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Enjoy the top 10 blogs of the week free in our e-newsletter.


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Pray for China: Rescuers Struggle to Reach Survivors in One of China’s Deadliest Earthquakes.

by on Apr 21, 2013

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake shattered the tranquility of a quiet provincial town in Lushan county, near the city of Ya’an in the southwestern province of Sichuan. Most of the damage was centered in the town of Lushan with over 200 deaths and 1,000 serious injuries, however, these numbers are expected to rise as rescuers continue [...]


Earl Grey

What’s Up with That Earl Grey Tea? ~ Megan McWilliams

by on Apr 15, 2013

I was sitting at my desk last week staring at my tea cup, which is always full of some form of Earl Grey tea during the daylight hours. My love of this tea goes back far enough that I’m not really sure when I became hopelessly hooked, but it was probably my summer in England in the early 80s.


canned clean air

China Sells Canned Air in Polluted Beijing. {Video}

by on Feb 19, 2013

This is not a joke.


FREEDOM NOT FOR REUSE

5 Ways to Topple a Dictatorship.

by on Feb 19, 2013

A military resistance against a dictatorship rather than striking them where they are weakest strikes them where they are strongest. There is a better way…


guanyin

Celebrating the Divine Feminine: Guanyin East & West. ~ Deborah Bowman

by on Feb 4, 2013

In celebrating an image of the female Buddha we challenge the old myth with a new myth. We play with form to shake up habituated thinking and honor diverse paths to Buddhahood. The old storyline is full of guys in charge. The new script is written with a real heroine on the trail of Osama [...]


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The “There” is Relative—It’s the “Together” That’s Important. ~ Mark Szotek

by on Jan 7, 2013

Environmentalism as a Family Value.


Guess what this is?

by on Dec 16, 2012

Save the People.   “Yeah there is just no way man is having any effect on the climate.” ~ a top Reddit comment. More: “What’s most changing the climate can’t be seen. More developed countries do a better job of filtering out particulate matter and other emissions, but do little about CO2 or methane.” And: [...]


How Did Zen Come to America?

by on Nov 4, 2012

American Zen: A Brief History (Part I.) Click here for Part II . ~   “Originally I came to this land To rescue the deluded by transmitting the Dharma. One flower will open with five petals And the fruit will ripen by itself.”[1] ~ Bodhidharma (on the transmission of Zen to China in the fifth [...]


Photo: Kim Therriault

Finding My Way Back Home. ~ Kim Therriault

by on Oct 8, 2012

Well, right now, I am certainly not on “the road less travelled.” Sitting in a Starbucks, headphones tucked into my ear, a smartphone by my elbow, sipping on an entirely disposable iced lemon tea. At least I walked here. I’m living in the swanky suburbs. Commuting an hour every day to work. Going to the [...]


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10 Keys to a Successful Future Without Fear. ~ Dr. Cecilia d’Felice

by on Oct 4, 2012

An epidemic of anxiety floods its way across the advanced capitalist nations of the world. This is no trick of the mind to be routinely absolved with a sympathetic pat on the back, or a dose of cognitive behavioural therapy. The pressures are very real. If ever there was time for a polemic, it is now, so here is mine.


If you need a good cry. {NSFW}

by on Sep 9, 2012

China & African poachers are killing elephants by the thousands. {How we can help. NSFW} Elephants have become the new Blood Diamonds. “China is the epicenter of demand,” said Robert Hormats, a senior U.S. State Department official. “Without the demand from China, this would all but dry up.” The New York Times has been reporting [...]


DogenP2

What I’ve Learned From Reading The Blue Cliff Record Book of Koans. ~ Brian Miles

by on Aug 4, 2012

Short answer: Koans are great and so is putting your mind in a blender The concussion rate among these monks must have been enormous. That is the first think I learned reading The Blue Cliff Record. This commentator’s prescription for enlightenment, discipline and/or hilarity seems to be beating people upside the head. Thirty smacks here, [...]


