Sri Lanka Bhikkhuni Kusuma passes away 28 August 2021 The internationally acclaimed Buddhist monastic, scholar, and vocal advocate for full female monastic ordination Venerable Dr. Bhikkhuni Kusuma Devendra died of Covid complications late on Saturday in Sri Lanka. She was 92 years old. Some personal reflections on meeting Bhikkhuni Kusuma Bhikkhuni Kusuma was for me, a realContinue reading “Some bhikkhuni news from around the world”
Category Archives: death
Continuing compassion
[Forest and wildlife officer Lachlan Clarke checks a koala for injuries – photo courtesy of the Guardian] In my last newsletter and last post here, I’ve been exploring compassion as a resource to navigate all the various global challenges happening right now. Just today there was a moving photo essay about all the efforts thatContinue reading “Continuing compassion”
Compassion for all beings affected by the Australian bushfires
Season’s greetings from Waipu, New Zealand I’m unexpectedly having to spend more time here in New Zealand, after my nine-day retreat outside of Sydney over New Year was just cancelled due to the bushfires in Australia. The Blue Mountains has been a kind of second home to me, so I’ve been staying in contact withContinue reading “Compassion for all beings affected by the Australian bushfires”
January 2016 full moon – Impermanence
This full moon post is a bit late again, partly because I’ve been on the move, travelling and teaching, and partly because a friend of mine is actively dying now. Even though I’m not physically with her, the gravitational pull of death seems to dissolve any words that come into my mind, and I canContinue reading “January 2016 full moon – Impermanence”
June 2015 full moon – impermanence
Deeply understanding the truth of impermanence – including death – is central to the Buddha’s teachings, but for those of us living in contemporary western society, this can seem a very alien and alienating concept. It’s more the norm to avoid anything to do with death and dying for as long as possible, until atContinue reading “June 2015 full moon – impermanence”
Jill Shepherd: insight meditation 