Musings

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  And so, here we are, living in volatile times, even capable of eradicating ourselves from the face of the planet. If we are paying attention, days like these can provide us with a genuine learning opportunity for conscious evolution and enhancing our discernment, combined with a heartfelt need to build community for solace in kindred spirits and meaningful connection. To help muster the energy required to face the challenges of our complex world, I rely on what Buddhist activists call The Three Freedoms: Freedom from undue hope &...

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1) Rest in the breath while letting go of all thoughts, concerns, plans, worries, and preoccupations. 2) Be mindful of the physical sensations you feel right now. 3) Feel the good earth beneath your feet or the seat that cradles you. 4) Chant a mantra or sacred phrase again and again, with pure, undivided concentration and focus. 5) Make eye contact with another being, and feel compassion and loving-kindness for whomever you are with. 6) Smile at someone, hug someone, or help someone 7) Go outside and make contact with nature through the sky, clouds, trees, a flower, a body of water, the earth...

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Elephant Journal February 14, 2017 Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times of year. The Tibetan New Year is also a favorite, and because the two often fall around the same time, I make a practice of reflecting upon New Year’s resolutions relating to my loved ones, and renewing my commitment to cultivating altruistic compassion and an unselfish open heart—the very essence of authentic love. These resolutions encompass opening both my heart and mind; listening better; learning to forgive and love even those I dislike; and accepting and blessing the world, rather than fighting or feeing...

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Autumn leaves are turning red and gold here in New England, The High Holy Days are upon us, and the Day of Death (Halloween) is approaching– and my spiritual mind turns towards the poignancy of aging and death. Perhaps it’s because my Dad died in late august and my Mom in September. Or is my own later season approaching as well? Who knows? Life is tenuous. Lama says: Handle with prayer. This has always fascinated me. I love to take slow, solitary walks in the old cemeteries of New England, in every season: read their inscriptions, feel my feelings and intuitions, and contemplate the lives not unlike...

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Let Go or Be Dragged Down Attachment to things which don't help us very much is a Buddhist definition of the cause of suffering and distress. We say "Let go or be dragged down," but what does it really mean? How can we re-condition ourselves to really "let go" and accept things when there's so much wrong with the world as we know it? And moreover: Let go of what, exactly- our possessions, family, emotions, thoughts and opinions, and our hatred and prejudices? Easier said than done. Here's what I've learned, and continue to practice, flawed as I am and may be. Letting go means letting be, a radical...

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Another day, another dollar, and oh yes, another senseless shooting spree. My mind is a swirling mess of confusion and my heart is overflowing with grief for the insanity in Orlando this past week. So, after the initial shock and weariness wears off, how do we move forward? We start within. Unconditional acceptance and appreciation is a vital part of wise and compassionate living; it is one of the most generous and loving gifts one can bring to the world, and the source of great peace. After attending a peace vigil and memorial prayer service Monday night with my friend Rev. Kim Harvie, at the Unitarian...

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By practicing inter-meditation we can delight in a state of true inter-being beyond words and concepts, named and forms, while realizing the very best in others and ourselves. The following is an excerpt from my latest book, "Make Me One with Everything: Buddhist Meditations To Awaken From The Illusion Of Separation". The Keys to Inter-Meditation: What Oneness Feels Like Authenticity—which arises from attention, honesty, and pure presence (of mind and heart) Selflessness—a Big-Self-interest that goes beyond selfish, with a little bit of healthy individuation so we can take care of and be responsible...

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Six Steps to Freedom and Intentional Responsiveness I have found that fear, anger and irritation are like an affliction, and a serious impediment to open communication and healthy relationships of all kinds.  Discovering methods to deal with these challenging emotions is essential in leading a healthy well-balanced, harmonious life. It is important to realize that anger has its own function, intelligence and logic and so we should not entirely try to eradicate it.  After much trial and error, I have come up with my own practice for regulating strong emotions and being patient and more authentically...

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Please open your heart and join me in sending loving thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters in Belgium as they try to navigate a path thru this hideous day. We stand with you, we embrace you, we pray for peace in our troubled world. Let peace begin with me.

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“Information talk is one thing, transformation talk is another. When the latter is uttered, something happens.”  ~Bruno Lattour "Dzogchen can’t be taught but can be caught, when you catch on; it can be transmitted and realized. Teaching is a sacred profession. The best teachers strive to produce students who surpass them. Especially in this Over-Information Age, genuine higher education must include wisdom for life education and learning to learn, including cultivation of character development and self-knowledge. Self-deception is one of the hidden pitfalls on the spiritual path, and hard...

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