Bodhidharma

Across the vastness, nothing holy…: Tracking Bodhidharma (Kind of a Book Review).

by on May 23, 2012

A non-Buddhist meditates and reviews a book about Buddhism, but still isn’t a Buddhist. That might be a koan, but I’m not sure.


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Seven Reasons You’re Missing the Next Big Thing.

by on May 23, 2012


Dalai Lama

Does the Dalai Lama’s Virginity Have to Go? ~ Jerry Stocking

by on May 8, 2012

Remember, supporting the Dalai Lama and his sexual exploits doesn’t make you pimp. It makes you a partner in world peace.


Nicole on Great Wall

A Third Eye Experience on the Great Wall.

by on Apr 10, 2012

Our walk on the Great Wall of China was the highlight of the trip and a day that I’ll never forget. For days like these are why I travel. To marvel and be amazed at our big, brilliant world!


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Keep Rolling Under the Stars. {Video}

by on Mar 27, 2012

What to do when your heart, your energy and your body murmur take the next step?
Watch yourself grow.


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Fall on the Great Wall.

by on Mar 8, 2012

At Jiankou, there are three routes up to the wall and we took the longest and hardest route. Yet, once we arrived I realized with joy and elation that the best part of seeing the wall was the journey itself, climbing up just like the Chinese did thousands of years ago.


Photo: Akuppa John Wigham

Zen for the Beginner’s Mind. ~ Andrew Wilson

by on Jan 27, 2012

Zen is directly seeing into one’s original nature before any thoughts arise.


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How B.K.S. Iyengar Kicked My Asana.

by on Dec 29, 2011

By Daniel Simpson This summer I had the privilege to be taught by B.K.S. Iyengar. At almost 93, his fire still burned. Visiting China as an ambassador for yoga, he stood for hours at a stretch drilling 1,300 students. While the emphasis was technically on postures, they were the vehicle for an integrated masterclass, combining practical [...]


china

Did you know? 25% of the pollution in LA is from China.

by on Dec 28, 2011

China: Mordor. Did you know? 25% of the pollution in LA is from China. “It’s transferred by two methods: global diffusion (they are the #1 producer of a number of pollutants, and thus much pollution around the entire planet can be traced directly back to Chinese factories) and by being carried on the prevailing winds, [...]


Samovar Tea Lounge

elephantjournal.com reviews: San Francisco’s Samovar Tea Lounge. {photo tour}

by on Dec 12, 2011

Samovar Tea Lounge: Mission-Castro District, San Francisco. Changing the World One Cup of Tea at a Time. “Slow Down & Sip Some Tea.” A few months back, Waylon and I made our way out to the lovable city of San Francisco for the inspiring Slow Money and Bioneers Conferences as well as a little fun…and [...]


glacier antarctica challenge climate change shackleton

Climate Change Talks. Or: there’s a lot of work to do.

by on Dec 9, 2011

Climate change is a complex problem, which, although environmental in nature, has consequences for all spheres of existence on our planet.


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This hip hop song, “Made in Tibet,” is censored throughout China.

by on Nov 10, 2011

“Made in Tibet”: hip hop as protest. Beautiful. “brothers and sisters, we don’t know if you can hear us, but we hope you’ll receive this message…” With thanks for the heads up on this video to Kirsten Westby. ~ 10 ways to help our Tibetan sisters and brothers. More “scrumptious” Tibetan rap.


Does the US Needs a Time Out? A Rant Worth Listening To.

by on Oct 5, 2011

This should be reposted again and again until you all listen to this rant.


uggs fake dog torture fashion

You can wear fake uggs from China? Love dogs? You can’t watch this video—but you can share it up.

by on Oct 4, 2011

“Swiss Activist release tape of dogs being Skinned Alive on chinese fur farms for cheap ugg counterfeits – VERY GRAPHIC – NSFW.” We’ve blogged up this issue many times before, but it bears repeating—since we love to shop, but hate to see where what/who we bought came from. “Fake Uggs, the kind that come from [...]


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From the intersection of Funny & Sad.

by on May 19, 2011

Free Ai WeiWei with purchase. Click the image for the countdown clock. Via What.


