Writing

Happy Birthday To Me

Published on Apr 3rd, 2018 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection

Today is my birthday. In ancient times Zen monks would mark this day by writing a “death poem”. A death poem is one that tends to offer a reflection on death that is often coupled with a meaningful observation on life. Given my own history, I think I have a different view. I have now […]

The cost of whiteness?

Published on Mar 15th, 2018 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection

If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together. – Aboriginal activists group, Queensland, 1970s I believe that my liberation as a disabled, queer, poor person is directly tied to the liberation of […]

A Question

Published on Feb 23rd, 2018 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection

The other day I found myself in discussion with a group of smart folks in which a dialogue developed around “speaking up” and particularly around repeatedly bringing something up. This brought up for me, yet again, an ongoing question that I often notice come up, particularly, when I am in conflict with other folks I […]

Right Livelihood

Published on Jan 14th, 2018 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection

“Right Livelihood is concerned with ensuring that one earns one’s living in a righteous way. For a lay disciple the Buddha teaches that wealth should be gained in accordance with certain standards. One should acquire it only be legal means, not illegally; one should acquire it peacefully, without coercion or violence; one should acquire it […]

Year End Things..

Published on Dec 7th, 2017 in Dharma Teaching, News, Reflection

I think being accountable and transparent is an important part of being ethical and devoted to healing. So much of my life and livelihood is supported by so many in such varieties of ways, that I am certain to not be able to speak to them all here. After all, causes and conditions are innumerable […]

Thesis: Definitions of Terms

Published on Oct 24th, 2017 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection, School, Thesis

I have always found it interesting how people define terms that they use. In this instance I found it necessary to define three terms: Oppression, Healing, and Community. As I was rereading it to post here, I can say that my feelings about these definitions are still there. Feel free to contact me if you […]

Practice with Depression..

Published on Sep 30th, 2017 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection, Story

I have been having a bout of depression which has completely wiped out any ability to actually accomplish much in terms of actual work. As someone who has a long history of clinical depression and have had really had great luck with working medication, this has in some ways been a bit more difficult to […]

Audio of My Last Talk

Published on Sep 12th, 2017 in News

I gave a talk at Gay Buddhist Fellowship of San Francisco. It was focused on my thesis titled, Healing in Oppression: Thoughts from Buddhist Communities and Teachings. You can hear it HERE.

Just Stay

Published on Jul 25th, 2017 in Dharma Teaching, Reflection

Today on Facebook I wrote the following. Part of this comes from my recent focus on trying to write up an ethics statement. Part of it comes from the recent disclosures of yet another abusive teacher, supported by institutional misconduct. Iin recognition of the “not newness” of such a thing, I am feeling the need […]

Some Photos

Published on Jul 24th, 2017 in Media

My friend Kenny Yun has taken some incredible photos of me. I am amazed at how they look.