The Tough Stuff
Spring 2007 Vol. 23 #2
Spring 2007 Vol. 23 #2
Introduction
As Barbara Gates tells it, she turned to Wes Nisker and said, “Hey maybe it’s time for an issue on sex?” “Why just sex?” he laughed. “How about sex, money and power?” Alan, our publisher, agreed, “Yeah, I think it’s time to take on ‘the tough stuff.’”
Features
Interview with Ajahn Amaro: The Bottom Line—Dharma in Line with the Dharma
By the Editors of Inquiring Mind
Perhaps no one can truly understand money, power and sex until trying to give them up completely. So we begin our exploration of “the tough stuff” by turning to Ajahn Amaro and asking him to explain the monastic approach to these worldly matters.
Journalist and bon vivant Bokara Legendre gives us a rare view into the mind of a philanthropist longing to be thanked.
Publisher Arnie Kotler wrestles with his intense relationships with his Zen teachers and father-figures, Richard Baker-roshi and Thich Nhat Hanh.
Tibetan Buddhist scholar Miranda Shaw explores the Tantric approach to sex.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Ajahn Thaniya, we explore the Buddha’s teachings on sexuality.
Seeking spiritual transformation is desire, too, isn’t it? Ajahn Sucitto explores the skillful actions that lead to happiness.
Eighteen years ago, Barbara Gates quit driving on the freeway. Now, in the tradition of the Lesser Vehicle, she decides to face her fear.
Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard talks about true happiness, and how to find it. Hint: habits and emotions can help or hinder.
Dharma Jewel
Patrick McMahon reflects on Dharma bums he met on the road as well as the page, in this essay on how Jack Kerouac’s writing liberates the mind.
Reviews
(288 pp., Wisdom Publications, 2006)
(614 pp., Koa Books, 2006)
A Mind Reader's Briefing
By Richard Shankman, Brenda Walsh, Peter Dale Scott, Andrew Olendzki, Bill Weber, Mary Jo Meadow, Martha Boesing, Wes Nisker
Short reviews of books, CDs and films: Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond • Tibet: An Inner Journey • Tomorrow’s Moon • Jataka: Stories and Music of Buddhist India • Fearless Mountain • Being Prayer • The Tara Book • The Eighth Promise
The Dharma & The Drama
Wes Nisker had a thinking problem. After years of meditation practice, though, he and his mind are no longer codependent.