Green Mountain Monk

04/25/2026

🖤 Lessons from the Crow

Take a moment to reflect on these humble beings.

Crows are often misunderstood, seen as dark or ominous.
But when we look closer, we begin to see something very different…

They remember.
They care for their parents.
They raise their young together.
They gather in silence for their dead.
They even bring gifts to those they trust.

In many ways, they embody qualities we deeply value—gratitude, loyalty, intelligence, and community.

So what separates us from them?

The Buddha taught that wisdom is not in appearances, but in understanding the true nature of life.
Sometimes, the Dhamma quietly reveals itself—not in temples, but in forests… not in words, but in the behavior of living beings.

If we observe carefully, even a crow can become a teacher.

May we learn to see beyond judgment.
May we recognize the goodness that exists in all forms of life.
May we cultivate compassion, wisdom, and respect for all beings.

With mettā 🤎
Green Mountain Monk

04/25/2026

🖤 Lessons from the Crow

Take a moment to reflect on these humble beings.

Crows are often misunderstood, seen as dark or ominous.
But when we look closer, we begin to see something very different…

They remember.
They care for their parents.
They raise their young together.
They gather in silence for their dead.
They even bring gifts to those they trust.

In many ways, they embody qualities we deeply value—gratitude, loyalty, intelligence, and community.

So what separates us from them?

The Buddha taught that wisdom is not in appearances, but in understanding the true nature of life.
Sometimes, the Dhamma quietly reveals itself—not in temples, but in forests… not in words, but in the behavior of living beings.

If we observe carefully, even a crow can become a teacher.

May we learn to see beyond judgment.
May we recognize the goodness that exists in all forms of life.
May we cultivate compassion, wisdom, and respect for all beings.

With mettā 🤎
Green Mountain Monk

04/25/2026

👁️ Three Lines or a Mirage?

Take a moment to look carefully at this image.

Objectively, there are only three simple lines.

So who turned these lines into the image of a “woman”?
And who, after that, created feelings, perceptions, or even stories about what is seen?

This is a small but powerful window into what the Buddha pointed to when describing consciousness (viññāṇa) as a mirage.

The form is not truly there.
Yet the mind projects, interprets, and reacts—as if it were real.

But don’t stop there.

Look deeper:
Is this “mind” that creates meaning something solid?
Does it truly exist as a fixed entity within a person?

We often say, “the mind does everything,”
and then unknowingly cling to that very “mind” as something real.

Instead, investigate.

Watch how it arises… and passes away (udayabbaya).
See how perception forms… and dissolves.

When observed deeply, this “mind” that feels so real
reveals itself as nothing more than a natural process—
empty of any lasting substance.

Just like the image…
just like the mirage.

May this reflection guide us toward wisdom and freedom.

Green Mountain Monk

With mettā 🤎

04/14/2026

🌞✨ Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful New Year! ✨🌞

සැමට සෞභාග්‍යමත්, සුවපත් දහමින් වැඩෙන, වාසනාවන්ත
සුබ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා! 🇱🇰

புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்! 🇮🇳

สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์! 🇹🇭

May this New Year bring happiness, good health, and growth in Dhamma to all beings.
Let us begin this year with kindness, gratitude, and a peaceful mind. 🙏

🌸 Happy New Year to everyone across Asia and around the world! 🌸

04/02/2026

By Bob Audette, Vermont Country Magazine. At the Green Mountain Meditation Center at Serenity Central of New England, the “Green Mountain Monk, the Venerab

03/27/2026

Stillness in the Green Mountains
A Morning Reflection - March 27, 2026

In the quiet of the morning, we find that true peace isn't just the absence of noise—it is a way of being. Across all spiritual traditions, we are taught that the "Peaceful One" is not defined by their title, but by their presence.

🌿 The Three Pillars of Peace
A person is truly at rest when they cultivate three things:

Calm in Action: Moving through the world with gentleness.

Calm in Speech: Speaking words that heal rather than harm.

Calm in Mind: Cultivating a heart that is not easily shaken by the winds of desire or distraction.

Being Your Own Sanctuary
The wisdom of the Dhammapada reminds us of a universal truth: "You are your own refuge." Just as a dedicated caretaker protects a noble and precious horse, we must guard our own integrity and peace of mind. Instead of looking outward to blame others for our unrest, we are invited to look inward—to observe our own shortcomings with honesty and to guide ourselves back to the path with compassion.

Living with this kind of awareness brings a sense of well-being that transcends any single religion. It is the foundation for a life of health, happiness, and inner prosperity.

🕊️ A Shared Prayer for Today
May we all find the strength to be our own sanctuary today.
May our actions be soft, our words be kind, and our minds be still.

With blessings to you and your loved ones,
The Green Mountain Monk 🧘‍♂️

03/16/2026

03/15/2026

03/14/2026

🕊️ Truth and Justice Require Your Witness
You are warmly invited to join us for “Spirit Led Justice”, a day of reflection, dialogue, and shared vision for compassion and justice in our communities.
📅 July 12, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Memorial Hall, Main Street
Wilmington, Vermont
This special gathering will bring together spiritual voices and community members to reflect on the teachings of wisdom and compassion inspired by figures such as Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Martin Luther King Jr..
✨ Program Highlights
• Reflection on teachings of compassion and justice
• Sharing visions and testimonies for a better society
• Prayer and dialogue with spiritual leaders from different traditions
👥 Co-Leaders
Rabbi Debra Kolodny
Venerable Bhante Rathana
Dr. Joseph Burke (Leaders of Dances of Universal Peace)
Together we will explore ways to transform fear, cruelty, hatred, and manipulation into compassion, understanding, and justice.
☕ Coffee and light refreshments at 8:30 AM
🍽 Lunch available
💛 Suggested donation: $25
📩 Register:
info@SerenityCentralOfNewEngland.com
📞 407-615-1447
Let us come together in wisdom, compassion, and courageous dialogue for the wellbeing of all.
🕊️