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On Tibetan New Year & Ash Wednesday
Today, as our Catholic sisters and brothers celebrate Ash Wednesday, our sisters and brothers in Tibet and the Tibetan Diaspora continue to observe and celebrate Losar – the Tibetan New Year. It is fifteen day observance that has its roots in the Bön tradition. Losar is a celebration of gratitude, which becomes especially poignant, given the suffering endured by the Tibetan people, at the hands of their Chinese oppressors, and the intolerant Tibetan-Government-in-Exile. At first glance, … Read entire article »
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On Tibetan New Year & Ash Wednesday
Today, as our Catholic sisters and brothers celebrate Ash Wednesday, our sisters and brothers in Tibet and … Read more »
The Festival of Losar 2139
Today marks the beginning of the New Year for Tibetan Buddhists, and the end of our five … Read more »
Like the Silversmith….
In the Jewish tradition, the last of the minor prophets to appear in the Hebrew Bible is … Read more »
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Buddhism in the West… the discussion continues
In a discussion of a well-written and insightful article in Elephant Journal, entitled “Buddhism in the West: … Read more »
Everything is transitory
A precept that works hand-in-hand with the recovery movement's one day at a time is the realisation … Read more »
Silence
Sometimes, it's OK to not say anything, but to instead simply be present for another person. "Perhaps the … Read more »
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The Festival of Losar 2139
Today marks the beginning of the New Year for Tibetan Buddhists, and the end of our five days of Dorje Phurba sadhana, for the long life of our Dharma masters and root teachers. Dorje Phurba is a wrathful manifestation of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of Purification, and is associated with the formless Dharmakaya Buddha — the most pure aspect of Enlightenment. … Read entire article »
Like the Silversmith….
In the Jewish tradition, the last of the minor prophets to appear in the Hebrew Bible is attributed to the prophet Malachi. There is some academic debate regarding the actual author of the text, but the name of the book is believed to be an abbreviation of the Hebrew, “Mál’akhîyah“, which means “the Messenger of YHVH”. It is a text, written … Read entire article »
Imbolc/Candlemas… And the Goddess of Fire
Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, festivals were created to coincide with more ancient traditions, because the leaders of the Church realised that these traditions would always be part of the fabric of the people’s lives. Christmas was celebrated on December 25th to coincide with the festival of Saturnalia, Easter would coincide with the festivals surrounding the Spring Equinox. And … Read entire article »
On Forty-Eight Trips Around the Sun
In about fifteen hours, I will have completed my forty-eighth trip around the sun, and will begin my 49th year on this planet. It’s been my practice for the past twenty-five years, to take this annual opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the gifts that have been given to me in my life, and to cultivate profound gratitude for that … Read entire article »
Remembering Sister Helen
The following is the text from a homily I gave tonight to honour Sister Helen Travis, the amazingly firey, foul-mouthed, irascible Benedictine nun who started the Travis Centre in the South Bronx back in the 80′s. Sister Helen died seven years ago today, and I miss her. Even if the whole “religion thing” isn’t your cup of tea, you may enjoy … Read entire article »
Meat and Buddhism?
I’ve been asked if a non-vegetarian can follow the prescribed practices of our Order, and whether I will give empowerments to non-vegetarians. My response has always been the same. I cannot answer that question, because whether or not someone eats meat is not a consideration at all for whether they are ready to receive the empowerments. If you have avoided studying the … Read entire article »
Blue Solar Elixir – an Adjunct to Healing?
J.C. in New Jersey writes: “Khenpo, I read with interest your book, and was fascinated by the recommendations of using Blue Solar Water as part of the Ho’oponopono practice. I know that other qualified authorities on the practice, including Dr. Hew Len recommend this practice as well, but have seen some confusing and conflicting opinion from those who disagree with its … Read entire article »
Love the moment… it’s all there is!
In our community, the Contemplative Monks of the Eightfold Path practice a range of meditation techniques, drawing from the rich traditions of non-sectarian Buddhism, the charism of Franciscan unity with all that exists, and the contemplative awareness of the Benedictine-Camaldolese tradition. The ultimate objective of these techniques is to generate mindfulness, concentration, tranquility and insight. Central to each of these practices … Read entire article »
On the syncretism of a punk monk
I was asked this afternoon why I refuse to renounce the seemingly “syncretic” approach of the feral wisdom tradition, and adopt a more “pure” teaching, even suggesting that I should return to a life of monastic study within the Nyingma School, to correct some of the “misconceptions” that I’ve learned through the study of the Eternal Wisdom Tradition (Bön Dzogchen). I … Read entire article »
Reflecting on the Banks of the River…
There is no question that this morning, my thoughts are filled with many of the things I’ve been fortunate to learn over the past twenty-one years. And without leaving the fullness of the present moment, I feel myself sitting on the dock, in front of Neem Karoli Baba’s temple, at Kashi Ashram, where I have done hundreds of Medicine Buddha Pujas and pujas for the dead in years past. “Each moment is filled with a mystical prana,” Tenzin Yangchen Ma would teach us, “It takes you beyond the breath to a deep silence. This brings a better use of each second of your life.” Ma would tell us that everything that could be used to break the … Read entire article »
Reflections along the Way…
Earlier tonight, a student said that she believes I will be remembered as “a controversial, postmodern philosopher, author and teacher, who is best known for his remarkably lucid presentation and blending of contemplative Eastern Catholic and Gnostic mysticism, with essential Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice, interpreted through the lens of a non-religious Taoist philosophy.” Now I have about as little use … Read entire article »
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