Another Long Classic
In 2021 thirteen of us spent seven months to read and discuss the long novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov. I’m interested to see if anyone would be up for reading The Gospel of…
Author: Mark J. Chmiel
State of Emergency, January 2003
Walter Benjamin, Illuminations: Essays and ReflectionsEdited by Hannah ArendtSchocken Books, 1988 The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that “the state of emergency” in which we live is not the exception but the rule. We…
During Our Lojong Class in the Central West End
“My true religion is kindness.”HHDL Everyone is trying to keep it togetherTo make a contributionDon’t forget thisHave a kind heart Maybe some people aren’t trying to make it betterThey want to cause troubleDon’t dwell on…
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…
Share the Wealth with Robert MacArthur– Military Service & Conscientious Objection: A Personal Perspective
On Sunday, March 20th Robert MacArthur will discuss his journey serving on active duty in the military, wrestling with his conscience for many years and his decision to ultimately leave as a conscientious objector. Attendees…
The Kindom of Heaven Is…by Alex Gaynor
Cami Kasmerchak got me connected with Alex when she was in Sacramento with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in 2015-2016. She’s in a class with me now, These are a Few of Our Favorite Things. She…
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: …
The Young Thich Nhat Hanh: A Spring and Summer Course
As the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate of 1964, I now have the pleasure of proposing to you the name of Thich Nhat Hanh for that award in 1967. I do not personally know of anyone…