Last week’s blog post about the meaning and possible interpretations of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo generated some interesting discussions online, especially around one particular example: “I Am God” I can very much relate to a certain level of resistance to a term that is inherently associated with a monotheistic concept, especially when used in the context […]
Peace
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – What’s Your Origin Story?
On Saturday 15th December 2012, I sat alone in my apartment and chanted for the very first time. I had been having great conversations about the practice with a good friend who had started it a couple of months before that, but as a cynical atheist I was more interested in the philosophical debate than […]
A Return From Recess
The other day I was sitting on the beach here on Koh Lanta, my home away from home again this winter, watching this serenely beautiful sunset. I was thinking about someone, a person in my life whom I have come to love beyond measure.
A New Year: Reflections and Hope
Well, 2016 has been a real humdinger of a year, amiright?! On a global level, it has sometimes felt like the world is collapsing around us. We’ve lost so many incredible artists and global icons. We’ve witnessed political calamities unfolding like Brexit and the election of Trump. In public commentary, behaviour and voting patterns we’ve […]
How To Be Happy: Savour Every Sensation
You can be happy, right here, right now. It is possible to summon a feeling of joy in every single moment, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. And if it is possible to consciously create a joyful moment, doesn’t it then follow that you can bring that practice that to every moment and create a […]
Koh Lanta, My Lanta – Living In Paradise
As my time in Ko Lanta draws to close (for now at least), I realised I’ve been holding back a bit from you guys. I’ve talked a little bit before about how difficult it can be to really open up and put myself out there publicly through a blog. This is a continual work in progress for […]
Serenity In Solitude – Why You Should Spend More Time With Your Self
From my last post you might be forgiven for thinking that life on Lanta is a never-ending party. Well I guess you wouldn’t be entirely wrong; there is always a party to go to with fantastic people if and when you’re in the mood. However, my most profound and rewarding moments on this beautiful island have come when […]
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – What’s It All About Anyway?
After posting about how I started chanting, I’ve had a few comments from you guys asking for more information about nam myoho renge kyo, what it means and how to try it out. I’m delighted to see some interest in this practice and I can’t wait to hear how you get on! Why not even […]
What Has Chanting Ever Done For Me?
Since I set out on this journey, launching this blog and telling more and more people about nam myoho renge kyo, people have often asked me how exactly this chanting practice has impacted upon my life? How does it work? What exactly does it do for you? There is no easy answer to the bigger […]
A Month Of Not-So-Guilty Pleasure
It has officially been one month since I arrived on Ko Lanta. I know, I can’t believe it either! Time really does fly… Apart from finally managing to get my Abu Dhabi trip all written up and posted, it might seem to you that I’ve been sitting back, taking it easy, and not getting much […]