Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk who was well-known as a social activist, writer, and poet. An deep student of comparative religion, Merton was a keen proponent of interfaith dialog. He became close friends with prominent Eastern spiritual teachers, such as the Dalai Lama, D.T. Suzuki, and my own heart teacher, Vietnamese Zen Master Thich […]
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Tag Archives: silence
Wise Teachings of Vimala Thakar
2010/10/22 
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Vimala Thakar was an Indian social activist who became a spiritual teacher after meeting J. Krishnamurti. Her teachings emphasize balancing one’s “inner” spiritual development with “outer” social development and action. In just a few words, Thakar helps us get to the very essence of meditation and mindfulness. ♥♥♥ Meditation If I am aware of the […]
Continue reading The Truth of Silent Illumination
2010/10/12 4 Comments
Silently and serenely one forgets all words; Clearly and vividly That appears… When one realizes it, it is vast and without limit; It is Essence, it is pure awareness. Singularly reflecting in this bright awareness, Full of wonder in this pure reflection… Infinite wonder permeates this serenity; In this Illumination all intentional efforts vanish. Silence […]
Continue reading Rumi Poem-“Quietness” and “No Longer Mourn for Me” (music)
2010/05/07 13 Comments
As balm for your hearts and minds, I offer this poem by the Sufi poet Rumi and some exquisite music from Ensemble Galilei on their album Come, Gentle Night – Music of Shakespeare’s World. Quietness Inside this new love, die. Your way begins on the other side. Become the sky. Take an axe to the […]
Continue reading The Buddha’s Silence-and the Problem of Evil
2010/01/20 13 Comments
As a helpful interlude between Part 1 and Part 2 of “Buddhism’s Practical Answer to the Problem of Evil,” I thought I’d share this short piece by Godwin Samararatne on the larger issue of why, how, and when the Buddha answered questions. It should help give a wider context for discussing the Buddha’s solution to […]
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- Looking at the Ninth Zen Precept-I Do Not Indulge In Anger
- True God, True Buddha
- The Difference Between Compassion and “Idiot Compassion”
- Ajahn Brahmavamso teaches Loving-kindness Meditation
- Now-and-Zen-Are you still carrying her?
- A Buddhist Mantra based on the Prayer of St. Francis
- Mindfulness of Breathing-The Anapanasati Sutta
- Buddhist Forgiveness-When We Have Hurt Another-Part 3
- Healing the Body with Mindfulness of Breathing
- Practicing the Middle Way-not too much, not too little
- Look at the Three Characteristics in Terms of Actions
- Thich Nhat Hanh – Healing Through Resting in the Breath
- How Metta Can Help You When Meditation is Hindered by Overwhelming Feelings
- The Importance of Taking the “Should” out of Spiritual Practice
- Can We “Choose” to Be Happy? No—and Yes!
- Ken Mcleod on how to use Thich Nhat Hanh’s Five-Step Method of Emotional Releasing
- Non-resistance and the Art of Resisting without Resisting!
- Don’t be fooled! There is a Way and We Can Walk It!
- The Importance of Compassion in Assessing Our Dharma Progress
- Jesus and the Buddha on Good Friday
