His Holiness the Sakya Trichen (the 41st Sakya Trizin) gave this public talk at the request of a local community in New York City in April 2014.
Mindfulness is widely known and practiced by many, including those outside the Buddhist tradition. However, the mindfulness commonly used outside Dharma is not the same as the mindfulness taught by the Buddha as part of the noble eightfold path. In his first sermon, the Buddha presented these eight factors as the roadmap to liberation.
Unfortunately, many—including our fellow Buddhist siblings—have been sidetracked by a different misunderstanding: they mistakenly think Dharma and Dharma practice are purely religious or distant from everyday life. Some have forgotten that, no matter how esoteric a practice may seem, Dharma is ultimately down-to-earth and can be applied amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, even while caring for family. Dharma practice is not limited to quiet cushion time or retreat caves.
In this teaching, His Holiness reminded us what constitutes the genuine Dharma path and how mindfulness, right thinking, and remembering are fundamentally connected to it. He also emphasized that these so-called “common foundations” are essential for anyone who truly wishes to progress on the path.
Source: We thank an anonymous donor for sharing a recording of this teaching.
Is the Buddha’s teaching simply a form of escapism, detached from real life? Not at all. The Dharma, in fact, is a grounded and compassionate way of living—one that starts with the words we speak, the thoughts we hold, and the actions we choose.
On the path the Buddha taught, right mindfulness and right thought aren’t just ideals—they are both the foundation and the key to transformation. But what do these factors really mean in everyday life? And how do we live them, not just study them?
In this talk, His Holiness brings us back to the heart of the Buddha’s message: true practice isn’t about empty rituals—it’s about living each moment with awareness and a mind turned toward goodness.
Do you still remember what brought you to this path?
This Dharma teachings e-library is made possible by a grant from Sachen Foundation, and the generous donations of the Yueh Family Charitable Fund, and the Chan Family.