Virtual Zendo

TED talk about compassion and Buddhism and peace by Tenzin Bob Thurman from 2006 (posted 2007).

He contends that we should be compassionate because it is more fun. When does suffering begin and the good times end? When we ask, “How much fun am I having? When will it end?” Our suffering ends when we stop thinking about how we are feeling and focus our thoughts and energies on making the lives of our fellow creatures (even one) better (even just a little bit).

Tags: Enlightenment by Francis Maile
No Comments »

Best Father’s Day wishes to all fathers everywhere – even mine.

An inspirational Father’s Day story

Another take on the subject

I have nothing to add.

Tags: Stuff by Francis Maile
No Comments »

Change Your Mind Day | Tricycle

Change Your Mind Day 2008 will be held on June 7th, the first Saturday in June, on tricycle.com. Please send us news of your own Change Your Mind Day!

In 1993 Tricycle created Change Your Mind Day, an afternoon of free meditation instruction, as a way of introducing the general public to Buddhist thought and practice. Tricycle decided to hold the teachings out of doors, as in the time of the Buddha, in the hopes of welcoming people who otherwise might shy away from the formality of a zendo or gompa. We booked a hill in Central Park and put up fliers around town.

If there isn’t a local Change Your Mind Day event in your area, try the Virtual CYM page.

Tags: 100 Hours Zazen by Francis Maile
No Comments »

I just didn’t make it this time. Life got in the way. Of course I let it.

We traveled to China to adopt our son. I vainly thought I could maintain my sitting practice, but alas I didn’t even make through the first week of the trip. I beat myself up over this for some time. Doubts about my overall commitment to this practice and this path crept in and here I am several months later still not sitting daily.

I have restarted my practice, though. I will move forward, gently. Gradually building up to a daily hour of meditation. This is, I think a minimum goal for the attainment of some progress.

In July, I will be attending the summer sesshin at ZCLA. It is a week long retreat. At the very least, I don’t want to arrive there so out of shape that I spend the whole time in knots, muscles aching.

Tags: 100 Hours Zazen by Francis Maile
No Comments »