Photo by Wilfredo Rodríguez

The question of human nature is the most important global issue that we face today, says Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. If we conclude that humanity is not basically good— that we do not possess inherent wisdom—what hope does the future hold?

The intention to benefit all sentient beings is the best of all thoughts, says Sakyong Mipham. Dedicating ourselves to others, we become bodhisattvas.

Photo by Lyle Vincent.

The world needs people who are wholeheartedly engaged with life, says Sakyong Mipham. That takes bravery.

Photo by Ryan.

Transforming society, says Sakyong Mipham, begins with the simple act of contemplating our basic goodness and reflecting on how we really feel about ourselves.

Photo by Sebastien Wiertz.

Meditation practice, says Sakyong Mipham, gives us time to slow down and really wake up to the naturally occurring love in our hearts.

Via United Nation Photos.

We can brighten the future of modern society, says Sakyong Mipham, by cultivating our communal basic goodness.

Photo by Chris Campbell.

When body and mind are synchronized, Sakyong Mipham says, we can live with grace and dignity, grounded and in harmony with the world around us.

Painting by George Frederic Watts / © Trustees of The Watts Gallery, Compton, Surrey, UK / the Bridgeman Art Library International.

Sakyong Mipham explains how cultivating bravery gives us the confidence to live in the brilliance of the Great Eastern Sun.

The first realization on the Buddhist path is our own emptiness—we look at the self and find nothing permanent. The next step is the egolessness of other, says Sakyong Mipham, and the way we discover it, interestingly, is through love and compassion.

We’re caught in confusion because of mistaken beliefs about who we are, says Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, but we can see our way clear by using meditation to slow down.