Lost in translation: Jesus' Aramaic wasn't Greek

(The Unseen Bible) Jesus spoke Aramaic, not Greek: Here's what got lost in translation

Surf's up! Triple threat: wavy, hot, humid

Fat Happy Zen monk Budai can surf

Why do waves go so well with Buddhism? There's something about sex, sand, and suffering -- which one meets with while reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on the beach. But becoming a greater surfer has much more to do with wu wei (the ease of effortless flow), wushu (martial arts), and applying Taoist principles like yin and yang to Zen (jhana) Buddhist practice, which involves mindful in-the-moment awareness and radical acceptance of what is.

Southland facing a triple threat of heat, humidity, and high surf

Temperatures topping 100 inland raise fire risk

Rong-Gong Lin II (July 21, 2026, Los Angeles); Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Bethany Hamilton, attired in surf wear on fancy board, all part of surf culture

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Super Girl Surf Fest 2026

Southern California will face a triple threat this week of dangerous heat, muggy weather and, along the coast, hazardous high waves. It may be better for surfing, but it will be risky for all beachgoers who get near the water.

"We're looking at an at least several days -- if not longer -- heat event, which can really be concerning," said meteorologist Robbie Munroe of the National Weather Service's Oxnard office. Hollywood may catch fire on the Sunset Strip from all the tourists dripping sunblock.

• Surfing analysis: Brad Gerlach on Mikey February

We only watch to, uh, um, observe her form

Prepare: World Surf League 2026

From Tuesday through next Monday, temperatures could hit 109 in Paso Robles, 108 in Lancaster, 106 in Canoga Park, 102 in Santa Clarita, 99 in Covina, 92 in DTLA, and 87 in Long Beach.

Officials warned of elevated fire danger across large swaths of SoCal starting Tuesday, with a high risk of fast-moving and "plume dominated" fires driven by heat and instability. Such blazes have large vertical growth and can spread rapidly even when not driven by the wind. More: latimes.com

• This SoCal heat wave could be hottest of the year: 5 things to know | union-bulletin.com
• Super Girl Surf Festival, women's competition, LA, 2026
• If only California could combine surfing with soccer

Woo Way: The Tao of Surfing

It all started with my coach...then 10,000 hours later I was riding the face of Poseidon

No, BRUCE, bad boy! Let go of the surfers! They're not sea mammals or salty snacks!

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With no "self," there are only conditions.

Wisdom Quarterly's new book on going with the flow while out to sea among brutal sharks, cancerous sun, chapping wind, and rich territorial surf punks suffering from localism and getting into fights about it.

Why do waves go so well with Buddhist practice? There's something about "sex, sand, and suffering" -- which one meets with while reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy safely on the beach. But it has much more to do with wu wei, wushu, and applying Taoist principles to Zen practice.

Ancient surfboard from 1600s found in Hawaii

For instance, when out on a wave about to ride, instead of "doing," try "allowing." Go with the flow. Rather than interfering or trying to cut against the grain, embody radical acceptance of what is and ride it out. That's what Wisdom Quarterly's resident Meditation Teacher Seven says is a far better approach than struggling to dominate.

In surfing as in life, prepare for the gnarly.

Let the waves dominate so that the only thing to do is allow, allow, allow. Then in this allowing, suddenly it becomes effortless and intuitive, perfectly obvious and impossible to explain with words.

People do sometimes try to express it in words, but it all becomes a jumble of oohs and ahhs like surf slang or Himalayan shoestring spiritual seekers on ayahuasca down in the jungles of the Amazon with shamans Michael Harner.

• 

  Natives knew plant medicines

  As a graduate student in the 1950s, Michael Harner undertook field research on the culture of the Jívaro (Shuar) Natives of the Amazon in Ecuador [5] as he began to pursue a career as an ethnologist. His UC Berkeley doctoral dissertation (1963) became the basis for his book, The Jívaro: People of the Sacred Waterfalls [6]. In 1960-1961 he reported that he became a participant-observer by experimenting with the powerful plant medicine ayahuasca with the Conibo of the Peruvian Amazon [5]. He wrote about in the articles "The Sound of Rushing Water" (1968)[7] and "The Role of Hallucinogenic Plants in European Witchcraft" (1973)[8]. Dr. Harner, Ph.D. returned to the Native Jívaro in 1964, 1969, and 1973, at which time he learned the use of the psychoactive entheogen maikua (Datura brugmansia, jimsonweed) [5]. More

Dr. Michael Harner: shamans know their plants

There's a similar feeling to be had by skateboarding or hang gliding, BASE jumping or surviving the pit (slam dancing to a favorite song at a concert). Surfing seems very safe by comparison. It all becomes instinctive and beyond thinking. It's a good place to be just for that moment, rising above the turmoil of the mind or diving into the silence of the heart. Rumi would understand. The historical Buddha pointed out the detailed Path to it.

