Author Archives: Major Tom

Another one of those articles that makes me realize just how judgmental we are by nature.  Even when we are being non-judgmental, we can have underlying judgmental motives.  Here, in this article from Tricycle, compassion is thrown into the mix. … Continue reading →

Unity bonding cannot just happen with anyone anywhere anytime; rather it happens with everyone everywhere all the time.

Well, one reason at least.  His guard is always down.

“The Buddha didn’t talk about Buddhism. He was concerned, simply, with the truth, the truth of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering; —and that, I’d submit, is a good thing for anybody to learn.” – Peter Doobinin, “Tough … Continue reading →

To further elaborate on the “Translation and Time” post – is SILENCE a better way to communicate than verbally? No, I was not intending this to be a Koan.

Metaphorically, is this what reincarnation (both Buddha’s major Karma paradigm and the Hindu Sacred Cow) comes down to? Treat all living conscious life as if it were a rebirth of another.  It could be you someday.

We’ve mentioned before about Buddhism’s focus on “truth” as opposed to “metaphor.”  Not that metaphors can’t be the truth, they’re just up for interpretation. Of course, there is the whole reincarnation aspect, but I’m not ready to call that a … Continue reading →

In college, one of my best friends (Rick Ramell) and I took a class from Dr. Soo Bach Choi.  At the beginning of the first class, he asked this question. Recently, I was listening to the Power of Myth with … Continue reading →

When we resist change, it’s called suffering. But when we can completely let go and not struggle against it, when we can embrace the groundlessness of our situation and relax into its dynamic quality, that’s called enlightenment. Pema Chödrön http://www.tricycle.com/dharma-talk/fundamental-ambiguity-being-human

I see houses in neighborhoods, and I think – what do all these people do? Read this and tell me you don’t feel insignificant: The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported Monday that the extent of Arctic sea ice … Continue reading →

Although referred to as a part of Buddhist protocol, we can apply this to our own metaphor. For instance, there are things around your home that you have done to make it comfortable and appealing to you.  But, let’s say, … Continue reading →

Is this why religion was “invented”? If there’s no heaven, would that mean more chaos? Is it our way of dealing with death? Can’t we be good because being good it our nature? Does having heaven (or whatever) as an … Continue reading →

So, we believe in the hereafter and we’re God fearing in our religion.  Then, why are we afraid to die?

A friend is someone who is still your friend, even if you’ve done something that does not coincide with their beliefs.  I’m sure there are those that have murdered, stolen, cheated, lied – but they still have friends.  Those friends … Continue reading →

Things will work out!  Be happy and your outlook changes.  Be caring. Be kind.  Wave a people.  Smile at people. Say this, believe it, and then see what happens: “I am more helpful today than I was yesterday.”

Name the two players that played on a Bellefontaine, OH, basketball and baseball team that went to the State Tournament in the same year.

Some mornings (most?) as I lather up in the shower, my mind begins to think of what I will be doing, or, frequently, what has been bothering me. I notice that I talk as if I’m talking to another person … Continue reading →

From the movie: “I am”

When you plant seeds in the garden, you don’t dig them up every day to see if they have sprouted yet. You simply water them and clear away the weeds; you know that the seeds will grow in time. Similarly, … Continue reading →

I am nice to people and people are nice to me. I give money freely and my own bank account grows. I have a good thought, something good happens. I think of nice people I know, nice people come to … Continue reading →

One way that the giver sees his or her generosity return is found in “instant karma,” the Buddhist idea that acts that you do have direct consequences on the state of your mind and heart, even as you do them. … Continue reading →

A profound statement: Brothers can’t live beside each other once they’re married, but sisters can.

“When talking about others is motivated by thoughts of ill will, jealousy, or attachment, conversations turn into gossip. “These thoughts may seem to be subconscious, but if we pay close attention to our mind we’ll be able to catch them … Continue reading →

Read this today, along with having some conversations recently with friends who are unsure of their gifts in life.  Sometimes, it seems, that we base distrust on very few situations, and trust on not too many situations. Overall, are we … Continue reading →