Category Archives: Religion

Go into the mountains

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

Go and stay in a monastery where there is a true teacher. Go deep into the mountains and valleys. Practice kinhin by clear waters and verdant mountains. Clear the mind by a stream or under a tree. Observe impermanence without … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Meditation, Religion, Spirituality | Tagged buddhism, meditation, religion, spirituality, zen | Leave a comment

Nothing to reject, nothing to accept

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

The exceptional approach is to recognize the true nature of afflictive emotions. When desirous thoughts arise vividly, looking directly at their essence, they subside in themselves. This is the dawning of mahamudra, bliss and emptiness inseparable. It is also called … Continue reading →

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More Fully Human

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

There is a Jewish tradition of the zaddik—the holy person. The zaddik differs, it is said, from ordinary people, in that the zaddik is more fully human. In the Christian tradition, Saint Irenaeus says something similar. He says that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Life, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality | Tagged buddha, buddhism, judaeism, mindfulness, psychotherapy, religion, spirituality, therapy | Leave a comment

Wise Returning

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

I just finished reading an excellent article, “Impermanence is Buddha Nature,” by Zoketsu Norman Fischer, published in the May 2013 issue of Shambhala Sun. The article was incredibly helpful in deepening my understanding of Buddhism’s teachings on permanence and impermanence. … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality | Tagged buddhism, dogen, meditation, mindfulness, religion, spirituality, zen | Leave a comment

Chekhov on religion

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

Though not religious, Chekhov often depicted religion at its best, which, for him, meant it could revivify a person’s sense of the world. – from “Chekhov’s Enlightenment” (The New Criterion)