From the Pure Land: New Blog on Vajrayana and Pure Land Buddhism

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.

Re-Blog: Walking Buddhas

Originally posted on Peace Paul's Blog:
When we speak of Enlightenment, we often think of the Buddha sitting peacefully under the Bodhi Tree. This Buddha is ubiquitous; found in temples, religious murals, on home altars, and even in pop art. We forget, however, that the Buddha lived most of his life in public teaching,…

The Buddha Was Engaged with the World

Originally posted on Peace Paul's Blog:
Recently I read “In Search of Buddha’s Daughters” by Christine Toomey. It is a collection of interviews with, and accounts of, Buddhist nuns – many of them on the leading edge of reform. These are stories of strong women taking courageous stands against oppressive, often abusive, patriarchal institutions.…

What Is This Thing Called Buddhism?

Buddhism has proved to be exceptionally malleable as it has gone from culture to culture. Each culture can find in the Buddhist canon the words and interpretations that fit it.

Saved by the Spirit

By some ironic linguistic mutation, we call “progressives” those who want to return to the spirit of the great teachers and “fundamentalists” those who have forgotten what religion means.

The Metta Sutra

To me, the Metta (Loving Kindness) Sutra is one of the most beautiful.

Me First, Kids!

It’s widely accepted that few of us have planned adequately for the financial consequences of our lengthy old age, and I’d add that few of us are prepared emotionally and spiritually.

Inside and Outside

Some think it’s egotistical to believe that God is within us, but I’d say the opposite.

Quotes

It’s amazing how many contemporary-sounding quotes are attributed to the Buddha, who did not usually speak in short, snappy sentences.

Insufferable Suffering

With the word “suffering” at their heart, the Four Noble Truths sound to many of us like nonsense.