With a few exceptions, my current Buddhist self prefers to watch slow, contemplative TV shows like “The White Lotus.” One of my former selves, however, used to like violent action films. But even then that fascination was mostly prompted by the cinematic artistry rather than the violence itself. That’s why one of my top picks … Read more
“To know nothing about yourself is to live. To know yourself badly is to think,” Fernando Pessoa wrote while contemplating moments of calm amid uncertainty and disquiet. “To know yourself in a flash, as I did in this moment, is to have a fleeting notion of the intimate monad, the soul’s magic word. But that … Read more
One of my favorite professors once said that it’s impossible to overinterpret a poem — a type of literary analysis called close reading. As I heard him say those words, I was taken aback with a matter-of-factly, arrogant naiveté of a complete beginner in poetry. To my defense, my reaction was far from uncommon … Read more
Just as Christians believe in life after death, Buddhists believe in reincarnation as an intermediary step on the path to Nirvana. It might take several lifetimes to reach enlightenment, and where you spend your time before another rebirth is based on the accumulation of merit. To end up in the brahma world, one of … Read more
After moving to a new place, I’m occasionally blessed to observe a stray cat lurking about in the yard. I don’t know where it comes from, its real name, and whether it cares that I care, all I know is that this adorable creature warms my heart and brings smile to my face. I … Read more