How we perceive reality can change in an instant. Or that was my experience at Sherborne where I was gently, but inexorably, led into a world of immediate perception. Helping me down that garden path was a young visiting instructor, Henri Bortoft. His field in philosophy stemmed from phenomenology and was leading him to relate … Read more
“Who am I” is not something I still ask myself. Who I am feels well established at this point, with all its gold stars and “room for improvement” notes attached. But writing a book has thrown me a curve ball I was not anticipating. Since fifth grade I’ve always “known” I would be an author. … Read more
Bhante as Healer, is the third blog in my three part series. This Cambodian Buddhist monk was instrumental in healing my son. * As a healer, Bhante held four year old Chris on his lap. He directed golden yellow light from a high-intensity lamp, onto Chris’s swollen knee and gently massaged it using “colored” oil. … Read more
This is the second of a three part series on the Cambodian Buddhist monk, Bante, who taught “green” meditation at Sherborne on my course in 1973. “Green Meditation with Bhante” began showing up as part of the weekly schedule on the bulletin board at Sherborne. We could just squeeze one group of thirty into … Read more
While I’m drifting down the Rhine on a river cruise, I thought I’d leave a series of out-takes about the Buddhist monk, Bhante, from my memoir, Real People. He met Mr. Bennett and visited Sherborne for the first time in 1973, during my course. Bhante, a Cambodian Buddhist monk, arrived at Sherborne from India. … Read more
My first teacher in the work was Mrs. Popoff who had been P.D. Ouspensky’s “secretary.” This meant she was responsible for recording what was said at group meetings—from memory. When Gurdjieff came to New York, she was in the movements classes he gave. She attended his famous dinners, which meant getting home in the wee … Read more
Dear readers and friends, This week’s post is a jubilant announcement that my Memoir is out! Real People: At the Pinnacle with Irmis Popoff and the Second Basic Course with J.G. Bennett, A Memoir, is now available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Real-People-Pinnacle-Sherborne-Bennett/dp/1954744706 Real People Synopsis In today’s world of political and climate instability, Real People tells the story of … Read more
“I” is a feeling, “Am” is a sensation in the I Am exercise as I’ve newly rediscovered. On our course at Sherborne I was introduced to stops during practical work. We would pause from our physical labor, be it gardening or construction or cutting wood, breath in “I” and exhale “Am.” I remember breathing in, centering … Read more
“Bobby Jo, there’s a group of us going caroling after lunch, would you be interested?” “Sure, who all is going?” I ask, curious. “Oh, anyone who wants to go. I think we have about fifteen or so. Vivien is taking us around. We’ll meet out back by the kitchen door.” The … Read more
The following is an excerpt from my memoir of Bennett giving a talk at the start of our course. He wanted us to consider our current world. Mind you, this was the fall of 1972. I offer it here as we come to the end of 2021 and look towards what kind of world it … Read more