Dharma Reflections

An Olive Grove in Devon

One of the signals of the impact of global warming is the decision of a Devon farmer to plant olive groves on his land.

 

There is a certain poignancy in all this. Palestinians especially love dearly their olive groves – taken care of in the same family for centuries upon centuries – a rural culture under threat from the occupation.

 

Mark Dacano, who runs Otter Farm at Honiton in Devon, England, about an hour or so drive from Totnes, says that food grown in the hot climate of the Mediterranean has a real chance to grow in Devon in the west country of England. As the winter frosts get lighter and lighter, he sees the potential for olive groves, almonds and apricots. …

An Olive Grove in Devon Read More »

Three Monks Come to Stay

In September, I had the privilege of three Buddhist monks staying with me for about four days at my home, here in Totnes, Devon, England. Venerable Phap Son (Brother Michael), an abbot in a monastery in France of the much beloved Thich Nhat Hanh, the 81 year old Vietnamese monk, teacher and prolific Buddhist author, came here with two monks, Venerable Phap Due and Venerable Duc Tang.

 

It was a sheer delight to be with them. All three exuded a depth of mindfulness and kindness that exemplifies the teachings of their teacher, known as Thay. …

Three Monks Come to Stay Read More »

The Dharma of Non-Duality

The other week, Radha, who teaches the Dharma Facilitators Programme in Oz, and I were talking on the phone about non-duality. She has a great love of the exploration and teaching of the non-dual. It is something we both share. I know she has given many years to this inquiry.

 

The Buddha, himself, never usd the term non-duality (advaita) in 5000 Pali suttas of his teachings.

The Dharma of Non-Duality Read More »

Boxer Shorts – the Key to a Limitless Life

I went into a shop the other day in Brighton, Sussex, England to buy myself a couple of pairs of underpants, or more precisely a couple of pairs of boxer shorts. Of course, I don’t expect you to find it a thrill a minute to read about my shopping habits. The store, Tri Max, sells clothes cheap, often much less than half price.

 

I though readers would enjoy the words written on the package of the pants I bought. Here it is exactly. …

Boxer Shorts – the Key to a Limitless Life Read More »

A Bow to the One-Liners

Here is a small selection of graffiti, car bumper stickers, one liners on the radio, the Net

and passed on from friends. They may not all be politically correct but they reveal a little of what a mad world we live in.

 

All I ask is a chance to prove that money can’t make me happy.

Beware of limbo dancers. Written on the bottom of the toilet door in a women’s public toilet. …

A Bow to the One-Liners Read More »

Scroll to Top