Tag Archives: Core Teaching
Avoiding Poison
The recent bombings and increased activities of religious extremists have provoked a myriad of responses, both rational and irrational. In the United States people of power tend to react instead of responding. The reaction is normally superficial and immature. They … Continue reading
The Need To Be Heard
We live in a society that demands we be fair, honest and sensitive to the “needs” of others. There is the claim that we want every voice to be heard. We sometimes, albeit rarely, make the distinction between “hearing” and … Continue reading
Going Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors
Illumination or Elimination Many people who go to a formal meditation retreat want to get something. That something might be relaxation, stress relief, a sense of community, simple silence or even some kind of illumination leading to special insight. There … Continue reading
The Myth of Original Enlightenment
A person has six properties, six media of sensory contact, eighteen considerations, & four determinations. He has been stilled where the currents of construing do not flow. And when the currents of construing do not flow, he is said to … Continue reading
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
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
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
Fists Full of Sand 