Mindfulness is needed in all instances. It has the capacity to connect with and accept whatever phenomenon is presenting itself at any of the six sense doors without judgement, evaluation or the attachment of self-identification. Mindfulness is the "mother" of all the factors of enlightenment. It offers the great intimacy with experience that is needed for the door of truth to open.
The parami of patience not only enables endurance of great suffering but allows compassion to flower. A Tibetan monk imprisoned for 33 years explains his strength as "the fruit of taking the teachings seriously: resist anger, be patient, and do good to others".
Love, as it is ordinarily experienced in our world, leads to suffering. The leaders of the Burmese opposition party bear witness to the fact that love which has in it no attachment leads to freedom and peace.
Mudita is the capacity to rejoice in the happiness or good fortune of others. As a practice, mudita helps us to aim the heart toward its natural capacity for generosity, friendliness and care. In doing so, we find our hearts rejoicing.
