Author Archives: faran

Dear Readers, As far as posts go, today marks one year of Jeweled Tree! Writing this blog has been a wonderful practice of journaling my thoughts. In the last year, I’ve pulled some Dharma from bits of experience, pop culture, current events, literature, and ancient texts. I’m grateful that Tommy joined me back in theContinue reading “A Little Change”

People often think that renouncing the world means to turn away from the world as it is and live in personal bliss. However, renouncing the world has a different meaning to me, particularly in relation to the nembutsu. Though I accept the reality of the world, I renounce or reject the idea that it MUSTContinue reading “Renouncing The World: Nembutsu as Rebellion”

I miss the temple Sitting on the hill. The smell of incense. The sound of bells. The garden at the back. I miss looking Out across the valley Watching the land Roll in waves To meet the clouds. I miss my friends At the temple, Sitting on the hill, Where I find Buddha Everywhere IContinue reading “I Miss The Temple”

In a recent conversation with some Dharma friends, a question about other-power and training arose. Sometimes it seems that training is an act of discipline that someone carries out through sheer will. However, how does that work in the context of other-power, where one relies on the Buddha? During the discussion, I gave the exampleContinue reading “The Buddha in the Room: Training in the Context of Other-Power”

I’ve been enjoying Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix. And like many folks, I’ve grown quite fond of Iroh, the old cool-headed firebender who does his best to guide his honorable yet stubborn nephew Zuko. Not only is the tea-loving ex-general a spin on the “old wise man” archetype, but he is later revealed inContinue reading “Lotus Seeds of Dissent”

Beholden to neither Form nor void, They manifest As maidens And devas, And brahmins And crones. Having gone Beyond to suchness, They arrive As such. The One Whose love Provides refuge, Gives solace, And brings ease. And whose power, Shatters swords, Shakes the Earth, And chokes hellfire. The Lord who looks Upon the world. TheContinue reading “The Mahasattva”

In our home, Angie and I have two altars. One is where I perform Buddhist services and the other is where my wife practices traditional witchcraft. Our practices address two realities or two truths. Generally, the Buddhist altar represents the transcendent nature of spirituality while the witchcraft altar represents the relative everyday nature of spirituality.Continue reading “Two Altars”

Over the past few weeks, protesters have removed several statues from their pedestals. One notable figure, Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star-Spangled Banner, was recently torn down in San Fransisco. Francis Scott Key was a local in Fredrick, Maryland, about 25 miles from my home of Hagerstown. Many landmarks and institutions around FrederickContinue reading “Unwholesome Rupas”

I was born into my father’s white conservative evangelical worldview. I was expected to “be a man” like so many other boys. When he was alive, he attempted to police my thoughts through word and force so that I acted like a boy. There was one time when I mentioned that I liked the colorContinue reading “Acting Without Acting : Notes From A Queer Buddhist”

Often it’s said that the Amida is the Buddha of All Acceptance. The land of Sukhavati, where the Buddha abides, is open to every being. However, though the Buddha accepts and loves all, their ministry focuses on those who need them the most. Amidism is an recognition that not everyone is born into the perfectContinue reading “The Focus of Amida’s Grace”