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”

Breath: Questions for Contemplation; Perceptions and Practice Ideas

March 13, 2023 Update: Part 2 of this Breath: Questions for Contemplation; Perceptions and Practice Ideas is now available for purchase on Insight Timer as the five-day Progressive Breath Awareness Booster course and is entirely free for Plus members (which includes a 1-month free trial). Day one is free for everyone: https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/progressive-breath-awareness-booster or the easy toContinue reading “Breath: Questions for Contemplation; Perceptions and Practice Ideas”

(My) art for (“alternative”) zen (school) students from “The Gateless Gate”

The words in this “art” are a mishmash of mostly these two translations of “Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two” from The Gateless Gate: The Gateless Gate by Ekai, called Mumon [PDF from consciouslivingfoundation.org] Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two Nansen saw the monks of the eastern and western halls fighting over a cat. HeContinue reading “(My) art for (“alternative”) zen (school) students from “The Gateless Gate””

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”

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)

Wisdom Snippets: Belief (Downsides And Solutions)

From “The Unfoldment: The Organic Path to Clarity, Power, and Transformation” (p. 41-48). Career Press. Kindle Edition. By Neil Kramer. ‘Belief is often about comfort. It is reassuring to know that a thing will be the same today as it was yesterday. We set up all kinds of routines and habitual practices in our dailyContinue reading “Wisdom Snippets: Belief (Downsides And Solutions)”

Sub-commentary for ‘A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s “Gokudō Yōjinshū” (Guidelines for Studying the Way)’ by Gien Inoue

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”

Sarah Edwards: St Louis Missouri Symbology And How To Convey One’s Psychic Abilities/Gifts

This conversation with medium and spiritual counselor Sarah Edwards was recorded August 19th, 2020 at Sugar Beans Coffee House in St Charles, Missouri. Sarah is an intuitive guide, medium, Usui Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher, and Clairaudient delivering profoundly wise, insightful and skillful messages. Find her on Facebook at Sacred Speak with Sarah Topics include:

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)”