Commentary

Now that I’ve been around the block a few times, there are a few things I’d like to get off my clipboard regarding the work of an “enumerator” for the U.S. Census Bureau.

Human beings, regardless of gender, are Homo sapiens. Though the phrase translates literally to “wise man,” it also means “wise human.” That’s where women come in. It’s been long coming, and we’re not there yet. But we’re moving in the right direction.

Without knowing it, Sravasti Abbey, the Buddhist monastery in Newport, began to lay the groundwork for sharing Buddhist practices during a pandemic many years ago.

This well-written book, "Eat the Buddha: Life and Death in a Tibetan Town," describes the attempt to turn Buddhist Tibet into a province of China. The effort failed and led to the death of thousands of Tibetans who refused to give up their peaceful traditions.

A conversation about COVID with Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer in Connecticut.

True service to the public must involve some sacrifice as it is, by definition, selfless. The public servant gives up something so as to serve the larger society.