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A German Family make an 801-kilometre Pilgrimage through acts of Turkish kindness

Articles / By /

I received a letter, photographs and family video of the Werner family’s long walk embracing Muslim hospitality, expansive landscapes and Dervish dancing.

Here is the letter printed below with photographs and family video from Nirmala of Germany. She and her family walked 801 kilometres through Turkey last summer.

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A Nose and a Hand-kerchief. Cultural Differences. Different Strokes for Different Folks

Articles / By /
While teaching a residential course last week in the Pauenhof Buddhist Zentrum, in Germany, I heard a graphic example of differences in culture. I have expanded on it to make a point.
A person went to India and witnessed Indians blowing their nose with head pointing down to the ground – one finger on one nostril and then the other nostril.
The Westerner said to her travelling companion: “That’s disgusting.”
A little while later, a Westerner in India blew his nose into their handkerchief and then put their handkerchief back into their pocket.
An Indian turned to his companion and said: ” She put her handkerchief back into her pocket. That’s disgusting.”
To summarise: We easily jump to conclusions about the behaviour of another with no idea how our behaviour may appear to others.
From The Ballad of East and West by poet Rudyard Kiplin (1865-1936)
Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,
Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat;
But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face, though they come from the ends of the earth! |
Do you have an example of cultural differences?

Inquiry. Projecting authority onto Mother. Projecting Authority onto Doubt. 1-1 with Christopher

Articles, Communications / By /

This is a transcription/adaption for reading of an Inquiry on an Insight Meditation retreat with myself. The person has given permission for the recording. The Inquiry sessions take place regularly on the retreats. Inquiry may last from a few minutes to 30 minutes or longer. …

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Mindfulness of the Sacred. Ten Examples of Contact with the Sacred

Dharma Reflections / By /

We can experience a sense of the sacred in various times and places through the application of a dedicated mindfulness.

Mindfulness of the sacred offers much nourishment and joy to our daily life. …

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 A funeral service was held in Hamburg, Germany on 20 January 2022 for Hans Gruber, a Buddhist commentator and philosopher

Communications / By /

Buddhist philosopher and commentator, Hans Gruber died unexpectedly on 18 November 2021 on the stairs at his home in Hamburg. He could not be resuscitated. He was 63. …

 A funeral service was held in Hamburg, Germany on 20 January 2022 for Hans Gruber, a Buddhist commentator and philosopherRead More »

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