Life Force, Art, Technology and (Digging) Crystals | In Conversation with David Hults (Part 1)

Much is edited out in this first part of a December 2, 2020, conversation with David Hults of Alternative Life Guide due to our recording setting canceling out barking and aircraft while also silencing us. Some topics we discuss and display: Part 2 — “Energy, Consciousness, Psychology & Inner Work | In Conversation with DavidContinue reading “Life Force, Art, Technology and (Digging) Crystals | In Conversation with David Hults (Part 1)”

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)”

“Personal” Photography Musings

Given today is the general election for President of the USA perhaps it seems fitting to post about “personal” images. Because unless you’ve actually sat down face-to-face beside the candidates, all anyone voting has to go on are video images and (spoken) words. (And the rare discussion with those who’ve actually met the candidates.) AnContinue reading ““Personal” Photography Musings”

American Buddhism | (10/27/2020 — “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 expand from last month’s chat on “Hīnayāna” as a superlative and more on Theravada and Mahayana in general. We also get into: On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi, in Jeta’s Grove, Anathapindika‘s monastery.Continue reading “American Buddhism | (10/27/2020 — “Ask Us Anything” With Denny K Miu)”

Addressing and Working with Pain On and Off the Cushion

Fortunately, as of now, I haven’t had to work with physical pain much. I’m currently dealing more with blockages, which may or may not be blocking pain. It’s hard to tell until unblocked. For several years, until my grandmother’s passing, she dealt with osteoporosis and the pain of her bones disintegrating with Fentanyl, a veryContinue reading “Addressing and Working with Pain On and Off the Cushion”

Why and Why Not to Question/Inquire

“…what is the benefit that Master Gotama lives for? … the Tathagata lives for the benefit and fruit of true knowledge and liberation.” SN 46.6: Kuṇḍaliya —Translation by Bhikkhu Bodhi A fool is known by three things. What three? They ask a question improperly. They answer a question improperly. And when someone else answers a question properly—withContinue reading “Why and Why Not to Question/Inquire”

Two Buddhist Forum Posts Shutdown: Body Ownership and Secret Society Influences

“While body is not me or mine what is a wise response to those claiming various degrees of ownerships on body?” is the title of a now closed forum post. The closed post in full: What are some kind, wholesome, skillful, wise and helpful responses and views to the following various claims of body ownership:Continue reading “Two Buddhist Forum Posts Shutdown: Body Ownership and Secret Society Influences”

Karma Knows | (9/29/2020 — “Ask Us Anything” With Denny K Miu)

September 2020’s, open-audience, open-discussion “Ask Us Anything” — discussions about meditation and related topics — with co-host Denny K Miu primarily address the term “Hīnayāna” and misunderstandings about karma. My original questions for the talk (followed by Denny’s response): (from Denny:) Or listen via Insight Timer (app or website)

Anesthetic consciousness: “If everything is consciousness, what happens during anesthesia?”

I recently listened to a voicemail from a friend who called asking, “if everything is consciousness, what happens during anesthesia?” It’s a great question and the short answer is: I don’t know. And “if everything is consciousness” is only one perception of reality. After deferring to referring him to a few folks who may provideContinue reading “Anesthetic consciousness: “If everything is consciousness, what happens during anesthesia?””

JNANI: The Silent Sage of Arunachala — Questions and Comments on the Film about Sri Ramana Maharshi

The Sri Ramana Maharshi biopic film JNANI: The Silent Sage of Arunachala is beautifully assembled with astonishing archival photos and first hand account interviews. Even though I’m a new comer to Ramana Maharshi — known for Self-inquiry — I feel what he conveyed and taught seem well represented in JNANI. Just witnessing the images ofContinue reading “JNANI: The Silent Sage of Arunachala — Questions and Comments on the Film about Sri Ramana Maharshi”