Written by David Nichtern

The essence of Buddhism, I think most Buddhists would agree, is to cultivate awareness and compassion and to explore our existence in an open and unbiased way. In some...

Written by David Nichtern

In the old days in Japan, a spiritual aspirant would kneel in the snow at the gates of the monastery for several days before either gaining entrance or being turned away.

Written by David Nichtern

I’m a Buddhist and as a Buddhist, I am trying to follow the Buddha’s example of an “awakened being” — but what does that really mean?

When we...

Written by David Nichtern

A few years ago I completed a 12-day silent meditation retreat at Karme Choling, Shambhala International’s Buddhist Meditation Center in Vermont. Literally, as soon...

Written by David Nichtern

Seven years ago I was swimming in a lake in Tuscany. Nearby a small boy appeared to need help getting into his little boat — naturally I gave him a hand and he...

Written by David Nichtern

Lately there’s been a lot of discussion about childhood, adolescent and young adult bullying in schools. The bullying can take the form of psychological, emotional,...

Written by David Nichtern

If you study history, it seems that conflict and warfare are part of the very fabric of our human existence.

To understand the basis of conflict, all you really need to do...

Written by David Nichtern

One Saturday morning I was walking from my apartment in downtown NY up to lead a weekend meditation workshop. As I often do, walking through New York streets, I popped in...

Written by David Nichtern

When we practice mindfulness meditation, one of the first things we notice is how un-mindful we are. It is like going back to the gym and realizing how out of shape we...