Charles Xavier’s life reads like a bad soap opera. Many torrid romances with various women. Betrayal by friends at every turn. Aliens and demons coming to hunt him down. Miraculous rescues at the last minute. Throughout it all, Charles makes good decisions, bad decisions, and follows a seemingly haphazard path. When he formed the X-Men,…
George Washington served in the militia, then worked as a surveyor and justice of the peace. In choosing to fight for a new nation, he did so without bad-mouthing the King. As a Revolutionary General, then as President, he listened to opposing counselors then looked for the best way forward based on their varied positions…
Leonardo da Vinci was always curious. As a young man he studied metallurgy, drafting, mechanics and the creative arts. This wasn’t enough, so he expanded his inquiry to include science, nature and the world around him. da Vinci constantly recorded his studies, then later they informed other work. He is quoted as having said, “The…
Tilopa was at the top of his game. He was in charge of spiritual teaching at court, had piles of money and was loved by everyone. Despite all of this he felt empty and unfulfilled. He knew the scriptures by heart, performed the rituals and practices religiously, and was widely seen as a powerful teacher.…
Ramakrishna lived his life without filters. As a small child, he was not self-conscious or embarrassed by the beatific experiences he enjoyed. As a young man, and when his family needed his support, he provided assistance in ways that wouldn’t impede his spiritual progress or require him to act against his beliefs. When his family…
Mahisa’s mother asked for a gift from Brahma, the King of Heaven. Her first request was that the child be made immortal, but Brahma refused. Then she asked that her child be made vulnerable to women alone and this wish was granted. Mahisa grew up sure that he could never be killed because women could…
Koan found in Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Kukkuripa worked hard over many years to find spiritual freedom. During this time he found and adopted a dog who devotedly guarded him as he worked, shared the scraps of food he managed to gather, and protected their cave when he was gone. Kukkuripa loved her very much. Realizing a level of attainment, Kukkuripa was…
Koan found in Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Jesus or Joseph of Nazareth or Christ…there are many names for this guy. He was important and brave – living a life in service to others and achieving great things. The amazing opportunity Jesus left us is that we can read some of what he said, know about things he did, and walk in his…
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