Abigail Adams died on this day, the 28th of October, 1818. In the Christian calendar remarkable people are often recalled on the anniversary of their death with a feast. I am slightly more inclined to recall people on their birthdays, that moment with so much that could happen waiting, pregnant in time. But there’s a lot to be said to mark out the end point, when all has been said and done. And with Abigail, we have a lot... Read more

    This is a turbulent moment in the history of our Republic, those of us who are American. And a troubling moment for all who watch from the outside. Interesting times, as the curse goes. And. The good folk at Wikipedia set today, the 27th of October in 312 as the moment when Constantine, later called the Great, purported to have a vision of a cross in the sky and heard the words “With this sign, conquer.” I’ve commented... Read more

HOW ARE WE FREE? Mo Weinhardt Empty Moon Zen   I’ve been thinking a lot about time, and how I experience time — particularly throughout this crazy year of 2020, but really throughout my entire life. And even though every person who has ever lived encounters it uniquely, our wildly fluctuating experience of time is a common denominator between all of us. I’ve been thinking about time in part because of the deep storage bins of family photos I’ve been... Read more

      A Meditation on What My Grandmother Taught Me First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles 18 November, 2020 James Ishmael Ford My father was a will-o’-the-wisp with more than a passing affection for the drink. In his life he never held steady employment. As a consequence, we were poor, sometimes desperately poor. And we moved a lot. Usually avoiding some trouble he’d fallen into. My small not exactly “joke” was that I was an adult before I knew... Read more

    Guishan, Yangshan, and the intimate way. Zen teacher James Ishmael Ford reflections on case 37 of the Book of Equanimity. With thanks to Mary Gates & Stephen Slottow… Read more

    The lovely and good folk of the Episcopal church celebrate the life of William Tyndale on this day, the 6th of October. Normally such feast days are observed on the anniversary of the death of the person to be honored. In this case it is an approximation, as we’re only sure he died early in the month, in 1536. Having briefly enjoyed the favor of King Henry VIII for writing a justification for monarchs being the head of... Read more

    Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness. Be... Read more

Translating God Glenn Taylor Webb Understanding the great mystery of existence from birth to death is important to some people, including me. Many paths to understanding existence lead more deeply into the unknowable than others.  In terms of religion, faith in God inspires believers on all paths to accept whatever happens as God’s Will.  What that might be can be anything.  But some people insist on a translation.  For them, the mind of God must be put in human terms,... Read more

    Recently I had a conversation with a friend about truth-telling. We agreed how too often “the truth” becomes an excuse for bludgeoning someone rather than any sort of actually trying to help. Somewhere in the back of my mind I recalled reading advice on this subject, how telling the truth wasn’t quite enough. There was something about kindness and necessity being important, as well. I decided to look it up… My friend the Dharma bum who goes by... Read more

      We have seen Yitzhak Perlman Who walks the stage with braces on both legs, On two crutches. He takes his seat, unhinges the clasps of his legs, Tucking one leg back, extending the other, Laying down his crutches, placing the violin under his chin. On one occasion one of his violin strings broke. The audience grew silent but the violinist didn’t leave the stage. He signaled the maestro, and the orchestra began its part. The violinist played... Read more