When I first came across Buddhism, I heard that the First Noble Truth was “Life is suffering.” I quickly dismissed Buddhism as a pessimistic philosophy.
When we inadvertently hurt someone, in order to justify that our intentions were pure we often tell ourselves that we didn’t do anything wrong and
My mother loved gardening. When I was a child, she told me all the names of the different plants, trees, and flowers around our home
Ani Zamba Chozom was one of the first Westerners to be ordained as a Buddhist nun. Born in England in 1948, a serious illness as
South Korea’s temples exemplify everything that makes the Buddhist heart beat strong. They boast historical glamor, artistic and architectural splendor, and societal adaptability tempered by
As I approach the magnificently remodeled San Francisco Marriott in Union Square, I become keenly aware of the vast differences in karmic circumstances that exist
The year was 1993, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Two years had passed since the heroic city of Leningrad was rechristened Saint
Parts of this story I have told many times to friends and to strangers, both. It gives me much pleasure to recall it and to
There are many statements in Buddhist literature that make pleasure sound like something we should totally avoid. It might take some careful reading to recognize
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road does not mean they are lost.” – Dalai Lama (goodreads) In
Dogen’s (1200–53) Soto Zen is known for its emphasis on shikantaza—“sitting only.” In his popular Once Born Zen – Twice Born Zen: The Soto and Rinzai Schools
“Sentient beings, self and others, enemies and dear ones—all are made by thoughts. It is like seeing a rope and mistaking it for a snake.
