Wise Attention Blog
The writing on this site explores what it means to practice Buddhism, mindfulness and ethics in the modern world. You'll find reviews, , talks, interviews, broadcasts and reflection on the arts as well as reflections on the Buddha and Buddhist teachings
Thought for the Day
Arts
Buddhism in the Modern World
Book Reviews
Burmese Atrocities: The Problem With A Buddhist State
In Burma Buddhists are committing atrocities against Muslim Rohingyas. We must speak out, not just against the violence, but the very idea of a Buddhist nation that underpins it. Thought for the Day 12.09.2017 When I hear about the horrific...
Helping the Caring Professions
Police officers, and others in the public sector, often care deeply about what they do. But pressure is growing and stress is rising. Buddhist-inspired emotional intelligence can speak to these difficulties.
If Technology Served Buddhist Goals
What ground rules does Buddhism propose for how data is used and intelligent machines operate?
Mindful Eating
We're eating more and putting on weight. Why is it so hard to change our habits, and how can simplicity and paying mindful attention help? I am sure I'm not the only one finds himself delving into the fridge for a snack and then asking, "What on earth am I doing?"...
The Buddha’s Vision
Buddhists are celebrating Buddha Day or Wesak this week. But 2,600 years on, is Buddhism still relevant?
Syria: Responding With Compassion
Compassion is what happens when a loving heart meets suffering. Following the chemical attack in Syria and American strikes, what is a compassionate response?
Recalling the Buddha’s Death
Today is Parinirvana Day when Buddhists mark the death of the Buddha. The body’s impermanence calls us to be mindful and alert
The Dark Side of Buddhist History
Martin Scorsese’s film, Silence, shows Buddhists persecuting Christians in Japan, opening a window on the dark side of Buddhist history? How should modern Buddhists respond?
Children’s Mental Health: the Big Perspective
The childhood mental health crisis demands we think differently about our society. Buddhism and mindfulness show how we can take greater account of our minds and what they need
Fire, Ice and Darkness
Greed and hatred are evident in the world. But behind them is the most powerful force of all: ignorance Prophetic statements can be simple and understated, and none is simpler and more cooly accurate than Robert Frost's poem Fire and Ice. Some say the world will end...
Roald Dahl and the Karma Factory
The celebrations of Roald Dahl Day show that his wonderful and highly moral books are as fresh as ever. What does child’s-eye morality mean for adults?
Burning with Impermanence
Setting alight a replica of London in 1666 to commemorate the Great Fire of London was a stirring evocation of impermanence
Entering the Anthropocene: How Our Minds Shape the Planet
Geologists are proposing that we declare a new era: the anthropocene, in which human beings are decisively shaping the planet. Buddhism points to the underlying issue: our minds.
Engaging Politically as a Buddhist
The UK is experiencing political turmoil in the wake of the EU referendum and, judging by my Facebook feed, many British Buddhists are following events closely. Here are some reflections on how we can do so most effectively. Engaging as Buddhists When Buddhists engage...
Taking Football’s Ups and Downs
Here in Wales, we’re simultaneously mourning the Football team’s exit from Euro 2016 and celebrating their achievements. How the Buddha’s teachings help?
Keeping Perspective in the Brexit Crisis
On Thursday night, many of us in Britain went to bed hoping and expecting that Remain would win the EU referendum. We woke up to learn of the opposite result. Now we’re in the midst of financial and political crisis that is spreading in all directions. I share the...
Mindful Eating: Review
Why do you feel like eating right now? Jan Choden Bays guides you in bringing a subtle and detailed awareness to a natural activity that can become very fraught
The Historical Buddha and the Eternal Buddha
On Buddha Day Buddhists ask what the Buddha means today, so long after his death. Is he an historical figure or an eternal principle? Thought for the Day 21.6. 2016 hen Gautama, the man history knows as The Buddha, died two-and-a-half thousand years ago his followers...
Testing, Educating and Training
As British seven year-olds take national tests, what does Buddhism have to say about the ethical core of education?
Buddhist Shakespeare
Everyone has their own take on Shakespeare, but what happens if you read it as a Buddhist?
Buddhism: An Introduction – a Review
Buddhism: An Introduction by Alexander Wynne, I.B. Taurus, London 2015 Alexander Wynne's excellent book is nothing like most 'introductions' to Buddhism. There's no blow by blow explanation of the Eightfold Path or other basic doctrines. As Wynne points out, these are...
Mindfulness & Sleep Problems
Most approaches to sleep problems involve drugs and various techniques, but sleep is a natural process. The danger in trying really hard to get to sleep, is that you make it less likely to happen. And if you depend on techniques sleep can become less and less natural...
Caring for the World & Caring for Yourself
South Wales is poor and steelworkers job losses will make it poorer still. What does Buddhism, with its stress on self development have to offer? And how does caring for yourself connect with caring for others? It's been a bad week here South Wales, with news that 750...
Bowie’s Dharma
The response to David Bowie’s death shows his impact. What does his work mean for a Buddhist?
A Mindful Christmas Survival Guide
Sad to say, for many of us, the season of peace and goodwill has become a time of stress and indulgence. Here’s a mindful survival kit
Zuckerberg’s Giveaway and the Spirit of Generosity
As Mark Zuckerberg announces that he plans to give away 99% of his vast fortune, what is the value of generosity and can it really make us happy?
Schooling the Heart
Education means discovering what we love and learning how that love can carry us forward. How can mindfulness help? A talk to Head teachers on the difference mindfulness can make to schools and their leaders
Remembering the Drowned Village
Fifty years after the village of Capel Celyn in North Wales was flooded to make a reservoir, the wounds have not healed. What do we lose when we submerge the past and what can it teach us?
The Buddha’s Leadership Lessons
Everyone in a responsible position is asked to display leadership qualities. What kind of leader was the Buddha, and what lessons can modern leaders draw from his example?
Slavery: Reparations or Moving on?
The pain of slavery is resurfacing as demands for reparations. How can we resolve deep-rooted grievances and move on from the past?