Essays by Fa Zhao
Wild Zen
by Fa Zhao Shakya
Published Sep 18, 2011
The genes that code for proteins in our human species are remarkably similar, often nearly identical, to those of many other species across the animal kingdom. It makes sense, considering that throughout our natural history human beings and other animals have shared the same environments and competed for the same... Read more
Zen's Travel Visas - A Sober view of Spiritual Tourism
by Fa Zhao Shakya
Published Dec 03, 2010
When you are deluded and full of doubt, even a thousand books of scripture are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much. -- Fen-Yang Those of us who arrive at Zen have often had quite a path of discovery along the way. This is certainly true... Read more
Cappuccino Chan
by Fa Zhao Shakya
Published Jun 08, 2010
As we sat across the table from each other, at our usual coffee shop overlooking the beautiful Australian east coast, I noticed the look of distraction on his face, a face I have known for over 10 years. He seemed perplexed and I could see he was looking for answers.... Read more
Zen Pest Control
by Fa Zhao Shakya
Published Jan 17, 2010
I just love all creatures great and small. From Gorillas to Bengal Tigers and from Lungfish to bizarre Stick Insects, they all play a tremendous role in the various cycles of our planet. These wonderful creatures are also some of our greatest signposts in our observance of inter-connection and inter-relatedness.... Read more
The Comedy of the Ego
by Fa Zhao Shakya
Published Nov 03, 2009
Among the great questions.... Who are we? Why are we here? and What purpose do we serve? Perhaps we should also ask, Why do we suffer? and, What can we do? Why do we Suffer? Listening to late night radio back in my twenties, I heard an English Buddhist monk tell a... Read more
Spectrum Zen
by Fa Zhao Shakya
Published Aug 14, 2009
With so many labeled human conditions in our world these days like Autism, ADHD, Bi Polar, Cerebral Palsy etc, one would wonder if Zen is only available to the so called ‘normals' or does it encompass our ‘disabled' friends and family as well? The faults of others are easily seen, but... Read more