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Dialogs With My Teacher #57
January 13, 2011 (#57) Student: If every single thing that arises is the Infinite seeing itself, what does that say about evil acts? Michael: Evil acts are the embodiment of individual or collective unconsciousness. They vary in degree, but they all are sourced from a...
read moreEsalen Debates Its Own Future
The New York Times offers this interesting story about how Esalen, as it approaches its 50th anniversary, is adjusting to the aches and pains of age. Is it still relevant? Esalens leaders say they are tweaking the institutes balance between the personal and the...
read moreEmpty Your Cup
A nice reminder... Scholar Tokusan, who was full full of knowledge and opinions about the dharma, came to Ryutan and asked about Zen. At one point Ryutan re-filled his guests teacup, but did not stop pouring when the cup was full. Tea spilled out and ran over the...
read moreDialogs With My Teacher #56
January 12, 2011 Student: Does an awakened response come before thought or does an awakened response come after the thought is acknowledged, and not believed? Michael: An awakened response is one that isnt caught by anything. So thoughts arent ever the issue....
read moreJoin us for our Fall 2012 Weekend Retreat
CULTIVATING FEARLESSNESS OCTOBER 12-14, 2012 MOUNT MADONNA CENTER This weekend retreat will offer an approach to living fearlessly. Each day will involve sitting meditation, walking meditation and dharma talks followed by Q&A, as well as practice interviews with...
read moreLook At That Story
If you're finding that the stories you tell yourself are limiting your experience, Leslie Gossett's piece at Shambhala Sun Space is worth a read: If only I had done this If only I had the strength to do If I could just stop buying into my storyline, then I could...
read moreWhy is it easier to come out as gay than to come out as a Buddhist?
Commuter Zen #90
read moreTo Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters
In the service of a conscious evolution of interfaith dialog, here's Danny Fisher's open letter on Islamophobia. July 31, 2012 San Francisco, CA USA -- As disciples of the Buddha who live in the West, we would like to take the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity...
read moreDialogs With My Teacher #55
January 10, 2011 (#55) Student: What is the most enlightened way to communicate with someone who is very difficult? Michael: The same way Ive suggested that you speak to someone who complains a lot; listen deeply and speak from a place of open generosity. Student:...
read moreBill Clinton: Meditator.
While I'm happy for the former presidents choice, I can't help but wonder how a meditation practice might have affected his choices during his presidency. ...in his latest bid to improve his well-being, the Democrat has hired his own personal Buddhist monk to help him...
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