Infusing Western Life with Tibetan Buddhist Compassion
Not long after Apollo 11 amazed the world by going to the moon, NASA’s lunar program fell off our cultural radar. Flying to the moon, collecting rocks, driving around and getting back safely wasn’t interesting enough, apparently. And the ‘miracle’ of the internet, which connects billions of people, instantly, is something we take for granted … Read more
While a fundamental – and undeniably practical – notion of Buddhist thought, sometimes we forget . . . Blossoms bloom due to a series of conditions that bring about its blooming. Leaves dry and fall from due to conditions that cause them to do so. Blossoms do not bloom unconditioned; a leaf does not … Read more
Contrary to popular believe, Tibetan Buddhism is not an “inside” job. Sure, dedicated study and contemplation, sitting in meditation, visualization practices and other core Dharma methodologies usually take place indoors and are geared toward inner experiences, i.e., quieting down, focusing within, learning how the mind works, identifying beneficial thoughts and intentions, etc. Yes, there is … Read more
The Tibetan Buddhist path. Beautiful, Empowering. Challenging. Why challenging? Because it is difficult to learn something(s) new that will change you into someone who disagrees with the person you used to be. We’re just not “arranged” for that. Knee-jerk rejection and our lack of curiosity about the unknown are forms of self-defense. We’re defending the … Read more
Today is April 1st . . . April Fools’ Day. A day for pranksters . . . practical jokes . . . hoaxes . . . phony stories . . . fakery . . . trickery . . . mis-directions . . . untruths . . . amusing mischief. While no one knows exactly where … Read more
Not knowing is a good beginning. Awareness of our ignorance helps prepare us for evolving toward awakening. To recognize we have been lost is to attain the trailhead of the Path. *** Acknowledge ignorance to begin navigating beyond it . . . taking first steps toward authentic wisdom. Acceptance brings humility, curiosity and grace, all … Read more
There’s been lots of talk and references made in these writings to the ‘Buddhist’ Path . . . what exactly is that? For many, it is the Dharma curriculum, full of ideas . . . teachings and practices . . . meditations and perspectives . . . psychology and spirituality . . . motivations and … Read more
One calendar year is about to morph into the next, a time when people traditionally look for those personal behaviors they’d like to stop doing, and, perhaps, what they’d like to begin. If you’ve been reading these Bread Crumbs or other similar materials, and have been considering Buddhist ideas and notions or engaging in practices, perhaps you’re … Read more
There’s a common notion that Tibetan Buddhism, in its simplest form, is a battle – to the death — between our ‘true’ (i.e., wisest) self and our Ego. Our wisest self-wishes to evolve, blossom and be free . . . the Ego likes things just the way they are, under its control . . . … 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