Category: Dharma Journal

The Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is somewhat of an oddity within the city limits of Bend. Odd, because it represents a rare decision by a recreation-driven agency to allow nature the opportunity to recover...

We have a habit of assigning names to things. Being a student of wildflowers, I marvel at all the common and Latin names given to plants. Those who hike with me sometimes roll their...

It looks out of place. Dark green arrow-shaped leaves, woody stems, huge blossoms, and spiky fruits look like they would be more comfortable in a Southwest arroyo. But here it is, growing out of...

This week, I personally received word of three deaths: someone’s brother, a distant relative, and a friend. I often reflect on how many people, animals, insects, plants, etc. are passing away in this moment...

The wind begins to strengthen with the unmistakable ambience of an oncoming thunderstorm. My memory of this unique quality is deeply rooted. As a young boy I was indirectly struck by lightning while standing...

They are flitting about the courtyard, making numerous trips into the sky and back. Cradled within mud nests clinging to the sides of the house, open beaks eagerly await their return. Parent barn swallows...

I am sure those twelve people who read this blog recognize I am an introvert. Growing up in a world that prioritizes extroverts has forced me to face this fact of my existence. I...

On this day celebrating Buddha’s enlightenment, I am 30,000 feet in the air. The clouds below look like acres of cotton candy. If I fell from this airplane, I would pass effortlessly through that...

The thunderstorms roll in one after another. As they pass, micro-rivers flow over the landscape like splayed veins of water flowing into ever widening deltas. I come across one area where it seems fresh...

The Dharma Center is steward of a two mile section in the adopt-a-highway program. Our stretch of route 20 is located east of Bend, and we make an annual pilgrimage there to clean up...