This is an assorted collection of reflections on the spirit and essence of Bowing. The scriptures tell us that when there is no more bowing there will be no more Buddhism. That statement makes plain how significant the heart and … Continue reading →
Here are some of the questions I often hear beginning meditators ask: How often should I meditate? How many times a day? Why couldn’t I empty my mind? What should be happening? Here are questions I—a slightly more experienced meditator—often … Continue reading →
One of the most interesting developments during my time as a clinical psychologist over the past 30 years has been the mainstream acceptance of mindfulness-based therapy. This has enabled me to apply the experience of my personal meditation practice into … Continue reading →
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 →
This is a slightly revised version of a short talk given to Faithshare, an informal termly interfaith gathering of students, staff and religious representatives, at Lancaster University. A member from each faith tradition was invited to make a short contribution … Continue reading →
In our weekly meditation group we recite Dōgen’s, Rules for Meditation. In this there is a phrase which I have thought about and reflected on quite intently. The phrase is the one where reciters are exhorted to “cease from erudition”. … 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 →
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 →
I spent this January at Throssel for the winter Sangha retreat. I have been training for years but had never had a chance to stay for such a long period. I have generally just been for sesshins and weekends, which … Continue reading →
Recently at a meditation group meeting we had a discussion on the difficulties of caring for others. Several people in the group had been looking after elderly relatives, or were still doing so, and we looked at why
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