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Dalai Lama: Climate Change is Coming, Water is Going.

by on Apr 2, 2011

Dalai Lama: Climate Change will kill India’s water source. The Tibetan Glaciers serve millions of Indians—and Chinese—and just about everyone in that there part of the world (approx 1/3 of the world’s population). And they’re melting, the Dalai Lama reminded Indians. “…millions of Indians use water coming from the Himalayan glacier, so you have certain [...]


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The Dalai Lama is Chinese. {April Fool’s edition}

by on Apr 1, 2011

Apparently, things are not as they appear…


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Tibetan monk sets himself on fire to protest Chinese rule, is beaten, dies. Monks arrested, beaten.

by on Mar 20, 2011

Communist Chinese beat one of monks imprisoned after Tibetan Buddhist monk sets himself on fire, is beaten, dies. Let’s remember this name. Phuntsog. NYT: “Phuntsog Jarutsang’s self-immolation is a window into the deep suffering and frustrations that Tibetans everywhere are feeling, and is an urgent cry for help that the global community cannot ignore.” … [...]


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The Saga Continues: HH the 17th Karmapa.

by on Mar 11, 2011

The media firestorm burnt itself out this week…


Photo: Tony the Misfit

Idiot Wind.

by on Mar 2, 2011

A revered holy man touted as successor to the Dalai Lama is suspected of using this money to influence monasteries on the Chinese border areas because he is, in all probability, a spy for China…


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Top 10 Things to do if we want to Help Free Tibet.

by on Feb 15, 2011

Tibettruth‘s Ten Actions In Support Of A Free Tibet. Join The Boycott Of China’s Slave Labor Goods http://bit.ly/c2j8P7 Learn About Tibet’s Independence  http://bit.ly/968dGE Put Tibet Back On The World Map http://bit.ly/auEaK3 Discover How Alcohol Is Used As Another Oppressive Tool Against Tibetans http://bit.ly/cSdWL3 See How Tourism Is Being Used by China To Further Exploit Tibetans [...]


Photo: Jellikafish

Technology Evolving. ~Eric Carlson

by on Feb 14, 2011

Green is In…


shadowofthebuddha

Book review: In the Shadow of the Buddha (Matteo Pistono)

by on Feb 6, 2011

Part spiritual biography, part history, part human rights discussion, In the Shadow of the Buddha is Matteo Pistono’s eloquent offering documenting not only the history of a Tibetan spiritual master, but also his own spiritual journey during which he came to bear witness to the atrocities committed by the Chinese government against the people and [...]


Photo Courtesy Art G.

The Abstract Clashing of Giant Gas Planets: Saturn vs Jupiter in Vedic Astrology. ~ Renu Namjoshi

by on Feb 1, 2011

“All parents want the best for their children, so why this vast difference in the two parenting cultures?”


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The Karmapa, on lock down.

by on Dec 19, 2010

India bows to Communist Chinese pressure. Thank to China’s interference and the Karmapa’s popularity, it appears, the Karmapa—widely rumored to be The Dalai Lama’s successor (though there is little ground for such speculation, which would run counter to tradition)—is not now allowed to travel outside of India. For more, click here.


Belts

Top 10 [Surprising] Toy Recalls Due to Lead.

by on Dec 4, 2010

Add a few more to the ‘Buyer Beware’ List. 1. Belts…from Target 2. Brine LAX Gloves 3. McDonald’s Shrek Glasses. I’d beware of most things from McDonald’s though. 4.  Toy Figurines [including army  figures, toy horses, and Disney Fairies] 5. Titanic Toy Boat. Going down—yet again 6. Nordstrom Girls’ Shoes 7. Earth Friendly Wooden Toys [...]


richard gere tibet sexy hot

China’s Banned List.

by on Oct 2, 2010

China Suppresses Dissent? No. The Celebrity Blacklist, plus Videos. Sources include Dalai Lama Renaissance, Wenn.com, Canoe.ca and LA Times: …China leads the [international] list door-slammers. Brad Pitt was banned from China because of the actor’s starring role in “7 Years in Tibet” upset Chinese officials for a positive portrayal of the Dalai Lama. Director Martin [...]