What is surfing?

Hawaiian surfer on North Shore near Sunset Beach Paumalū (Daniel Ramirez/Wiki)

I'dunno, Bro, looks pretty gnarly. Let's just tan.

Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual surfer (or two) uses a carefully modified wood, fiberglass, or polyurethane board to "ride" on the face, the forward section, of a swelling wave of water. This swell usually carries said surfer toward shore or to a watery death by drowning for not respecting Mother Nature enough. Waves suitable for surfing are primarily found on ocean shores. But they can also be found as standing waves in the open ocean, artificial simulators, lakes, rivers in the form of a tidal bore, or wave pools (and also in a physics experiment when a tide pool is sent back to sea). More

• Where to Surf in Los Angeles | Discover Los Angeles

• 

  Woman applies a lot of sex wax before surfing

  Surf Spots - California Beaches: The Wedge? That's Newport Beach. LA's Palos Verdes Peninsula isn’t known for its surfing outside of local circles, and there is a sad reason for that. It’s called “localism.” The area has a severe case of the disease. Located between Los Angeles and Long Beach, and possessing some excellent breaks, one would think this place would be much better known. Locals know all about surf spots like Palos Verdes Cove (near the crumbling peninsula called Palos Verdes Estates), Lunada Bay, Haggertys at Malaga Cove, among others.
• Best Surfing in California (South Counties) | Billabong
• Best surfing spots in California: 12 waves to surf | Red Bull
• Southern California surf spots: Which one is best? | Los Angeles Times
• California’s Best Surfing Waves | Visit California
• Discover the Top 10 Surfing Beaches in Southern California | Pacific Surf
• Online Newspaper & Magazine Publications Catalog | PressReader

What's going on in the SoCal water?

Giant LA all drains into Santa Monica Bay

A few weeks ago, LA and OC beaches were being subjected to king tides, riptides, with dangerous surfing conditions for experts only. The cause this time seems to be a tropical storm elsewhere disrupting the height and frequency of waves. Surfers may love it as they avoid great white sharks, but others will find it hard to take a dip or swim. Localism is, of course, a greater danger as human sharks with a sense of entitlement circle strangers and drive them out. Expect swells, tubular conditions at The Wedge and elsewhere. Warning: Water may be a little contaminated due to crumbling infrastructure. Sharks are a tiny worry compared to the microscopic contaminants and plastic particle debris. Enjoy.

• Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Jennifer B., Seth Auberon, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

How China saved the world (last month)

(Max Fisher) China quietly saved the world last month

• Buddhism in China: the religion of more than a billion people, who blend it with Taoism, Confucianism (Three Teachings), and ancient shamanic Chinese folk religion

Trump's rating hits new low (Jimmy D/K)

(The Jimmy Dore Show)

Trump’s approval rating hits new low, America’s 250th party is a mess, and Israel's U.S. War on Iran may be over soon [but not if Israel can help it]

Jimmy Kimmel breaks down Spencer Pratt's run for Los Angeles mayoral race and Trump assembles his own Cabinet of Clowns

(The Jimmy Dore Show) jimmydore.com

Bad Bunny: Ready for some spicy football?

Meet the 2026 starting lineup! | Puppy Bowl | Animal Planet

Who's Bad Bunny? Introduction by Cardi B, and J Balvin "I Like It" (official music video)

(Lingopie) Why the Super Bowl needs bitchin' Bad Bunny (much more than he needs them)

(Country Cast) NFL panic: Kid Rock’s massive halftime surprise revealed

The Simpsons: Homer listens to big football game instead of paying attention in church

Science: AI decodes CROW language

(Galaxy Vault) Is a Crow a surprisingly intelligent "avian ape" smaller than a Raven?

