All Writings

I hope whomever reads through these posts are moved to walk through the world with a wider sense of being, a more compassionate heart, and with a greater intention to recognize and work towards fostering interconnectedness with all beings. One of my favorite Buddhist texts, the Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva has these beautiful lines that for me, sum up my intention as a human and as a chaplain:

May I be a guard for those that are protectorless, 
A guide for those who journey on the road.
For those who wish to cross the water.
May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

- Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva (chap. 3, vs 18 Padmakara Translation)

Buddhist Writings, Interfaith Writings Susan Shannon Buddhist Writings, Interfaith Writings Susan Shannon

Exploring the Rime Movement

My interest in Rime goes back several decades to the late 70s when I began studying Tibetan Buddhism. At that time, Tibetan teachers in the west were few and far between. A fledgling dharma student such as myself would take teachings from whoever came through, whether it be a Geluk, Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, or even Bon teacher. I didn’t know that much about the differences between sects, and didn’t see any conflict between the various teachings I had taken. Many years later, someone asked me what lineage I “was” and I was stumped for an answer. When I explained that I took teachings whenever and wherever I could, from whomever, the questioner said, “Oh, then you are Rime.”

Read More

Writings By Category