Infusing Western Life with Tibetan Buddhist Compassion
Dharma teachings can be extremely simple, quite profound, and/or anything in-between. (Often they are all of these, simultaneously.) In hearing these teachings, full of empowering perspectives and insights, people often think or say to themselves something like: “Makes sense” . . . “Sounds good” . . . “But it’s so hard to do” . . … Read more
These days, the news — especially concerning the incoming Administration — is both alarming and depressing. So, based on the notion that everyday reality is simply our own projection, I think I’ll make up some headlines of my own to consider . . . here’s a half-dozen: *** :: National Single-Payer Healthcare Bill Signed Into … Read more
Meditation. It allows one to pierce the illusion of permanence. It brings into clarity the vast depth of mind. It increases mental strength and focus. It lessens worry, anxiety, fear, loneliness and depression. It improves breathing and heart rate. It helps us to ignore distractions. It helps improve resilience against pain and adversity It enables … Read more
Last night I dreamt about the Buddhist altar we’ve assembled in our living room. On it are statues, ancient tsa-tsas, a bell and djorje, assorted photos, a Tibetan text, some small stupas, some kusha grass from when I took formal refuge, protection cords, a small sea shell, candles, a mani stone and other meaningful odds-and-ends. … Read more
Years ago, we at the Chenrezig Project created and distributed bumper stickers that read “Don’t Believe Everything You Think” .. This idea was directed at a myriad of everyday situations, but perhaps found its most profound truth in revealing the nature of our judgments of others. *** We are always working with faulty information . … Read more
To want nothing but Bodhicitta. What would that be like? *** Restless late on a cold, rainy, windy night, how would it be to want only Bodhicitta? .. Off to the store to buy some groceries, to fill the car with gasoline, or to move projects ahead . . . how would it be to … Read more
As Kathy and I were watching the National Dog Show the other night, her description of Border Collies piqued my imagination. :: Here is a dog breed developed to gather and control sheep in the hilly border country between Scotland and England. Known for their intense stare or “eye” with which they control their flock. … Read more
The Pacific Northwest is well-known for its mountains, waterways, salmon . . . and rainfall. .. Lots of rain, beginning in November and lasting through April . . . usually gentle and drizzly . . . sometimes accompanied by gusty winds, thick fogs and cool temperatures. .. The creek behind our house is flow-roaring; the … Read more
The Sufis say that whatever you can lose in a shipwreck isn’t really yours. :: As we sit around our table with family and friends, giving thanks and offering notions of gratitude, consider that all those things we have, that we give thanks for and appreciate having, are only on loan to us. :: People … Read more
In selling the 2003 invasion of Iraq to the American public, Armed Forces officials described their war plan as employing ‘shock and awe.’ An interesting term, one that represents killing superiority and power beyond any expectations, or means to be protected from. But herein limited to the military arena – bullets, bombs and bloodshed. Ordinary … Read more