The Dual Pilgrim: El Camino de Santiago to Kumano Kodo

Many years after walking in the footsteps of St. James along the Camino de Santiago from The French Pyrenees to Galicia in Western Spain,  I  more recenltly walked across Japan's Kii Peninsula to complete the Kumano Kodo. UNESCO has designated these two long distance trails as World Heritage pilgrimage routes. Those who complete both are recognized as Dual Pilgrims. Taking my first steps on the Way of Saint James in 2000, one can say that I took seventeen years to complete the journey across Spain's Christian Medieval pilgrimage route and on through the thousand year-old Japanese Shinto-Buddhist pilgrims' path. In truth, I am still walking the Way.

Liberate O Little Town of Bethlehem

Today the United Nations Security Council (finally) passed a resolution that brings the liberation of Palestine a little closer.  This unexpected Christmas gift is indeed a Joy to the World!

Merry Christmas. Peace on Earth.

Ice Mountains of the North

I flew over the Bering Sea, taking the Polar route to the fabled city of Kathmandu - reading Thomas Merton's Asian Journal as he reflected  on "the utter happiness of life on a plane." I look out the window and was blessed by one of those transcendent views astronauts describe; a glimpse into the eternal. It was a remarkably perfect moment.

Sidewalk Sakura Vancouver

  

The Japanese tradition of viewing (hanami) cherry blossoms (sakura)  in appreciation of their ephemeral beauty and delicate impermanence (mono no aware) can produce a kind of gentle sadness in the viewer. The artistry of the soft and fallen petals caught my eye.

One Love

Deep condolences to the City and People of Brussels on this hellish day.

Behind our skin and beyond false identification with separate egos is a place of infinite, luminescent One Love.

May the sad events of today hasten our collective awakening to our transcendent oneness and mobilize us to create a world of peace and justice for all. 








                                                      Tintin Amidst the Tulips

Clearer, Louder and more Direct then a Thousand UN Reports

As the muralist proclaims - instead of bombs, let love and light rain on Gaza. Lift the siege so we can rebuild our homes.