Well Happy Peaceful

The facts of life

Does all life have value? Is this a question that is open to debate? Do some of us feel there is evidence to support the contrary?

Throughout history, man seems to have made judgements on what lives have value. Just look at the history of blacks and native Americans. And while it may appear that we’ve made progress, I’m not so sure. And I question whether or not racism may be considered a matter…

Did I hurt your feelings?

Overall, I think we humans tend to be a sensitive and fragile lot. And if you ever doubt that, just browse Facebook for a little while and you will see a whole lot of hurt feelings and anger. And online, anger almost always begets more anger. Never a solution, and certainly not a way to make friends.

All that said, if I ever hurt your feelings, too freaking bad! Yes, I don’t care if I hurt your…

What is wrong with you!

Probably what’s wrong with you is pretty close to the same thing that is wrong with me. Quite simply put, it’s a grand illusion. It’s our lack of comprehension that we are blessed beyond comprehension.

Can anyone of actually begin to comprehend being a Syrian refugee, or a Sri Lankanfamily living in a hut with a dirt floor and no clean water? And these are only two small examples of life that…

A Buddhist, a Christian and Jain walk into a bar…

I have to begin by saying that I do not attach myself to any particular religion at this point in my life. I was born and raised Catholic, later became a somewhat “Born Again” Christian, then later began my studies as a student of Buddhism. The most recent evolution has been investigative studies into the Jain religion.

What I have come to see through all of this, is the commonalities between…

For many years I had questioned whether or not someone can live in acceptance while at the same time be an activist. The answer became clear as I sat with this over a long period of time. I came to understand that it is our compassion that will always move us toward action, once we open our hearts and minds.

In the time of slavery, most accepted this because it was the norm in our society. In…

The greatest delusion that we all suffer with, is that we all believe that we have time. And while I know we all readily acknowledge that our time here is limited, the actually reality of it escapes most of us. And there is always a perception that, while life is short, there is always tomorrow. If you doubt this, just ask anyone who has lost someone suddenly or unexpectedly.

As grim as it may…

There is no doubt that the study and practice of Buddhism has had a profound impact on my life. The dharma (dhamma) which means cosmic law and order, is also applied to the teachings of the Buddha. And these teaching, I believe, were merely the best attempt at one man explaining much of which is beyond words. And I certainly think that the Buddha did a much better job than most anyone else in…

If only. The words that keep resounding in my head and the minds of my Family and so many friends.

It’s only been a week since we got the news that my 23-year-old Son had died of a heroin overdose. News that still has not fully penetrated. How, why, denial, heartbreak, shock, remorse, confusion, all like waves washing over me one after the other. Not much of which makes any sense or gives any…

Someone is walking along a beach that is littered with exposed starfish who are dying in the low tide. He sees a young woman who carefully picks one up and flings it into the ocean. “Young lady,” says the observer, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach, and starfish everywhere? You can’t possibly make a difference.” She listened politely, then picked up another, and tossed it into…

I’m not Buddhist

Many years ago I started a Dhamma Discussion group at the Blue Lotus Temple. The purpose of the group was to open up dialogue about the practice and ask questions about Buddhism. A monastic was always in attendance as a resource to all of us. At one of these meetings, I posed the question “how many of you consider yourself a Buddhist?”. Some, like myself, answered yes while others answered no.…

I think I’m turning Japanese

For all of those who don’t remember this song from the 80’s, I apologize. But as I thought about this post, it just came to mind. The evolution that is currently taking place in my own spiritual journey might seem equally as odd as saying that I am turning Japanese. But it actually feels like a very natural progression.

I have been a student of the Buddha’s teachings for approximately sixteen…

Buddhism is like a bus

I have come to see that this practice can be an attachment just like anything else. And there truly is no attachment that is ultimately wholesome or beneficial. Which is where I have come to see Buddhism, and any associated temple, like a bus.

We use buses to get from one place to another, and the bus never ever takes us to our final destination. It may get us close, but there is never door to…

You don’t know shit!

Ok, I’ll start by saying that I usually do not swear. But clarity demands that I say it like I mean it. And what I am about to say may seem like venting or a bit of a rant, but it is founded in careful observation over a long period of time.

To begin with, we all need to become more cautious and verbal about people who act, write or speak like they are some sort of guru’s. There are far too many…