I sometimes think I’m reliving Groundhog Day with some people. You might know such individuals too. Take any grievance across the spectrum of human experience today: office politics, insufferable personal relationships, struggles to pay the bills, turmoil and gridlock in the governing classes, getting divorced, that guy who just cut me off on the freeway. […]
The Cost of Unhappiness
Master Jingzong; English translation by Fomu, edited by Jingtu I read an excellent article on the internet today titled, “There Is a Cost to Every Type of Unhappiness.” I fully agree with the premise. There are too many people who don’t understand it, for they are accustomed to being unhappy. To them unhappiness seems almost […]
The Noble Reporter: Lessons about Right Speech and Media from “Roman Holiday”
Roman Holiday is one of my favourite movies, not only because it’s a moving comedic romance (one of the few romantic comedies I enjoy) but because it touches upon a timeless issue in journalism: what stories are worth reporting? It gets more complex than simply bad or boring stories versus good and entertaining ones. It’s […]
Lotus Cookies
These cookies are the ideal entertainment snacks. There are cultural variants of this recipe, from a more buttery emphasis (not suitable for vegans) that might be found in Denmark to an option matcha green tea flavor and coloring that can be added into this recipe. For this recipe we continue our preference for margarine, although […]
Compromise Is Essential
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Jingtu Compromise is not just an important work method, but also an essential attitude towards life. Indeed, it is an art. Anything can be dealt with through compromise. To compromise means to admit our mistakes first, in exchange for the other party’s acknowledgment of theirs. Each takes a […]
Korean Vegetarian Pizza
Traditionalists beware! There’s a different feel to Korean pizza, and not always for the best reasons. If Italian pizza remains the gold standard, with New York and Chicago variants having at least their own fan club, and popularized junk like Pizza Hut and Dominoes dominating halcyon high school and college late nights and weekends, Korean […]
Mystery of Dakini’s Skull Cup
According to tantra, the human body is perceived as a sacred temple in which all higher forces and the whole truth about existence are present. One of those truths, fundamental to Vajrayana Buddhism, is impermanence (Skt. anitya, Tib. mitagpa). The visual representation of the transience of the human body, and hence the Buddhist idea of […]
Being Honest
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foying, edited by Jingxing If what we say is reliable, we are honest. If our words are unreliable, we are telling lies and are dishonest. If our words are true, we would certainly reap abundant good results from our deeds. Honesty bears fruit, hence the Chinese word chengshi (“sincerity and fruit”). […]
Chapati
Chapati is a staple in South Asian households, and their popularity has rightly shot up thanks to their versatility. I prefer to have my chapati with a good dollop of mango chutney and/or quality curry sauce. Yes, that might be indicative of simple tastes, but then again, chapati is a gloriously simple thing to make. […]
Postcard from Raymond: “Monk’s Posture”
This image, shot by photographer Ding Zuhe and called, “Monk’s Posture,” won first prize in the China category for National Geographic’s 2017 photography contest. Here are six people, all in some form of sleep, lethargy, stupor, or unconsciousness. There are two women (the one in the foreground looks older), and four males: a child in […]