Monkey Mind

FAITH IN A CHAIR A Consideration of Covenant As a Spiritual Endeavor 20 September 2009 James Ishmael Ford First Unitarian ChurchProvidence, Rhode IslandText We’ve fallen into communion with the feisty, free-spirited Puritans of 450 years ago who advocated freedom of religious conscience and resisted the oppressive powers of church and state. We’ve fallen into communion with the people who believe revelation is not sealed. John Robinson’s words to the departing Pilgrims echo in us still, “The L … [Read more...]

There are of course many holidays, and in our busy times, people tend to neglect their observance. Sad. Think of the neglect that has fallen on the annual Sweater Vestival! Don't let this happen to Talk Like a Pirate Day! So, talk like a pirate, already!And a thank you to Chris for the Vestival pointer...Aargh! … [Read more...]

Jeff Kitzes is one of my favorite teachers in the Kwan Um school.Get to know him, it'll be worth it...Thanks, Barry, for the pointer! … [Read more...]

September MeditationI do not know if the seasons remember their history or if the days and nights by which we count time remember their own passing.I do not know if the oak tree remembers its planting or if the pine remembers its slow climb toward sun and stars.I do not know if the squirrel remembers last fall's gathering or if the bluejay remembers the meaning of snow.I do not know if the air remembers September or if the night remembers the moon.I do not know if the earth remembers … [Read more...]

I was saddened to learn of Mary Travers' death yesterday.A sweet voice for justice and kindness in our lives and part of the deep background of my youth... … [Read more...]

New Poll Shows Religious Right and Left Look Very Different By Daniel SchultzPosted on September 15, 2009, Printed on September 16, 2009http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/religiousright/1838/ It should be said at the outset that the new poll released today by the Bliss Institute and Public Religion Research concerning religious activists (on both the left and the right) contains very little that will surprise anyone who has studied religion and politics in recent years.That should not … [Read more...]

That is, until someone sent me this picture, something to give pause to most Boomers...Eddie Haskell, the Beaver & Wally... … [Read more...]

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The Common Ground of all Religion A Reflection Delivered for Universal Brotherhood Day at the Vedanta Society of Providence 13 September 2009 James Ishmael Ford (This talk was delivered as part of a panel I shared with Swami Tyagananda, Minister of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Boston and Father John Sullivan from the La Salette Shrine in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.) Now, context is important, and the context for my spirituality is found within two traditions, which for me have … [Read more...]

Well, just sit.Don't do something, just sit.Then, just do something.Don't sit, just do something.In my experience a rhythm of presence as motionlessness, then presence as motion.I'm out the door for an all day sit at our Medford, MA, Boundless Way sitting group...But I thought I'd leave you with this little video from a Zen center in Vancouver, Canada. I have some quibbles with the introduction here. But, it's real and not a bad teaser, leading, I hope, to someone wanting a bit more...Like, oh, … [Read more...]