Washington National Cathedral

Buddhism claims that compassion is waiting to blossom in our depths, rising through and dissolving the delusions that cause suffering. “Kindness is compassion in action,” says Sharon Salzberg, an admired teacher of insight meditation.

The Buddha was not the founder of a dogmatic religion but an explorer of the human interior. He urged his followers to understand the human mind, which in its true nature is present, aware and interconnected with all other beings. From this state, love and compassion arise naturally. This is why Tibetan Buddhism scholar Robert Thurman calls Buddhism “a joyous science of the heart.”

Robert and Sharon drew from Buddhist traditions and from their personal experiences to help us awaken from the daily trance of fear and anxiety. Through meditation and discussions, they taught specific techniques to practice speech that is truthful and loving, unveil inner wisdom and cultivate lovingkindness.

This program was co-sponsored by the Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral and the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. More information about IMCW can be found at