Chris Hedges: How Mindfulness Became the New Capitalist Spirituality

Image by Truthout.org via Flickr

Dandelion Salad

with Chris Hedges

RT America on Jan 11, 2020

Chris Hedges talks to Ron Purser, professor of management at San Francisco State University, about the growth of mindfulness meditation in the mainstream. As meditation makes its way into schools, prisons and government agencies, Purser argues the booming cottage industry with its promises of “Buddhist-inspired” techniques tries to offer a universal panacea for resolving almost every area of daily concern. While it can be helpful, compartmentalizing the practice away from asking why there is so much stress in daily life and away from making challenges to corporate and political practices could do more harm than good.

Rivera Sun’s Billionaire Buddha, reviewed by Guadamour

Image by Dandelion Salad via Flickr

by Guadamour
Writer, Dandelion Salad
June 18, 2016

Billionaire Buddha is Rivera Sun‘s third novel. In it David Grant, a self-made billionaire, goes from the pinnacle of a most unfulfilling and emotionally deprived material success to homelessness, destitution and the spiritual contentment of knowing himself (which is the embodiment of Buddhahood). Sun describes the changes Grant goes through in a clear writing style which holds the reader and compels them to turn the pages to see what happens next in this book which should be read by all Americans with their general love of money.

The Nature of Reality, by Tristan A. Shaw

Image by Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon via Flickr

by Tristan A. Shaw
Writer, Dandelion Salad
British Columbia, Canada
December 28, 2014

I write these words for those interested in the esoteric domain of philosophy (real philosophy). Certain truths, in seeming contradiction, may be reconciled with a novelty of perspective – and so may this short piece help one’s struggle with the many difficulties which inexorably lay ahead.

Embracing the Specter of Systemic Collapse, by Tristan A. Shaw

Image by Andrew Huff via Flickr

by Tristan A. Shaw
Writer, Dandelion Salad
British Columbia, Canada
December 15, 2014

Let us evaluate our collective despondency as activists (the categorical minority of those who care) attempting to sustain the existence of human life. We think our role is defined by the perpetual struggle against imperial empire and capitalism – that the elite class must be vanquished through repeated protests and social organization. But limited is our mental landscapes, for there does exist an unrecognized alternative out of which our efforts will culminate great impact and change. Its essence can be discovered within your latent potential as a spiritual being, an inscribed message from our ancient past.

Sri Lankan Buddhists Burn Muslim Flag by Suren Surendiran

by Suren Surendiran
Featured Writer
Dandelion Salad
http://www.tamilsforum.com
28 April 2012

Issued for immediate release

PRESS STATEMENT
28 April 2012

Global Tamil Forum stands in solidarity with the Muslims in Sri Lanka

Global Tamil Forum (GTF) strongly condemns the Sri Lankan Government’s complicity in the orders for the removal of the Muslim mosque in Dambulla, central Sri Lanka. GTF is profoundly disturbed by the attacks on the mosque by a minority, yet in their thousands as reported, of extremist Sri Lankan Buddhists led by monks on 20 April 2012, calling for its destruction claiming it was constructed illegally.

Travels of a New Gulliver: Chapter 4 by Joseph Natoli

by Joseph Natoli
Guest Writer
Dandelion Salad
Oct. 19, 2011

Image by Let Ideas Compete via Flickr

Chapter IV

The Author finds himself in a Dark Wood

My dear Reader, I feared traveling during the day when I could be easily seen from above, from that floating Isle which could, I knew, espy, like a hawk, anything below and swoop down upon it instantly.

Ch. 5: Escaping the Military: Healing the Virus of Violence By William T. Hathaway

by William T. Hathaway
Guest Writer
Dandelion Salad
September 24, 2011

Escaping the Military: Healing the Virus of Violence

From the book
RADICAL PEACE: People Refusing War
By William T. Hathaway
Published by Trine Day

A young Buddhist novice contributed this account, which we then revised together. To protect the people who have protected him, he wishes to be nameless.

Back in high school I’d been good at languages but couldn’t afford to go to college, so I joined the navy for the language training.

Friendly Feudalism: The Tibet Myth, by Michael Parenti

by Michael Parenti
Featured Writer, Dandelion Salad
November 18, 2007

Expanded and Updated Version

I. For Lords and Lamas

Along with the blood drenched landscape of religious conflict there is the experience of inner peace and solace that every religion promises, none more so than Buddhism. Standing in marked contrast to the intolerant savagery of other religions, Buddhism is neither fanatical nor dogmatic–so say its adherents. For many of them Buddhism is less a theology and more a meditative and investigative discipline intended to promote an inner harmony and enlightenment while directing us to a path of right living. Generally, the spiritual focus is not only on oneself but on the welfare of others. One tries to put aside egoistic pursuits and gain a deeper understanding of one’s connection to all people and things. “Socially engaged Buddhism” tries to blend individual liberation with responsible social action in order to build an enlightened society.