Everyday Buddhism 56 - Can You Lament And Still Be A Buddhist?

Everyday Buddhism 56 - Can You Lament And Still Be A Buddhist?

Author: Wendy Shinyo Haylett February 26, 2021 Duration: 38:36

Buddhist sutras and teachings speak of lamenting only in ways that highlight how it is to be avoided and transcended, so as not to fall victim to the second arrow of suffering.

The Buddha's teaching that there is dukkha, or unsatisfactoriness, but suffering is optional through one's internal relationship to that dukkha.

He teaches that is enough. But is it?

I bet, at some time during the last year, you have cried out in your heart to restore life to how it used to be. We look around and everyone is suffering and nothing is the same. Why not cry out?

A prayer of lament and grief can be a necessary expression of sorrow, as a crucial part of the experience of living in a broken world. The broken world the Buddha warned us about.

When we lament the darkest moments of life, we are at are most humble. And it is from that place, true compassion for yourself and others—and true acceptance—is born.


You might find yourself wondering how ancient Buddhist principles could possibly fit into the rush of a modern workday or the quiet complexities of your personal relationships. Everyday Buddhism: Making Everyday Better explores exactly that, without pretense or esoteric jargon. Hosted by Wendy Shinyo Haylett, who brings her perspective as an author, teacher, and behavioral coach, each conversation feels like a practical dialogue. The ideas discussed aren't about retreating from the world, but about engaging with it more skillfully and with less personal turmoil. You'll hear how mindfulness and compassion translate into actionable strategies for dealing with stress, communication breakdowns, and the general noise of daily life. This podcast treats Buddhist teachings as a lived experience, offering reflections and methods that feel immediately applicable. Whether you're well-versed in spirituality or simply curious, Wendy’s guidance is grounded and clear, focusing on the tangible ways these age-old insights can create more space and resilience. Tune in for a thoughtful companion on the path to making each day a little more manageable and meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Everyday Buddhism: Making Everyday Better
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