Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, volcanoes, oil spills… the news is filled with many catastrophes, some from nature, some by man. What perspectives might Buddhist teachings offer?

Well, for one, there never was a “disaster,” none from the start. No land to shake, no wind to blow, nothing to burn or erupt, no oil to spill into the sea, no sea. No loss, no destruction, no mess to clean up, no place which can be sullied.

And yet, though each is like a dream, each is also true and a fact… and we’d best embrace them all, allow it all, be at one with the terrible situation and impermanency. No resistance. [Click through for more and to hear more and "sit-a-long" with today's video.]

And yet again, though each is but a dream — and though each is just a fact to unite with — there is loss to avoid as we can, destruction to prevent, ruin and spills to clean up and resist!

These Truths, seemingly contradictory, are one and whole in a Bodhisattva’s eyes.

(Oh, and simple living — with fewer material needs — might not be a bad idea either!)

Today’s Sit-A-Long video follows. Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 20 to 35 minutes is recommended.