Buddhism talks about “non-self.” What is that? It’s a tricky question, and really hard to answer, especially in a language so full of words like I, me and mine. So instead of answering the question, let’s play a little with our “self-talk” around feelings. What words do we use when we feel anger or physical … Continue reading Playing with Non-Self
What is the relationship between the individual and the collective? Between self and other? Between a piece of paper and the whole earth? Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to look deeply into a sheet of paper to discover all that is in there. I love sharing this way of looking at the Buddhist … Continue reading Emptiness, Fullness, and the Piece of Paper
In February, Bucky Beach Spoke about “explaining” stories, and about the Christian understanding of suffering. He asked, “What if we got the story wrong?” and said he would like this conversation to continue. I would like to pick up on this thread from the Buddhist perspective, sharing a classic “explaining” story, and offering my own … Continue reading “Explaining” Stories: Buddhist Understanding of Suffering
Is the Buddha a god to be worshipped? Is he a myth, a concoction that blends several people or ideas together into a story? Was he a living, breathing person like you and me? You might be surprised by what we know to be the truth, and also by the possibilities it opens up for … Continue reading Who Is/Was the Buddha?
There is a Peace Table in your heart. We are just coming off the Thanksgiving Holiday. Maybe you gave thanks. Maybe not. Maybe you felt a lot of frustration. Maybe there are hurts. There are plenty of hurts in the world. We will use guided meditation to explore the Peace Table in our hearts and … Continue reading The Peace Table in Your Heart
How did I get here? Who and what happened then and there so that I ended up this way, here and now? Everyone is impacted by people and events across their lifetime, shifting who and how we are. Please join me in looking at our mentors, spiritual and otherwise, who have brought us this far. … Continue reading Grandmothers and Other Angels
Carol Grafford, follower of Thich Nhat Hanh since 2002, and ordained as a core member of the Order of Interbeing in 2017, will be our service presenter. She helps lead Heart of the Keweenaw Sangha. You may have heard of the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and interbeing, sometimes referred to as co-dependent arising, interdependence, non-self … Continue reading Buddhist Service
By Carol Grafford, True Transmission of Vows There are many ways to look at life. One Buddhist teaching perceives the “Six Realms of Existence.” Traditionally, it is taught that we live in one realm for an entire lifetime, reincarnating into the same or a different realm in the following life. Today, most Buddhists recognize that … Continue reading The Six Realms: A Buddhist Look at Life
Carol Grafford, Buddhist teacher, will lead. A Buddhist response to how to live with peace and joy in difficult times. Teachings in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offer a four-step process to do just that. People of all faith traditions and non-traditions have benefited from these teachings. Carol speaks from her … Continue reading A Pebble For Your Pocket
Directed by Carol Grafford, follower of the Thich Nhat Hanh since 2002 and ordained as a core member of the Order of Interbeing in 2017.
