Talking Dharma » Archive
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 is learning to stay in the moment, following your breath, so that random thoughts may … Read entire article »
Filed under: Dharma, Featured, Mindfulness
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 have great respect for the Nyingmapa, and hold H.H. Penor Rinpoche and H.H. Dilgo Khyentse … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advaita, Awakening, Buddhism, Dharma, Diversity, Emergent Spirituality, Emptiness, Featured, Interreligious Dialogue, new thought, non-duality, Wisdom
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 for labels as I have for religion, so my initial response was to laugh and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advaita, Awakening, Buddhism, Christ Dharma, Compassion, Dharma, Emergent Spirituality, Emptiness, Featured, forgiveness, Four Noble Truths, Impermanence, Interreligious Dialogue, Mindfulness, non-attachment, non-duality, non-suffering, post denominationalism, Science of Spiritual Living, Spirituality, Wisdom
On the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Throughout his life, Dr. King would comment about the profound influence Mahatma Gandhi had on his personal philosophy and on his life. When I read this, it seems clear to me that Dr. King also embraced the wisdom Buddha’s teaching as well, who taught: “Not by hatred is hatred ever … Read entire article »
Filed under: Charter for Compassion, Compassion, Diversity, Emergent Spirituality, Featured, Mindfulness, non-suffering, Non-violence, Seva, social justice
An inspiring young man…
Now it’s no secret that I have little use for institutional religion, and consider theism to be a primitive and superstitious spiritual path that leads to little more than attachment, and often results in bloodshed and suffering. But when I encounter someone whose spiritual journey is so refreshingly based on compassion, humility, reconciliation and personal responsibility as the young man in this video, I am moved and inspired. The young people of our planet are the greatest hope for our future. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Christ Dharma, Compassion, Emergent Spirituality, Featured, forgiveness, Interreligious Dialogue, Mindfulness, Spirituality
Dharmapala Meditation Practice
In Vajrayana Buddhism, we have a tradition of honouring the Defenders of the Dharma (called dharmapalas in Sanskrit). The iconography of the Vajrayana tradition often depicts these dharmapalas as fearsome beings, with many heads, hands or feet. These “wrathful aspects” of the dharmapalas are depicted by the colour of their skin (usually blue, black or red), and by the appearance of fangs, and a somewhat off-putting countenance. All dharmapalas are either great bodhisattvas, or buddhas, meaning … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bodhicitta, Buddhism, Compassion, Dharma, Emptiness, Featured, Guru Yoga, Sadhana, Spirituality, Tantra, Tibetan Buddhism, Wisdom
Ask the Monk
Over the past two weeks, there have been a number of very thoughtful, sincere questions sent my way from folks who’ve become a little confused by some of what they are reading and experiencing, especially in some of the online discussion groups about mine and Robert F. Ray’s books. So rather than tackle each question individually here, I thought I would cover a lot of them, and hopefully bring some clarity to what we’re doing … Read entire article »
Filed under: Dharma
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