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 →
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 →
A transcription of a talk given at the end of a retreat on 1st May 2011. Homage to the Buddha, Homage to the Dharma, Homage to the Sangha As most of you know we just finished up with our Meditation … Continue reading →
This is an edited version of a talk given on 26 July 2012, during a lay retreat at Shasta Abbey which focused on meditation practice. It also appeared in the Spring 2013 Journal and in Serene Reflection Meditation, a Shasta … Continue reading →
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2012 issue of this Journal. Why is it in our tradition, Sōtō Zen Buddhism, that practising meditation is not talked about in terms of mastering a technique? There can certainly be times of … 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 →
There is a saying that, “When the student is ready the teacher appears.” Unfortunately a number of people take this as something magical: that somehow the teacher knows, and is just waiting for you to be ready, then they will … Continue reading →
Experiencing darkness is part of my life. Most of the time I am not able to recognize the specific reason for this darkness. Nonetheless it often appeared to me as something very real in the past. When in the midst … Continue reading →
Today as we experience the emotion of grief, as we grieve the loss of Rev. Master Chosei, I’d like to look further into this subject of emotions. Sometimes we oppose emotions to analytical thinking, or reason, or the intellect, and … Continue reading →
