Our editors offer context and an overview, with hope that the dharma will inspire us all to be of greater service in a world that seems headed increasingly in the wrong direction.
Stephanie Kaza, professor of environmental studies at the University of Vermont, examines consumer identity through the Buddhist teachings on the twelve limbs of codependent origination.
Culture Jamming with Kalle Lasn: Cleaning Up the Mental Environment
By the Editors of Inquiring Mind
Writer and activist Kalle Lasn, founder of Adbusters, says it’s time to create a ruckus in the tradition of the Buddhist warrior, cutting through delusion for the sake of all.
Diana Winston, one of the younger teachers of dharma in the West, raises questions about one of our favorite techno toys, the Internet, and its effect on our minds and hearts.
Buddhist monk and translator Santikaro Bhikkhu juxtaposes the new technologies with the ancient technology of breathing in and out—fun, cheap, simple and conducive to liberation.
Sharon Salzberg reminds us of our capacity for an active, adventurous sense of connectedness beneath all the pressures of speed and greed which separate us from ourselves and one another.
On our way to enlightenment, we still need to deal with money. So investment manager Carsten Henningsen made it part of his meditation practice.
Joanna Macy tells an inspiring story about visiting Sri Lanka after a cease-fire in the civil war between the Tamil Hindus and the Sengalese Buddhists.
Stephen Batchelor talks about the ways Buddhism has—and hasn’t!—evolved over time, adapting to new cultures and situations.
Inspired by native Ohlone Indian shellmounds, Barbara Gates meditates on garbage, pondering what it would be like to live on top of one’s refuse.
Patrick Clark finds right livelihood, a business partner/wife, and plenty of challenges thanks to “funny round meditation cushions” called zafus.
Pay Attention, for Goodness’ Sake: The Buddhist Path of Kindness, by Sylvia Boorstein
Reviewed By Norman Fischer
(320 pp., Ballantine Books, 2002)
(336pp., Wisdom Publications, 2002)
Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen, by Shunryu Suzuki; Edward Espe Brown, Editor
Reviewed By Alan Senauke
(162 pp., HarperCollins, 2002)
(76 pp., Chronicle Books, 2002)
Ajahn Candasiri reflects on “success,” noting that taking refuge in dhamma doesn’t mean giving up our intellect; rather, it means not allowing our intellect to be the master.
Wes Nisker muses that “happiness” has ruined many a life since it was invented (which may not have been so long ago).