As fall transitions into winter here in Seattle, a literal cloud of darkness settles over the lives of many people in the city. That makes it a perfect time to explore meditations on mettā, or loving-kindness, and gratitude. My practice usually tends toward mindfulness of breathing as a method of calming and centering the mind, […]
Justin Whitaker
End of Year Reflections
How was your 2017? Mine began amongst friends in Missoula, MT, the city of my college years, and ended in Seattle, WA, my adoptive city as of late May of this year. Along the way, I have developed my courses in Mindfulness, travelled again to teach Buddhism in mainland China, and taught an online philosophy […]
Humanism and Zen
Authentic humanism, in Pierre Furter’s words, “consists in permitting the emergence of the awareness of our full humanity, as a condition and as an obligation, as a situation and as a project.” – Paolo Feire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed These days my Buddhist practice life spins around, tumbles through, and is, ultimately, anchored by a […]
May the Force Be Unnecessary With You
One needs wisdom, strength, and ethics to pursue a Buddhist life. It’s a discipline and a challenge. It’s a journey through the internal world. The Star Wars film series depicts worldly struggle: lightsaber duels, space battles, galactic journeys, and political intrigue. How can a close examination of the movies deepen our appreciation of the Dhamma? […]
Taking Action, Moving Forward
August was a difficult month for many in the Western Buddhist world. Two esteemed Tibetan teachers have stepped down from leading their organizations after students came forward with allegations of sexual and physical abuse, among other things. For many, hearing about a teacher being accused of such acts will bring confusion. Isn’t this teacher awakened? […]
Setting aside Buddhist myths
Following the death of Buddhist teacher Michael Stone, a friend of his offered a poignant reflection on “the myth of the heroic self” for Tricycle magazine. There, Matthew Gindin asked: What are we to make of his tragic struggle and death, particularly in the light of his daily practice for many years of Dharma disciplines […]
Global Travels, Local Practice
This month I am far from my birth home in Montana and my adoptive home in Seattle. I am in China, currently in a monastery outside of Ningbo called “Golden Mountain.” As I told a friend recently when discussing my travels, there is a saying, attributed to Native American wisdom, that a person should not […]
Digging in as a Meditation Teacher and Practitioner
Justin Whitaker These are very peculiar times that we are living in. Growing up in a rural Rocky Mountain state in the U.S., it is easy to say that I’ve just been out of touch with the world. But I ask, and keep asking people, “what do you think of this world we live in […]
An Introduction
Hello. I’m Justin Whitaker, a new North America Correspondent for Buddhistdoor Global. I thought I’d use my first contribution here to tell you a bit about myself. Like so many of us these days, especially in North America, my background and resulting practice of Buddhism is deeply eclectic. Unlike many, my passion for Buddhism drew […]
Make Your Own Vegan Sweet Potato Snowy Mooncakes
From the Buddhistdoor team With people around the world celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival, Shereese, Kind Chef of the Kind Kitchen Class at Green Common, shows you how to make your very own Vegan Sweet Potato Snowy Mooncakes – delicious, healthy, and with minimal ecological impact. Special thanks: Kind Kitchen @ Green Common Happy Baking Sunday @Green […]