Spirit Rock Meditation Center is dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha. We provide silent meditation retreats, as well as classes, trainings, and Dharma study.
Japan |
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Meet Tokyo's Bartending Monk
Bartenders are easy to confide in. Not just because you're probably wasted, but because so many others have been before you. Your neighborhood barkeep has already heard it all, and though he might not be able to impart any sage advice, he's at least developed some good listening skills. While barkeeps seem to have always occupied this unique social position, it's therapists who often do these days. Before therapy, which developed from the Christian culture of confession and divulgence, it was the clergy who saddled this responsibility. Vowz Bar in Tokyo revitalizes that once important role of clergy, placing them right behind the bar, where Buddhist-themed cocktails are mixed for spiritually thirsty patrons. Run by monks in the bustling Shinjuku district, it's likely the only bar where boozy-and-stirred concoctions are offered with a prayer. More » -
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Beautiful Image from Japan
This image came to us via a friend on twitter. We're not sure of the story behind it but I find it to be quite moving. More » -
Upcoming Earthquake/Tsunami Memorials in Los Angeles
We just receiving word on some inspiring activities in Los Angeles from an old friend of Tricycle: More » -
Three Practices for Japan
Even with the vast amount of information available to us through the media and internet, the amount of destruction, death, and suffering that is a result of the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear catastrophe in Japan is hard to comprehend. It is enough to make the brain of any person with a capacity for empathy short-circuit. Yet losing our minds helps nobody. This morning I came across this passage in a piece titled How Japan's religions confront tragedy by Dan Gilgoff. From the CNN Belief blog, More » -
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"Oldest man in Tokyo" has been dead for 30 years
When Japanese officials arrived at Sogen Kato's house to congratulate the elderly man on his 111th birthday, they were in for a big shock. After family members chased officials away claiming that Kato did not want to see them, police were able to break into the house where they found Kato's remains covered in his bed. According to his family, Kato shut himself up in his room three decades ago to "become a living Buddha." Japanese authorities speculate that Kato---thought to be the oldest man living in Tokyo---may actually have been dead for 30 years. Police are now investigating the family for possible fraud charges. Read more about this story here. Image: chestofbooks.com More » -
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Listen to Japanese Buddhist temple bells
Each week BBC features a half-hour audio program entitled "Heart and Soul" that explores spirituality in different parts of the world. This week's installment is Japan's Buddhist temple bells. From BBC: This week's Heart and Soul captures the physical and symbolic power of these bells, and they are awesome, some weighing more than 30 tons. They are struck on the side by a suspended tree trunk, swung by teams of up to 20 monks. More »
