Author Archives:
Emptiness, Part Deux (by Danaeah Ballinger)
In his review of Introduction to Emptiness by Guy Newland, Tricycle contributing editor Andrew Merz says:
Emptiness, alongside “life is suffering,” the full-lotus position, and a seeming obsession with death, sits high on the list of misunderstood principles associated with Buddhism that bring the uninitiated to label it a “depressing” tradition. (“The Greatest Lack; Explaining [...]
Some Study Resources (by Danaeah Ballinger)
As we start to discuss Jack Kornfield’s book, A Path With a Heart, there is a wealth of material on the website for Spirit Rock, the Meditation Center where Jack teaches and of which he is a co-founder: http://www.spiritrock.org/ Follow the links to Vipassana 101, and the audio resources for a number of recorded [...]
Emptiness and Dreams (by Danaeah B.)
It seems like most of us in the discussion group have a working concept of many key Buddhist terms. We kind of get “impermanence,” whether we want to or not. And the classic inquiry, “Who am I?” can spark an experience of “no-self,” because every answer is dwarfed by the unknowable awareness that holds it. [...]
A Solstice Retreat (by Danaeah B.)
I spent Saturday on an all day retreat with Anam Thubten Rinpoche, the teacher I’ve mentioned in previous posts. Some fifty people gathered in the social hall of a church to listen to this man, whose core theme (as reflected in the title of his book, No Self, No Problem), has meant so much to [...]
Lost (by Danaeah B.)
A friend’s recent visit to the Pacific northwest reminded me of one of my favorite poems which seems very pertinent to our effort and our discussion here. It was written by David Wagoner, and echoes instructions northwest Native American elders gave their children, on what to do if they became lost in the forest.
Lost
Stand [...]
Keep On Truckin (by Danaeah B.)
I’ve always found solitude nourishing and over the last ten years have tried to take annual personal retreats at an abbey in northern California. Excitement mounts as the time draws near. Even though I know better, I always anticipate calm and serenity.
It never works out quite like that. A lot of good happens, [...]
The Joy of Losing One’s Self (by Danaeah B.)
I first experienced the release and joy hidden behind the concept of “no self” one Thanksgiving night, not because I was feeling especially thankful but because I tend to feel blue after the guests have gone home.
I discovered eastern spirituality during my teenage years. Then and now it has been my spiritual homeland, but [...]
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