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From the previous discussion of Wise View, we move along the Eightfold Path to contemplate Wise Intention, sometimes referred to as Right Intention. The Buddha describes Wise Intention as a threefold […]

In the last Minute, I gave a brief overview of the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path and how it works to uproot problematic patterns within the mind and leads to an experiential […]

A frequently cited passage from the Buddha’s teaching is this: “the heart’s nature is intrinsically radiant; defilements are only visitors.” (A 1.61) The term ‘defilement’ is slightly anachronistic. But used here, it […]

Again and again, whether in casual conversation or during workshops, a well-intentioned student or friend will suggest that the aim of meditation is to “get into a ‘neutral’ state of […]

I hope this finds you well, relatively cool, and relaxed. In spite of my name, I find the summer to be the most challenging of seasons. It’s the heat, you […]

I know, I know. I KNOW. You’re probably wondering where the hell I’ve been! I apologize. Again. Many of you have taken notice of the gaping swaths of time that […]

Over the last several months, I’ve been offering reflections on the khandas, or aggregates of experience from which we fashion a sense of self. I’ve looked at the body, feelings, perceptions, […]

After a long hiatus from these Minutes, I want to extend a warm greeting to you all. A lot of new and exciting endeavors have been bubbling in my life, […]

I’m back in Boston, after a wonderful tour of Europe, and ready to bring you the next installment of reflections on the khandas(aggregates). For newcomers, the khandas are the elements of our experience […]

At present, I’m visiting dear friends whom I met 13 years ago while studying Iyengar Yoga in Pune, India! A lot has changed, and, of course, there also seem to […]

First and foremost, you will notice that the format of this Minute has been spruced up a bit. Many thanks to Dana Busch for her artistic design!! Soon, also, there will be […]

In this final installment of reflecting on the nuances of resolution, I’d like to consider a third working definition ofresolution. By way of review, the first two definitions we considered […]

Last week, I encouraged you to consider the difference between aspirations and goals, particularly as they relate to your New Year’s intentions and meditation practice. This week, I’ll look a […]

This morning, I woke early. 4:32am, exactly. My new canine companion needed relief, which was fine enough. But after the walk, I stumbled past the computer only to learn that […]

Here we are again. Composing – on paper or in the hopeful recesses of our mind – the list of personal shortcomings to sort out this coming year. Diet, fitness, […]

If I may begin with a cliché, the holidays are upon us. Round about now, many folks brace themselves for an onslaught of Dionysian disportment while at the same time […]

Have you ever found yourself in a yoga or meditation class, listening (while you can) to the soporific voice of the teacher waffle on and on about the spiritual merits […]

This week, we come to the third of the stabilizing factors of mind: Equanimity. Ajahn Thanissaro employs a useful analogy for this factor of mind: “There’s a passage in the Canon […]

On this beautiful Fall afternoon in New England, I wish to share with you some reflections on the Sixth Factor of Awakening: Tranquility (Passaddhi). In general, I would hazard to guess […]