I once took a ride to Burning Man with a guy named Jake. Jake had rented a gigantic RV and was looking for people to offset the cost of the trip. I joined on, with three other women along for the ride. We rumbled off toward Black Rock City in good spirits, but Jake soon …
Category: Zen & Dharma
Unconditional happiness
This is the goal now: unconditional happiness. Without money or goods, or property or progeny; without lovers or partners or family or friends. Without accomplishments or monuments or trophies or tributes. Without health or mobility or comfort or rest. Any or all may arrive and be welcomed. But I will be happy. I deserve nothing …
Monk pesto
To make Monk Pesto: 1. Find all the pieces of the blender in the shed; clean and reassemble. 2. Stuff into blender: -Basil grown in a pot from little plants brought by Wendy. -Parmesan left behind by Shulamit. -Organic garlic found in the cabin. -Sunflower seeds from the large bag left by a hostel guest. …
Talking down a dragonfly
I am noticing how finely attuned my senses are right now, to the sounds, the smells, the buzzing life of the earth all around me. I went into the Meditation Hall, knelt by the altar and said my prayer: Until I awaken, I take refuge in the buddha (the light within), the dharma (my teachers …
Leap of faith
I have always had, not a dream but a vision in the back my mind — that one day I would arrive as a stranger to a place, and feel immediately comfortable and comforted – like coming home. And then I imagined, that I would simply march up to the door and say “I like …