Author Archives: Bob OHearn

In psychological parlance, the term “cognitive dissonance” refers to the mental stress and consequent dysfunction experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time, or who holds a belief and nevertheless … Continue reading →

“Where O where can I be safe? Only in giving up all wanting and trying!” ~Rumi In Buddhism, “Taking Refuge” is a formal, ritualized gesture, indicating an aspirant’s commitment to and reliance on the “Triple Jewel”, which includes the Buddha, … Continue reading →

Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream? ~Edgar Allan Poe ,  This universe of phenomena is a grain of sand on an infinite beach, and this beach is but a grain of sand in … Continue reading →

When you believe yourself to be a person, you see persons everywhere. In reality there are no persons, only threads of memories and habits. ~Sri Nisargadatta In the conventional waking state, it’s typical for seekers to measure themselves in terms … Continue reading →

When the mortal mind appears, buddhahood disappears. When the mortal mind disappears, buddhahood appears. When the mind appears, reality disappears. When the mind disappears, reality appears.” ~Bodhidharma  Mind cannot be used to grasp mind. Still, for the sake of the … Continue reading →

“If you let go of everything, everything, everything — that’s the real point!”  ~Patrul Rinpoche    A relatively descriptive phrase became popularized in the American vernacular in the last century: “getting hung up”. It signifies an uncomfortable condition of neurotic … Continue reading →

 “We can observe many varieties of suffering and at the same time recognize a common basis that applies to all beings. This common basis is omnipresent ignorance, and it expresses itself in a constant alternation between hope and fear.” ~Lama … Continue reading →

  “When we’re deluded there’s a world to escape. When we’re aware, there’s nothing to escape.” ~Bodhidharma, Wake up Sermon One common aspect of the religions of this realm — both western and eastern – is that they all seem … Continue reading →

In these essays on the Conscious Process, I have often talked about the various obstructions to human development and liberation, chief among them being selfishness (greed), hatred, envy, and ignorance. Transcending these poisonous mind states signals the emergence of true … Continue reading →