Mel Harkrader Pine announces a new blog, “From the Pure Land,” on Substack after a hiatus. The Vajrayana practitioner shares insights on Pure Land and afterlife, offering free subscriptions with an option for payment. Posts will cover diverse topics, welcoming all to explore his perspectives. Subscribers are encouraged to engage with the content.
Category: Culture
Sermon: I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today
…as I’ve researched, thought, and jogged my memory about 1968, I’ve realized that maybe what we’re going through today isn’t so different, and maybe there is ground for hope. So come with me as I re-live some of 1968.
What’s Wrong with the American Dream
Originally posted on Truly Open Minds and Hearts:
By Mel Harkrader Pine At the age of 30, I got my first ride on a corporate jet. My companions were the Vice Chairman of the Mobil Corporation Board and our wives. Since we were four passengers on a short flight — New York to Washington —…
Buddhism Is Compassionate Action
Originally posted on Peace Paul's Blog:
My wife and I don’t live in the Hawaii of postcards and movies. Our Hawaii is often overlooked and un-photographed. It is the Hawaii where 1 in 6 residents live in poverty and close to 70% of our school age children qualify for the free or reduced lunch…
Real Buddha Quotes About Fake Buddha Quotes; Lion’s Roar
Long before fake news, fake quotes were common. And the Buddha is one of the phenomenon’s biggest victims.
Opinion | The Mythical ‘War on Christmas’ Drives Us Apart; Washington Post
Originally posted on Truly Open Minds and Hearts:
By Mel Harkrader Pine I understand that many of my conservative and libertarian friends believe that the war on Christmas is real, but like much in today’s polarized world, I don’t get it. A Jewish Buddhist Unitarian Universalist Contrarian, I grew up in a Christmas-loving culture. I often…
Snootiness vs a Young Musician Trying to Help
A video helped raise almost $110 million for charity, but it brought a tsunami of criticism for the 26-year-old Ed Sheeran.
Buddhism Is More ‘Western’ Than You Think, but Is It ‘Liberal’?
Originally posted on Truly Open Minds and Hearts:
By Mel Harkrader Pine My religion, Unitarian Universalism, fits neatly into the theme of this blog, but does my spiritual practice, Buddhism? If you need a reminder, our theme is, “Helping liberal religion live up to its its promise.” Is Buddhism a liberal religion? It depends. As…
Social Justice and Dry Bones
Originally posted on Truly Open Minds and Hearts:
By Rev. Kate Braestrup From the prophet Jeremiah: O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and…
Is That a Shame?
Originally posted on Truly Open Minds and Hearts:
By Mel Harkrader Pine “A lot of people seem to think I started this business,” (Elvis) Presley told Jet magazine in 1957. “But rock ‘n’ roll was here a long time before I came along. Nobody can sing that music like colored people. Let’s face it: I…
Be Careful What You Resolve To Do…you just might do it
Originally posted on Truly Open Minds and Hearts:
By Rev. Kate Braestrup As a rule, my New Year’s resolutions are notable neither for originality nor for their chances of being fulfilled. Year after year, along with so many of my fellow Americans, I resolve to– -surprise!– – exercise and lose weight. Year after year, my…
Me, Too
Let’s recognize that no one has a monopoly on pain.
Melting-Pot Dharma 