The Constant Instant

What lies at the bottom of this constant craving in our nature for more satisfaction? Nothing
lies at the bottom of constant craving. That’s the problem. That’s the marvel. Put into yourself what you will, of whatever nature and whatever number, these cannot fill you, for there is nothing at the bottom of you. You are an openness.

Inside Out

Twice a month for ten years, I took part in a conversation with men in the state prison at Attica. The program, run by a Franciscan brother, offered no inducements to come to the group—no awards for attendance, no course credits, no promise of letters to the parole board. A man returned to the group only because he wanted to.

Divine Line in the Sand

When people say they don’t believe in God, mostly they mean that there’s no sign of a being up there deciding just how things will go, watching our every move, working out how to punish us for the bad things we do and bless us for the good. I don’t believe in that sort of god either, and I hope you don’t . . .