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
Surviving Tibetan Buddhism: Review of “The Novice”
A review of Stephen Schettini’s heartfelt and vivid account of becoming a Tibetan Buddhist monk and his valuable reflections on what it means for westerners to practice Buddhism
The Shugden Dispute
The controversy surrounding the deity, Dorje Shugden became an open dispute in 1996. Here are my reflections then and now.
NKT, Succession and ‘The Rules’
As the controversial, fast-growing Buddhist movement, The New Kadampa Tradition prepares for life after its ageing founder it has produced a new constitution. It raises issues of control and diversity that concern Buddhists of all hues.
The Fall of a Banker
Fred Goodwin was a start of the banking world. His risks failed, the market turned and he’s been stripped of his knighthood. The worldly winds are blowing again: Weekend Word (Good Morning Wales, 03/02/12)
Dharma Life Magazine
For nine years, from 1996 to 2005 I edited Dharma Life magazine, which explored the encounter between Buddhism and the modern world. Most of the articles from issues 15-26 are posted online at www.dharmalife.com, and you can find them...
Belonging & Identity
There are jobs in the South East, but the regions and deprived areas are losing out as the recession bites. But people South Wales where I live have a sense of identity and belonging that can’t just be transplanted. Thought for the Day 24/12/2012
Buddhism’s Happiness Agenda
The UK government intends to shape its policies according to what promotes happiness and wellbeing. But what is happiness, and what are the factors, according to Buddhism, that develop it? Thought for the Day 17th January 2012
Gautama Buddha: paperback and new website
Gautama Buddha: the Life and Teachings of the Awakened One is now out in paperback, published by Quercus at £8.99. There’s also a new website for the book including all the reviews, talks, interviews and articles associated with it
The Dharma of Dickens
Dickens’ moral vision mirrors the Buddhist teaching of karma: every character is a moral actor, whether they know it or now, inhabiting a fictional world that is imbued with a meaning and where every action has significance.
Beyond the Grasping Mind
How does beauty happen? A glimpse of an old woman sitting in a cafe is an extraordinary moment on an ordinary day.
The Book of Enlightened Masters: Review
The Book of Enlightened Masters is a fascinating guide to the westerners who have become teachers in Eastern traditions. Book review by Vishvapani
Breathe in … and see impermanence
We can see the greatest truths of existence in the smallest details. Take the breath …
People power is the real deterrent
The UK is reviewing its spending on nuclear weapons. But if our nuclear policy undermines civil society, it makes us less secure. A Thought for the Day broadcast
Review of Gautama Buddha (AREIAC Newsletter)
“Excellent … thorough, carefully researched and well-written … A very readable and impressive account of one of the world’s most important religious leaders.”
Paul Hopkins reviews “Gautama Buddha” for the Association of Religious Education Inspectors, Advisers and Consultants: AREIAC Newsletter, Autumn, 2011
What the Buddha means … for me & the world
Reflections on the experience of writing Gautama Buddha: the Life & Teachings of the Awakened One, and the continuing relevance – and continuing misinterpretations of the Buddha. Part 3 of an email interview with Will Buckingham on the ThinkBuddha blog
The Buddha, Nature & Politics
In the second part of this interview with Will Buckingham on the ThinkBuddha blog, we discuss the place of nature in the Buddha’s life, his relationship with politics and the modern resonance of these subjects
Legend & History in the Buddha’s Life
Here’s Part 1 of an email interview with Will Buckingham of the ThinkBuddha blog about my book, Gautama Buddha: the Life & Teachings of the Awakened One. It explores why I wrote the book and how I approached the distinction between legend and history in the Buddha’s life
‘Challenging Times’: an Interview
Interview with Vishvapani on the book he edited: Challenging Times: Stories of Buddhist Practice When Things Get Tough
Hungary’s Gypsy Buddhists & Religious Discrimination
Hungary’s Gypsy Buddhists are under attack, along with other minority religious groups, from the country’s far-right Catholic-supporting government
Rugby Values
Welsh rugby is ascendent, English rugby’s in the doghouse. This talk on BBC Radio Wales teases out the underlying values this reveals
Learning from Ladakh: A Meeting with Helena Norberg Hodge
Helena Norberg Hodge saw the ill-effects of western-style development on the Himalayan Buddhist region, Ladakh. She has spent many years supporting sustainable development in Ladakh and reflecting on what development really means. I met her in Devon to talk about her work, her book ‘Ancient Futures’ and Ladakh’s lessons for the West
Secular Buddhist Reviews ‘Gautama Buddha’
This review of ‘Gautama Buddha’, my biography of the Buddha by Stephen Schettini appears on the website of the Secular Buddhist Association. “Vishvapani Blomfield’s Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One is one of a new breed of Buddha biographies…”
Mindfulness in Action – new website
I’ve made a new website for my mindfulness training work at www.mindfulnessinaction.co.uk. It includes details of my courses, workshops and distance learning, as well as background material on MBSR and how it helps. There are media pieces and videos. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Trouble in the Sangha: the Quarrel at Kausambi
When the monks of Kausambi started feuding, the Buddha told them that responding with loving kindness was more important than who was right. This talk explores Sangha, or spiritual community and the practice of facing its difficulties
The Future of Buddhism in the West
Forces at work in Buddhism today offer hints of the future for Buddhism in western countries and its influence on society
Guru Trouble
Wise men, eccentrics, geniuses and charlatans. Gurus have featured large as Buddhism has come the West. What should we make of them? Reviews of Madame Blavatsky’s Baboon: Theosophy and the Emergence of the Western Guru by Peter Washington; Riding the Tiger by Lama Ole Nydahl; Zen In America by Helen Tworkov
Giving Life
As the UK debates how much women should be paid to donate eggs to infertile couples for IVF this Thought for the Day explores the real value of altruism, placing it in the context of Mahayana Buddhist teachings.
Take a Breathing Space
A breathing space is a way to regain calm and poise in the midst of a hectic day, reconnecting with yourself and broadening out your experience. Try it now!
Beyond the Driven Economy
In the grip of a recession we want economic growth, but we also fear its consequences. Is there an alternative and what light can Buddhism and mindfulness practice shed? Thought for the Day 13 October, 2011
Memento Mori
It’s easy to think that Insight, Wisdom and Enlightenment are far beyond the level of our experience. But if we reflect on our experience in the light of teachings such as the Worldly Winds we sometimes find that the deeper truths are present right now