Category Archives: Dharma

Chiang Dao Temple

On a journey to explore the northern highlands of Thailand this weekend, we ended up at the Chiang Dao temple, Wat Tham Pha Plong. The founding monk, Luang Poo Sim Buddhacaro, landed here after spending the earlier part of his life wandering as a solitary forest monk, meditating and sleeping in caves. On a silentContinue reading “Chiang Dao Temple”

The non-linear path of evolution

Just back from retreat at the new Soma Retreat Center in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It’s tempting to think that the spiritual path is a linear journey. What a surprise when you see your old neurotic patterns re-surfacing again, just like an old dysfunctional relationship you thought you had outgrown. Sometimes it can be painful toContinue reading “The non-linear path of evolution”

Timing is everything

Just as I was about to enter into solitary meditation retreat a couple of weeks ago here in Crestone, I learned that Tulku Damcho Rinpoche would come to give 3 days of empowerments at Vajra Vidya Retreat center. Empowerment (Tibetan: wang)  in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is a ritualized way of transmitting the essentialContinue reading “Timing is everything”

Desire in the Dark Age

Clearly we are at the deep end of the dark age. I can tell because I’ve spent the last week eating cheese puffs. Like most of us here in the desire realm, I grasp at the world of form in a misguided attempt to reduce suffering. The array of distractions is vast: Cary Grant films,Continue reading “Desire in the Dark Age”

Make a Wish

The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Boudhanath is said to grant wishes to those who ask with faith and devotion. Five years ago, I made the journey to Nepal to try my luck. My root guru passed away before I met him, (you’d have to understand the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to know whatContinue reading “Make a Wish”

Kathmandu

One of the best things about visiting Kathmandu is the auspicious presence of spiritual masters. On my recent visit, I was fortunate enough to spend time with a few of them. Here at Shechen Monastery, a drupchen was in progress… Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, the reincarnation of the great master of the last century, presidedContinue reading “Kathmandu”

Why You Need to Reinvent Yourself

Q: Why do you need to keep reinventing yourself? A: Because you do. I know, you hate that answer. So did I. But by now, you’ve probably figured out that there’s no such thing as a straight shot when finding your way in life. Four steps forward, eight steps back; three steps forward, and theContinue reading “Why You Need to Reinvent Yourself”

Pilgrimage to Bangkok

It’s about time I played tourist in Bangkok, and a visit from my dear friend and guide Khenpo Jigme, finally got me off my seat to do it. Khenpo Jigme is my neighbor from Crestone, where he is Thrangu Rinpoche’s main teacher at Vajra Vidya  retreat center, and a whole lotta of fun! Wat Pho andContinue reading “Pilgrimage to Bangkok”