Category: Dharma Journal

Nothing has Changed—Inauguration Day

“Even if the sun rises in the west, the way of the bodhisattva is the same.”  –Suzuki Roshi Many folks are challenged by the reality of a Trump presidency. But, from the perspective of...

Snow Dharma

My muscles are whining as snow continues to fall. So much shoveling! But the burning ache is only a sign to stop for a moment and soak in the beauty of a landscape draped...

Re-solution

The new solar year begins. Many folks make aspirations to accomplish beneficial changes in their lives. Beginning with lofty goals, many resolutions soon fall away—swallowed by old habit patterns. This happens because the underlying...

Saying Goodbye

I am sitting in a tea shop, one of my usual haunts, listening to unfamiliar music bouncing about the red brick walls and mottled concrete floor. I swirl a cup of hot tea between...

Laying Down Our Faults: Returning of the Light

Dudjom Rinpoche was a very great householder yogi. He embodied the best of the Dharma yet remained a humble husband, father, and Dharma teacher. As a lama, he inspired thousands to practice pure awareness....

Gratitude and Patience

I remember reading a book (more than 30 years ago) entitled, Gratefulness: The Heart of Prayer by Brother David Steindl-Rast. I am reminded every moment of the author’s message. When I chant a mantra,...

Overcoming Divisiveness

We were overwhelmed by the positive response to the previous post. Many people seem to be suffering with regard to the election and need a bit of compassionate sanity. I am happy to offer...

The Day After

I write this as the election is coming to a close. There is no clear winner yet. I am choosing to post this before the final decision to encourage everyone to generate the mind...

True Nature

Tarn and I took a desert walk today. We enjoy exploring a section of an ancient river bed that snakes its way through sage, juniper, and rabbit brush far east of Bend. From a...