Gavril Nikolaev
How do we read a haiku? A surprising primer on this art comes from a slim volume by Yoel Hoffmann titled Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death. In the introductory part of the book, we learn that a haiku consists of seventeen syllables written in three … Read more
Although initially my daily meditation was secular, it eventually lead me to Buddhism and evolved into a spiritual practice. If I had to name its most challenging part, it would be following the five precepts. For example, a non-monastic life inadvertently leads to occasional alcohol use, white lies, and other morally questionable choices (no … Read more
Just watching a dog or a cat can be a deeply healing experience. It takes us out of our mind and brings us into the now — the only place free of chains of the past and unknown void of the future. That’s where an animal lives all the time, surrendered to life, enjoying it … Read more
For a very long time, I had a hard time accepting that I was too critical of myself. Even when I noticed negative thoughts during meditation, I saw them as justified. Especially when it came to running this blog. Of course, I told myself, you’re not disciplined enough, not consistent enough, not creative enough. … Read more