While in the midst of hate to dwell free from hating is happiness indeed. While in the midst of those who are troubled, to dwell untroubled is happiness indeed. While in the midst of those who are greedy, to dwell free from greed is happiness indeed. Verses 197-199 Dhammapada Sharon Salzberg, in her new book…

This is the Underlying Context: Thank you. You are wonderful! I love you. These three sentences––thought, whispered, spoken aloud to professional caregivers, to VIMS sangha members, to other friends, neighbors, family; to myself, to parts of my body, aspects of my mind and heart; to the garden, the street, the barn, chairs, beds, bathroom, and…

I had an interesting conversation about faith recently with Asma Elhuni. She is the lead organizer for the Upper Valley Interfaith Project (UVIP) [ http://www.unitedvalleyinterfaithproject.org/ourstaff/ ], the local interfaith social justice group of which Valley Insight is an active member organization. Asma is Muslim. New to the Upper Valley, she is the wife of the…

Doreen Schweizer Every time we sit down to practice we are “entering the forest.” (Anonymous) Last Monday a bird sat down and rested on my head. I’ve been meditating in my backyard early on these clear mornings. I sit on a stone next to a bowl of water, which serves both as a birdbath and…