VOLUME 55. SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 Once upon a time, an archer loved his beautiful wife. She was bothered by the unbearable heat of ten suns scorching the land. So, the archer shot down nine of them. For his meritorious deed, Heaven rewarded him with the elixir of immortality. The archer’s wife, however, mistakenly consumed theContinue reading “HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL!”
Category Archives: Buddhism
Biden’s Gracious Bow
Volume 54. August 3, 2024 On July 21, 2024, after a tortuous decision, President Joe Biden graciously bowed out of his reelection campaign. He announced, “I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.” What a lesson in humility! Imagine being the most powerful person on the planet, thenContinue reading “Biden’s Gracious Bow”
Happy Fourth of July Buddha-style
Volume 53. July 4, 2024 Happy birthday, America! It’s time to celebrate. Founding Father John Adams thought Independence Day should be celebrated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” He didn’t mention music, but that hasn’t stopped songwriters. Even classic rockContinue reading “Happy Fourth of July Buddha-style”
Why Do You Have To Lie?
Volume 52. June 5, 2024 For the first time in American history, a former president of the United States has been found guilty (34 times!) of criminal activity. On May 30, 2024, Donald Trump became a convicted felon. In a rambling, incoherent speech the next morning, Trump spewed invective at the judge, the witnesses andContinue reading “Why Do You Have To Lie?”
A Poignant Moment
Volume 51. May 15, 2024 My friends, we have reached a poignant moment. This moment marks the end of the Buddhist Studies Certificate Program at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Waukesha. What started in India in 500 BC, what spread across Asia for millennia, what ended in Tibet in 1959, will continue after we are gone.Continue reading “A Poignant Moment”
Solar Powered Enlightened Wisdom
Volume 50. April 12, 2024 “It was a scam!” she proclaimed after school. On April 8, 2024, there was a total eclipse of the sun across North America. In areas of totality, the moon blotted out the sun’s light, plunging the daytime Earth into nighttime darkness. Reactions across the natural world were mixed. Owls hooted.Continue reading “Solar Powered Enlightened Wisdom”
Profile in Courage
Volume 49. March 13, 2024 Sometimes you get the bear. Sometimes the bear gets you. On February 16, 2024, the bear got Alexi Navalny. After poking Putin for years, Russia’s most prominent dissident died while jailed in a penal colony near the Arctic Circle. He was 47. History will remember him for one thing: Courage.Continue reading “Profile in Courage”
Be My Valentine on Ash Wednesday
Volume 48. February 6, 2024 Bob Dylan is widely regarded as one of the greatest American songwriters ever. In 1997, Bob wrote this plaintive verse: I’m your man. I’m trying to recover the sweet love that we knew. You understand. My heart can’t go on beating without you. Well, your loveliness has wounded me. I’mContinue reading “Be My Valentine on Ash Wednesday”
A World in White Gets Underway
Volume 47. January 10, 2024 Rock ’n roll heralds of calendrical beginnings U2 proclaimed immortal words of annual genesis, singing, All is quiet on New Year’s Day. A world in white gets underway. The new calendar year offers us a pristine state of clarity. Quiet. White. Tranquil. Serene. Fresh. Unspoiled. New Year’s Day is aContinue reading “A World in White Gets Underway”
Winter Solstice Buddha-style
Volume 46. December 20, 2023 American singer and songwriter Frankie Laine (1913-2007) once sang about the laziness of our lucky old Sun. Up in the morning, out on the job, Work like the devil for my pay. But that lucky old sun has got nothing to do But roll around heaven all day. Sorry, Frankie,Continue reading “Winter Solstice Buddha-style”
The Buddha Times 