by Lodro Rinzler
Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a
confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a
spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was
supposed to do
with his life, drinks were flowing, lutes were playing, and the
women were all about him. Some called him L.L. Cool S. I imagine
close friends just referred to him as Sid.
Many people look to Siddhartha as an example of someone who attained nirvana, a buddha. But here we look at a younger Sid
as a confused guy struggling with his daily life. What would he do as a
young person trying to find love, cheap drinks, and fun in a city like
New York? How would he combine Buddhism and dating? We all make mistakes on our spiritual journey; here is where
they're discussed.
Each week I'll take on a new question and
give some advice based on what I think Sid, a confused guy working on
his spiritual life in a world of major distraction, would do. Because
let's face it, you and I are Sid.
Have a question for this weekly column? E-mail it here and Lodro will probably get to it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I recently got into a car accident while riding in a taxi cab. I'm okay physically but now every time I'm out with people and they want to take a taxi I experience incredible fear. I don't want this fear to prevent me from doing this ordinary activity; I live in NYC and want to get over this. What would Sid advise? - Anxious in Manhattan
Recently in Right Lifestyle Category
Friday November 6, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: Working with fear
Comments (1)
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUponThursday November 5, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
The Buddha at Work - "Ethics, Shmethics, So Long as I Get Paid."
Often in business, we are confronted with shortcuts, with opportunities to bend our integrity just a little bit, in order to enrich ourselves. This might mean financially, or taking credit where it isn't due, or avoiding a difficult situation we would otherwise have to face.
At other times, we find ourselves secretly rejoicing at others' failures, even small ones, and cursing their successes. The former is so common that there's even a word for it!
What we usually fail to recognize is that any pleasure we gain from bending our integrity--whether by taking that which doesn't belong to us, gossiping about another, or wishing them ill--is always, one hundred percent of the time, outweighed by the negative effects of this lapse.
At other times, we find ourselves secretly rejoicing at others' failures, even small ones, and cursing their successes. The former is so common that there's even a word for it!
What we usually fail to recognize is that any pleasure we gain from bending our integrity--whether by taking that which doesn't belong to us, gossiping about another, or wishing them ill--is always, one hundred percent of the time, outweighed by the negative effects of this lapse.
Wednesday November 4, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Stimulus dollars at work: Greening homes for the winter
By Kirsten Firminger
One of my favorite magazines, GOOD, put up this great video looking at the intersection of green job creation, what happened to some of the federal stimulus money, helping the environment through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving individuals' money on their winter heating costs.
One of my favorite magazines, GOOD, put up this great video looking at the intersection of green job creation, what happened to some of the federal stimulus money, helping the environment through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving individuals' money on their winter heating costs.
Wednesday October 28, 2009
Larry Johnson Suspended for Twitter Slurs
by Jerry KolberThis week finds Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson suspended for anti-gay Twitter slurs against a coach.
Of course, he is free to say whatever he wants to whoever he wants. Twitter may find that he has violated terms of service, and he will be suspended from the team for some period of time.
Friday October 23, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: Living with a non-meditator
by Lodro Rinzler
Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do with his life, drinks were flowing, lutes were playing, and the women were all about him. Some called him L.L. Cool S. I imagine close friends just referred to him as Sid.
Many people look to Siddhartha as an example of someone who attained nirvana, a buddha. But here we look at a younger Sid as a confused guy struggling with his daily life. What would he do as a young person trying to find love, cheap drinks, and fun in a city like New York? How would he combine Buddhism and dating? We all make mistakes on our spiritual journey; here is where they're discussed.
Each week I'll take on a new question and give some advice based on what I think Sid, a confused guy working on his spiritual life in a world of major distraction, would do. Because let's face it, you and I are Sid.
Have a question for this weekly column? E-mail it here and Lodro will probably get to it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been meditating for several months but my girlfriend of the last few years just moved in with me. She's not a meditator and I'm finding it hard to keep up a daily practice when she's around. Help! - Too Little Time
Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do with his life, drinks were flowing, lutes were playing, and the women were all about him. Some called him L.L. Cool S. I imagine close friends just referred to him as Sid.
