[blockquote source=”Atisha”]”Regard all dharma as dreams; although experiences may seem solid, they are passing memories.” [/blockquote]

I remember the first time I heard this slogan. It was during a meditation retreat, and intended to help us foster a deeper compassion for our ‘inner being.’

But, try as I might, I just couldn’t conceptualize these words. I mean, what does it really mean to regard all dharmas as dreams?

And, how do we determine the balance between our dreams and our awakened mind?

As we begin to practice our meditation practice, we discover the inherent conflicts of these, and many other questions. We learn that not everything is so black and white.  Likewise, we begin to understand how our spiritual state begins to shape our outside world.

When we feel conflicted, distressed, irritated, angry – our universe can shrink to the size of a pin’s head. But, when our hearts are truly open, our world becomes much more spacious again.

That which is static, may become dynamic; that which is fixed, fluid…

To “regard all dharma as dreams” begs us to consider whether or not things are really so matter of fact, after all. Likewise, it teaches us that even the greatest of difficulties can be used to open our hearts.

[blockquote source=”Pema Chodron”]“Coming to terms with the intangibility of our thoughts, their lack of reality, can liberate us from enormous suffering and anguish.” A thought or a fear can develop into a full-blown story line that can cause us incredible pain and upset. This tendency has the potential to destroy the quality of our life and our ability to connect with others.”[/blockquote]

This is the foundation of the bodhichitta, and forms the basis for cultivating our most awakened mind.