Periodically someone comes up with a bright new "aid" idea that generates a lot of discussion about effective aid and good intentions. Last year it was one million used t-shirts to Africa. When I sent a tweet about ineffective aid, saying "Your old stuff is not good aid", a follower of mine challenged me. She didn't think my statement sat well with my 'zen' approach to life: "Zen teaches...

So many of us search all the time for what really helps when things in life get difficult. Last year I had the honor of interviewing Karen Kissel Wegela about "The Courage to Be Present." Karen has been a core faculty member at Naropa University for more than 29 years, focusing on contemplative psychotherapy -- bringing together Buddhism and traditional psychotherapy. She has a private pr...

We send ourselves to school to get titles and degrees, to acquire knowledge and develop the intellect. We comb the far corners of the world to explore, see or experience more. We strive in our jobs and careers in order to become richer, promoted faster or accredited and known in the process. We save and scheme and plan for a bigger house or more luxurious car, to live in a better neigh...

Last night PBS aired The Buddha, a new TV special about the sage's life, impact, and particular relevance to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. By filmmaker David Grubin, the documentary features the work of some of the world's greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia have depicted the Buddha's life through art rich in beauty and complexit...

Last night PBS aired The Buddha, a new TV special about the sage's life, impact, and particular relevance to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. By filmmaker David Grubin, the documentary features the work of some of the world's greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia have depicted the Buddha's life through art rich in beauty and complexit...

Here are a few of the points I made or intended to make at this remarkably rousing debate between the atheists and skeptics -- Michael Shermer and Sam Harris on one side and Deepak Chopra and myself on the other. The debate was mostly focused on the scientific aspects for the existence or non existence of God. My role was to provide a somewhat different perspective. 1. The world has bee...

Here are a few of the points I made or intended to make at this remarkably rousing debate between the atheists and skeptics -- Michael Shermer and Sam Harris on one side and Deepak Chopra and myself on the other. The debate was mostly focused on the scientific aspects for the existence or non existence of God. My role was to provide a somewhat different perspective. 1. The world has bee...

His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama spoke to an absolutely quiet and enthralled audience today at Gibson Amphitheater. The anticipated event was produced by Whole Child International, the brainchild of Karen Gordon - more on her later. I have seen HH Dalai Lama speak several times, but this time he seemed at his best, IMHO. He is unassuming and not aware of his star power when he speaks...