Every once in a while, I get questioned about why I charge what I do for my online programs. Shouldn’t the dharma be free? People wonder. Why are you charging so much? Monks don’t charge, why do you? The inference being that anyone who does is a charlatan. Every time someone takes it upon themselves […]
Where does the enneagram come from?
I’ve begun work on my book about the enneagram, something I’ve wanted to write for a long time. I plan to do so from a Buddhist perspective. I am discovering what this means in the act of writing. It is quite natural to wonder, “where does it come from?” Good question. I have searched high […]
Kripalu
Here I am, about to start teaching a program at Kripalu, a lovely program/retreat center in Western Massachusetts. I took these photos when I went to see our program room just before it filled. 50 people would soon take their seats for “The Power of Meditation.” Who are they? What do they think […]
How to Meet the Extraordinary Difficulties of Our World
“In a world of noise, confusion and conflict it is necessary that there be places of silence, inner discipline, and peace. In such places love can blossom.” Thomas Merton . I know we are all grappling with how to meet the extraordinary difficulties of our world. I seem to vacillate these days between effort, worry, […]
Transmission Principle
The first thing I was taught in my own meditation teacher training was the Transmission Principle. Without honoring this principle, I learned, I would not teach effectively. . When meditation is taught, this principle often goes missing…which is too bad. It is where the transformational power, healing capacity, and connection to sacred world comes from. […]
Creating home.
This is my house. But is it my home? is a question I ask myself. I don’t think I’ve ever felt at home anywhere and, at this point in life—middle aged, no children, loner-y— would I even know how? Here, I see ornaments of my life: A table of photos of us and our families. […]