Last Friday night, for the Full Moon, the monastics were able to host their Uposatha gathering in the town of Wendell, where they will be spending the three month Vassa season. This is a time of stability, where wandering is reduced and monastics commit to staying in a particular community for the duration. Whether at […]
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Read More »
Last night during the tea time another perennial question came up – how are we supposed to relate to the differences between the Buddhist traditions, and which practices should we take up or avoid? The first part of the question is mostly historical. The three main branches of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana –
Finding Our Center Read More »
At times it feels like there are two different narratives going on around spiritual practice – the clear, direct, meditative path of becoming peaceful and serene like a Buddha statue; and then what practice is actually like day to day. One is an ideal that we get to strive for whenever we have time to
Practice with Family Read More »
Recently I was traveling with a friend when I was asked a perennial Theravada Buddhist question – “Can laypeople become arahants?” It’s a fairly sophisticated question, requiring a knowledge of Buddhist doctrine and a familiarity with the monastic order, at least enough to recognize the esteem monastics are usually held in. Like most teachers asked
Can Laypeople Become Enlightened? Read More »
I’ve heard a story – probably much embellished by this point – that once there was a new Dhamma Hall commissioned to be built at Wat Suan Mokh, the late Ajahn Buddhadasa’s monastery. The plans were drawn and materials ordered, but the construction itself dragged on and on. Workers would lose necessary tools, things would
The Temple is Done Read More »
There is no force in nature like desire! It’s been over a week since Upavana’s new wheeled dhamma center arrived at the Bamboo Grove. Nearly every day has brought another visit from friends with offerings, snacks, and chances to meditate together. Getting the salvaged camper habitable has been a chore but many hands made it
Following the gathering at the end of May commemorating the Buddhist holiday of Vesak, there’s been a lot of interest and questions on the topic of Faith. What is it? How does one develop it? How does one practice recollecting the primary objects of Faith and Refuge – the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha? In this
What is Faith? What is Refuge? Read More »
And now for something a little different – an answer to the question nobody asked – “What does a forest monk do in the rain?” The answer may or may not surprise you. We sit. This weekend I had wonderful accommodations – a fully furnished, clean, warm retreat apartment at a house next to a
This weekend has been cold and rain has bucketed down. I’ve always spoken well of the rain deva’s (in animistic cultures, spirits said to affect the weather – either friends or enemies of the dhutanga monk) and feel they have been kind to me yet again – for by seeming coincidence they chose to break
Mahasiddha Nyingmapa Center Read More »
This Wednesday was the Vesak Full Moon, and the Uposatha gathering was centered around the Recollection of the Buddha. This is a reflection said to cure all dukkha, so we sat together reflecting on the Buddha’s wholesome qualities and on a deeper level, what it was that made him the symbol of liberation.
Recollecting the Buddha Read More »
