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Dialogs With My Teacher #59
February 10, 2011 Student: My mother is dying and theres all sorts of interesting and tragic family stuff going on. Its amazing and heart-breaking all at once. So my question is: how might any of us deal most constructively with the loss of a loved one? Michael:...
When Bruce Lee Tells Us to Be Formless, Listen.
Enjoy.
Buddhism in China: An Enduring Legacy on View at the Freer | Around The Mall
Would love to see this exhibit... Though Buddhism was not native to China, curator Stephen Allee says it wasnt a hard sell. Its a religion of salvation, and so it had great popularity and appeal, he says. As curator of the Freer Gallerys new exhibit, Enlightened...
What happens when we start witnessing the Witness?
Commuter Zen #91
Dialogs With My Teacher #58
Feb. 8, 2011 Student: When we say that whatever is happening is the Universe expressing itself in utter perfection, isnt this also a thought or story that we can cling to? Michael: Absolutely. Thats why we dont stop practicing. We find that the deeper our practice...
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...
Esalen 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...
Empty 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...
Dialogs 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....
Join 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...