This article is based on a lecture I gave at Shasta Abbey in August 2012 as part of a week-long retreat. This lecture was based on An Outline of Practice by Bodhidharma. This describes four practices that encompass all of … Continue reading →
Yesterday I heard a story in which someone was deeply hurt by a friend, who had not told him that a mutual acquaintance had died. Naturally he felt upset, betrayed, and also embarrassed for not having had the opportunity to … Continue reading →
It is good to cultivate gratitude, an innate aspect of Buddha Nature. Cultivation doesn’t create gratitude, but rather uncovers the gratitude that is already present. Gratitude goes beyond dark and light, beyond yes and no, beyond getting our way or … Continue reading →
I was in my mid-forties when I became a monk. I had been married for some years previously and later had two other relationships. Without my especially thinking about it, my view of these relationships, especially my part in them, … Continue reading →
An extract from Rev. Master Meiten’s third book of Reflections on Practice, ‘Returning to Stillness’. At various times since 2003 when I came to Vancouver Island after over 20 years of living in a monastic setting, there’s been a clear … Continue reading →
Talking of an open mind and wisdom may seem to western thought to be predominantly concerned with the functioning of the brain. To a Buddhist these terms have a broader context, all of what we are being involved. Perhaps ‘The … Continue reading →
Since we chanted the Avalokiteshwara scripture for our Transfer of Merit Ceremony this morning, I thought I’d talk about Great Compassion. I draw my inspiration from a passage in the Avatamsaka Scripture, in English, the Flower Ornament or Flower Garland … Continue reading →
There is a scripture in which the whole of Buddhism is reflected. It is the Scripture of Great Wisdom. It says: O Shariputra, form is only pure, Pure is only form; there is, then, nothing more than this, For what … Continue reading →
Some folks have asked me to say a little something on karma. It happens to be one of my specialties and I can run on for hours. I will try not to do that. I thought you might find it … Continue reading →
Reflections on how to apply Right Speech to communication via modern technologies. Based on a talk
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