I have always enjoyed Mel Tormé’s version of the Cole Porter song, “What is This Thing Called Love.” In his version of the song, after a bit of ‘scat singing’, he and a handful of background vocalists ask in close …Continue reading →
This article was first published in this Journal in Winter 2001, just three months after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. Published here with thanks to the anonymous author. With the recent terrorist attacks in the U.S., all …Continue reading →
A transcription of a talk given at Shasta Abbey on Oct 18 2020. Homage to the Buddha Homage to the Dharma Homage to the Sangha Today I’m going to talk about something that is relevant to our current times which …Continue reading →
This article is based on an online Dharma talk to the German congregation at the end of 2020. At the end of the year, this is my wish for us: may we – in the midst of all that we …Continue reading →
The Difference between Peace and Happiness: A Buddhist’s Perspective Karen Richards —Telford, Shropshire–UK— From a talk given by Karen Richards to a conference of The National Women’s Register. The conference’s theme was ‘Faith in the Future’ and contributions were invited …Continue reading →
Kind Leadership Neil Rothwell —Leith, Edinburgh–Scotland— The above title is the name of an e-book written particularly for people in a leadership position at work but much of it can apply to work and non-work situations more generally. I do …Continue reading →
In putting together something for the journal, it occurred to me that it might be helpful to put these two short essays from Eugene Buddhist Priory’s blog, “Walking the Buddha Way,” side-by-side. Although written a year or so apart, they …Continue reading →
I’m semi-retired and have the good fortune to be able to spend two months each winter in a little hamlet in Mexico. I’ve been doing that for about a dozen years now. One day in my first winter there, I …Continue reading →
I love donkeys. They so belong in the Spanish landscape. A little dreamy and very willing, until you overstep their boundary. Then they will show you how stubborn they can be and that is no laughing matter. I recognise myself …Continue reading →
This is a revised version of a talk given in February 2020 on a Retreat at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, which included an exploration of poetry and contemplative writing. The American poet and Zen practitioner Jane Hirshfield has described poetry …Continue reading →