Novelist and Storyteller
Everything changes. Continually. Always. Nothing is ever the same. This is the foundational teaching of Buddhism. We all know this. Yet our perceptions of how we change are often at odds with this teaching. People tend toward behaviors that attempt to hold on to conceptions of they think they are and what they determine is …
“When individuals in our society speak or act out of hatred against a whole group of people based solely on superficial appearance, it is a reflection of the mental state of our whole society. We don’t escape because we are not the ones hating. The challenges of race, sexuality, and gender are the very things …
One of my identities is as a figure skater. For twenty years now, I have been practicing, learning new skills and tricks on the ice. For me, the ice is a source of grace, intimacy, and comradery. I see it as a practice of mindfulness, of Buddha nature, of beingness. On the best days, like …
Continue reading "Recognizing and Transforming Shame: A Zen Approach"
Jojakkoji Tenryuji Nison-in Hogan-in Giouji Koryuji Horyuji Yakushiji Toshodaiji Todaiji Kohfukuji Daikakuji Ryoanji Byodoin Koshoji Mimuritoji Temple Hopping Selfies red seal books Attest to our attainment Why have we come here? Temple Shots: We All Should be Inoculated Kannon looms over Compassion eternally Our need is endless Humid Kyoto Afternoon Sweat on my brow pours …
" When a fish swims, no matter how far it swims, it doesn't reach the end of the wayer. When a bird flies, no matter how high it fileis, it cannot reach the end of the sky. When a bird's need or the fish's need is great, the range is large. When the need is …
Continue reading "The Museum as Art: Tadeo Ando and Ryue Nishizawa"
It is always a wondrous day when you eat pancakes. Even more so when you thought you finished a small breakfast and unannounced one more plate with some pancakes, thinly sliced fried potatoes and a local apple is brought out. When the mountains outside your window are suddenly revealed to be dusted with snow from …
Alan Lessik 