Infusing Western Life with Tibetan Buddhist Compassion
Motivated Buddhist practice. Challenging, empowering, difficult, beautiful, rugged, liberating; engaging awareness, slippery mindfulness. For most, it’s often a back-and-forth process . . . two steps forward and one back (only one, hopefully). *** Dharma mind arises as the tiniest of sparks, then progresses into kindling fire, etc. The winds blowing through the days of our … Read more
It’s an age-old riddle: if a tree falls in the forest (where no one is listening), does it make a noise? The answer in terms of accepted science is clear: (from the human perspective) the falling tree creates vibrations in the air which become noise if — and only if – they relate to an … Read more
An honest Dharma practitioner strives to be prepared. This preparation infuses all levels of experience and mind. Prepared for what? His or her own self-sabotage. *** The honest Dharma practitioner understands that ignorance is stubbornly clever and will create obstacles and diversions; some familiar, others inventive and new. He or she understands the terrain changes … Read more
The Buddhist path is about much more than ‘Buddhism’ . . . It develops intuitive ethics, mindfulness, calm, intelligence, patience, confidence, integrity, wisdom, compassion. It promotes widespread inquiry through open-minded curiosity, study, contemplation, discussion, knowledge. It helps transform ‘out of control’ egos into significantly virtuous tools. It helps us overcome narrow-minded, reactive, often fear-based “me … Read more
Contrary to what many believe, Buddhist meditation is not just about closing down sensory doorways – including thought and those of the mind – and going into some tightly managed place of perceptual deprivation. *** Blocking the ‘enter here’ doorways of eye, nose, tongue, ear, body and mind may lead to moments of non-struggle. Opening … Read more
Summertime . . . a time for road trips, forest hikes, picnics, ocean sunrises and sunsets. Let’s animate . . . leave for a summer excursion, inside, to where our greatest potential(s) lie. Where the skies are iridescently blue while transformative raindrops, full of infinite Buddhas, fall and penetrate. The joy of being in this … Read more
For 65 years I have been forgetful and unaware, but not for one moment have my intentions and actions ceased to bring forth effects on others, as well as in my own mind. Today is the anniversary of Siddhartha’s first teaching after attaining Buddhahood. A day of great karmic effect if and when one is … Read more
“It’s all in your head” is a popular comment, meant to dismiss an experience (or statement) of what “is” as something that doesn’t really exist . . . an out-of-touch moment . . . a fiction or individual misapprehension. Well, guess what . . . IT IS all in your head (if it is the … Read more
Handle with extreme care. Beware of Dog. Follow instructions carefully Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. If this is an emergency hang up and dial 9-1-1. May be too intense for some viewers. For recreational use only. If condition persists, consult your physician. … Read more
I’ve amassed many photos on my phone. To clear some space I was sorting through them, newest to oldest. I guess I scrolled back too quickly; everything momentarily stopped and then a message appeared: ‘You’ve reached the beginning’ Yes, indeed . . . the beginning . . . the starting line . . . the … Read more