And Now You Have All Four Noble Truths

And Now You Have All Four Noble Truths

Let us re-cap the Four Noble Truths.  In short, the Four Noble Truths are: First noble truth: Birth, aging, illness, death, to be with what you do not want, to be separated from what you want, and to not get what you want, are suffering (dukkha). Specifically,...
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Nirvana

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Nirvana

There is an important teaching regarding samadhi that enjoys consensus among all Buddhist masters across all schools of Buddhism, which is that meditative experience and realization are different things.  In other words, no matter how sublime your jhāna...
The Heart of Valentine’s Day 

The Heart of Valentine’s Day 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we are reminded of the joy of love – of giving and receiving love from people we cherish and hold dear. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (popularly known as Thay, Vietnamese for “teacher”)  teaches that love begins with...
2024, Year of the Wood Dragon

2024, Year of the Wood Dragon

Dear friends,  Welcome to the Year of the Wood Dragon! February 10, 2024 is Lunar New Year, the first day of the first lunar month of the year. This day is celebrated by Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and many other cultures. It is also celebrated by the team at...