At Confluence Zen Center’s recent five year anniversary gathering and book signing in Maplewood, Missouri, I picked up a copy of A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s Gokudō Yōjinshū (Guidelines for Studying the Way) by Gien Inoue translated by Daigaku Rummé and Keiko Ohmae. [Also available via Amazon.] Having attending ConfluenceContinue reading “Sub-commentary for ‘A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s “Gokudō Yōjinshū” (Guidelines for Studying the Way)’ by Gien Inoue”
Category Archives: Buddhism
Dharma Questions: The Jhanas
There seem to be plenty of variation on the descriptions of the jhanas (especially surrounding “Nimittas”); the history and backgrounds of the jhanas — which were supposedly established well before the historical Buddha; — as well as some emotional charge surrounding what is and isn’t jhana and how to properly practice the jhanas, or meditativeContinue reading “Dharma Questions: The Jhanas”
Why We Practice | (8/25/2020 — Introducing: ‘Ask Us Anything’ With Denny K Miu)
This “pilot” of sorts called ‘Ask Us Anything’ marks the start of a monthly, open-audience, open-discussion with co-host Denny K Miu mostly about meditation practices and related topics. Our format isn’t set in stone, but it may gel more over time. We may invite guests. Audience members may talk more. We may freestyle with zeroContinue reading “Why We Practice | (8/25/2020 — Introducing: ‘Ask Us Anything’ With Denny K Miu)”
Chinese, South and Southeast Asian Art at Minneapolis Institute of Art
I recently visited and pursued the Chinese, South and Southeast Asian Art collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Like most modern day museums, it’s browsable online for higher quality photos and descriptions. Singling out a collection piece for deeper investigation, the ‘Standing Bodhisattva’ by an unknown artist is particularly interesting. The Mia describes thisContinue reading “Chinese, South and Southeast Asian Art at Minneapolis Institute of Art”
Dharma Questions: Awareness / Consciousness
Whatever [one] keeps pursuing with her thinking & pondering, that becomes the inclination of her awareness. Two Sorts of ThinkingDvedhāvitakka Sutta (MN 19) What is the difference between mind, thoughts, thinking, cognition, consciousness, attention, remembering, knowing, realizing, mind objects, mental formations, mental phenomena, volition, mindfulness, awareness? And what is the relationship between each of these and withContinue reading “Dharma Questions: Awareness / Consciousness”
Reducing Informational Warfare: Skillful Guidelines For Wholesome Internet Intake
Just like anywhere else, the abominable censoring of Internet speech never helps. Since responsibility of consuming online information clearly rests with the consumer it seems high time for some helpful guidance surrounding conduct, information gathering and exposure when online. While Intel agencies gather copious amounts of raw (mis/dis)information then apply various methods of discernment toContinue reading “Reducing Informational Warfare: Skillful Guidelines For Wholesome Internet Intake”
Addressing (CV) Fears
Wholeness! I trust anyone who comes across this blog post will find value in the following approaches to dealing with fear. If not, please reach out for assistance and/or keep searching. This post may be updated as new material presents itself. Please only take what is useful and helpful and discard the rest. Tara BrachContinue reading “Addressing (CV) Fears”
Refuge
Where, or in what do you take refuge now? What provides a sense of comfort, safety and stability? Shopping? Sex? Social media? Food? Gaming? TV? Money? Chasing approval and fame? Drugs and/or alcohol? Or perhaps it’s more positive things like friends, family, nature, heath, spiritual practices, values. Or a mix of positive and negative. WhileContinue reading “Refuge”
Integrating Presence 