Karma taps my shoulder then hits me with a club

For unknown reasons I was thinking about my meditation path recently.  It is improbable enough as to make one smile at the ways of karma. As far back as I can remember I was bothered by (intrigued by, plagued by) questions that didn’t seem to register on my friends’ radar. I found a journal of … Continue 

The Christmas Carol Sutra

I have a very old copy of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Each year at about this time I enjoy reading the yellowing pages by the fire.  I must have read that book at least twenty five times. In recent years I have become increasingly aware of the parallels to Buddha’s teachings.  The most obvious … Continue 

Shambhala Quantum Mechanics? Nah. . .

I am trained as a scientist of sorts. I have studied biologic systems, statistics, disease states and the like. I enjoy it. With enough effort things can usually be reasoned out and make sense. Then there is Buddhism! A certain sense of exploration to be sure but let’s face it, not quite the same. Chogyam … Continue 

Garden Nyen

I was reminded by a friend last night that it had been quite some time since I have updated our blog. How time slips away.  I really enjoy writing here but I do continue to encourage anyone who would like to contribute, to please do so. I have been working a lot in my garden … Continue 

Cheerful New Year

While this is not the Tibetan New Year, it is hard to live here in Maine and not be reminded that this is the last day of 2013. This always feels like a natural time to reflect and as I age I become increasingly trustful of what feels natural.  Call this drala perhaps, a connection … Continue 

Habitual Patterns

Many times I feel a bit unworthy to be writing in this blog.  I’m not a beginning practitioner or a novice Shambhalian but by no means am I anything close to what might be considered advanced. Most classes I attend are filled with students much further on the path. Maybe there is something about being … Continue 

Portland. . . . Almost There!

Please mark your calendars for this event–an opening reception and fundraiser on November 23, from 4 to 6–at the new location of the Portland Shambhala Meditation Center, at 81 Oak St. in Portland.  More details to follow soon! Also please note that while classes are taking place at the new Portland Center, the location is … Continue 

The Fruition of Lu.

I just finished our Sangha’s October meditation intensive. (Truthfully I didn’t finish it, I had to leave early, dogs with weak bladders at home.) I am filled with gratitude that our lineage offers us a path and all the instruction and help we need along the way.  While all this guidance and assistance on the … Continue 

Living in The Relative World

Shambhala’s direction is becoming being made ever more apparent in The Sakyong’s writings. We are to connect with our basic goodness and be part of creating enlightened society.  The Sakyong’s most recent book, “The Shambhala Principle” is truly inspiring and after my second time through it I’m beginning to believe creating such a society is … Continue 

Shambhala Art & YouTube

Well I have been meaning to get to this for a long time and it is finally begun.  We have a YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/MaineShambhala . I have a bias toward video and have been known to put together a video or two in the past using the dual-meaning “Breathe EZ Studios” moniker. Have even acted … Continue