Some people look upon crying as an indication of self-pity or weakness, a loss of self-control or indication of some sort of emotional disorder or infirmity . . . or perhaps merely a means of manipulation. 

But for those on the Buddhist path, tears often emerge for reasons quite different; signaling a profound opening to a richer embrace of our range of experience.

Sometimes we cry on the outside, our eyes filling with tears . . . but the crying of which we're speaking here occurs inside, in that aspect of mind we refer to as heart. And the Buddhist heart cries not tears of weakness but of understanding and strength . . . tears of compassion.

As such, crying can be a wonderful moment, the physical effect of a quantum spiritual step, akin to breaking out of the shell of self-cherishing and preparing to fly.

(Length: 12 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.