The high understanding of Karma is rooted in belief in rebirth, the accumulation of a ’stuff’ called karma that ripens and determines our future births, and a sense of determinism. However, I believe, especially here in the West, that another interpretation of Karma may prove useful; this interpretation does not contradict the high understanding of […]
As a Buddhist born and living in the West, I find releasing the concept of a self difficult. It appears to me that this body exists, and that my thoughts are trapped within this body. So I have meditated upon these things and understand the Dharma in this way currently, in the hopes that it […]
When we grasp on to things, they slip from us. When we try to avoid loneliness, it rushes in and fills us like air encountering a void. Attempts to stabilize result in things falling apart. Attempts to change meet resistance. The greater our understanding, the more we know we do not understand.
And the greatest calm […]
The topic at hand is how to control lust.
The Buddha told us that if there were two such powers in the world as strong as sexual desire, we would have no chance for enlightenment. Experience teaches many of us that aversion is as damaging as attachment; trying to avoid the matter entirely only intensifies its […]
it is like this -
like lotus-flowers opening toward the morning sunlight,
brilliant white surrounding a gem
of pure still water,
like a diamond, exposing the light
for all it is.
it is like this -
yearning for this warmth in the early mists,
clarity half-absorbed, half-evaporated,
among the million lotuses,
two whose names are you and I,
sharing the gem’s root.
it is like this -
our […]