This essay by Aldous Huxley was first published as “The Minimum Working Hypothesis” in Vedanta for the Western World edited by Christopher Isherwood (George Allen & Unwin, London, 1948, pp 33-35. The book notes it also appears as part of Sebastian’s notebook in Huxley’s philosophical novel, Time Must Have a Stop. In the novel he explores many of the themes in his classic study Perennial Philosophy. I suggest all are worth a read, although this essay... Read more
Jan & I have now seen two episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. We both have enjoyed them very much. We thought of it sort of as the original Star Trek, but done better. I’m pleased to note that at Rotten Tomatoes, the pros give it a 98% thumb’s up. And cautioned at how a solid but much less commanding 78% of viewers like it. Now, while I’m fond of the Star... Read more
The living way is like a well: You can constantly use it, and yet it never dries up. It is the eternal boundlessness; Birthing the infinite worlds. It is hidden from sight and yet always present. I have no idea who gave it birth. It is older than God. Tao Te Ching, Chapter 4 (my paraphrsase) There are elements that we can discern as “religious-like” in some animal behaviors. Of course, there is nothing to suggest... Read more
Me, I’m endlessly fascinated by the monks and nuns we now call the Desert Fathers and Mothers. They represent a movement that began in the third century in what we think of today as Israel and Palestine, Syria, Arabia, and most of all in the Egyptian desert. They first captured my imagination through Thomas Merton’s carefully curated collection, the Wisdom of the Desert. And this interest has continued on since. Today, the 9th of September (in... Read more
It was today, the 5th of September, at 12:53pm (Eastern time), 2006, that I put up my very first blog post. It was a Gary Snyder poem. Lew Welch jut turned up one day, live as you and me. “Damn, Lew” I said, “you didn’t shoot yourself after all.” “Yes I did” he said, and even then I felt the tingling down my back. “Yes you did, too” I said — “I can... Read more
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien died on this day, the 2nd of September, 1973. He was 81. Today at the Birmingham Oratory, the church where he recieved his first communion and confirmation in 1903, celebrated a requiem mass. Others are also marking his life. Including me, here… Tolkien was born on the 3rd of January, in 1892, into a middle class English... Read more
Noksowist, Bear Going Straight, was a Cheyenne, born in the Indian Territory, now western Oklahoma about 1847. His parents were Sleeping Wolf and Wah Nach. Spirituality seems to have been a driving force in his life. He is believed to have been one of maybe the youngest person to complete the sun dance. As a young warrior in the Indian Wars, he participated in several battles, including the Second Battle of Adobe Walls. In 1875, lacking supplies... Read more
I am so glad to be able to announce that I will be giving the Reverend Teshin Matthew Sweger Inka Shomei, the final authorization within the lineage I received from Roshi John Tarrant, at the culmination of a week long sesshin which will be held at the North Carolina Zen Center, on the 22nd of October, 2023. Teshin currently serves as teacher and resident priest of the North... Read more
I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice – oceans of it. I want... Read more
Today, the 28th of August, is pretty busy in the Christian calendar. A lot of people are celebrating today as a feast for Augustine of Hippo, bishop and theologian. He was a lovely writer and his autobiography is rightly noted as a Christian classic. And, for my money he becomes one of the more unfortunate figures in shaping western... Read more
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