My Dharma sibling David Weinstein, who leads the Oakland Zendo, an affiliate sangha of the Pacific Zen Institute was in Hawa’ii at the Palolo Zendo for the various events celebrating the life of our grand teacher Robert Aitken. In a report back to the community David wrote how: “A young woman shared that not long ago her email address was hijacked and a message was sent out to everybody in her address book. According to the message, she was in... Read more

I notice how on this day in 1967 Abbie Hoffman together with other hippie/yippie activists managed to disrupt trading at the New York Stock Exchange through the simple expedient of standing in the viewing gallery and throwing dollar bills on to the trading floor. Pandemonium ensued as traders abandoned their activities to scramble after the bills… Sets me to thinking about various things. I have no brief against business. It appears to be a natural consequence of our human evolution.... Read more

Let me start with an unequivocal assertion. The Zen dharma gave me my life. I owe this way everything. And, no doubt, it deserves all the rough handling it has gotten in recent years. (Say, for instance, here, here and here…) There are numerous issues, ranging from its fundamental assertions about the identity of form and emptiness (I think of no better start on that than the Zensite), the nature of the practices shikantaza and koan introspection, ethical practices, none... Read more

One third of registered Republicans appear to believe or suspect that Barack Obama is a Muslim. A recent poll suggests one in five Americans do… It is hard to not see this as some deep seated bigotry. At least in a country with profound ambivalences about Islam. And race… It is a cancer in the body politic. To be honest, I’m not Keith Olbermann’s biggest fan. But, I think in this clip he shows the mindset spot on… http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640 Visit... Read more

A BUDDHIST WEDDING SERVICE In the Western Tradition Compiled from diverse sources, Edited and annotated by The Reverend James Ishmael Ford Boundless Way Zen Sangha Processional Address to the Congregation Minister We are here gathered to witness the joining of and in marriage; which is an honorable estate, instituted in the necessities of our being, and dedicated to the happiness of people and the welfare and continuance of humanity; an estate not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or... Read more

Of course, everyone knows, that belief-o-matic (registered trademark) is the best way to figure out what your religion is. But for those for whom following all the questions is too much trouble, an old friend has just sent a simple flowchart. I hope this makes everything clear… Read more

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For those of us concerned with marriage equality, particularly in the state of Rhode Island, yesterday was a momentous occasion. In my capacity as minister of the First Unitarian Church of Providence, and a member of the steering committee of the Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality, Rhode Island, I had the privilege of attending a press conference called by Marriage Equality Rhode Island. Together with representatives of the media we met at the Rhode Island State House where a spokesperson... Read more

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on this day in 1920. All we need is an Equal Rights Amendment to seal the deal… Read more

Fantasmagorie generally considered the first animated film. It was shown in Paris on this day in 1908. And now for your entertainment and edification, here it is… (Ain’t Youtube a wonder?) Read more