Many people look to Siddhartha as an example of someone who attained nirvana, a buddha. But here we look at a younger Sid as a confused guy struggling with his daily life. What would he do as a young person trying to find love, cheap drinks, and fun in a city like New York? How would he combine Buddhism and dating? We all make mistakes on our spiritual journey; here is where they're discussed.
Each week I'll take on a new question and give some advice based on what I think Sid, a confused guy working on his spiritual life in a world of major distraction, would do. Because let's face it, you and I are Sid.
Have a question for this weekly column? E-mail it here and Lodro will probably get to it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been meditating for several months but my girlfriend of the last few years just moved in with me. She's not a meditator and I'm finding it hard to keep up a daily practice when she's around. Help! - Too Little Time
Thursday October 22, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
The Buddha at Work: The Six Perfections of Highly Effective People
Remember that awesome Loverboy song, "Working for the Weekend"? Let me refresh your memory. I'm sure it'll brighten your day: Not bad, right? I hope you're still with me and didn't run out to get a perm and a headband....
Friday October 16, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhism and activism: How would Sid produce social change?
by Lodro RinzlerBefore Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do with...
Thursday October 15, 2009
The Buddha at Work: Right Speech in the Movie Business
by Jon RubinsteinI'm a talent and literary manager. Recently, a problem was brought to my attention regarding an upcoming release. So we all got on the phone--movie studio executives, publicists, agents, and myself--to discuss the situation and see if we...
Filed Under: buddha, buddha at work, buddhism, deep listening movie business, diamond cutter, Right Speech, Thich Nhat Hanh
Wednesday October 14, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Senate Committee Passes Health Care Reform Bill
by Jerry KolberWhat the hell happened to health care reform? It turns out that not only is Barack Obama not some sort of savior, messiah, or angel, as his post-election pre-office halo seemed to suggest, he is also not even...
Wednesday October 14, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Propaganda flashback - The US Government wants YOU to conserve
by Kirsten FirmingerAccording to the United States government (during World War II), it is your patriotic duty to waste less and recycle more. All of these propaganda advertising images are courtesy of Duke University's Ad*Access digital image database.Click on "Continue...
Filed Under: 1940's, 1943, Ad*Access, advertising, conservation, consumerism, controversy, Duke University, eco-mindfulness, environmental conservation, environmentalism, food waste, global warming, marketing, mindfulness, patriotic, propaganda, recycling, retro, reuse, vintage, war propaganda, waste, WWII
Friday October 9, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhism and Alcohol: What would Sid drink?
image courtesy of the Museum of anti-alcohol postersby Lodro RinzlerBefore Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for...
Friday October 2, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: 7 steps that make for a "good Buddhist"
by Lodro RinzlerBefore Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do with...
Thursday October 1, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Finding a job, sitting in the woods
by Davee Evans What kind of livelihood works best for a contemplative practice? To afford more meditation retreat time, I switched from full time employment to freelancing; and over the last four years my plan has partially succeeded, but it's...
Wednesday September 30, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Adventures in learning how we buy less - Part 1: The start of my journey
by Kirsten FirmingerI am finally collecting data for my dissertation. It is focused on people living in New York City who have voluntarily chosen to buy less. I launched the survey last Thursday and I am already amazed at...
Friday September 25, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: Buddhism and abortion
by Lodro Rinzler Angulimal, photo courtesy of shunya.netBefore Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he...
Thursday September 24, 2009
Why We Meditate: It's Cheaper Than Adderall
by Ethan NichternThis November 6 & 7, the Buddhist-inspired Interdependence Project will be hosting our largest fundraiser and event to date in the form of a 24- hour Meditation Marathon in the window displays of ABC Carpet & Home, a...
