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
Waking up to Racism I am often asked when talking about racism in Buddhist circles to be specific, give examples. In part, this longing emerges from the reluctance of white people in power to accept, and see clearly by opening their eyes, that white supremacy informs the shaping of Buddhist communities, individual interactions, publications, etc.… Read More Western Buddhism is Saturated with White Supremacy
Next on my list of readings on foundational Buddhism is Daniel Ingram’s Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha. Ingram calls it “hardcore dharma” of the “Interdependent Universe.” This book is free as a PDF on the web: https://egagedbuddhism.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/68d43-1347785055665.pdf I’m also reading Surya Das’ Awakening the Buddha Within, Eight Steps to Enlightenment. I really connected with Surya Das in… Read More Daniel Ingram—Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha
