I was once addicted to marijuana. It started as a recreational activity which I did with friends. It inspired me with visions that I could use in my art and ideas that I thought were very unique and astounding while I was high. Sometimes these ideas helped me when I sobered up to have a …
Category: Helping Society
What Has Helped Me
Ryan Shelton, creator of this blog, wrote in a most recent post, "I want people to feel encouraged and supported in practicing however they can within the limitations of the rest of their lives. I don’t know exactly how to help..." That struck me. I too, as a writer for this blog, feel the same …
Safe
I find it unspeakable to speak the truth. I find all shallow thoughts of men are my own. I find wholeness lights every way I can see. Now, moving in truth, I see no other way. I find myself feeling for sensation, when my heart is weary and tender. I find the cries of old …
Be Quiet and Listen
This is a discussion that I have listened to multiple times and continue to get more out of it. I've posted it on this blog before, because it is a truly marvelous and very Dhamma-like conversation. http://www.jkrishnamurti.org/krishnamurti-teachings/view-video/knowledge-and-the-transformation-of-man-part-1-of-18.php The discussion is about as close to 'what is' as you can get, aside from meditating. It's the …
Start Again
At one of the courses I sat, there was an assistant teacher who had one more thing to say before the course was over. It was the last sit of the morning before everyone went for breakfast and left the center. The last thing he said was, "Take a short break..." People laughed and were …
Ways to See Equanimity
There are many different ways to speak of equanimity and awareness. Most of the spiritual speakers and writers of the world will point to these two principles in some way. They may only point to things that point to these things, but still, they are on the same track to seeing it. They may also …
Simplicity
What amazes me again and again about Vipassana is its simplicity. I've started to get my daily sits in without having to think about TRYING to do so. They are a natural part of my life now. I think this is ideal with any form of art. For it to really be something you're involved …
Ask Yourself What’s More Beneficial
Hi everybody. I used to write once a week for this site, and now I'm back. As I used to, I am once again coming up with these posts during my meditations. Silly mind, focus on breath. I've gone through many stages with my practice since 2012 when I sat my first course. It's been …
My Return to Society
My busy summer included getting married, buying a home, and starting a new job as a high school science teacher. I live in a suburban neighborhood 10 minutes from Dhamma Delaware, a new Vipassana Meditation Center, and within 30 minutes of Philadelphia and Wilmington. Now I want to discover what Vipassana has to offer society, …
Living Vipassana 