The Fulfillment of Remembrance I once asked my teacher Michele McDonald what she thought the Buddha meant on his deathbed when he said to his monastics, “Strive on with diligence.” She replied that she had asked three sayadaws in Burma the same question, and they all said, “It’s the fulfillment of remembrance” – to come back to the present and to what is true. In the midst of this devastating global pandemic that has over 3 million reported cases and close to a quarter of a million deaths as I write, I reflect on all the ways I have forgotten and remembered in these last 6 weeks.... April 30, 2020By La Sarmiento COVID-19, teachings
A Letter from Sri Lanka: Releasing Resistance, Taking in the Good Dear IMCW Community, I’ve been living in Sri Lanka for the last year and a half. When the number of Covid cases was only at 20, the whole country was put under curfew for over a month. Just this week some restrictions were lifted in most of the country, aside from hotspot areas where many cases are still turning up. People can now go back to work but schools are not scheduled to open... April 23, 2020By Kaira Jewel Lingo COVID-19, EngagedBuddhism, teachings
This Earth Day: Our Breath, Our Life, Our World Could sitting and observing our breath this Earth Day better connect us to the natural world? When I started practicing mindfulness meditation more than 15 years ago, I had no idea that sitting in silence and focusing on my breath would not just offer me insight about my own personal experiences, but also open doors of understanding about connection... April 22, 2020By Amy Smith COVID-19, teachings
Building Bridges in Underserved Communities Since July 2019, IMCW’s Family Program has been building bridges and connections with a number of non-profits in Washington, DC that work in underserved communities. We are honored... April 21, 2020By Jennifer Jordan EngagedBuddhism, family, SocialJustice
Weathering the Storm With the Anchor of Intention If there is anything to say right now, it is this: that I hope wherever you are, you and those dear to you are well and safe. We are together in this storm, but we aren’t all in the same boat. If these unprecedented and challenging times of pandemic find you struggling, may you have the support and care you need.... April 21, 2020By Jennifer Jordan COVID-19, family, teachings