“Go ahead, light your candles, burn your incense, ring your bells and call out to the Gods but watch out, because the Gods will come. And they will put you on the anvil and fire up the forge and beat you and beat you until they turn brass into pure gold.” (The quote seems to […]

A Zen story: The monk asked the master, “How do we practice in difficult times?” The master replied “Welcome.” Suggested direction from an email exchange: “At last, a challenge worthy of our intelligence and abilities.” Noticing: The people thriving in this time are those made alive by throwing themselves into the collective change needed. Whether […]

In this time of turmoil and uncertainty, impermanence is thoroughly present to us. I offer you these words of the Buddha, from the Upaddha Sutta: The Venerable Ananda said to the Blessed One: “This is half of the holy life, lord: admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie.” The Buddha replied: “Don’t say that, Ananda. Don’t say […]

We live in a time that calls for something larger and deeper than I can actually imagine. So I thought I would start with Buddhism’s Five Remembrances. I am of the nature to grow old; there is no way to escape growing old. I am of the nature to have ill health; there is no […]

Dear Friends, This is a quick note to let you know about some things happening that I haven’t mentioned before. Today, Friday July 17, at 2:50 pm Central Time, some of us will be gathering online to chant on behalf of Dustin Honken, who is scheduled for Federal execution at that time. If you want […]

Opening up to practice on the land, during the time of pandemic: we’re making a gentle start. The Land Care Retreat, July 24-26 has been modified so that we can come together safely. Each of us (person or family) will spend most of their time in relationship with a particular part of the land. That […]