Category Archives: Social Observations & Commentary

Taking refuge, gratefully

Recent years have been emotionally challenging for myself and most of the people I know. Climate destruction, sexism, political nastiness, white supremacy, absence of ethical leadership, aging friends, death, my own physical vulnerability … the long list goes on. Yet, … Continue reading

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Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait”

Tonight at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall I received unexpected medicine. Almost by accident, created by bad weather, I took Josephine, a dear elder and friend from Oxford (UK) who has been my classical music mentor, to a Chicago Symphony concert. We … Continue reading

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This isn’t “the answer”

… yet it makes for one less noisy electricity using device. I found a super-cool manual burr grinder for $275. Practiced restraint and got this one for $50 with a stabilizer insert and shipping.

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Praise God, Honor Dhamma

Through my years at Suan Mokkh, as well as travels as Buddhist monk and teacher, I’ve been blessed to meet many outstanding examples of our bizarre species. Each in their particular ways bring Dhamma alive for us. Two are Mary … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, Buddhadasa, Dhamma, Garden, Plants, & Ecology, General, Social Observations & Commentary | 2 Comments

as 2016 draws to a close

Santikaro is back home, settling in for Winter, after a month with dying father & family in Chicago. My usual Thai trip was postponed. Instead, life practice was with the amazing, frustrating, technically gifted, and in many ways broken healthcare … Continue reading

Posted in Building, Dhamma, General, Guest House & Cottage, SK's healing, Social Observations & Commentary | Leave a comment