Buddhism · Dharma Diary

Fearlessness in the face of a hot spoon

There’s a Buddhist story I like about overcoming the fear of death: a Zen monastery was under attack by an infamous warlord and his army. All the monks fled, except for the abbot who sat peacefully in front of the shrine. The warlord entered the courtyard and approached, pulling out his sword. He shouted at… Continue reading Fearlessness in the face of a hot spoon

Astrology

Part of Fortune in 6th House

The Part of Fortune in the houses shows the areas of life experience where you can find joy. With the Part of Fortune in 6th house you achieve happiness and success through meaningful work and good health. You’re interested in self-improvement and self-discipline because you’re happiest when you feel healthy and busy. Joy comes from… Continue reading Part of Fortune in 6th House

Book Reviews

Review: What makes you Not a Buddhist

This week I’m reading What Makes you Not a Buddhist, a brilliant and lucid book from a Tibetan Buddhist master who doesn’t pull his punches. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse gives it to us straight: so you think you’re a Buddhist? Think again! This book challenges common misconceptions about Buddhism, particularly those held by practitioners, and demonstrates… Continue reading Review: What makes you Not a Buddhist

Psychology

Embracing Darkness: how to feed your demons

Recently I realised that I’d spent my whole life fighting against the darkness. But my demons won’t die, no matter how many times I bash them over the head. It’s exhausting. So I was open to trying anything that might help when I came across the practice of Feeding Your Demons in the book of… Continue reading Embracing Darkness: how to feed your demons

Dharma Diary · Meditation

An Unexpected Gift: when a guided meditation went “wrong”

One night I was having trouble sleeping so I decided to do a guided meditation. It seemed simple enough: you meet a guide who gives you a gift and then shows you something you need to face. I thought it might distract me from the insomnia and shut my whirring mind off for a few… Continue reading An Unexpected Gift: when a guided meditation went “wrong”