Category: Arts & Culture
Creative Conflict
Barry Boyce reminisces on a September 11th tribute played at a Jazz club by Toshiko Akiyoshi.
Spring Comes, the Grass Grows by Itself: Remembering Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927-2004)
Stanley Lombardo remembers Zen Master Seung Sahn, founder of the Kwan Um School of Zen, who died in November.
Elaine Pagels’ Search for Christ the Mystic
Who was Christ, really? Barry Boyce profiles Elaine Pagels, the leading authority on Christianity's suppressed gospels.
A Pillar of Zen: Roshi Philip Kapleau 1912 – 2004
Roshi Philip Kapleau's longtime student Rafe Martin remembers a pioneer of American Zen.
What’s Right With Islam
In a discussion with Melvin McLeod, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf says the true spirit of Islam is one of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy.
Wabi-Sabi For Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers
An excerpt from Leonard Koren's gem, Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers, considered a class statement on this Japanese aesthetic.
Poems & Zen talks of Philip Whalen
Philip Whalen died in San Francisco on June 26, 2002. Here are a selection of his poems and zen talks.
My Year of Meats
Mirroring the journey of her novel’s heroine, Ruth Ozeki explored meat and media and discovered that writing is always political and denial always a choice. What’s in a Name? Last year my first novel was published. It’s called My Year of Meats. It’s a good title, I think. A funny title. A little proud, a…
Zen Sells: How Advertising has Co-opted Spirituality
From computers to beauty products, Madison Avenue has discovered that spirituality sells. Todd Stein on the irony of spiritual themes in materialism.
Penis Passion
bell hooks argues that our erotic lives are enhanced when men and women can celebrate the penis in ways that don't uphold macho stereotypes.
Post-Porn Priestess of Pleasure: Annie Sprinkle Takes a Sex-Positive Position
Former porn-star, now artist and educator, Annie Sprinkle's real specialty is the public display of a positive attitude toward sex.
Is It Only Rock and Roll?
"I am constantly asked, why pay any attention to any of it? Isn't this middle brow culture somehow not really spiritual? What a small God, that."
There Are No Words
Roshi Bernard Glassman discusses his practice of bereavement following the death of his wife and dharma partner, Sensei Sandra Jishu Holmes.
It’s Been a Long Time Coming
Asked by one reporter what a bunch of musicians were really going to be able to do for Tibet, both Thom Yorke and Sean Lennon went on the counterattack.
Leonard Cohen: Several Lifetimes Already
Over a long and brilliant career, the poet and singer has lived many lives already, from essence of hip to celebrated lover to serious Zen man.
Design: A Happening Life
"When life is happening, design has meaning, and every design we encounter strengthens our recognition of the value of being alive."
Ray Hunt: The Cowboy Sage
Ray Hunt is an American sage, a cowboy who teaches riding as a path for both human and animal to realize their true nature.
Julia Cameron on the Path of Creativity
Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist's Way and The Vein of Gold in conversation with Samuel Bercholz.