The Weekly Words of Wisdom chosen by Lama Surya Das were spoken by my teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. I have heard him say many times over the years of practice with him that the next Buddha may be a sangha – a community of practitioners working together to bring peace, love, and joy to […]
The Kingdom Of God – A New Interpretation
March 31, 2013 by
Many of us have heard the saying of Jesus in the bible, “The Kingdom of God is at hand!” What does this mean? Research into the subject produced only conflicting and contradictory ideas. It seems that Christian scholars don’t know what it is. Perhaps they actually do and desire to keep it a secret from us. Perhaps […]
The Sound Of The Bell
March 30, 2013 by
The bell of mindfulness is one of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh‘s most remarkable teachings. He teaches us to stop and take three breaths whenever we hear the sound of the bell. The bell could be our doorbell, our cell phone, or the beautiful bell that you will find in all Buddhist monasteries and practice […]
Mindful Eating Helps Lose Weight
March 27, 2013 by
A recent article on the Science Daily website indicated that mindful eating helps lose weight. A study at the Ohio State University showed that “mindful eating equals traditional education in lowering weight and blood sugar” for diabetes patients. The report states, Eating mindfully, or consuming food in response to physical cues of hunger and fullness, […]
Non-Attachment to Views
March 25, 2013 by
This week’s Words of Wisdom from Lama Surya Das are from the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The 17th Karmapa is the leader of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. “When spiritual beliefs are used to build up walls between people, this is a total misunderstanding of the purpose of spirituality. Spirituality should mean coming […]
Breath Is The Bridge
March 19, 2013 by
Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again. —Thich Nhat Hanh This is my favorite picture of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. I took it while I was in […]
The Art Of Suffering
March 14, 2013 by
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh gave a dharma talk on Sunday, March 10 in Plum Village, France in Upper Hamlet. The topic of his talk was the art of suffering. He said that we have many books on the art of happiness and we need a book on the art of suffering. We know that we cannot avoid […]
Do You Have Too Many Cows?
March 2, 2013 by
Do You Have Too Many Cows? I know that I do! Last night, I was having dinner with my daughter, Jessica, 28 years old and a world traveler! Somehow, she picked up some wisdom beyond her years. She said I was spending too much time on the computer! This is not news! When I was […]
Phase Shift In The World Religions
February 6, 2013 by
During the summer of 1997, when I was on retreat with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in Santa Barbara, California, I met Roshi Joan Halifax. I was immediately struck by her presence and her beauty. Who would think that she could accomplish so much in her lifetime. She is the founder and abbess of the Upaya […]
The Second Mindfulness Training
February 3, 2013 by
The second mindfulness training of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh states, Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am committed to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and […]
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