Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths do a brilliant job of explaining the root cause of suffering as attachment to one’s desires, as follows: All of life is suffering Suffering comes from attachment The end of suffering can come from letting go of attachments The Eightfold path (such as right actions and…

The black, rather ugly bug is crawling across my wall. Its not harming anyone, but I know that I won’t be able to do anything — sit, read, eat, or sleep — until I get rid of this bug. It’s just how I am. I have never been able to…

I know there are many gullible people in this world. I think I first realized this when I heard of a phenomenon called the Pet Rock. My fellow dinosaurs who live in the US will know what I’m referring to, but for the young’uns out there, people not living in…

It’s holiday season again, replete with carols, fruitcakes, raindrops on roses, and visits from grumpy uncle Jarvis. Mostly, it’s a happy time, yes, but as many of us have experienced, also a potential occasion for depression and sadness. For some of us, it’s due to loneliness, or dysfunctional families, or…

Many theists are kind, compassionate people who live up to their religious beliefs and embody that which they preach. They appear genuine in their intentions and convictions. Their hallelujas don’t sound so phony. Then there are the other, more questionable kinds. Of which there are aplenty as well, unfortunately. Of…

The concept of non-duality and there not being a separate ego has become mainstream in recent times. It has been popularized by great thinkers such as Eckhart Tolle, Chopra Oprah, and the like. I do get it — yes, we are not our physical bodies or our current avatar or…

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy McMansions and IThings as much as the next person. Maybe even more. My family often compares me to a cat, because I’m always lying around lazily in the sun, usually with some chocolate and a good book. My ideal vacation is one involving…

Not all theists & agnostics are preoccupied with the concept of Heaven — some are indifferent. — Avowed atheist, the late Christopher Hitchens, often accused theists of wanting to believe in a Heaven because they want “the party to go on”. …

How many of you think more clearly once you’ve had your morning coffee? (Raise your hand.) How many of you have experienced some type of sugar high that caused you to feel happier or more productive? (I have ten arms raised.) How many of you have taken drugs sometime in…