A wise new essay at Access to Insight from Thanissaro Bhikku on “The Joy of Effort.” “When explaining meditation, the Buddha often drew analogies with the skills of artists, carpenters, musicians, archers, and cooks. Finding the right level of effort, he said, is like a musician’s tuning of a lute. Reading the mind’s needs in the moment — to be gladdened, steadied, or inspired — is like a palace cook’s ability to read and please the tastes of a prince.... Read more

From time to time, we’ll highlight other blogs of interest to our readers here on As the Wheel Turns. Today:  Japan: Life and Religion. The blog, in the author’s words, is a “reflection of my efforts to explore fatherhood, Buddhism and my love of Japanese culture.” Recent posts include: Ashura 360: a new Buddhist iPhone app (review of a new app showcasing the impressive art collection from a Japanese Buddhist temple) Do it or quit complaining “If you don’t try,... Read more

Listen to Soren Gordhamer -- author of Wisdom 2.0, Mashable contributor, and conference organizer -- about balancing mindfulness and technology. A Buddhist Geeks podcast. Read more

Justin Whitaker of the American Buddhist Perspective blog weighs in on immigration policy: What would a Buddhist policy look like? Read more