Category: Personal Development
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History of Qigong: The Small Universe (or Microcosmic Orbit)
The Small Universe. The Microcosmic Orbit. The Small Circulation. Believe it or not, all three of these terms are translations of the same Chinese qigong technique, called Xiao Zhou Tian (小周天). If you want to hear a native speaker, who may or may not also be a robot, pronounce the words in Mandarin, click here…
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13 Reasons Why the Small Universe (Microcosmic Orbit) is Awesome
The Small Universe (Microcosmic Orbit) is awesome. Whether you’re an intermediate or advanced practitioner, this technique has something profound to offer. Let’s dive into why it’s more relevant today than ever. The Small Universe is a powerful and ancient qigong technique. I’ve written several blog posts about it, and this will be another in that…
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Jukai Ceremony at City Center on April 19
From L to R: Margaret Coad, Elliot Mercer, Jisan Tova Green, Shosan Victoria Austin, Anshi Zachary Smith, Benchi Tangde and Sherwin Yu. Photo by Shundo David Haye. Congratulations to the initiates who received the precepts in a Jukai Ceremony at SFZC’s City Center on April 19th. Receiving the precepts from Shosan Victoria Austin: Benchi…
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How to Inhabit a Life: An Interview with Tatsudo Nicole Baden
Photo by Jürgen Frank By Tova Green Tatsudo Nicole Baden recently spoke with me about her path to Zen, her initial meeting with Richard Baker Roshi, and what her focus is now as a Zen teacher and Abbot. She will be giving a Dharma talk at City Center on May 14 and at Green…
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94. Everyday Mind is the True Path
Like a laser beam, Hui Neng’s teaching has pointed directly to the core of zen forover 1500 years. It can easily be said that his prolific insights have guided manythousands over the centuries. Prior to his death in 713, Hui-Neng left a few interesting notes on how to approach“formal interview” with the zen teacher. The…
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93. 24/7 Zen
When we maintain poise and equanimity, not only during meditation but also inmobile states – such as walking, working, exercising, etc. remaining patient andcalm regardless of circumstance, the Great Way will most certainly manifestunerringly. Without distinctions, without judgements, without opinions, the wordsand thoughts that occupy your mind from morning til evening will slow downconsiderably. Your…
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Book Review of Revamp: Writings on Secular Buddhism
Winton Higgins is a prominent Australian secular Buddhist, and Revamp: Writings on Secular Buddhism (Tuwhiri, 2021) has been hailed by Stephen Batchelor, as “the most comprehensive account of secular Buddhism currently available.” Since Stephen Batchelor’s name is, in some ways, almost synonymous with secular Buddhism, this is high praise indeed. Higgins has been influenced…
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Book Review: Reflective Meditation
Linda Modaro and Nelly Kaufer’s Reflective Meditation: Cultivating Kindness and Curiosity in the Buddha’s Company (2023, Precocity Press) is a lively written conversation between the authors on their understanding of meditation and the meditative path. Linda Modaro is the founder and lead teacher at Sati Sangha, a Southern California based online meditation community, and Nelly…
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The Akashic Scribe Speaks | Wisdom Teachings of Sambodhi Padmasamadhi (Volumes 1-70)
~ ∞ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi – Infinite Quantum Zen ~ ∞ ~ This is the preface and introduction for a 70-volume series called “Wisdom Teachings of Sambodhi Padmasamadhi.” Due to their length, the text has been divided into multiple parts. Here is the full list of contents for your convenience. • Preface. • Dear…
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Ancient Apadāthī Path | Wisdom Teachings of Sambodhi Padmasamadhi (Volumes 1-70)
~ ∞ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi – Infinite Quantum Zen ~ ∞ ~ This is the preface and introduction for a 70-volume series called “Wisdom Teachings of Sambodhi Padmasamadhi.” Due to their length, the text has been divided into multiple parts. Here is the full list of contents for your convenience. • Preface. • Dear…