[Editor’s note: This article is based on an actual study that was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Personality, so it’s worthy of consideration.]  By Eileen Shim June 30, 2014 Psychologists Have Uncovered a Troubling Feature of People Who Seem Nice All the TimeImage Credit: Getty In 1961, curious about a person’s willingness to obey an authority figure, social psychologist Stanley… Read More Angry Rebels Are More Compassionate than Nice People

Kate Johnson continues her teaching on the true meaning of friendship in Buddhism. In this segment, she teaches on friendship that is truly unconditional. Friendship that is unconditional has the qualities of generosity, trust and steadfastness; it is not regarding someone as “an empty form.” http://www.tricycle.com/online-retreats/admirable-friendship/friendship-thats-truly-unconditional A friend is one who doesn’t abandon you when they know your… Read More Friendship that’s Truly Unconditional

It is ironic that so many of the people who seek an alternative to the frantic competitiveness of North American secular life turn to Buddhist teachers only to find themselves overwhelmed by the even more frantic and demanding rat race of North American religious life. No one can seek shelter in a North American Dharma… Read More Farewell to the Buddhist Rat Race

Rough Wood by Black Serama (on Reverb Worship Records) is the best example I’ve seen of music that comes from a deep spiritual ground, but is “post-spiritual”. It obviously draws on influences from spiritual traditions such as kirtan, chant, as well as ambient electronica, shoegaze and post-punk. But it doesn’t knock you over the head… Read More Black Serama: Post-Spiritualist Music

On August 2, 2015, nearly two dozen (or more) Anishinaabe Women and Men, Youth and Elders will be joined by supporters in a week-long walk against the Energy East Pipeline. The walk will cover more than 125 km of TransCanada’s proposed pipeline route where it crosses and threatens more than a dozen waterways in Treaty… Read More Anishinaabe Water Walk to Unite Treaty 3 People against Energy East Pipeline Aug. 2

Where is the Buddhism that relates to the culture of the street? Where is the Buddhism that speaks the language of the street, that connects with street people? What comes to mind foremost is the Beat Poets, particularly Jack Kerouac and his poetry. I’ve been listening to recordings of Jack’s poetry, Blues and Haikus, The Beat Generation,… Read More Buddhism and the Beat of the Street

In my studies of Buddhism over the last few years, twice I came across a reference to a certain “crazy Italian Buddhist” who was active as a Theravadin monk in the early 20th century. As an Italian who is trying to practice Buddhism (?), I found this quite intriguing, but twice failed to look him up. I… Read More That Great Italian Buddhist