A yogi commits to political activism. Sometimes we feel moved by experience: a song, a poem that lifts the heart, words that stir the soul, or the speech of a political leader might send one on an arduous journey for a cause. I was recently moved to participate in the Great American Walk for Freedom, [...]
“Let gratitude course through this valley and through our veins, for we and our community are safe and well, supported in ways known and unknown by the generosity and efforts of so many beings. May we continue to offer deep bows to the fire. May the bright flame of its wisdom never be [...]
Vitamin Angels spreads their wings over India and beyond Beneath the smog-choked skies of Mumbai – where India’s 21st century rise to prosperity is evident in the shine of skyscrapers, the glitz of mega-malls, and the bustle of the Bollywood film industry – fast-moving streams of raw sewage dissect Mawlenagar Malad. This smelly, [...]
Twenty Years of Sangha “Don’t underestimate the importance of a group like this,” Dr. Alan Feren pulled me aside and gazed at me pointedly. “It’s the one place you absolutely feel safe.” Dr Feren is one member of a group who gathers every Monday night in the kitchen and conference room of the [...]
For five decades, the Tibetan people have suffered greatly under China's brutal rule. The Chinese government has done everything in its power to destroy Tibetan culture, religion and institutions. In March, 2008, thousands of monks, nuns, and lay Tibetans put their lives on the line by protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet. Hundreds [...]
Social Activism Through Ancient Ritual You’re sitting cross-legged in a circle of unfamiliar fire-lit faces; all attention is on one woman holding a stone. You listen as she speaks your thoughts, your prayers in her own prayers for self, family, the world, then lights a candle and passes it to a woman on [...]
For people espousing progressive values, many November election results brought cheers. The passing of Proposition 8, on the other hand, which amends the California constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, brought sadness, anger and protests. Perry Hoffman and Doug Smith exchanged rings on the momentous date of June [...]