Category Archives: buddhist life

Writing, speech-which is parasitic? A new slant on an old debate

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Michael

Which is the real, original – speaking or writing? Jacques Derrida and others argued that speech is parasitic on writing rather than the other way round (for example Plato condemned writing as a bastardised form of communication, according to Derrida … Continue reading →

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Almeria

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Michael

El Saltador in Almeria in southern Spain is a beautifully restored farmhouse. H and I spent a week there at the end of July. It is in the middle of the deserts that the spaghetti westerns were filmed in. Our … Continue reading →

Posted in bizarre gardening accidents, buddhist life | Leave a comment

The cause of suffering is attachment

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Michael

Last week my cranky old bicycle that I found ages ago that now has a broken saddle, wonky bottom bracket and dodgy gear changer and which I left unlocked outside my house was taken away. I was mildly annoyed at … Continue reading →

Posted in biking, buddhist life | 2 Comments

This ship used to be seaworthy

Posted on September 5, 2006 by Michael

My dreams seem to be suggesting I am at a turning point in my life, from a navy life in my bunk in a submarine or ship to contemplation of the Indian sky with its mystic golden symbols. See my … Continue reading →

Posted in buddhist life, quiet desperation | 3 Comments

back after summer and redundancy threat

Posted on August 30, 2006 by Michael

This summer actually made a difference. It came just after Middlesex University sent this letter to all its professors (See letter below). Many of us were spared summary redundancy. Yes I know its hard times in the UK public sector … Continue reading →

Posted in buddhist life, middlesex university, quiet desperation, working life | Leave a comment