Author: Mark J. Chmiel

Still Swirling through My Mind

To live outside the law you must be honest About having to be scrounging for your next meal Look out kid, it’s something you did Yes, indeed, you gotta serve somebody There was something about…

The Art of Living: Munindra/2

Earlier this week, I shared some of Munindra’s teachings. Today, I want to pass on several observations of those who knew him and learned from him. He was like a scientist who had just made…

The Art of Living: Munindra/1

The following reflections by Bengali Buddhist Anagarika Munindra  come from the inspiring  book by Mirka Knaster, Living This Life Fully: Stories and Teachings of Munindra. Mostly you’re living in the world of thoughts.  11 I…

Styron/Kerouac

Recently, I read Jack Kerouac’s novel, Tristessa, which didn’t take long but it was an unpleasant experience.  Not long after, I came across the following prediction in James West’s Conversations with William Styron from 1962: …

Inflaming the Soul

While  reading Stephen Clissold’s The Wisdom of the Spanish Mystics, I was most taken by the passages that spoke of love and detachment. Once again, thanks to New Directions for publishing this series decades ago….

A Merton Hour

Please join us for a “Merton Hour” for thoughtful discussions about the impact Thomas Merton and his writings have had on us and the world we live in. On Sunday 20 February Ben Burkemper will…