Buddhist Women on a Path of Spiritual Awakening
Truly Ascend
I have walked and lived in mountain ranges the world over – the Himalayas, the Andes, the Alps, the Picos de Europa, mountains in the Azores, South Asia, and North America. But not until I stayed in a tall building for a few months…
A Hidden Way to Freedom
Have you ever tried chanting to learn its hidden powers as a channel for disarming obsessive thought, calming the mind, and preparing the ground for Nibbana to arise? From ancient times, sacred chants have invoked higher energies, adorned rituals, and expressed faith, homage, healing…
A Global Mettā Vigil for Myanmar, Ukraine, Sri Lanka & All the World
Please join us for a global Mettā Vigil – Saturday May 21, in Asia – Sunday May 22 Ayyā Medhānandī will lead this Vesak month’s Mettā Vigil. This broadcast is sponsored by Mettā4Myanmar – the 5th of 12 vigils being offered in 2022. We…
Giving To What We Love
One morning, as I stood for alms in an outdoor market, an elderly man supporting himself with a walker shuffled awkwardly towards me. His daughter held him on one side with her arm. As soon as he saw my robe and bowl, and the…
After A Millenium – Venerable Kusuma Bhikkhuni
On Aug. 28th, 2021, Venerable Dr. Bhikkhuni Kusuma Mahatheri passed away peacefully in Sri Lanka. She was 92. Her doctors marvelled to witness such a peaceful death. We marvel at the gifts of her life. Venerable Kusuma Bhikkhuni was internationally respected as a Buddhist…
The Wiser Your Heart
Study the nature of change as if your life depends on it. (It does) The more you understand impermanence the lighter your step the sharper your gaze on your path through the fleeting world. Study uncertainty as if your life depends on it. (It…
Eclipse of the Heart
Have you ever watched a full solar eclipse? When the moon slips mysteriously across the face of the sun and obliterates it from view, the light of day grows pallid, burnishing all the world with its eerie luster. As the air temperature cools, birds…
Vulnerable But True
Too scared to let go Reckless in what is fearsome Deluded, we cling to false freedoms To delusion itself. The monarch’s epic pilgrimage Is fearless We too are stronger than we know – So, sip the nectar of this moment Vulnerable but true. This…
Fearless in the Good
A reflection from Ayyā Nimmalā: More than two and a half millenia ago, in ancient India, one of the Buddha’s royal supporters, King Pasenadi of Kosala, was fortunate enough to be given a teaching using a powerful simile to remind him of the…
No Goodness Is Ever Lost
A reflection from Ajahn Jayasāro: For most people, reaching the end of their life, breathing becomes laboured. Meditation on the breath, even for experienced meditators becomes difficult. At this crucial time, with death approaching, the meditations that are most practical are those that use…
~ Dhammapada Verse 54