It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
Let There Be Light
photo of the day
Clear Vision Leads to Enlightenment
The aim of Zen Buddhism is a clear vision of reality, seeing things as they are and that is acquired by the power of concentration. This clear vision is enlightenment.
Be Mindful
In Buddhism, mindfulness is the key. Mindfulness is the energy that sheds light on all things. Mindfulness is at the base of all Buddhist practice.
Mindfulness
Zen Keys
- In Buddhism, mindfulness is the key. Mindfulness is the energy that sheds light on all things. Mindfulness is at the base of all Buddhist practice.
- The opposite of mindfulness is absentmindedness. Don’t be absent-minded.
Cemetery Blues
Photo credit: Benn Bell
Zoltar vs The Buddha
Photo Credit: Benn Bell
TS Motherfucking A
Jerusalem (1988)
Who packed your bag?
I packed my bag
Where was your uncle’s sister born?
Have you ever met an Arab?
-James Fenton
TS Motherfucking A
Philadelphia (2023)
Any electronics in your bag?
Yes.
Take it out.
Take that phone holder off.
Take your shoes off.
I don’t have to take my shoes off.
Why?
I’m 75.
You’re 75?
Yes.
Ok. Step aside through here.
Any metal on you sir?
Yes, on my hat.
Step through the scanner.
Ding ding ding…
Rescan him.
Why do you have to rescan me?
Rescan him.
Any soreness here?
No.
OK. I’m going to pat you down.
Pat pat patty pat.
Thank you.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
-Ghost Dog
Five Things my Grandpappy Used to Say
Redux
- It’s not what you used to be that counts, it’s what you are now.
- He’s independent as a hog on ice.
- Boy, you need to take that camera and throw it in the river.
- Don’t make the other fellers living for him.
- Huh? Pigs say huh! Pinch their tails and they say un huh!
Gorillas in the Mist
Thought of the Day
In the final analysis, we are all just gorillas in the mist, flesh, and bone and a hank of hair, with weird personality traits and a funny thing called consciousness. I think Jung had it right, but we must remember the German language doesn’t distinguish between mind and soul. The mind does not perceive the mind just a sharp knife cannot cut itself, so it is with the mind, and ultimate reality is beyond the scope of the intellect.
El Chameleon
Dive Bar
RON
Lots of cool human lizards slither at the El Chameleon – Best Dive Bar in Ajijic.
CORA
Did we go there? Can’t remember.
RON
Yes, we did. You probably can’t remember because you were in deep conversation with Captain Morgan that night.
CORA
I remember you taking me home. Couldn’t remember the name of that bar. I didn’t think it was a dive. Kinda cute. And that hot little Mexican cutie thought you were cute. Did you ever find her again?
RON
No. It’s a dive. A nice dive. But a dive.
CORA
Now I am embarrassed to show you, my dives. Hahaha. Lol! Why do you call it a dive bar? What kind of bar is it?
RON
It’s the No Chance Saloon. It’s the Bedrock Bar, The End of the Line Cafe, The bottom of the Sea Rathskeller! Although they do try to keep up appearances with all their pipe dreams of yesterdays and tomorrows, as you will see for yourself if you are there very long.
All photographs by the author
Ghost Dog 