A Prayer Before Meals for Buddhists and Others
May I be properly grateful for this food, which is the result of the work of others and the suffering of other forms of life. May I always be grateful to the Buddha, Who was [...]
Who Am I?
Not all religious seekers find Ultimate answers. Some do, some don’t. I’d like to deal with both here. Rabindranath Tagore, the great 20th century poet of India who often wrote in English, expressed bewilderment of [...]
Provincialism
Provincialism seems to be the most universal characteristic among human beings; it even seems to supplant greed for the number one spot. It isn’t that we each think ours is the best way of life; [...]
Cold Kyoto Morning
It is always cold when we arise at 5:30 a.m. on a winter’s morning in Kyoto. If I am staying at the small Tenrikyo Church community, just off Karasuma Street near the ancient Emperor’s Palace, [...]
Saints and Poetry
Saints are not poets because Poets are caught in the web of passion. They write about human suffering, Which the Buddha said is common to all beings. The sage is not bound by that rope; [...]
Foreword for Climb the Joyous Mountain
Reading Climb the Joyous Mountain, we are touched by Justin’s lyrical poetry and deep appreciation of life. He genuinely connects with people, places, and situations because he doesn’t bring a personal agenda. Justin asks, “Does [...]
