Reflections from the Sensei and Sangha of the Black Scorpion Temple on its 10th anniversary. Already 10 years have passed since the Eye-Opening Ceremony of the Black Scorpion Temple in Tepotzlan, Mexico. Here in Mexico, we call the … [Read more...] about On Turning TEN
Features
Not So Religious
“You won’t want to talk to me,” a spry, 84-year-old man I’ll call Jack announced with a smirk. “I’m not so religious these days.” “That’s fine,” I assured him, meeting his gaze. “I’m not, either.” Wide-eyed, he wondered, “Well, what … [Read more...] about Not So Religious
Don’t Be Seduced by the Cool in Quantum
Entropy is often thought of as a measure of randomness, disorder and in information theory, ignorance. It seems to be on the one hand trivially statistical and on the other hand deeply embedded in our experience. The concept of entropy was … [Read more...] about Don’t Be Seduced by the Cool in Quantum
Sewing the Rakusu: A Formless Field of Self-Observation
In our Japanese Zen lineage the precept-taking ceremony is called Jukai. Those who wish to take Jukai begin by sewing a Rakusu, a bib-like garment assembled from cloth strips. The practice emerged from the custom set by the Buddha, whose … [Read more...] about Sewing the Rakusu: A Formless Field of Self-Observation
Every Moment is an Opportunity
Years ago, after a decade of practicing law as a partner in a workaholic, intense, and very adversarial corporate New York law firm, I drastically shifted gears and took a job as General Counsel for a nonprofit social services organization. … [Read more...] about Every Moment is an Opportunity
Ordinary, Extraordinary Life
Although chronologically I’m in the early winter of my life and older than most students at the Hazy Moon, five years of practice here is helping to shift my outlook. I know I don’t want to grow old simply chasing pleasures while waiting … [Read more...] about Ordinary, Extraordinary Life
The 49th Day
On this, the 49th day of your passing. I’ve had a few people ask me, “How do Buddhists grieve?” Of course, the answer is simple. Like everyone else. For me, when it started it was like standing on at the edge of an ocean, the waters … [Read more...] about The 49th Day
Appreciating Life: A Profile of Bob Berman
You would think that the discovery of potentially habitable planets orbiting a nearby star would excite an astronomer. Bob Berman—a columnist for Astronomy magazine, the astronomy editor of the Old Farmers Almanac and the author of ten … [Read more...] about Appreciating Life: A Profile of Bob Berman
Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary
On August 26, 2017, a full house of members and friends gathered to celebrate the miraculous occasion of our 20th Anniversary. Services, including memorials for departed priests and honorary founder Maezumi Roshi, were followed by informal … [Read more...] about Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary
Reflections: The First Years
This collection of photographs, gathered in honor of our 20th Anniversary, depict the busy first days of the Hazy Moon Sangha including its inception as an informal group practicing at the home of Mr. Kelly Stevens Sr.; the August 1997 … [Read more...] about Reflections: The First Years
Aidan and the Dragon Girl Save the World
Hazy Moon member Ralph Shikan Levinson recently published his first novel, a Chan-themed adventure story for children. In Aidan and the Dragon Girl Save the World, 11-year-old Aidan Alvarado receives the key to his grandfather’s wondrous … [Read more...] about Aidan and the Dragon Girl Save the World
Possibilities. Possibilities. Possibilities.
A friend asked me to go to New Orleans a couple of months ago. I said no. She was going there for a convention, and we could split the convention hotel rate the week before. I checked the hotels in the area. It was a great rate. I said no. … [Read more...] about Possibilities. Possibilities. Possibilities.
