Postcard from Raymond: Entering a Sanctuary of Sanctity (Cave 2, Ajanta)

It had been about five years since I visited Ajanta, one of the oldest surviving complexes of rock-cut caves carved into the hillside. Apart from ongoing restoration work by the Archaeological Survey of India, little had changed, including the bright and sunny, humid weather and the understandably large crowds that came from all over India […]

Integrating the Caravan Leader and Junzi in Buddhist Leadership

“Arise, victorious hero, caravan leader, Debtless one, and wander the world. Let the Blessed One teach the Dharma, There will be those who will understand.” I was discussing the subject of Buddhist leadership with one of our website contributors recently. I suggested that while the ten virtues of Buddhist governance articulate well what a leader […]

When Nature Devours Civilization

Last night I watched Wind River, director Taylor Sheridan’s intense film about the disappearance and murder of a Native American woman, Natalie Hanson. The ambience is extraordinary, the motives for violence primal. The movie, whose protagonists are a hunter deeply embedded in the Native American community (Jeremy Renner) and a well-meaning but unprepared FBI agent (Elizabeth […]

Potato Wedges

This will always be one of my most beloved recipes, given my lifelong attachment to potato dishes. They are the quintessential side dish: they never dominate the table but are solid enough to satisfy any hunger pang until the main stars are ready. Add rosemary or other herbs that you enjoy. With thanks to Susan […]