Category: Dharma Journal

Two small lakes occupy space in the desert on the outskirts of Bend. They are a haven for waterfowl and associated wildlife. Ironically, they would not exist if it were not for our habit...

We are standing on the slope of a grassy hill overlooking the ashram. Our yoga training now involves balance postures. The instructor points out, “In order to find our balance, we must first overcome...

I wonder what they think about us two legged mammals wandering their territory. Their eyes follow us, aware but unfazed by our presence. We give the horses a wide berth so as not to...

Winter in the desert emphasizes the stark reality of arid climes—no water. Today, the grey/brown tinges of desiccated plant life predominates. Since we are hiking in the Dry River bed east of Bend, there...

When traveling in Kenya way back in 1975, I was humbled by a gentle man with a disarming smile. He lived amidst very challenging circumstances—barely supporting a family of five. They lived in a...

So many lost doors Doors to hidden memories Some happy things Others wished to be forgotten Rising up at night They flavor what I see Apparitions cloaked in symbol Wisdom’s inviting mask  In dreamlike...

When I chose the name for our Dharma center 25 years ago, I reflected on how mind and nature are interconnected. The Buddhist teachings seem to reflect that connection by suggesting the natural flow...

A herd of ten mule deer are bedded down in our front yard as if this is their home, at least for now. They exhibit little fear when I open the door to greet...

I have a nighttime dream in which I see a skull floating in the sky. The skull is round and joyful, a cartoonish image with a blindfold covering its eye sockets. All of a...

Dudjom Lingpa, the source of our close lineage, once posed a powerful question to his personal yidam (archetype of his enlightened self). He asked, “…emptiness [our original nature] seems to be without benefit and...