The key reason we suffer are these neurotic emotions, which are based on a world view that is out-of-touch with reality. These misconceptions, according to Buddhist psychology, happen due to habitual projections. How does that happen? Consider that each moment of consciousness is made up from the moment before. Through the Buddhist teachings, we can develop some doubt about our projections. We can notice and examine our thoughts and emotions through stability meditation. All the Buddhist concepts come to the same thing – the mind is central. It is the beginning of suffering, and the beginning of happiness. So we need to work skillfully with the mind.

This is part of a series of talks given at the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 5-7, 2019.