I wonder about the "guardian angels" some people speak of with such conviction. Who are they and do they really watch over us if we pray to them for protection?...

I have a sixteen year old dog that just lost the use of his back legs and is starting to suffer from it. Do we have the authority over life and death of animals? I know we kill and eat animals and put them down, I just never had to do it before, and I feel as though I am doing it to lift the burden of taking care of him off myself. I thought he would pass naturally, but he just won't. (From st...

Why is it that when it comes to others, I don't say what I feel until I am irritated. Then I don't care what I say to get my point across! (From student correspondence)...

I am usually so busy... it is sad how I rush through everything. I know life was not meant to be this way. I admire the place where you are in your life and that you have found fulfillment.

We have a wonderful and willful daughter who is 14 and can be a real challenge to parent. How can we help her with some behaviors that are not safe? It seems the trust is on shaky ground.

How do you give constructive criticism to others without hurting them or having them take it personally, negatively? My intention is to think of criticism as helpful, leading to development if it is given in a respectful way. What are your thoughts on this delicate area?...

Recently I have been wondering about how painful it is to be identified with things (people, intentions, etc) and whether it's possible to actually separate what I give my attention to and what I want from that "act?" Can attention and identification actually be separate? (From student correspondence)...

Spiritual patience is a priceless reconciling virtue that's learned, and earned in one way, and in one way only: by awakening to -- and then agreeing to consciously suffer -- what our impatience does to everyone and everything... not just around us, but within us, as well.

Here's why learning compassion for another -- putting yourself in his or her "shoes" -- is a good idea: not only is it likely that your paths will cross again but, odds are, next time round... you will be the one walking in their footsteps.

The uncertainties of events in my life are increasing day by day. What I hope for in the future never comes as expected. The tension of negative anticipation has created irritation in me and I sometimes shout at others. How can I develop the ability to have patience - to enjoy my present and hope for good in the future?...

There seems to be an underlying fear and anguish that creeps up and stays with me whenever I go to meditate in silence. It comes in different forms and seems to swim around in my head. I truthfully have difficulty pinpointing where it comes from so I can break through. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

There are times when, for whatever reason, I feel more fragmented than usual, and in these darker hours it seems harder than normal to remember myself and my wish to live in presence. Is there anything I can do to look and live from the whole of things?...