This morning I was reading a note by Barry Magid posted at a listserv for Zen teachers on Zen practice. He was saying that in his school, the Ordinary Mind, the emphasis is on shikantaza and the genjo koan. I can’t say why this particularly struck me at the moment. But there is enormous wisdom here, it describes pretty much a complete practice within the Zen way. Now, there are other ancient and worthy Zen disciplines and Barry’s comments were... Read more

On this day in 1895 Oscar Wilde initiated the catastrophic libel case against the John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry, and father of Lord Alred Douglas, Wilde’s constant companion. The Marquess had accused the couple of having a homosexual relationship and had been involved in several public confrontations. I think one of the reasons I find Wilde interesting is how I can’t tell if his life is farce or tragedy. Certainly both elements abound… Read more

Almost missed this… I’ve now officially posted one thousand and one times! (or is it one thousand and two?) I guess before only my friends knew what a gasbag I can be. But now I’m revealed before the world… And within the month I’m looking forward to one hundred thousand hits from eager readers. Well, actually, more likely mainly people googling for Shel Silverstein’s “snowball.” Read more

On this day in 1652, the British House of Commons ordered John Biddle’s translation of Faustus Socinus‘ Racovian Catechism burned as blasphemous and seditious.Want to read it? (not Mr Biddle’s translation, but the complete text..) Read more

While we generally count Thomas Jefferson’s birthday on April 13th, following the Gregorian calendar, at the time of his birth England and therefore the Americas followed the Julian calendar, marking his birth and as it reads on his tombstone, as today. Jefferson of course looms large in our American imagination, a man of enormous flaws and astonishing genius. Between Jefferson and John Adams (of equally large pluses and minuses) the American dream is dreamt… Read more

Breaking news… Read more

to save all beings… Read more

Nothing like the classics. This is probably my favorite. And, of course, while lacking the technical amazement of flying penguins, there is something about just a good story line… Happy April 1st! Read more

Written and sung by Loni Lorraine Baur, formerly a nun at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Read more

THE QUICK AND THE DEAD A Reflection on Death and the Spiritual Path A sermon byJames Ishmael Ford 29 March 2009First Unitarian ChurchProvidence, Rhode IslandText Look, the trees are turning their own bodies into pillars of light, are giving off the richfragrance of cinnamon and fulfillment, the long tapers of cattails are bursting and floating away over the blue shoulders of the ponds,and every pond, no matter what its name is, is nameless now.Every yeareverythingI have ever learned in my... Read more