We’re late to this Buddhist Blogosphere party, but via our friends at Chronicle Project up in Halifax, here’s advice from leading Buddhist teacher Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche to teenagers (I know, only parents will listen to this—click here for audio file).

Excerpt:

On growing up too fast

So, today I have something to tell you, that is especially for the teenagers, especially. I don’t know whether you realize this, this is really important. It’s … important is not the right word. I don’t know what to say. I’m trying to fish for a word.

There is something so incredible about being young. I made a mistake by trying to grow up fast, and I’m sure there are a lot of other people who have made the same mistake. Please for your own sake, do not grow up fast, because you can never rewind and play back.

Once you play, that’s it!

But this is easier said than done, no? … a whole society, books, television, movies … all trying to make you grow up. And you yourself, as a human being … human nature is competing: “Who will grow up fastest?” I’m sure you even tell yourselves sometimes, “Grow up! C’mon!” … not the right thing to do.

On discipline and depression

OK. One last word. Now, I hate to use the word discipline. The trouble is this is the one thing that you don’t want to hear, discipline … But even to make a cappuccino, you need a discipline … you need a discipline, of course. Skateboarding…go to Chronicle Project for rest.