It ain’t sexy. It’s toxic coal ash. (video)

by on Sep 15, 2010

China coal powered plants product enough toxic coal ash to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every two and a half minutes.


beat it red army chinese communists "michael jackson"

Hitler Singing in the Rain? Nope, it’s the Red Army doing Michael Jackson’s Beat it.

by on Aug 27, 2010

The is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life, today:


tibet tourism

Visiting Tibet is Immoral.

by on May 22, 2010

Update:  Our friends @TibetTruth just tweeted: “Tibet’s an occupied nation suffering China’s vicious tyranny, not a shangrila playground for exotic vacations.” Hear, hear. It is a tough question—but I think visiting any harshly occupied nation is questionable at best. Obviously those going to help the people of Tibet, not pose for photos at Lhasa’s Potala [...]


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Chinese Authorities Order Monks to Cease Aid and Leave

by on Apr 24, 2010

The Chinese ordered the monks out but you can still help the Tibetan people here. After the April 14th earthquake that killed more than 2,180 people and injured more that 12,000, it was amazing to see in the wake of a brutal and devastating event, so many in Tibet pulled together to provide aid and [...]


Photos: Boulder Vigil for Tibet Earthquake.

by on Apr 20, 2010

~ ~ The Boulder Buddhist community hosts a live-broadcast vigil for The Tibet Quake We’ve been covering the whole tragic, political and occasionally inspiring (in the way that tragedies so often are) Tibet Earthquake, called the China Earthquake by worldwide media, since it happened only a few days back. Our columnist Jon Pappas and I [...]


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Photos: Monks and laypersons work to recover from Tibet earthquake.

by on Apr 17, 2010

The following picture are from this photo blog, operated by a photographer/journalist from the Haidong Prefecture in Qinghai Province of China/Tibet who has been recording much of the relief efforts since the earthquake. The pictures are graphic, disturbing and a shocking reminder of the effect of this earthquake as well as a reminder of how many people are [...]


China to deny Dalai Lama’s request to visit Tibet Quake.

by on Apr 17, 2010

Update: The China Tibet Quake one big photo opp for the Chinese Communist Occupation. Read our on the ground report here. The official death tally is now at 1,400, but Tibetans widely report Chinese suppression of dead bodies. Also, there are widespread reports that Chinese are only rescuing bodies once they are discovered by the [...]


Spread the word: call it The Tibet Earthquake—not the “Western China Quake.”

by on Apr 16, 2010

Update: The official, government-approved death toll now stands at 1141, though Tibetans on the ground tell stories of bodies piled up hills, too many dead and missing to count. Remember: this is about people, not just borders. Tibetans don’t even have the right to assemble in that province under Chinese rule. We’ve been reporting on [...]


tibetan china earthquake

The Tibetan Earthquake ~ How to Help

by on Apr 14, 2010

  Video from AlJazeera YouTube Channel: Update 4/16/10: From first-hand report of Khenpo Tsering (via Lyndon Comstock) Khenpo said that Lady Konchok got through to him earlier today and asked him to find out what has happened to the Vidyadhara’s relatives who live in Jyekundo.  He went over to their house to find out.  Their house is heavily [...]


China Claims His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama is “Living Somewhere in Tibet”

by on Mar 28, 2010

Recently, I blogged about news of China’s promotion of its own Panchen Lama. This week, Beijing assured the press that the true 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who has not been seen or heard from since he and his family were taken into custody by Chinese authorities on May 17th, 1995, is “living somewhere [...]


TOMS womens

Radiohead v Child Labor. Green Consumers v Made in Asia.

by on Mar 9, 2010

Most of my favorite companies: TOMS, Whole Foods, Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Nau, prAna, Apple—are Made in a Land Far, Far Away. ed’s note: I welcome clarification from the companies mentioned below. I encourage them to share the fair labor/child labor guidelines they observe and honor with our readers. Even if they’ve decided that pricepoint and [...]


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