Learning about Zen Buddhism can feel like trying to talk a fish into your net. Just when you think you’ve come up with the most convincing argument, the fish swims away like it wasn’t even… Read More »Introductory books about Zen Buddhism
A short boat ride down the coast from Puerto Vallarta, Xinalani Retreat rests on the slopes of a leafy green hill overlooking a pristine sandy beach. For four nights this past Christmas, your Guide relaxed… Read More »Review: Christmas at Xinalani, Puerto Vallarta
This Guide attended a seven-day intensive, silent meditation retreat led by Zarko Andricevic, in the tradition of Chan master Sheng Yen, at Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan. The retreat was bilingual (conducted in Mandarin and… Read More »Attending an intensive, silent meditation retreat at Dharma Drum Mountain, Taiwan
If you’re visiting Japan, you’re probably going to visit a lot of temples, and not only might you be surprised to learn there are different sects of Buddhism, but even within Zen, there are distinct… Read More »What’s the difference between Soto Zen and Rinzai Zen?
In 2019, your Guide visited India to facilitate some mental health workshops and I took that opportunity to visit Bodhgaya for a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat at the International Vipassana Centre. Are you eager to… Read More »What happens at a Vipassana meditation retreat in Bodhgaya, India?
It’s a useful step on any meditation journey to build the skill to meditate without following an audio guide. We can simply sit and be. So I created these 10, 15, and 20 minute silent… Read More »Silent meditation guides with bells at the start and end
Since your Guide’s life fits in three bags, and I often need to carry those bags, it’s important that I keep my belongings light and limited. So it might surprise people to learn that I… Read More »Review: The Bluecony IKUKO travel meditation bench
It seems that most people haven’t even heard of the Mahabodhi temple or the town of Bodhgaya. You won’t hear referenced with the likes of Jerusalem or Mecca. India is full of incredible monuments, temples,… Read More »The Mahabodhi Temple is worth a visit
Buddha’s Five Remembrances, as translated by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is a guided meditation for working on illness and death, accepting loss, and touching the reality of being human. This is NOT a beginner meditation.… Read More »Guided Meditation: The Five Remembrances
On your Guide’s adventures exploring meditation retreats around the world, I was always looking for an opportunity to attend a meditation retreat at Plum Village, the Buddhist retreat centre established by Thich Nhat Hanh in… Read More »Attending the Plum Village International Business Retreat