Height, weight, race, gender, hair color, eye color, hair length, clothes, address….these are all classified or observed on a simple American driver’s license. Our society is accustomed to these categorizations…and we typically take quick inventory of people that we meet to determine their classifications. And sometimes to determine if they “belong” or not. But do any – Read More –
Many years ago, a man came up to me at a meditation center and asked me my race. I answered, but then he immediately countered and said, “No no…you are part of the Golden race! It is the new race that is a beautiful blend of all races. It is our wonderful future.” At the time, – Read More –
BUDDHA was not a BUDDHIST. JESUS was not a CHRISTIAN. MUHAMMAD was not a MUSLIM. THEY were TEACHERS who taught LOVE. LOVE was their RELIGION. One of my favorite quotes is by BASHO who said, “Do not follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” But there is comfort in numbers. It seems – Read More –
Recently, I had a conversation with a loved one about religion. We talked a bit about Christianity, Taoism, and Zen…I expressed respect for one’s right to chose their own beliefs. I think I said something like love is my religion (haha). As a Christian, she expressed a desire to want me (and other loved ones) – Read More –
“Man stands in his own shadow and wonders why it’s dark.” – Zen proverb This weekend, I wrote a very complicated (haha!) and in depth post about love and fear. It didn’t save properly, so when I refreshed the page, I was left with the image and quote above. Everything else was deleted. Since I – Read More –
If the whole world praises him, he is not elated. If the whole world condemns him, he is not beaten. In a word, praise and blame cannot change his conduct. Such a man possesses true virtue. As for myself, I am still among those who are influenced by the opinions of others, like the wind – Read More –