Monday September 21, 2009
The ultimate truth is fearless
by Greg ZwahlenOver the last few days our friend Waylon Lewis, editor at elephant journal, blogged about allegations he had recently discovered about Chogyam Trungpa. Waylon was convinced they were false, and suggested that a reference to it on Wikipedia, be deleted pronto,...
Friday September 18, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do about my party-hardy neighbor?
What would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do...
Sunday September 13, 2009
The Best Laid Plans
My husband and I have a motto that we try to keep in mind when ever we go on a trip: "Don't let the plans get in the way of the journey." It's a line from an episode of the...
Friday September 11, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: is it okay to masturbate?
photo shot by the author in williamsburg, nycWhat would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations...
Wednesday September 9, 2009
Getttin' Busy Gettin' Quiet
Autumn, siren of red and gold, harbinger of tweed and velvet jackets, of renewed promises and vigor, clear sun-ed autumn you come to us once again. You have come Autumn, shoving the margarita out of our hand and replacing...
Wednesday September 9, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Recycling can be fun!
I am currently on my honeymoon in Australia (yay!). As I have previously mentioned in my blog about greening amusement parks, my husband is a roller coaster enthusiast. This (of course) means that we have been riding some roller coasters...
Wednesday September 2, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Health Care, Blue Dogs, Town Hall, Obama - Haiku Contest!
This week's entry began as a long angry article about the scarcity-and-fear-based argument against universal health care and making sure that all humans in the United States are able to be healthy. It ended as a western-form Haiku that would...
Monday August 31, 2009
American Casino - Interdependence and the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
I'm a buddhist. I read the Wall Street Journal as often as I can. I don't see how anyone interested in interdependence can ignore the WSJ. I think any buddhist interested in relieving suffering in this world of relative reality...
Friday August 28, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
No Impact Man
This month, I reviewed Colin Beavan's book "No Impact Man: The Adventures Of A Guilty Liberal Who Attempts To Save The Planet And The Discoveries He Makes About Himself And His Way Of Life In The Process" for The Brooklyn...
Friday August 28, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhism and Sex: Would Sid have a threesome with my roommate?
The original threesome of Buddhism: the three jewelsWhat would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations...
Friday August 21, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhism and Sexuality: What would Sid say about me being gay?
What would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do...
Friday August 21, 2009
Woah Frosting!
I've never been so shocked by someone unveiling a cake to me as I was when last Friday my girlfriend Jen showed me the special Mandala Birthday cake she made for me.It was a delicious as it looks. May...
Wednesday August 19, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Greening our amusement (parks)
Kirsten & her very enthusiastic husband getting ready to ride another roller coasterMy husband is what you would call a roller coaster enthusiast. By the end of this roller coaster riding season, he will have ridden 218 different roller coasters...
Wednesday August 19, 2009
Podcast: "The Mindful Leader" with Michael Carroll Part 2
"Let the greatness infuse every detail" - Michael CarrollThis week on the ID Project Podcast we have Part 2 of a very lively Guest Lecture by Michael Carroll. Michael is author of Awake at Work and The Mindful Leader and...
Friday August 14, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: sometimes the sangha are just jerks
photo courtesy of hollywoodtoday.net. Yes, really.What would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what...
Thursday August 13, 2009
Categories: Arts and Media, Right Lifestyle
Podcast: "The Mindful Leader" with Michael Carroll Part 1
"Confidence and vulnerability are the exact same thing" - Michael CarrollThis week on the ID Project Podcast we have Part 1 of a very lively Guest Lecture by Michael Carroll. Michael is author of Awake at Work and The Mindful...
Wednesday August 12, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Want to lose weight? Eat mindfully.
Photo courtesy of Kirsten FirmingerIn a new research article being published in this month's Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Dr. Alan Kristal and colleagues found that people who eat mindfully (defined as those were aware of why they ate...
Tuesday August 11, 2009
Categories: Everybody Hurts, Right Lifestyle
When in Limbo, Hit the Cushion
I find that during periods of major change in my life, the notion of a daily meditation practice is met with a mental aversion so strong that even looking at my meditation cushion ready and waiting for me in the...
