I saw blood in the kitchen. My grandmother (奶奶) had cut her finger while julienning vegetables. As a child, I couldn’t believe how it was possible. I had seen my grandfather (爷爷/爺爺) finely dice vegetables with alacrity as he prepared stir-fried dishes for his hungry grandson. Never once did I see him cut himself.
Author: Teahouse
At the Altar
offering flowers to ancestorsoffering ancestors to flowersoffering incense for people unseenoffering people unseen to incenseall directions one direction no directionempty hands full palm to palm Support Our Dharma Work
Right Speech, Part Two
Right speech is a difficult thing to put into practice, which means that every day presents me with opportunities to hone this skill in my day job. I am regularly advocating on behalf of elderly individuals in nursing homes, and I have learned many lessons about Right Speech firsthand… Be Discerning The most useful lesson […]
Simple and Direct
A simple solution was the right solution to my meditation problem. But the principle of simplicity when applied on its own can lead to reductionism that ironically makes finding the solution to a problem even more difficult and complex. That’s because following a basic principle cannot provide a complete picture of reality. Simplicity must be […]
The Radical Other Power of Shinran (1173–1263): A Normative or an Outlier Position in Mahayana Buddhism?
A one-day Zoom symposium was held on the 11th, sponsored by the International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies (IASBS) and the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhism and Contemporary Society at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. “The Radical Other Power of Shinran (1173–1263): A Normative or an Outlier Position […]
Dechen Shak-Dagsay’s emaho – the Story of Arya Tara
Acclaimed Tibetan mantra singer, Dechen Shak-Dagsay, released her new double album on 29 October. Titled emaho – the Story of Arya Tara, it is available both as a double CD and on popular streaming and download platforms in stereo, and in Dolby Atmos® on VANDYKMUSIC Publishing. Click here to pre-add the album on Apple Music, or […]
Delusions and Diversions
A direct experience of death speaks to the heart in a way that philosophical musings never can. There was a time when I was struggling with my meditation during a stay at a forest monastery on the East Coast of the United States. I was experimenting with a wide assortment of techniques to calm my […]
Right Speech, Part One
Ever since I came across Buddhism in my early twenties, I have been fascinated with the concept of right speech. As part of my exploration into the subject, I have studied multiple sutras that focus on this aspect of the noble eightfold path—I have also taken contemporary communication courses that are founded in Buddhist concepts, […]
Myanmar Art Fundraiser in NYC from 9-11 December
Artists Against Tyranny is launching a project with three different components to support Burmese artists, humanitarian efforts in Myanmar, and the country’s democratic movement. An art exhibit featuring art from Myanmar artists at the Jane Lombard Gallery at 58 White Street, New York City from 9-11 December. Gallery-goers will have the option to purchase the artwork […]
Getting a Kick Out of Life
I’ve never been fond of horses. They’re beautiful animals, but riding on them is an uncomfortable experience. They can also be dangerous. My karate teacher was knocked unconscious when he was violently kicked by his horse. When he eventually regained consciousness, that experience led him to reflect on the precarious nature of life. It’s what […]