Siddhartha's choice led to his Enlightenment, to Buddhahood. When you face your choice, how will you answer? Which path will you choose?

The effort of remembering our shared humanity assures us that we are embraced by a wider community, not forsaken as isolated individuals. This daily practice can enhance our appreciation for life. It can also make us more able to face death like a Buddha.

When I was asked to join a "Kalachakra" -- a circle-of-life pilgrimage to where Prince Siddhartha discovered the realities of the world under the Bodhi Tree -- I jumped at the chance.

Most religion, including Buddhism, offers an escape from reality, rather than a transforming insight about it. But Dharma is not like that. It is about what is true and real.

Editors Note: Jack Kornfield is a Buddhist teacher and has been a practitioner for over 40 years. The following is an excerpt from his book 'A Lamp In...

When you take good care of your living space, you are affected in a positive way. Not only is a well-tended environment a gift to yourself, you are also offering it to others.

Traditional Buddhism may discourage abortion, but it also discourages imposing rigid moral absolutes.

While it is fine to get involved in the political process or to engage in non-violent protests, I think Sid would also say that anything to do with other people can be considered social action.

Buddhism and psychoanalysis have begun to cultivate a true partnership that seems to be ushering in wellness on a new scale.

There are three qualities of the tiger which I think our friend Sid would recommend for such a rough parting with your partner: Kindness to yourself, being present and inquisitive, and discernment.

It is the work of a true bodhisattva, or open-hearted warrior, to go into the darkest aspects of our society in the hopes that he or she can be a light for all to see.