Sunday August 9, 2009
Categories: Everybody Hurts, Right Lifestyle
Is Facebook Making Us Paranoid?
The journal CyberPsychology & Behavior recently published the results of an interesting (though somewhat unsurprising) study entitled "More Information than You Ever Wanted: Does Facebook Bring Out the Green-Eyed Monster of Jealousy?" The short answer is yes- increased Facebook usage can contribute to...
Friday August 7, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Right Livelihood: Would Sid do it for the money?
What would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do...
Wednesday August 5, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Setting sail for the plastic vortex
As reported by the Mercury News, Project Kaisei researchers have sailed to collect data about the Great Pacific Garbage patch (or plastic vortex), which is created by plastic debris and other trash brought together by ocean currents. Some scientists estimate...
Wednesday August 5, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhist Meditation, Global Warming, and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
How can mindful people do something about Global Warming and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? What does Buddhist Meditation have to do with healing the planet? Interdependence Project and One City's very own Jerry Kolber was published today over at...
Wednesday July 29, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Top Ten Reasons To Start Meditating Today
"Meditate Daily" has been hovering on my to-do, someday, or maybe lists for more than ten years, since the late 1990's. Two years ago the universe conspired to deliver me to the doorstep of the Interdependence Project, where the...
Wednesday July 29, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Is all life created equal? In memorial to two Deep Ecology Movement leaders
The Deep Ecology movement has suffered two big losses this year with the passing of Arne Næss in January and Bill Devall at the end of June. It led me to delve more into the writings and the history of...
Friday July 24, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhism and Addiction: What would Sid say about alcoholism?
"They tried to make me go sit shamatha and I said 'OM, OM, OM'"photo courtesy of indiespeaker.comWhat would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live...
Friday July 17, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Buddhism and Dating: Would Sid sleep with a Republican?
photo courtesy of barackobuddha.comWhat would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was...
Friday July 10, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do: would Sid pick someone up at a bar?
"You ladies come here often?"Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to...
Wednesday July 8, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Massachusetts Attorney General Coakley Sues US Over Same Sex Marriage
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley just sued the US Federal Government challenging the euphemistically named Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), claiming that it is unconstitutional because it denies insurance, health care, and other rights to gay and lesbian couples in...
Wednesday July 8, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
I would rather laugh than cry to get through this crisis
Global warming is a serious thing. There is much that needs to be done - so much, that it is hard to even know where to start. Everyday I learn about something new that needs to be fixed. Another crisis...
Tuesday July 7, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Setting the Stage
I'm in the midst of searching for a new apartment in New York City, a task I do not look forward to. In the back of my mind is the dream that one day I could make a separate space...
Friday July 3, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Would Sid ever bartend? Buddhism, bars, and depression
Not only would Sid bartend but he would also play in fountains with umbrellasWhat would Sid do?Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life....
Friday July 3, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Shopping For a Spiritual Practice - Episode 1 - Shambhala Training
I've just rolled my cart down aisle five at the spiritual supermarket under the sign that reads "Mind Training and Contemplative Based Spiritual Practices". After sitting regularly for over two years I'm ready to get down with the masters of...
Tuesday June 30, 2009
Categories: Merit/Demerit Badge, Right Lifestyle
The SUPERmarket Heroes
Last week I saw a young woman get attacked on the street, in what I always thought of as a really safe neighborhood, in broad daylight. As she walked past a supermarket, a man rushed at her and grabbed her...
Friday June 26, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do? Leopards, garudas, and players oh my!
Out of all the dignities the Garuda was known as the close-talker.Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad,...
Tuesday June 23, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Pencil In Some Peace
Okay what do I have to do today? Make breakfast, dry hair, pick out cute but functional outfit, get to work on time, while at work remember everything I need to do for all the students, during prep time do...
