In the Footsteps of the Buddha pilgrimages with Shantum Seth across India and South Asia. Other spiritual journeys that transform. Mindful travel.
General |
-
2 comments
How to sit Zen (and stretching excercises for the full lotus)
Wisdom Quarterly has a nice how-to on zazen, or Zen-style mediation. It begins with this: Zazen, the formal practice of seated meditation, is the cornerstone of Zen training. Za means "sitting." Zen —which derives from the Sanskrit dhyana, or jhana in the ancient Buddhist language Pali—means meditation. In its beginning stages, zazen is a practice of concentration, with a focus on following or counting the breath. But more than just concentrating, zazen is a powerful tool of self-inquiry, boundless in its scope and ability to reveal the true basis of reality. Through zazen we realize the unity of the self with all things, which has the potential to transform our lives and those of others. Practical guidance complete with diagrams will take you through the basics. One of my favorite guides for all things Zen is Robert Aitken's Taking the Path of Zen. It's one of those everything-you-wanted-to-know books. I remember looking through it years ago, before I ever visited a zendo, to be prepared for what to expect. Of course, there's no way to prepare and showing up and sitting is the only way that works. But understanding Zen form and practice from a seasoned teacher's point of view gives plenty of context. There are also very down-to-earth and practical instructions. Here's Aitken Roshi on zazen and your legs (I'm sure I don't have to explain), with diagrammed stretching exercises to prepare for the lotus position: "Legs are a problem. Few people, even children, even in Japan, are flexible enough to sit easily in the lotus position without painful practice..." More » -
0 comments
Compassion is the Source of Transformation
Today's Daily Dharma, "In terms of commitment, I think Buddhist practice is by its very nature social change. It cultivates compassion, which is the source of transformation. The word means "suffering with." Thus compassion arises from a deep place of receptivity and listening that is the beginning of healing. What we are talking about broadly is the healing of the world, a journey of a thousand years." -Paul Hawken, "The Movement With No Name" (Fall 2008) More » -
3 comments
Stumbling into the Buddha in Brooklyn
I have always found it interesting when books seem to randomly, perhaps auspiciously, find their way into my life. I find it particularly interesting when these books are dharma books. I am sure many of you out there have experienced this as well, but occasionally it is as if we do not find certain teachings, but they find us. More » -
1 comment
Dinosaurs in Thailand
On Monday the Science section of the New York Times published "Old Bones Yield a New Age of Dinosaurs in Thailand," an article that reveals Thailand’s rich prehistoric past. According to the Times, Thailand was “teeming” with dinosaurs starting around 200 million years ago. Now, during periods of heavy rain, giant dinosaur bones wash ashore in the remote region of Baan Na Kum. For many years, residents were unsure of what to do with the ancient bones. So where did the prehistoric bones end up? Some were kept in local Buddhist temples: For years, farmers did not know what they were or what to do with them. The superstitious buried them. More » -
7 comments
Buddhist Street Art
UPDATE: Here is an interview with the artist. Some highlights: It seems like Buddhist art is a big inspiration for you. Is this just aesthetic or is there a deeper meaning to it? Intuitively, I felt that “Eastern Philosophy” would be a good place to start. Nowhere in the world will you find as much information on the study of the mind than in the East. Also, I wanted to start with something that was easy to digest before getting into more esoteric/occult philosophies. How do people seem to be reacting to your work? So far, the response has been pretty positive. More »
