Book Summary: Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021 ~ cafebedouin

To summarize the main ideas: Thinking is not a substitute for lived experience. The idea of being a mother, combat veteran, a disciple of a spiritual teacher - pick any experience you don't have - and having the idea about it is not the same as having lived it. And, it is worse than that, … Continue reading Book Summary: Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha

The Dreamer & The Judge

January 3, 2021 ~ cafebedouin

The dreamer is in no position to judge what is real or who is awake. The first task of the dreamer is to awaken and of the judge is to make sure the evidence is admissible. Everything else is a kangaroo court of suffering.

Coffin, Cage or Cocoon?

September 28, 2020September 28, 2020 ~ cafebedouin

Imagine being put in a box. Is it a small prison cell? Is it so small that you cannot move, a torture technique out of the middle ages or some 9/11 black site of torture? Imagine dying, and being reborn in the same box. Imagine a life that is a dying and an awakening and … Continue reading Coffin, Cage or Cocoon?

Happiness of Others

August 11, 2020August 30, 2020 ~ cafebedouin

Make one person happy. Ideally, the one before you, in this moment. Listen. Understand their story, if you can. But, never more than one, and don't have it be the focus of all your energy. You cannot make other people happy. We can choose to be happy, ourselves. In others, we can only help create … Continue reading Happiness of Others

Words & Worldviews

January 1, 2019January 1, 2019 ~ cafebedouin

I was reading another one of those end of year life hack articles yesterday, about how changing one word can change your attitude toward obligations. The crux: instead of saying, "I have to wake up to go to work at 0600," you change it to get, "I get to wake up to go to work at … Continue reading Words & Worldviews