Monday June 22, 2009
Categories: Merit/Demerit Badge, Right Lifestyle
iPhone, myPhone, attachment, and sympathetic joy
I take delight in the endless multiplicity of form. I especially delight in my iPhone. And when I bought my new 3GS at 9am Friday morning, after the briefest of waits at a local store, I was delighted. I did...
Thursday June 18, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do? Buddhism and Lying
"Geez Buddha, don't get up on my account."Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he...
Thursday June 18, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
I heard a fly buzz when I (thwap)
True/False/Cannot Say Folks really love Obama: True Folks really love PETA: False Obama kills fly: True PETA complains: True ...
Wednesday June 17, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
You are not your khakis
I'm on vacation this week - here is one of my favorites previously published on our old blog site: "I'm breaking my attachment to physical power and possessions because only through destroying myself can I discover the greater power of...
Tuesday June 16, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
An Attempt to Communicate Pure Joy
The word "miracle" is maybe too strong. Maybe. But I'm going to use it anyway. It was a freaking miracle. I could not believe what was on the piece of paper. There it was. Clear as day. The most beautiful...
Friday June 12, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do? I'm insecure in my relationship...
"Excuse me, would any of you fine ladies care to dance?"Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations...
Wednesday June 10, 2009
Categories: Everybody Hurts, Right Lifestyle
Mindful wedding planning part two: Ceremony reading
Following up on last week's post, here is a wonderful reading I ran across while looking for something that reflected our values to be read during the ceremony. It reminded me of some of the previous discussions we have had...
Tuesday June 9, 2009
Categories: Arts and Media, Right Lifestyle
1 in 11 Americans meditates?
According to an article yesterday in USA Today, meditation, "once thought of as an esoteric, mystical pursuit . . . is going mainstream." One might argue that if it's in USA Today, it already is mainstream, but in any case. ....
Friday June 5, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do? Buddhism and Drugs
Amy Winehouse is one of many celebs who has put down the pipe and picked up a mala. photo courtesy of topnews.in Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn...
Wednesday June 3, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Mindful wedding planning in thought and in reality
Despite Christie Brinkley's recent pessimistic advice where she stated, "Right at the beginning of a relationship, I would formalize an exit strategy," I am going to get married in 10 days on June 13, 2009. I am in the midst...
Tuesday June 2, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
No sex during the day for Buddhists?
Buddhist academic and translator Jose Cabezon has a great article in the latest issue of Buddhadharma about some of the peculiar ideas many Buddhist traditions have about sex (about which most Western practioners are unaware), and how he reconciles...
Tuesday June 2, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
No Smoking in Shangri-La
On Monday June 1st, Nebraska banned smoking in most public indoor places, and Japan also banned smoking on limited and express trains on Japan Railway Group.In May, North Carolina and Michigan banned smoking in public places.LA County plans to ban...
Monday June 1, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
George Tiller, Abortion, and Compassion
So the abortion doctor from Wichita, Kansas, George Tiller was killed in church yesterday, by a pro-life radical (irony of ironies). Amazingly, this was not the first time Dr. Tiller was shot. So clearly Dr. Tiller believed in what he...
Friday May 29, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do? I cheated on my spouse...
Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do with his life,...
Wednesday May 27, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Prop 8: Sexual Positions for Gay Married Couples
I imagine it must have been a pretty steamy session yesterday as the California Supreme Court all had to imagine graphic gay sexual positions (consciously or not) as they decided whether people who engaged in those sexual positions were entitled...
Wednesday May 27, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Great Recession Ending? Is Our Detox from Greed and Consumerism Over As Well?
Is the global economy's recession ending? Some leading economists, including the often skeptical nobel prize winner Paul Krugman, believe we might just be the start of a turnaround. So, are we also done with our greed detox?(from Salon.com)...
Wednesday May 27, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
From Plastic Bags to No Take Out! The Reduce Consumption Challenge Continues...
