Category Archives: Buddhist practice

Compassion

Posted on December 2, 2018 by EricKVanHorn

I heard an extraordinary story today that I would like to share with you. It is a story told by Ajahn Brahm. If you would like to hear the entire Dharma talk, you can find it here. Start at about minute … Continue reading →

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The Third Recollection

Posted on September 8, 2018 by EricKVanHorn

The Yaksa asked, “What is the most wonderful thing?” Yudhisthira Maharaj replied, “The most wonderful thing is that although everyday innumerable humans and their animals go to the abode of death, still a man thinks he is immortal.” – [Mahabharata, … Continue reading →

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What the Buddha Taught

Posted on September 1, 2018 by EricKVanHorn

I remember reading years ago that one problem that Buddhists have is easily explaining what they believe. If you are a Christian or a Muslim or a Jew, this is not so hard. But trying to put the Buddha’s vast … Continue reading →

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It’s Simple

Posted on July 20, 2018 by EricKVanHorn

I have a dear friend who was once a student of Lama Surya Das. I went to a short retreat with Surya Das at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies many years ago. I quite enjoyed it. I also really … Continue reading →

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Joy and Happiness

Posted on January 13, 2018 by EricKVanHorn

Those of you who follow this blog may have noticed a new tab, the one labeled Jātaka Tales. I am taking the time to edit and illustrate the 547 stories from that collection. I hope that you will read through … Continue reading →

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Jātaka Tales

Posted on December 20, 2017 by EricKVanHorn

Stories of the Buddha’s Former Births Introduction Volume 1 1: Apaṇṇaka Jātaka, The True Dharma 2: Vaṇṇupatha Jātaka, The Sandy Road 3: Serivaṇija Jātaka, The Serivan, or The Gold Bowl 4: Cullaka-seṭṭi Jātaka, Chullaka the Treasurer 5: Taṇḍulanāli Jātaka, The … Continue reading →

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Jātaka Tales

Right Speech/Wrong Speech

Posted on October 28, 2017 by EricKVanHorn

I was talking to a friend of mine this past week, and he told me something quite astonishing. He said that Mahatma Gandhi was in favor of the caste system in India, and that he defended it. Further, he said, … Continue reading →

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Basic Kindness

Posted on September 18, 2017 by EricKVanHorn

When I first moved to New Mexico I attended a meditation group here. They have a people of color program there. This has become popular lately in some Buddhist organizations, to try and attract people of color and people from … Continue reading →

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Beacons in the Darkness

Posted on August 18, 2017 by EricKVanHorn

There continues to be a lot of angst about the current political situation, particularly after the events in Charlottesville last weekend. Charlottesville holds a special place in my heart because when I was in the fourth grade, my family took … Continue reading →

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Serenity, Insight, and Lovingkindness

Posted on August 13, 2017 by EricKVanHorn

Credit for this story goes to Ajahn Brahm. There are two people who decide to go for a hike up Meditation Mountain. One of them is named “Samatha” and the other one is named “Vipassana.” They take with them their … Continue reading →

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