Japan’s first “Separation of Church and State” long cherished by Americans was accomplished by its first Shogun, (“the barbarian suppressing Commander in Chief”) Yoritomo Minamoto who let the Emperor preside over religious matters in Kyoto…
All great movements have a beginning which fulfills a need. Peasants, being given no armor or weapons when they were sent into battle, had to copy the “attack and defend” techniques of birds, insects, and…
Few writers have been so prolific and so eloquent in their love of their country’s traditions as world-class author Yukio Mishima. In Part I of her Commentary on the Hagakure, Ming Zhen Shakya discusses Mishima’s…
The Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun is proud to reprint Ming Zhen Shakya’s series on the Hagakure, an account of Samurai life in seventeenth century Japan. In this introduction to the ten part series,…
“This stone is poor and cheap in price. It is disdained by fools, but it is loved all the more by the wise” an Alchemist said. In this Commentary, Ming Zhen writes about the spiritual…
What is the cure for worrying about record snowfall in New England? Try visualizing the Southwest as the Global Warmers see it: In GLOBAL WARMING; MORE INCONVENIENT BALONEY Ming Zhen Shakya looks at some of…
Because they regard themselves as intellectuals who cannot countenance things unscientific, atheists mock rituals they do not understand. In Theophagy: The Communion Ritual, Ming Zhen Shakya examines this religious practice.
Homer Simpson is an icon of mixed messages. In The Simpsons: The Day of the Locust, Ming Zhen Shakya examines the life of the original Homer Simpson and his connection to the Book of Exodus.
People can misuse both science and religion. When scientists mock religious people just to make money, it’s time to remind them to tithe. In The Unbelievers: Another Stab at Atheism Ming Zhen Shakya looks at…
Are we too connected to divisive or meaningless social media? It’s time to get back to basics. In “Welcome back to Zen” Ming Zhen Shakya gives some advice about reclaiming our own identities and making…
