Monthly Archives: April 2014
Authentic Buddhism; a Few Scattered Afterthought
Students often ask me about authentic Buddhism. Some Zen teachers claim that their version is the most authentic. Tibetans use the term “authentic” quite liberally when discussing their brand. Pure Land teachers sometimes make the claim as well. Of course, … Continue reading
Greed, Aversion, Delusion, Anger, Contempt, and Conceit I recently gave a Dhamma talk at a friend’s Sangha where I was asked the same question I am usually asked when I teach at Christian and secular events. It always seems that … Continue reading
Does a Fish See Water?
Fish don’t know they’re in water. If you tried to explain it, they’d say, “Water? What’s water?” They’re so surrounded by it, that it’s impossible to see. They can’t see it until they get outside of it. This is how … Continue reading
Different Fields to Plow
Reality is a marvelous idea. Yet, most of us don’t know how it works. Everything we think we know is wrong. Why do we tend to believe in fantasies? It is because we were conditioned to do so. This is … Continue reading
Violence and Non-Violence
Non-violence, ahimsa, was the starting point of the Buddha’s journey. As a bodhisatta, Siddhartha Gautama, craved a way to alleviate violence, both in his life and the lives of sentient beings. In autobiographical passages he said violence dismayed him. It … Continue reading
Toward a Harmonious Community
There is a lot of talk in the spiritual community regarding how people, especially the young, really need to express themselves. This expression should not regard the feelings or thoughts of others. Some ministers actually teach this in their sermons. … Continue reading
Afterthoughts About Buddha-Nature
My mind is reeling. I offered to do a workshop. The offer was granted. They gave me the topic of “Buddha Nature.” The material on Buddha Nature is seemingly immense. It is also conflicting because there is no one definition … Continue reading
Fairy Dust Buddhism
Most beer today is like most music. It’s all watered down and without flavor. Life’s to short to drink bad beer and listen to bad music. If you want the good stuff you have to shop around a little. Western … Continue reading
What Is and What Is Not the Dhamma
There are those who search for authentic Buddhist teachings, Dhamma (Skt Dharma), and there are those that are willing to take anything they can get as long as it is cheap and easy. Those who do search for authenticity should … Continue reading
On Being Right and Being Wrong
Hell was once defined as a place where there is a Starbuck’s on every corner. I guess I live in a sort of a purgatory. While there’s not a Starbuck’s on every corner, they are about a half-mile apart. Sometimes … Continue reading
Fists Full of Sand 