How Not to Reform the World

These words of wisdom from Ramana Maharshi teach us how not to reform the world. With the world in so much trouble right now from climate change, social, racial and economic injustice, and growing populations, we need to consider some methods to reform the world in a peaceful way. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh says, […]

Mindfulness in Daily Life

These words of wisdom for Zen Master Eihei Dogen teach us about mindfulness in daily life. This is actually quite a universal teaching these days by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Phillip Moffitt, and many others. The idea is to take your mindfulness into your life in order to enrich your everyday experience. […]

Forest Bathing

Today is  November 7, 2014. I arrive at the Ben Lomond Quaker Center snuggled in the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. I walk in the woods a bit and realize I am forest bathing. The joy I feel being there is enhanced by the early morning sunlight streaming through the trees. The canopy […]

The Moon Reflected in Water

The moon reflected in water is a common theme in Zen. The first time I learned about this was in Pune, India in 1976. Rajneesh had giving some dharma talks on Zen stories and published a book called No Water, No Moon. I bought the book and read it with great interest. I also acquired […]

Listen To The Voice Within Yourself

Dogen Zenji was the founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. He lived during the beginning of the 13th century and brought the teachings of Chan Buddhism back to Japan from China. “Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. “Your body and mind will become […]

How Much Is The Clock?

When I was growing up, my aunt Zlota from Chicago used to ask for the time of day by saying, “How much is the clock?” This must have been a literal translation from Yiddish or Russian. The memory of her and this lovely expression remains with me today. Adam Frank is a professor and an […]