How to help my family

How can I help my family who are subject to many wrong perceptions and afflictive emotions?

In general, we can say that if we have really strong afflictive emotions it's good, because we can recognize them clearly. Having a kind altruistic mind doesn't require us to be Buddhist; it's a universal human right, we all have this right. Everyone has the right to love and affection - it doesn't belong exclusively to the Buddhist tradition. All of us are worldly beings trapped in samsara. Our own bodies and minds are destined to fall apart. Suffering and destruction can come at any time. We don't have stability yet, because we are just ordinary beings. Therefore, we should wish all beings temporary happiness - both mental and physical - and ultimately for them to go beyond all suffering and attain the stable mental happiness of liberation. This affectionate loving mind is essential for everyone. It isn’t limited to Buddhism - everyone has the right to have it and receive it.

So, when we are with people some may be Buddhists and others may not be. We shouldn't cling to the idea of being a sectarian Buddhist; we should just be honest, loving and have a good heart.

Internally, in terms of our own practice, no matter how much difficulty we encounter, we rely on the six paramitas for our path. The view is interdependence. The conduct is to cause no harm and to practice non-violence. Whatever anger comes to us we shouldn't react to it or hold onto the bad words and actions directed at us, since they exist in dependence. We need to cultivate the view of interdependence and the conduct of non-violence; that is the essence of the six paramitas. Truly, the six paramitas are the best method for dealing with life. They are the best companions we can have. Whoever embraces the six paramitas is a true follower of Buddhism, while those who do not are not genuine followers of Buddhism.