The study of how we see helps us to see.—Richard L. Gregory  One does not see with the eyes; one sees with the brain. —Oliver Sacks  The Illusion of Duality and the Practice of Lucid Dreaming The teachings on emptiness and illusory form are...

The Power of Tantric Practices ​Tantric methods of transformation are among the most powerful means of spiritual practice ever devised. Tantra has the ability to radically transform a practitioner, and even bring about enlightenment in one...

This article was originally published in Tricycle: The Buddhist Review (February 1, 2021). tricycle.org. The Importance of Contemplation In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to slow down and contemplate. However, learning the art of...

Many people have a limited sense of meditation. One unexpected aspect of expanding our sense of meditation is learning how to shrink it, so to speak, into what I refer to as "Emergency Meditations." People often think that meditation only works...

Many meditators think that meditation is capable of handling all your issues. People often swing the pendulum too far back in the other direction, from an initially dismissive attitude towards meditation, to one that views it as a panacea. They...

I'm often asked, "How much should I meditate to see results?" Before offering more specific guidelines for meditation, to help gain perspective, I like to point out the importance of repetition in mastering anything. We also need to take into...

In 1988, in an effort to explore the Buddhist path, I decided to do a month long silent meditation retreat in the forests of Vermont.  It was a stretch.  Outside of a few weekends of meditation I had never tried to practice for so long. I walked up...

The benefits of mindfulness are legion. However, I do believe there are downsides of the mindfulness revolution, because wherever you find light, you find the near enemies.   1. Scientism As potent as mindfulness is, it is not a panacea. Just like...