Tricycle | Awake in the World

Barack Obama's decision to double down on the war in Afghanistan has its supporters and detractors, but that we are largely insulated from the war's realities is indisputable. Differing from the Vietnam era—and in spite of the glut of information new technologies have made possible—images of the war and detailed and open discussion of its consequences are scarce in the mainstream media. You don't hear our representatives even discussing it much or at all when it comes to stretched budgets. And since the Democrats took power, open opposition has dropped off, as many moderates and liberals are afraid of "hurting Obama." I've discovered that many people are surprised when they learn that the U.S. has used phosphorous and cluster bombs in Afghanistan. We are preoccupied with other things, and the war is weakly reported. That we are poorly informed is understandable, but is it excusable? More »

Well, nothing lasts forever. This week, Roshi Pat Enkyo O'Hara's Tricycle Retreat, "Ease and Joy in Your Practice and Life," wraps up, as does the Tricycle Book Club discussion of Sharon Salzberg's book Real Happiness. Both events considerably brightened up an otherwsie gloomy February here at Tricycle! To both Enkyo Roshi and Sharon Salzberg, thank you very much for the gift of the dharma you've given us. Thank you for being available, generous, and patient throughout the month! A participant in the Week 4 discussion of the retreat put it beautifully: More »