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The present and future of Buddhism – plus a contest :)

I’ve recently been put on Shambhala’s list of book reviewers which is great. I mean, they’re the top Buddhist publisher and one of the top spiritual publishers. Anyhow, they sent me three books for review this month – and I get to offer one to my readers. Read on to know what you can do [...]

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Work as those who are ambitious…

Work as those work who are ambitious. Respect life as those do who desire it. Be happy as those are who live for happiness. Mabel Collins, Light on the path, part 1 (4) This quote must be a bit puzzling for those who think ambition itself is a spiritual virtue. Light on the Path is [...]

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The difference between spiritual growth and personal development?

Michael asked me on my Dutch blog: What’s the difference between personal and spiritual growth anyhow? I think self knowledge is perhaps the only spiritual or personal growth there is, isn’t it? It’s a very good question. Depending on ones spiritual background, one can go into this very deeply, or just skimp the surface. Ken [...]

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Bliss, Atman, Brahman – Jnana Yoga Q&A

Today I got a Jnana Yoga question from Roy: “How can Bliss be part of the essence of Brahman? The ego seeks bliss, i.e. to feel good (at minimum a feeling of well being), even at the expense of truth. Doesn’t the concept of Bliss being part of the essence of Brahman ultimately fulfill the [...]

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The purpose of reincarnation

Mimi asked: The one I am interested in right now is reincarnation. What are your views on it? I mean, I know you believe that and all, but, well, at least I think I read that somewhere… Anyway, if you do believe in reincarnation, what do you believe is the purpose of it and does [...]

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Spiritual Growth and Sunyata

I explained the difference and convergence of Sunyata and Nirvana yesterday. Today I want to go into what that means for every day spirituality. This is where the Buddhist tradition offers a variety of responses. There are those who feel that one first has to practice virtue, live up to the ideals of the many [...]

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Samsara, Nirvana and Sunyata

In Mahayana Buddhist philosophy these three words are connected. But in order to understand what this means, one has to know their individual meanings first.

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