A while back I saw a graphic on the back of a sweatshirt that really caught my attention. It was very simple, two circles, a big one, with a smaller one hovering above as if in orbit around the...
When I talk to Sandra after the workshop, to ask how it went, she tells me she has never seen some of the participants smile before, let alone laugh. I hadn’t considered that possibility earlier in the day, though I did note a few faces that were slow to thaw into humorous expression….
This is a story I've told this story many a time, yet never in writing. I dedicate it to Ensho's memory, who is missed by many. This photo was taken 4 weeks after this story, at Buddha's...
This post was originally published in 2017, 5 years after a post about Ja Woo's participation in the annual Buddha's Birthday celebration at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. Ja Woo: “There is no room...
“As long as the humor is not destructive” the woman explained in response to the interviewer’s question about the meaning, value of humor in daily life. The context is a German radio program about...
This conversation with Roshi Egyoku took place during my six weeks (Jan-Feb 2007) as an artist in residence at the Zen center of Los Angeles. A few times a week, we would sit down for a half hour...
Perhaps you are already aware that 15 years ago, Roshi Bernie Glassman, Zen master, started studying clown with me. Up to that point, all my students were performers. Bernie’s intent was not to...
Holy Moley it’s already the 1st of May. Revolutionary workers day, almost everywhere except good ol’ US of A. It’s been a great day for online discussions about putting clown noses on buddha...
Yesterday I dropped by my clown guru Wavy Gravy’s house for a visit. Our conversation at one point opened up the topic of mindfulness and it’s current top position in the moving and grooving place...
During a photo session at a Clown-Zen workshop this spring, Heinz-Jürgen Metzger in Zen robes, myself in Mr Miniscule outfit, a comment offered up by Jawoo 10 days earlier floated to the surface....