Category Archives: Spirtual Practice

Recently I read somewhere, “Mindfulness is heart, mind, and body in the same place.”  It sounded good at the time and I understand the intent, but it isn’t wearing well with time. On reflection, I think it sets the bar … Continue reading →

Several traditional Buddhists have criticized mindfulness training.  At first this seems a bit odd, but reading the whole critique explains the problem they have.  It wasn’t mindfulness practice per se, it is mindfulness only as a way to cope with … Continue reading →

It’s important not to get sucked into identity politics. It’s about privilege, exclusion, and power. Neither the battle over who is favored nor apathy and inaction is the solution. The question then becomes, how do we improve the world, country, … Continue reading →

Every-Minute Zen Zen students are with their masters at least ten years before they presume to teach others. Nan-in was visited by Tenno, who having passed his apprenticeship, had become a teacher. The day happened to be rainy, so Tenno … Continue reading →

The election of Donald Trump is profoundly disturbing for many reasons: the process (e.g. fake news, probable Russian intervention, and the ugliness of the rhetoric) and the results (e.g. his nominees reek of crony capitalism). Resistance is necessary, but not sufficient. … Continue reading →

Do you want to fast this Lent? Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast … Continue reading →

5 Ways Not to Bite the Trump Hook by Susan Piver strikes me as some of the best advice I heard lately to make it through life with grace and balance.

I’ve been struggling to write a post on “What Would MLK Do?” Now I don’t have to. Charles Johnson has written  The King We Need: Martin Luther King Jr., Moral Philosopher,. He is a student of Dr. King’s life, writings, legacy … Continue reading →

Joanna Macy is “a Buddhist scholar, environmental activist, and author whose teachings are informed by the dharma, deep ecology, and systems thinking”, i.e. an activist-contemplative like Martin (Luther King). Rilke’s Book of Hours as Portent and Guide is a report on … Continue reading →