A maṇi pearl is a jewel that changes itself according to desires of whoever holds it. It is, as a treasure, more a potentiality in action, fluid in form and appearance. As such, it represents a gift that is not merely an concrete and passive object that recipients can either enjoy or reject because of their own inclinations. It is a metaphor for the principle that skillful means of charity should proceed first with the recipient’s actual needs in mind, rather than imposing a conception of what should satisfy their needs. A bodhisattva goes into the world with the thought to aid living beings in whatever means they require and from that motive shapes the methods and means to do so. And so, a bodhisattva’s gifts are like maṇi pearls.

In some small way, I hope this weblog can act as a maṇi pearl. But, alas, it is just a journal of dead words that a reader must shape their minds around. But those who see something of value can pursue it by creating a dialogue. I will be posting essays of thoughts that have been percolating in my spirit for some time. They find their form from my studies of Buddhist and Chinese philosophy on the one hand and my experience of life here in America on the other hand. It seems to me, that as a civilization, we are in desperate need of a return to the wisdom and understanding that infuses most of the ancient traditions on the world, which we have foolishly discarded. Yet, these traditions are outmoded now when facing the world today. A synthesis of contemporary form and timeless principle is needed. This is the task that preoccupies my thoughts.