Journaling is Good – It’s not what it used to be.

Writing with a fountain pen is a joy to do. Even with my horrid penmanship, which I do not like to look at when I write with a ballpoint pen, is tolerable when I use a fountain pen. Perhaps it is knowing I need to slow down and put a little more space into the curls and loops. One of my active goals this year is improving my penmanship, so I’ve gotten some practice books and instructions in Spencerian Script. The act of writing with a fountain pen, taking time to clean and refill the pen, deciding which color of ink to use this time, and so forth are all intentional acts which the ballpoint pen does not invite.

There are many ways to journal. Some of the newer non-traditional ways of journaling are exciting and liberating. I’ll be spending some intentional time this month at the temple talking more about this subject. I’ll also point out some of the many benefits journaling provides.

Stay Tuned.

Noodlers Bay State Blue @LAMY #fountainpen #handwriting in @Levenger refill – #journaling it’s a #goodthing to do. https://t.co/kwQI29fWxN

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Myth of Free Dharma: The Lies People Tell Themselves – 30 December 2015

This Dharma teaching is prompted by an email I received recently though it is a comment I’ve heard numerous time directed either to myself or other Buddhist teachers. I hesitate to bring up the particular situation except for the depth of the harm of the myth and the lie that is told to make a person feel good about themselves while trying to make me feel guilty. I will not participate in this game. As…

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Ohigan Time to Focus on the Six Paramitas (with French Translation)

A French translation/interpretation done by Luca Guccione follows at the end of this post. My deepest appreciation to Luca for donating his time and effort towards making this accessible to French language readers. With Gassho, Ryusho. Twice a year as the equinox occurs we celebrate Ohigan. This is a time during which we pay particular attention to our practice of the Six Paramitas, for the five days surrounding the equinox. While we are supposed to…

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Ten Tips – June 4, 2012 Meditation

The following is from a Dharma talk I gave at the conclusion of service back in October 2010. I hope you find it helpful. Today I would like to share with you a few tips for living a healthier life. Tip number one is to be better not perfect. Last week at the end of our Oeshiki service I spoke about the trajectory of our lives and I made the comment that rather than looking…

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