At the Interdependence Project, we recently concluded our one month practice of reduced consumption! [pause for applause and cheering] It was a great month of activities, including pledging to reduce our use of disposable items, making and giving away reusable...
Tuesday May 26, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Skinned alive
I was recently forwarded this piece about the fur trade in China, produced by PETA. It's one of the most gruesome things I've seen in a long time. Apparently at some Chinese fur farms animals are skinned alive with...
Friday May 22, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
What would Sid do? Waking up next to a stranger...
Before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at age 35 he was a confused twenty and thirty-something looking to learn how to live a spiritual life. He had an overbearing dad, expectations for what he was supposed to do with his life,...
Thursday May 21, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
In Search of Lost Time: Attending to Distraction and the Meaning of Mindful
A couple of months ago I was tripping about blithely with my gentleman friend in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn when the stream of conversation turned, as it invariably does, to the mental causality of the cruel mistress called Internet. "You know," I...
Wednesday May 20, 2009
Walking the Plank
There is no shortage of evidence that the earth is burning, flooding, asphyxiating and dying. 9 out of 10 dentists agree that something has to be done or our children (or their children) will inherit a planet that cannot support...
Wednesday May 20, 2009
Categories: Interdependent Activism & Politics, Right Lifestyle
Can we prevent global warming by meditating?
Image courtesy / MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global ChangeGlobal warming, already high on the list of major problems, is much worse than we thought according to a new study by MIT. The image you...
Tuesday May 19, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Paging Dr. House!
The train clamored on down past 86th Street. The weather had finally started to clear up after a long stint of rainy days and yet I had chosen to take the subway rather than the more scenic bus to get...
Friday May 15, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Credit Card Debt: Legislation or Personal Solutions?
It is no secret that millions of Americans experience massive amounts of credit card debt , especially college students. I remember in the mid 90's, my college allowed (invited?) credit card companies to set up shop and sign students up...
Wednesday May 13, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Meditators have bigger brains
New research using MRI scans from UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging shows evidence that meditators have larger brains than a control group of non-meditators. The lead author of the journal article, Eileen Luders summarizes,"We know that people who consistently meditate...
Tuesday May 12, 2009
Categories: Arts and Media, Right Lifestyle
Reif Larsen Gets Sympathetic Joy
Jealousy strikes us all in different ways. Sympathetic joy, (mudita for those of you pali/sanskrit geeks) refers to a a series of guided meditations offered by the Buddhist tradition to overcome the insidious human poison of envy. I have found...
Monday May 11, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
The Story of Stuff Sweeps The Nation
Very happy that this piece in Huffington Post ran about The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard's instructional video and work on responsible consumption....
Monday May 4, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Interdependence and Waste Management; or, the Destroilet
The eco-yoga toilet post here a few days ago made me think. About interdependence. About my childhood. About the Destroilet....
Sunday May 3, 2009
Categories: Buddhism, Right Lifestyle
Establishing a Daily Meditation Practice
Despite my best intentions, I still have days when I miss my meditation practice. I'm on point for a while and then something happens- I'm busy with school, going out and getting in too late, etc.- that I lose the...
Saturday May 2, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Um...How is this Related to Yoga?
Check out the new...um...eco...um...yoga...um...toilet...um...sink....
Friday May 1, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Buddha as Businessman?
I found this lecture interesting, and Gregory Schopen's tie is amazing....
Wednesday April 29, 2009
Categories: Everybody Hurts, Right Lifestyle
Spring cleaning of the daily routine
Things have been hard for a lot of people I know lately. My work hours have been cut. Some of my friends have been laid off and others are working really hard just to have a slim chance of a...
Tuesday April 28, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
There's a Whole Lot of Earwax on These Fingers
On Monday, April 27, 2009 I closed the NASDAQ - yes, that's right. Y'all can thank little ol' me for stopping the American economy's losses in stocks that day. Why did I get to go to the NASDAQ? Because I'm...
