Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

In the rush of daily life, our minds often feel like restless seas—waves of thoughts crashing, emotions rising and falling. But beneath the surface, there is a deep, still place. Tranquility meditation, or shamatha, is the practice of sinking into that stillness, calming the waters of the mind so that clarity and peace can naturally arise. In this episode, JoAnn Fox guides a tranquility meditation and explores the power of this practice.

At its heart, tranquility meditation is about resting in focused awareness. We choose an object like the breath—and gently anchor our attention there. Each time the mind wanders, we kindly guide it back. No struggle, no judgment. Just the steady return to presence.

As the practice deepens, the mind settles. Thoughts no longer pull us in a hundred directions. A sense of spaciousness grows, and with it, a gentle peace. This tranquility isn’t just a fleeting calm; it’s the foundation for wisdom.

Buddha taught that cultivating tranquility prepares us for insight—the ability to see into the true nature of things, to understand the causes of suffering, and, ultimately, to find liberation. Only when the mind is still can we begin to see reality as it is.

But even if enlightenment feels far away, tranquility meditation offers something invaluable in this moment: the ability to pause, to breathe, relax, and touch a little peace—right now.

Him I call a brahmana, who, having traversed this dangerous swamp (of passion), this difficult road (of moral defilements), the ocean of life (samsara) and the darkness of ignorance (moha), and having crossed the fourfold Flood, has reached the other shore (Nibbana); who practices Tranquility and Insight Meditation, who is free from craving and from doubt, who clings to nothing and remains in perfect peace.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 414

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=414

Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, 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

X: @Joannfox77

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

The spiritual path begins with a mind conditioned by anger, attachment, and ignorance—and a stirring wish for change. The culmination of the path is a mind liberated—compassionate, boundless, and freed by wisdom. What comes between is unyielding, joyful effort. 

Buddha himself and his disciples are the living proof that the task is not beyond our reach. They show us that anyone who follows the path can accomplish the same goals. But what is needed is effort.

The three obstacles to spiritual effort

• Procrastination 

• Attachment to what is meaningless or non-virtuous

• Discouragement

Procrastination

Procrastination is the quiet voice that says, "Not now," allowing us to put off the work of self-cultivation until some elusive "better time." This postponement becomes a barrier that subtly entrenches old habits, robbing us of the momentum we need to progress. Overcoming procrastination requires recognizing that each moment offers a unique chance for growth. 

A traditional antidote to procrastination is remembering the preciousness of this human life, which affords us everything we need to attain enlightenment in this very lifetime! We can also remind ourselves that we don't know how long this particular human vehicle will last (it does seem to have more squeaks and problems under the hood than it used to!) In reality, the time of death is uncertain. Now is the time!

Attachment to What is Meaningless or Non-virtuous

We can check whether we are devoting too much time to fleeting pleasures, material desires, or activities that may bring temporary satisfaction but leave us feeling empty. Attachment to what is meaningless or non-virtuous distracts us from pursuing true joy and clarity. Perhaps we discover we don't just enjoy playing video games or binge-watching Netflix; we've become ensnared! 

Overcoming this attachment requires discerning the difference between fleeting pleasures and the enduring fulfillment of spiritual progress, choosing the latter as our aim. Every time we choose spiritual practice and activities, we loosen the grip of those attachments that block our spiritual growth. We give energy to more meaningful pursuits that align with our highest purpose and bring us closer to liberation. 

Discouragement

Discouragement is the shadow that insists our progress is not enough. It saps our energy, making the spiritual journey seem arduous and our own potential small. Facing our own inner critic is a challenge that invites us to cultivate resilience and trust in our capacity for spiritual growth. Each small step on the path is significant. To rebel against this critical inner voice is to gather strength and to remember that the journey itself, with all its challenges, is the transformation.

Him I call a brahmana, who, like the moon (in a cloudless sky), is pure, clear and serene, and in whom craving for existence is extinct.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 413

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=413

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.

To get the Zoom link for the virtual Buddhist class on Feb. 15, 2025, email joann@buddhismforeveryone.com

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

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