The concept of karma can be confusing. Many people hold the mistaken belief that karma is some sort of moral bank account in which good deeds are balanced against bad deeds, the result determining one’s fate. The premise is that you will pay in the future for what you do to others today. That isn’t quite how karmaRead more
Life Experiences
Emotion
Paddy and Mike were sitting in McGuire’s having a pint and watching the comings and goings in the brothel across the street. As they sat there, Rev. Barnes, the local Baptist minister, wandered into the disreputable establishment. Paddy remarked, “Sure it’s a shame to see a man of the cloth goin’ bad.” A while later, Rabbi GoldbergRead more
Self Criticism
How long has it been since you tore yourself to pieces? An hour? A day? And while we’re at it, how many negative thoughts do you have each day? A hundred? More? We can be pretty rough on ourselves, and being human means that there will always be plenty of stuff to pick from. If your negative thoughtsRead more
Entities
Throughout history, few subjects have aroused the fear, fascination and terror that entities have. Our folk history is filled with tales of ghouls, goblins, evil spirits, bewitchings, demonic possession, devils, spells, ghosts, angels, curses, the occult, demons, miracles and magic. Our lore about entities is also replete with ignorance, fear mongering, hyperbole of unimaginable proportions, enough lies toRead more
Seeking Truth
Seng-ts’an lived in the late sixth century, and was the third patriarch of Zen Buddhism in China. He wrote a famous poem blending Taoism and Buddhism in which he said: “Do not search for the truth; just let go of your opinions.” He also wrote: “The great way is not difficult for those who are unattached to theirRead more