‘Our minds and Shakyamuni’s are inseparable — only the thoughts are different.’ Zen Graffiti

“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.” ~Marie Curie I almost didn’t go to my cousin’s wedding. Not because I didn’t want to celebrate her. I did. But the thought of walking into a room full of people who knew the version of...

‘To be unaware is to suffer. Not knowing the nature of things, not seeing reality as it truly is (yathābhūta), binds us to a world of illusion.’ Everyday Buddhism

I sat atop a long wooden dock overlooking the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar, Mexico. I wanted to meditate, but felt hesitant, aware of the other visitors around me. They were splashing and diving, rocking their children and lovers in the water.  As a compromise, I...

“True love is born from understanding.” ~Buddha I believe one of our strongest desires in life is to feel understood. We want to know that people see our good intentions and not only get where we’re coming from but get us. We want to know they see us. They recognize...

‘Wherever the eye falls, Thusness.’ Chan Master Sengcan

A sharp clack echoed through the garden, and she looked up. The timekeeper, a novice who had just taken her vows, stood on the walkway, holding her wooden mallet, getting ready to strike the wooden plaque again to signal time for zazen and evening service. Aikon could...

“It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey.” ~Wendell Berry I was watching television one night when something on the screen made me set everything aside...

‘There is no need to be disappointed or annoyed about being drawn away from the main subject of Buddhist meditation.’ Everyday Buddhist

‘When alone check your mind. When in company watch your mouth.’ Atisa Dipamkara