Category Archives: Buddha

Borrowed Words (3): KINDNESS

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Touch2Touch

In Japanese landscape gardening the word shakkei means “borrowed view.” The designer “borrows,” or incorporates, any view beyond property borders, thereby visually enlarging his own property and landscape.  In tough times of winter and darkness, cold and wind and discouragement, borrowed words have brought me (and … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Quotes, Spring, Wisdom | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

A New Strain: “Last Gasp” Morning Glories!

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Touch2Touch

When my gardening neighbor planted the vines on the other side of the trellis shared by our patios, I was delighted. The quickly climbing green leaves made no distinction between thine and mine. They clambered through the lattice to my side as … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn, Buddha, Challenge, Color, Flowers, Nature, Pioneer Valley | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Knitting up that Sleeve!

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Touch2Touch

Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleave of care — You may be thinking that Shakespeare had a bit of a spelling problem.  Actually, though, he didn’t. Spelling hadn’t been codified yet in Elizabethan times, and so people pretty much … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Etcetera, Health, Medicine, Pioneer Valley, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , | 42 Comments

Non-Violence and Hard Boiled Eggs

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Touch2Touch

I make really good egg salad. Which, of course, starts with hard-boiled eggs. When my egg salad comes to the table, it looks great, usually in its blue-and-white Chinese bowl, maybe some thin-sliced radishes adorning it, maybe nothing at all, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Definitions, Enlightenment, Etcetera, Mindfulness, Personal Essay, Quotes, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Of Making Many Books, There is No End — or Reward?

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Touch2Touch

“Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12 It was that way right from the beginning, I’m sure. Carvers in stone, makers of runes,  scribes in papyrus and parchment, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Challenge, Etcetera, Personal Essay, Quotes, Reading, Writers | Tagged , , , , , | 123 Comments

The Buddha Speaks of Happiness —

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Touch2Touch

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. The Buddha

Posted in Buddha, Etcetera, Happiness, Quotes, Wisdom | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

The Jewel in the Lotus —

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Touch2Touch

Anyone who’s flirted even mildly with Tibetan Buddhism knows this mantra for chanting: Om mani padme hum. What does it mean? “Hail, The Jewel is in the Lotus.” But what does that mean? Even though I’ve chanted it myself (although I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Buddha, Etcetera, Flowers, Japan, Pioneer Valley, Wisdom, Wonderings, Zen | Tagged , , , , | 39 Comments

In the Time of Falling Leaves

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Touch2Touch

The leaves are falling, falling — The wind blew sharp today.  Autumn fading, winter’s icy breath chills early morning, evening, late. *             *            * The Buddha said: Just as … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn, Buddha, Challenge, Death, Etcetera, Mindfulness, Nature, Wind, winter | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Wondering —

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Touch2Touch

“you have to be careful, ask yourself questions, as for example whether you still are, and if no when it stopped, and if yes how long it will still go on, anything at all to keep you from losing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Etcetera, Japan, Mindfulness, Quotes, Wonderings, Writers | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Seven Link Challenge

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Touch2Touch

One of my favorite bloggers, unquenchable Stef of the extraordinary Smile, Kiddo has invited me to participate in a “Seven Links Challenge” (more very soon.) I’m an easily discouraged perfectionist, so my first reaction was, Are you kidding? No way. But … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddha, Challenge, Etcetera, Personal Essay, Touch, Wisdom, Writers | Tagged , , , | 26 Comments