Confluence Zen Center: Introduction to ZEN MEDITATION

Recently wrapped up a multi-week study with Confluence Zen Center on Instructions for the Cook (Tenzo kyôkun) by Dôgen Zenji. A classic line from the text: Wash [the dishes] so that they are completely pure and clean, placing up high those that belong in high places and putting down low those that belong in lowContinue reading “Confluence Zen Center: Introduction to ZEN MEDITATION”

Gender (Confusion?)

Why and how has the topic of gender become so prevalent, pervasive and taken such precedence — appearing on forms, social media bios, etc., often with no opt-out, or room for comment — seemingly overnight, perhaps in a manner similar to The Corona? What are the origins, and who are the major supporters of thisContinue reading “Gender (Confusion?)”

(Mostly Regular/Daily) Virtual Meditation Groups

As previously stated, fortunately or unfortunately, or both, or neither, Zoom services, studies groups, retreats and shorter practice periods are part of meditation practice for folks at this time. There are benefits to both solo meditation and practicing with a group. In a way, we all basically both arrive on earth alone and leave alone,Continue reading “(Mostly Regular/Daily) Virtual Meditation Groups”

Wisdom Snippets: Truth

Shortcut to this blog post: https://tinyurl.com/truthsnippets Definition of veracity noun — ve·​rac·​i·​ty | \ və-ˈra-sə-tē 1 : conformity with truth or fact : accuracy 2 : devotion to the truth : truthfulness 3 : power of conveying or perceiving truth 4 : something true makes lies sound like veracities Truth. Solipsism? 2 + 2 =Continue reading “Wisdom Snippets: Truth”

Qigong and Daoyin | (1/26/2021 — “Ask Us Anything – LIVE” With Denny K Miu)

For this month’s regular open-audience, open-discussion “Ask Us Anything” — continuing discussions about meditation and related topics — Denny gives an in-depth presentation on Qi, Qigong and Daoyin (with presentation slides above) including the following mentions: Don’t go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture, by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreementContinue reading “Qigong and Daoyin | (1/26/2021 — “Ask Us Anything – LIVE” With Denny K Miu)”

Dharma Questions: Arhatship, Bodhisattvas and Buddhahood

The following questions explore Arhatship, the way of Bodhisattvas and Buddhahood from a limited innerstanding in order to gain clear, right, true knowledge for the highest good and well-being of all, without preferences. Even if based on proper premises some of these questions may be unanswerable and/or may be better left unanswered for now. PleaseContinue reading “Dharma Questions: Arhatship, Bodhisattvas and Buddhahood”

McMindfulness and The Mindfulness Industrial Complex | (12/29/2020 — “Ask Us Anything” With Denny K Miu)

For this month’s open-audience, open-discussion “Ask Us Anything” — continuing discussions about meditation and related topics — Denny and I address the “McMindfulness” phenomena mostly by exploring the translation of the original Pali word “sati” — often translated as “mindfulness” — by offering up “remembering” as a more original translation. We also touch on some classic sati relatedContinue reading “McMindfulness and The Mindfulness Industrial Complex | (12/29/2020 — “Ask Us Anything” With Denny K Miu)”

Historical Trees of Enlightenment

While Christmas trees represent generosity and giving, these days they could also be associated with materialism and consumerism. Perhaps somewhat in contrast, Bodhirukka, or tree of enlightenment, is a certain tree associated with the awakening of each of the 29 Buddhas named in the Buddhavamsa, the Chronicle of Buddhas. The gallery of trees below shows bestContinue reading “Historical Trees of Enlightenment”

Supranormal (or so-called Psychic Powers) in the (Buddhist) Pali Cannon

Monks, spend time with Sāriputta and Moggallāna. They are wise monks who assist their companions in the Holy Life. Monks, Sāriputta is like a parent, Moggallāna is like a babysitter. Monks, Sāriputta leads one to the attainment of stream-entry, Moggallāna leads one to the highest goal. . . Selection from Saccavibhaṅgasutta — Analysis of Truth Linked below areContinue reading “Supranormal (or so-called Psychic Powers) in the (Buddhist) Pali Cannon”

Immigrant Buddhism | (11/24/2020 — “Ask Us Anything” With Denny K Miu)

For this month’s open-audience, open-discussion “Ask Us Anything” — continuing discussions about meditation and related topics — Denny and I sum up the themes of our last two conversations on Mahayana and Theravada while adding in the 3rd Buddhist Council. We then wrap-up the developmental history of Buddhism in China, South East Asia and Tibet.  Finally weContinue reading “Immigrant Buddhism | (11/24/2020 — “Ask Us Anything” With Denny K Miu)”