Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was an American Trappist monk. He was also a writer, a traveller, a social activist, a poet and a seeker of the contemplative life.He was intent on exploring interfaith dialogues and developed deep friendships with the Dalai Lama, and Zen monk Thích Nhất Hạnh. As well as writing on his own faith … Continue reading On the Road.
Why meditate?
Information is Beautiful is a website founded by David McCandless that attempts to convey factual, evidence based information in graphic forms that bring clarity and understanding to the information. There are graphics on a wide range of topics from what a trillion dollars looks like (note the combined wealth of the 1%.....wow) to what are … Continue reading Why meditate?
Meditation on the road.
I have been meditating regularly for quite a few years now. I usually sit Zazen (Zen meditation) for 1 hour most mornings. Dawn is the best time for me. There is something about the stillness and the quality of the light first thing that I find very conducive to quieting down and settling into a … Continue reading Meditation on the road.
10 stoic guidelines to consider.
My friend Doug Bruns from over at The House I Live In is participating in Stoic Week which begins on October 1st. Go read his post about it. Stoicism, at least modern stoicism examines the philosophy of stoic writers such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, and asks if their ideas can help us lead … Continue reading 10 stoic guidelines to consider.
Beach Zen.
I recently came across this picture in my Instagram feed and I thought it was pretty cool. Just a group of zen practitioners fooling around at the beach. But also pretty good reminder (for me at least) that appearances are only skin deep. That, and perhaps....never take yourself to seriously! As it says in the … Continue reading Beach Zen.
where the sun falls.
I have this spot I like to go to. Early in the morning, after I have finished sitting zazen1. Usually sometime between 7 and 9 am, when a shaft of late winter sun falls across my favourite chair. The chair is snugged into a corner right besides my bookcase. I can sit and read … Continue reading where the sun falls.
