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 →
The weather is “perfect”. You know that day when the sky is sheer deep blue, and itʼs warm and windy and delicious and youʼd be a fool not to be out there in it? My COVID-19 lockdown walk takes me … Continue reading →
In our current Coronavirus affected time, I find myself being careful in observing guidance on ‘social distancing’ and see it is necessary. But, at the same time, it raises spiritual questions for me about what ‘distancing’ means.1 Such questions clearly … Continue reading →
This article takes a look at the ideas of the unskilful actions stemming from the poisons of greed, hate and delusion in relation to the process of retiring. Download the PDF here.
Continue reading →July 2019 The neurologist moves his chair to the left, adjusts the height so that his eyes are level and 3ft away from mine (as recommended) and says “I’m afraid to say that you have motor neurone disease.” I look … Continue reading →
A few weeks ago, I went on a cycling trip with a friend across Scotland, from west coast to east coast. There’s a pleasing simplicity and clarity about these trips: you start at A and finish at B. The tradition … Continue reading →
“When all the living see, at kalpa’s end The conflagration when it is burning, Tranquil is this realm of mine, Ever filled with heavenly beings, Parks, and many palaces With every kind of gem adorned, Precious trees full of blossoms … Continue reading →
