Buddha-Sasana

Myanmar

I travel to the land of the golden pagodas to ordain as a bhikkhu. (Through the Looking Glass 9, 3/24/2023)

Inspired by monks

I seek out and am inspired by Western monks in Texas and California, and resolve to ordain as a bhikkhu. (Through the Looking Glass 8, 3/17/2023)

Second thoughts: What is a Zen priest?

A brief history of Zen priesthood and how it felt to be a priest in the USA. (Through the Looking Glass 7, 3/10/2023)

Exploring Buddhist monasteries

I visit Japanese, Burmese, Chinese and Vietnamese temples and talk to monks. (Through the Looking Glass 6, 3/03/2023)

The Zen priest

I ordain as a Zen priest at the Austin Zen Center. (Through the Looking Glass 5, 2/24/2023)

Dropping out

I decide to dedicate my life to Buddhist practice and move to a Zen monastery in California. (Through the Looking Glass 4, 2/17/2023)

Coming to terms

I discover why forms and rituals are important and officially take refuge. (Through the Looking Glass 3, 2/10/2023)

Zen Retreats

I begin Zen meditation retreats and raise some curious questions about myself. (Through the Looking Glass 2, 2/3/2023)

Discovering Buddhism

I begin to tell my own “way seeking mind” story of how I first came to Buddhist practice. (Through the Looking Glass 1, 1/27/2023)

Final notes

We review Buddhism’s unique roles in the symbolic/transcendent world. (Buddhism as Self-Help 18, 1/20/2023)