Karen Armstrong is perhaps one of the most scholarly, congenial and inclusive of writers on the subject of religion working today. In her book The Case for God, the former nun and self-described “freelance monotheist” addresses the polar extremes of fundamentalism and “The New Atheism,” positing that they make similar mistakes in their approach to religion. […]
Vipassanā is a Pali word meaning “insight” or “clear vision.” Vipassanā or Insight Meditation is an ancient meditation technique that emerged thousands of years ago in India. It is traditionally credited to Gautama Buddha, but it is more likely that he resurrected it from an earlier tradition and popularized it. The Insight Meditation practitioner sits
Vipassanā Meditation: The Honing of Insight Read More »
The Buddha taught that all sentient beings seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. Other wise teachers, both religious and secular, have understood this truth, and recommended becoming happy by bringing joy to others. Jesus of Nazareth taught “Do to others what you would have them do to you;” the Jain scriptures advise, “In happiness
Happiness: One of the Major Benefits of Yoga and Meditation Read More »
“May she dwell in safety. May she be happy and healthy. May she be free of afflictions. May she be at peace.” * * * Siddhartha, after he had become the Buddha, prescribed the Metta Prayer for his disciples. While I am not a Buddhist (I’m a Humanist who practices holistic spirituality), I’ve found this
The Benefits of the Metta Prayer Read More »
Not long ago, an acquaintance of mine asked me what my religious affiliation was. I was caught just a bit off-guard; this person and I had not yet crossed into genuine friendship territory, and the question seemed quite personal. I told her that I didn’t belong to any particular religious group, but practiced holistic spirituality.
What Is Holistic Spirituality? Read More »
– Photo credit www.pollsb.com – In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. —Mahatma Gandhi Spiritual Yoga Law Five The fifth spiritual law of Yoga – the law of giving and receiving – states that all of nature
The Eight Spiritual Laws of Yoga – Part Two Read More »
Welcome back! My heart and thoughts are still on Japan…and I pray you have not forgotten those who still suffer and those who have died. In the light of such tragedy, I found it fitting that we turn this week to the spiritual world and to our Yoga…a reminder, perhaps; things are not really as
The Eight Spiritual Laws of Yoga – Part One Read More »
