Dharma Gates

We hear the phrase “dharma gate” often in the Zen tradition, but what does it refer to? Is there a gate somewhere that we need to find and what does it let on to? “Dharma” of course refers to the teachings in the Buddha tradition. The teachings refer to all things and...

Choices

Conditions are always changing. The larger cycles of war and political disruption, marked by three poisons, don’t seem to change, though. Greed, hostility, and ignorance are as innate in the human condition as is generosity, compassion, and awake awareness. It’s up to...

Vows

Jizo Bohisattva, also known as Kishitagarba, is the Bodhisattva of Great Vow. Jizo embodies the energy of vow or intention that each of us has the capacity the to access. What is your spiritual vow? To awaken? To love? To resolve the fear in your heart? To serve? Are...

Hunger

What is hunger? How does the state of mind differ in one who hasn’t eaten in days, from one who is fasting? Rationally, we know we need nothing. And yet, what does it feel like to really need… We all suffer from hunger. Some who haven’t eaten since yesterday, watch as...

Heart

The Buddha heart is our very own heart. Each of us has a heart of gold that is shining just now just below any dis-ease we may be feeling. It is our responsibility and our joy as practitioners to uncover this awake heart and share it with one another. The heart cares,...