An Invitation A new “Order”? Don’t know about that. Maybe a de-order. An un-ordering. An attempt to authentically respond to the deep disorder of our present global consumerist catastrophe. Araṇya means something like “wilderness” in Sanskrit. A place beyond the control of “civilized” manipulation, beyond the pressures for social approval and Read more…
As any sensitive observer reflects on the current state of global human civilization, there is an obvious cause for serious concern, even alarm, at how we have degraded and imperiled our lifesupporting natural environment. Our abuse of the natural world, particularly during the modern proliferation of global industrialization, has clearly Read more…
Wu Wei is a term derived from the Daoist tradition of China, and basically translates as “non-doing”. It is championed by the adherents of this tradition as an ideal way of conducting our behavior, of evaluating our intentions, and of directing our lives. In our modern culture so focused on Read more…
As I write this there is smoke engulfing my home city, and ash falling like fine snow over the land. I usually spend most of my days outside, whether sitting, exercising, or riding my bike around town on errands, but today I’ll stay inside. My throat started burning during morning Read more…
When asked to summarize his spiritual approach, Gandhi was said to have given a three-word response: “renounce and enjoy!” To some this phrase might seem paradoxical – renunciation is not often associated with having a good time (if it’s thought about at all). But as so many of our historical Read more…
All beings are motivated by the desire for happiness or contentment throughout their lives. However much we might differ in our views about which pursuits or activities might actually bring about happiness, we can still say that we are all drawn toward whatever we imagine will bring us this contentment. Read more…
Heaven and Earth give themselves. Air, water, plants, animals, and humans give themselves to each other. It is in this giving-themselves-to-each-other that we actually live. Whether you appreciate it or not, it is true… Samadhi is to work constantly for all beings at every moment, living as the whole universe. Read more…
The practice and realization of the Buddhadharma is sometimes divided into three categories: sila, samadhi, and prajna. Prajna, often understood as the final fruit of practice, is primordial wisdom that lies before knowledge. It’s the revelation of unbounded, selfless reality as the ground and basis of consciousness. Samadhi, the quality Read more…
Under the Bodhitree, in the forest by the Niranjara River, the world-honored one touched the earth and received great awakening. Without touching the earth, there is no great awakening. Because of touching the earth, the earth trembled, all beings trembled, and the morning star opened its eye and sent forth Read more…