Michael Ruse has a good piece this week in the Huffington Post on the Catholic Church. In it he describes that after a period of strong, perhaps (English) cultural disdain for Catholicism, he grew to respect the Church, if only for the many great minds it produced. But the latest scandal, and the revelations (going back many decades) that are coming out, have him rethinking his respect for this institution. I read Ruse a few years ago in my MA Philosophy days... Read more

Nate DeMontigny at Precious Metal has set up yet another blog-swap. I’ve sent mine over to Adam to post and here’s Rev. Danny Fisher’s vid-article on his experience as a Buddhist Chaplain: For those interested in more on Buddhist Chaplaincy, you can ask Rev. Danny in the comments, or click here for an article he wrote last year for the Elephant Journal. Read more

Lest we forget the reality of Iraq, yesterday and today.Lest we forget the dehumanizing effects of all war.Lest we forget the hatred instilled in those harmed with no hope of justice.Lest we forget the wounds, emotional and physical, that accompany each military homecoming. Help us carry on Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy http://www.unitedforpeace.org/ Read more

After tonight’s meditation on Pema Chödrön’s Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions: Library Edition, I thought I might apply her wise teaching on Śāntideva’s discussion of patience and joyfulness. The gist of her teaching was to add cheerfulness to our every evaluation of the world. Not to be fake about it – ever. But rather to counteract our very human tendency to dwell on and emphasize the negative. We see three good things and... Read more

My watch, post hot springs (not so water resistant). Just submitted to Photography 139 for this week’s “macro” theme. Strawberry . Our kitchen. This could only have been better if the growler were full and there were locally made bread on hand for the olive oil. Easter dinner at the folk’s place. A visit to the Archie Bray Foundation. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area. ~ Yesterday, in addition to being Easter, was the 43rd anniversary of Rev.... Read more

The good folks at Elephant Journal pulled out some doozies today: Sustainable Sushi? Whatever. ~ Elleni Cladis Ok so here’s the… 131 viewsComments (7) Tiger Woods Now Claims Affairs “Were part of my Buddhist Tantric Practice.” Vanity Fair is set… 581 viewsComments (7) Houston Megachurch—with 40,000 Members—goes Green. This week Houston Megachurch,… 220 viewsComments (3) Henry Rollins’ New Meditation CD. Punk rock contemplation 290 viewsComments (0) But my favorite comes from Shambala Sun Space via Danny Fisher on twitter.  “So You... Read more

Margaret’s comment on my last post got me thinking (which I always appreciate – thanks Margaret :). So I propose a bit of a study session on one of the suttas most commonly cited in the ethics of meat-eating. Included is the full Pāli of the text as well as a reputable English translation. Please read, comment, ask questions, answer them, etc. I’ll try to keep up 🙂 ~ Meat eating vs Vegetarianism is a common topic amongst Buddhists and... Read more

Names, left to right as well as I can remember them: Georgia Milan (Ewam), ?, Rich Bishop (Christ the King Church), David Curtis (Tibetan Language Institute), Terry Jimmerson, (Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church), Geshe Thubten Phelgye, Tom (Osel Shen Phen Ling), Donna ? (Catholic of Arlee and friend of Ewam), Me, Amy Carter (University Congregational Church),  Jacquie and Ken Lyons (Blackfeet Thunder pipe and Center for Spiritual Living), and Peter Shober (University Congregational Church) Apparently that’s the name of a novel. It comes... Read more

“In a way, nobody sees a flower. It is so small, we haven’t the time. To see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.” – Georgia O’Keeffe I had professors in my undergraduate days who spoke somewhat derisively of photography, as if it were a childish or naive activity. It was discussed as a way of devaluing a true experience – by stepping out of it to snap a photo. One professor gave the banal example of a man... Read more

Oh the irony.  Technology truly has turned the world upside down. (I quit following the Buddha, technologically at least, a few days ago) And hey, maybe that’s not so bad. Because, as we know, Everything Bad is Good for You. I’m sure there’s something very Zen about this, but being more Tibeto-Theravadin inclined, I have no idea what it is! Read more