Tuesday April 28, 2009
Categories: Right Lifestyle
Allergic to Koolaid
From the point of view of some more dogmatic teachers, The Buddha gave his students some crazy instructions. Perhaps the craziest one of all was when he taught them how to regard his teachings. He told them to treat his...
Advertisement
Search This Blog
Subscribe
About One City: A Buddhist Blog for Everyone
Welcome to One City. You've lived here your whole life, whether you know it or not. One City blog is an outgrowth of The Interdependence Project, a Buddhist-inspired nonprofit organization led by Ethan Nichtern, dedicated to teaching the insights of Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness, and interconnectedness in the 21st century world.
If you're interested in how your mind works, are interested in meditation (but don't want to pretend you live in ancient Asia), care about the world, are into media, love contemporary culture, and above all, really dig the truth of interdependence-that nothing happens in a vacuum--then this blog is for you.
More on Buddhism
Beliefnet's Buddhist section offers quotes, articles, videos, and guided meditation.
About the Authors
Evelyn CashEvelyn is a Soto Zen practitioner and engineer living in Wichita, Kansas.
» Posts by Evelyn Cash
Ethan NichternAuthor, founding director of the Interdependence Project, and the host of the I.D. Project’s popular weekly podcast
» Posts by Ethan Nichtern
Ellen ScordatoA business owner, editor, teacher, and board member of the Interdependence Project
» Posts by Ellen Scordato
Jerry KolberA writer, producer, and director for television, film, and theater in NYC
» Posts by Jerry Kolber
Jon RubinsteinJon writes about art and the media from a Buddhist perspective.
» Posts by Jon Rubinstein
Lodro RinzlerLodro Rinzler is a second-generation Shambhala Buddhist practitioner and teacher.
» Posts by Lodro Rinzler
Stillman BrownA photographer, writer, and meditation practitioner living in Brooklyn, NY
» Posts by Stillman Brown
Most Popular Posts
- Spiritual Warrior Death in Sweat Lodge in Sedona, Arizona:
- Buddhist Quote of the Day: Do You Need To Be A Vegetarian To Practice Meditation and Yoga Properly?:
- Obama Nobel Peace Prize For What? Rachel Maddow Explains While Thich Nhat Hanh Embodies Peace:
- Why I am not a "Tibetan Buddhist" (anymore):
- Enlightenment without retreat?:
- Buddhism and activism: How would Sid produce social change?:
- Only 35% of Americans feel that global warming is a serious problem:
- Senate Committee Passes Health Care Reform Bill:
- The Balloon Boy Story: Suffering Exemplified:
- Kiva: Micro-Loans Can Make a Big Difference:
Recent Comments
- Lanka commented on The Buddha at Work - "Ethics, Shmethics, So Long as I Get Paid.": Thanks for
- Ryan Parker commented on Medical Marijuana and Tantra: Hi Davee,
- Andrea commented on Sit Down Rise Up: Come Say Hello!: I did stop
- Davee commented on Medical Marijuana and Tantra: Thanks all
- Anan E. Maus commented on Why We Meditate: Sittin' In The Morning Sun, Sittin' When The Evening Come: nice blog!
- Anan E. Maus commented on The Buddha at Work - "Ethics, Shmethics, So Long as I Get Paid.": excellent
- Anan E. Maus commented on Medical Marijuana and Tantra: As far as
- Anan E. Maus commented on Podcast: Guest Lecture - "Buddhism and Shamanism: Working with Energy" with Robert Chender: I remember
- Anan E. Maus commented on Sit Down Rise Up: Come Say Hello!: very inter
- Anan E. Maus commented on What would Sid do: Working with fear: re origina
Top Features
- Seven Patron Saints for Healing and Comfort
- 10 Law of Attraction Lessons in Film
- Famous Scientology Couples
- Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
- A Prayer for Children Going to School
- Accidental Blessings
- Inspiring Barack Obama Inauguration Quotes
- Don t Take Away My Coffee
- Other People s Beds
- Top 10 Movies About Love