spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
Enlightened self-interest is a priceless reward for an individual and society; in serving others we serve ourselves. Win-win. The act of giving of yourself to another in the name of service reaps innumerable benefits that can empower an individual and reap benefits that can change the world. Seemingly obvious, every now and then we need … Continue reading Gotta Serve Somebody by William Klein
I don’t want to sound too morose, but death is a likely place to start in examining what life is all about. How we respond to death is how we respond to life. This is not understood when we’re young. We think we will live forever and don’t consider how the single act of leaving … Continue reading There is Something More by William Klein
Well, the Zodiac Illuminati has done it again. It has changed the dates for the signs and added a new one. Those people who were formerly one sign are now another. My friend who was formerly a Libra is now a Virgo. His once Libra personality where he demonstrated a “mysterious drama and biting criticism” … Continue reading Zodiak Chaos by William Klein
A porch serves as a natural barrier to the winds, the snows and the rains that batter a house, but in the old days, it also served as a central meeting place for a community to share intimacies and tricks of the trade for survival. There is something to be said for a place that … Continue reading Looking for a Place to Hang by William Klein
Every classroom I’ve had the honor to teach in has been a black hole for the Internet. I ask my colleagues if they’re having problems with the Internet? “Nope.” Look to the left of my classroom and to the right. “Problems?” “Problems?” “Nope.” “Nope.” My tech friend just scratches his head, befuddled by why this is … Continue reading Making Peace with My Personal Black Hole of Uncertainty: “That’s a Good One”
Every classroom I’ve had the honor to teach in has been a black hole for the Internet. I ask my colleagues if they’re having problems with the internet? “Nope.” Look to the left of my classroom and to the right. “Problems?” “Problems?” “Nope.” “Nope.” My tech friend just scratches his head, befuddled by why this is … Continue reading Making Peace with the Black Holes of Uncertainty: “That’s a Good One”
A major change is afoot – or should I say, a major change is literally a foot? I say this half joking and half serious. Every change begins with a step in the right direction and we step with presence of mind. I’ve met a few people who had dinner with legendary UCLA college basketball coach John Wooden. Wooden was … Continue reading A Major Change: A Foot
The great Sufi mystic Rumi was in the throes of a dervish ceremony called a sema; a ritual dance ceremony that he created. A fellow Muslim came to him, knocked on his door and told him it was “time for evening prayer.” Rumi without missing a beat or twirl said, “We are praying.” Every major religion has … Continue reading A Dervish of Prayer by William Klein
My 90 year old friend Phil recently passed away. He was as artful in making meaning of his life as Michelangelo was with brushes. His tools were his wits, smarts and willingness to transform heartache into substantive lessons to empower himself and others. He was buried with a pin that read, PMA, “Positive Mental Attitude.” … Continue reading PMA by William Klein
The great oral historian and author Studs Terkel captured the spirit of labor in his work. He committed his life’s work to documenting the experiences of everyday Americans getting up and going to work for a better life. An homage to work, his recordings are preserved in the Smithsonian Institute for posterity. Stories of adversity, working through … Continue reading Salute to Laborers
spirit beat 