Just back from a long weekend with the Thai Plum Village people (not to be confused with the Village People) (sorry, I couldn’t help myself), which is the local sangha of revered Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh. We spent the time in the mountains near Chiang Dao, in NorthernContinue reading “Raising Consciousness with Thich Nhat Hanh”
Category Archives: Dharma
Ashtanga Yoga and Beginners Mind
20 years ago this month, I had the good luck to find myself in an Ashtanga yoga class taught by Richard Freeman. It was my first yoga class. Richard’s specialty was (and is) his Level 1 class for beginners. We never did more than one or 2 sun salutations, a few standing postures and perhapsContinue reading “Ashtanga Yoga and Beginners Mind”
The funniest Dharma teaching I have ever seen
WARNING: Hazardous to Ego.
a vote for independence–and integrity
“Despite the clarity of the teachings, we often lose sight of this essential aim of eradicating mental poisons and self-clinging. In fact, instead of eliminating those poisons, we often end up increasing them. For example, people that practice the Dharma have a tendency to gather together and organize themselves. They create institutions, Dharma centers, andContinue reading “a vote for independence–and integrity”
perspectives
Sometimes life takes a sharp left turn. Foreign landscape: things look blurry or crooked. Unfamiliar. Better to just enjoy the beauty and not ask too many questions. Go for a nice ride. Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche put it nicely: “There is a problem in thinking that you are supposed to be advancing in your practice allContinue reading “perspectives”
The Birth of Awareness
A version of this article appeared in the April issue of Namaskar. In the eight-limbed path of Ashtanga yoga, it is said that the first four limbs are techniques we can practice, whereas the second four limbs arise after sustained effort and discipline, and with a little sprinkling of grace. This may lead to someContinue reading “The Birth of Awareness”
Karmapa’s New Year’s wish
“Many people have expressed anxiety about disasters that might befall the world in the year 2012. In fact, we never know what any given year might hold. But if we are sincerely committed to following a path of compassion and wisdom, this uncertainty about the future need not cause us any concern. Whatever happens, weContinue reading “Karmapa’s New Year’s wish”
Thrangu Rinpoche in Malaysia
Rinpoche was in Sibu, Serawak, on the island of Borneo this past weekend to give the Green Tara empowerment. It was also his birthday! Many lamas were there from Thrangu Rinpoche’s numerous centers in Malaysia. Being one of only 3 other foreigners there, the local sangha took such good care of me! Clearly the paramitaContinue reading “Thrangu Rinpoche in Malaysia”
settling the mind with shamatha meditation
We’ve just finished the last day of the 8 week shamatha retreat with Alan Wallace in Phuket, and what a gift. It’s amazing what arises from simple attention to the breath. Since I arrived here 3 weeks ago, I’ve had the good fortune to attend Alan’s teachings both morning and evening. The simplicity of sittingContinue reading “settling the mind with shamatha meditation”
Our Dear Acharya and Vijaya
Something about seeing old friends always reminds me of the journey we have taken together and how far I have progressed (or digressed, as the case may sometimes be.) When those “old friends” are wise teachers who have guided you through the rough patches, the path comes into new focus. I look back on myContinue reading “Our Dear Acharya and Vijaya”
Diary of a Pilgrim 