or break down—not just others but ourselves. This power is so profound because we wield it constantly. Each time we speak, we either sow seeds of healing or harm. And those words linger. Even when forgotten by others, their echoes remain within us, shaping our character--shaping our future.

Beautiful speech

Beautiful mind

Beautiful world

The Buddha taught us to tend to our speech mindfully, as one would a garden. The mind, planted with our words, will grow the fruits we eventually consume. So, let us speak with intention, knowing that every word has the power to uplift or diminish, and in the end, each of us must live among the gardens we plant.

Whoever speaks 

What is true, informative, and not harsh, 

Who gives offense to no one, 

I call a brahmin.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 408)

The Five Gatekeepers of Speech 

Buddha taught that we should check that our speech passes through these five gates before we speak:

Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it beneficial?
Is it necessary?
Is it the right time?

The Four Downfalls of Speech

Lying

Divisive speech

Harsh speech

Idle gossip 

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011.

Find us at the links below: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program