There are no exact guidelines. There are probably no guidelines at all. The only thing I can recommend at this stage is a sense of humor, an ability to see things in their ridiculous and absurd dimensions, to laugh at others and at ourselves, a sense of irony regarding everything that calls out for parody in this world. Continue reading
Spirituality
How a Zen Master Transforms His Fear
“It happened that a Zen master was invited as a guest. A few friends had gathered and they were eating and talking when suddenly there was an earthquake. The building that they were sitting in was a seven story building, and they were on the seventh story so life was in danger. Everybody tried to escape. The host, running by, looked to see what had happened to the master. He was there with not even a ripple of anxiety on his face. Continue reading
The Never Ending Quest
“At each stage of human existence the adult man is off on his quest of his holy grail, the way of life he seeks by which to live. Continue reading
Trust
“A man just got married and was returning home with his wife. They were crossing a lake in a boat when suddenly a great storm arose. The man was a warrior, but the woman became very much afraid because it seemed almost hopeless — THE BOAT WAS SMALL AND THE STORM WAS REALLY HUGE, AND ANY MOMENT THEY WERE GOING TO BE DROWNED. Continue reading
Silence is part of spiritual discipline
“I must say that, beyond occasionally exposing me to laughter, my constitutional shyness has been no dis-advantage whatever. In fact I can see that, on the contrary, it has been all to my advantage. My hesitancy in speech, which was once an annoyance, is now a pleasure. Continue reading
Conversation with God
Me : God, can I ask You a question?
God : Sure Continue reading
Total Commitment to the Spiritual Path
“Few people are capable of wholehearted commitment, and that is why so few people experience a real transformation through their spiritual practice. It is a matter of giving up our own viewpoints, of letting go of opinions and preconceived ideas, and instead following the Buddha’s guidelines. Although this sounds simple, in practice most people find it extremely difficult. Their ingrained viewpoints, based on deductions derived from cultural and social norms, are in the way.” Continue reading
The quest is never ending
At each stage of human existence the adult man is off on his quest of his holy grail, the way of life he seeks by which to live. Continue reading
Our Calling in Life
I like the word “calling,” but I think it gives us a false idea about our life’s work. I prefer the word in its plural form — “callings.” I’ve been “called” or “prompted” by an inner voice many times in my life. These callings have taken several forms — the impulse to change jobs, to relocate to a different country or city, to begin or end a business relationship, to give up a full-time job in order to care for a relative, etc. Continue reading
tell us something that will save us from ourselves
“Advice? I don’t have advice. Stop aspiring and start writing. If you’re writing, you’re a writer. Write like you’re a goddamn death row inmate and the governor is out of the country and there’s no chance for a pardon. Continue reading
ONE TUSK 