Search found 7 matches

by Hiker
Sat Feb 15, 2014 10:04 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: the great rebirth debate
Replies: 7551
Views: 1332765

Re: the great rebirth debate

As part of teaching 7th grade Social Studies, every year we cover Buddhism. I stopped using our textbook years ago since it is too superficial as well as downright inaccurate. Instead I use some short readings, video clips, note-taking, and A LOT of class discussion. It's one of the few lessons wher...
by Hiker
Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:18 pm
Forum: Shrine Room
Topic: your home altar/shrine
Replies: 198
Views: 189092

Re: your home altar/shrine

Our little shrine consists of a small Gandharan Buddha from Afghanistan, made in the 2nd century (if the art dealer is to be believed). It is made from pink schist, and was once part of a frieze. My 17 year-old son helped in the design and construction of the stand. My wife added the orange. She was...
by Hiker
Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:06 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: The Quotable Thanissaro
Replies: 2277
Views: 426840

Re: The Quotable Thanissaro

I only discovered Thanissaro this last week. By accident I ran across a dharma talk of his on youtube about how the mind is trying to kill you. Since then I've been on a Thanissaro podcast marathon, and I'm almost finished with his book on rebirth (written it seems as a thoughtful answer to Stephen ...
by Hiker
Wed Jan 08, 2014 6:22 am
Forum: Announcements
Topic: Passing of First African American Bhikkhu
Replies: 11
Views: 6834

Re: Passing of First African American Bhikkhu

What a worth-while life.

I wonder if he ever met Thomas Merton. He was just old enough that their paths may have crossed.
by Hiker
Wed Jan 08, 2014 5:59 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Visiting Wat Padhammachart in La Puente, CA
Replies: 5
Views: 3001

Re: Visiting Wat Padhammachart in La Puente, CA

Thanks dsaly1969, your experience gives me some confidence. I just imagine showing up and everything being in Thai. By you mentioning that you know how to show, "proper respect to the monks and the Buddha images, offered joss sticks, etc." demonstrates that you have a basic knowledge of th...
by Hiker
Mon Jan 06, 2014 6:53 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Visiting Wat Padhammachart in La Puente, CA
Replies: 5
Views: 3001

Visiting Wat Padhammachart in La Puente, CA

I have a strong interest in Theravadan Buddhism. Over the last couple of years I've read an entire bookshelf of Buddhist books, listened to hours of podcasts, developed a disciplined meditation practice, but have only attended one formal Buddhist meeting; Against the Stream in Santa Monica. I can't ...
by Hiker
Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:54 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Cloud Atlas - epic film about karma and reincarnation
Replies: 66
Views: 22436

Re: Cloud Atlas - epic film about karma and reincarnation

I'm sure it was unintentional on the film makers' part, but Jim Broadbent's character "Cavendish" reminds me a lot of Stephen Bachelor, author of Buddhism without Belief.