As we cultivate mindfulness, we begin to see the interconnectedness of all life, and the ways our actions can bring either harm or benefit to ourselves and others.
Sharon Salzberg
Mindfulness and Service
Topic: Serving Others
As we cultivate mindfulness, we begin to see the interconnectedness of all life, and the ways our actions can bring either harm or benefit to ourselves and others. It is this understanding that leads us to acts of service.
Sharon Salzberg, born on August 5, 1952 in New York City, is one of the world's renowned meditation teachers and authors. Her early life was marked by loss and turmoil, with her parents' divorce and the death of her father. Her mother's subsequent mental health issues forced Sharon into a series of foster homes and schools. This period of difficulty and displacement sparked her interest in the workings of the mind and the possibility of finding inner peace amidst chaos.
In 1969, Sharon attended a lecture on Buddhism at the State University New York, Buffalo, which ignited her passion for understanding and exploring human consciousness. A year later, she left for India as part of an independent study program, searching for a more comprehensive approach to alleviate human suffering. This journey led her to meet various spiritual teachers, most notably S. N. Goenka, under whose guidance she began to practice Vipassana or Insight Meditation. This would prove to be a turning point not only in her personal life but also in her impact on Western spirituality.
Following her profound experiences in India, Salzberg returned to America in 1974 and co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein. She has since authored several influential books, including "Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness" and "Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation," teaching people how to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and, most importantly, how to integrate these practices into everyday life. Despite her massive influence, Salzberg maintains a humble approach to her work, underscoring that it's not about achievement but being able to touch one's own heart and, subsequently, the hearts of others.
Real Happiness
Salzberg, Sharon. Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation. Workman Publishing, 2010.
Sharon Salzberg
Theme: Serving
About this Sharon Salzberg Quotation [Commentary]
Sharon Salzberg’s quote, “As we cultivate mindfulness, we begin to see the interconnectedness of all life, and the ways our actions can bring either harm or benefit to ourselves and others,” reflects the transformative power of awareness. Mindfulness reveals that life is deeply interconnected, helping us see how even small choices affect the world around us. This understanding grows not through theory but through direct experience, guiding us toward more thoughtful and compassionate actions.
Salzberg emphasizes that mindfulness is not an isolated practice but one that invites us into a larger web of relationships. When we recognize how our actions impact both ourselves and others, we naturally feel called to live with greater intention. Mindful choices help reduce harm and foster healing, encouraging kindness and responsibility in our interactions. This process is not about achieving perfection but learning to meet each moment with clarity and care.
In this way, service becomes a natural outgrowth of mindfulness. For Salzberg, understanding the interconnectedness of life leads to action—helping others arises from the same awareness that teaches us to care for ourselves. Mindful living nurtures a deep sense of shared responsibility, reminding us that our well-being is inseparable from that of others. Through small, mindful acts, we contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.
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