Only YOU Can Prevent World War III

As we begin the new year, I want to remind the world that only YOU can prevent World War III. I say this because most of the world is fast asleep when it comes to issues like climate change, poverty, homelessness, inequality, racism and discrimination of all kinds. The US isn’t the only place were […]

Include All Things

The insight of interbeing tells us to include all things. This inclusiveness pertains to people, animals, plants and minerals all the way down to the smallest atom (hydrogen) and all the up beyond the visible universe. But this is not a new idea as many think. For example, in my interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson […]

Empty of What?

When Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh talks about the Buddhist concept of emptiness, he always asks the question, “Empty of what?” Much of the time the answer is “Empty of a separate existence.” This means that nothing exists in isolation without interaction with everything else. If something did, we would never be able to access […]

…And Justice for All

The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America ends with the familiar word, “With liberty and justice for all.” In recent years we have become aware of many types of injustice – racial injustice, economic injustice, social injustice and climate injustice. Socially engaged Buddhists since the 1960’s have working in […]

Meant to Answer God’s Call

I just received this beautiful prayer by Archbishop Desmond Tutu from Lama Surya Das. If you don’t believe in God, you can substitute words like buddhanature, the cosmos, the universe, or the higher power. In any case, we are called into the midst of human suffering. This is the role of the bodhisattva – to […]

Should we be Afraid of Emptiness?

Should we be afraid of emptiness? If you think so, you may be incorrect. Just think about it. Pick up any piece of paper. It could be a newspaper or a piece of paper that you use to take notes on. What do you see in this piece of paper? Some people will say, “It […]

Plan B for Saving Civilization

I just watched a movie last night that moved me to tears. It was called, “Journey To Planet Earth – Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization” on PBS narrated by Matt Damon. The 1.5 hour documentary featured Lester Brown. Plan B for saving civilization is offered as an alternative to, guess what, Plan A: business […]

You Have Purpose

Carolyn Myss says, “If you have life, you have purpose.” Everyone is on her or his own path, whatever that may be. There is no one on earth that doesn’t have a purpose or a path. Meditation practices, the path to well-being, can help you find you purpose, can help you find your path. Remember, […]

The Dalai Lama’s Dream

In memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama also has a dream. The Dalai Lama spoke from his home in Dharamsala, India in honor of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream,,,” speech. The Dalai Lama’s dream is that in this century the world truly becomes one […]