Mahakala

Ven. Thanissaro (trans) edited by Wisdom Quarterly (Thag 2.16 PTS: Thag 151-152)

A swarthy woman,

[preparing a corpse for cremation]

crow-like and enormous,

breaking one thigh then the other,

breaking one arm then the other,

cracking open the head

like a claypot of curds,

sits with them heaped up beside her.

Whoever, unknowing,

makes acquisitions,

that fool

returns over and over

to disappointment and suffering.

Discerning,

making no acquisitions,

may I never again lie

with my head cracked open.

Sankicca

Ven. Thanissaro (trans) edited by Wisdom Quarterly (Thag 11.1 PTS: Thag 597-607)

What do you want in the woods, my boy?

You're like a bird [1] exposed to the rain.

Monsoons refresh you.

Seclusion is for those in meditative absorption (jhana).

As monsoon winds drive the clouds during the rainy season,

so thoughts concerning seclusion impel me.

A black crow, making its home in a charnel ground

[of corpses], inspires within me mindfulness

— rooted in dispassion for — the body [2].

One whom others guard not, who do not guard others,

such a monastic who lies down in ease, unconcerned

with sensual passions.

With clear waters and massive boulders,

frequented by monkeys and deer,

covered with moss and water weeds,

such rocky crags refresh me.

I have lived in wildernesses, canyons, and caves,

isolated dwellings frequented by predator and prey,

but never have I known an ignoble, aversive resolve:

"May these beings be destroyed, be slaughtered, fall into pain."

The Teacher has been served by me;

The Awakened One's bidding I have done;

This heavy load I have laid down;

The guide to becoming [3] uprooted.

And the goal for which I set forth from the home life into the left-home life

I have reached: the end of all fetters.

I delight not in death, delight not in living.

I await my time like a worker his wages.

I delight not in death, delight not in living.

I await my time mindful, alert.

NOTES

• 1. Ujjuhaana. The Commentary offers two interpretations for this word. The first is that it is a hill covered with jungle and many streams that tend to overflow during the rainy season. The other is that it is the name of a bird that can stay comfortable even when exposed to cold, wind, and rain. The second alternative has been chosen here. K.R. Norman speculates that the term could be written ujjahaana, in which case it would be the present participle for a verb meaning "abandoned or cast off." However, none of the manuscripts support this speculation.
• 2. In other words, the sight of the crow taking up residence in skulls and other body parts provided a chastening perspective on how the mind takes up residence in the body [for each rebirth in the sensual sphere].
• 3. The guide to becoming [rebirth, relinking, rearising, reappearing, being reborn] is craving.
• See also: Thag 5.8; Thag 14.1; Thag 18.

November's Full Beaver Moon 2025

First human depictions of the historical Buddha were in
the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara/Afghanistan

Full Beaver Moon

• November full moon 2025. Beaver supermoon soon visible in Louisville
• Look up! It's the Full Beaver Moon of 2025 (msn.com)

The significance of the moon in Buddhism

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This is the time of mooncakes and the traditional Sabbath Day or uposatha. That means it's the best time to observe the "fasting day," which means not eating before daylight or after noon. This is part of observing the Eight Precepts, an ancient tradition the Buddha praised as something worth continuing.

How do Buddhists observe the uposatha service?

(Buddhism Reflections) Uposatha days hold a special significance on the Buddhist calendar, particularly in the Theravada tradition. These weekly observance days are aligned with the phases of the moon, including the full moon, new moon, and two quarter moons.

Uposatha (shrine hall), Buddhapadipa Temple

During these times, both lay Buddhists and monastics engage in various practices that enhance their spiritual journeys. On the one hand, lay practitioners often take on additional precepts, dedicating themselves to deeper spiritual activities and community involvement.

Monastics, on the other hand, focus on reflection and purification, reciting the Patimokkha ("Path to Moksha"), a summary of the major rules of the Monastic Code of Discipline, which is a vital aspect of their monastic life.

The uposatha service is not just about individual practice; it also fosters a sense of community as laypeople gather at monasteries to support monks and nuns through food preparation and participation in rituals (pujas).

This day is steeped in tradition and serves as a reminder of the commitment to the Dhamma or Teachings of the historical Buddha.

Full-moon Uposatha – Nalanda Buddhist Society

The observance of uposatha varies slightly among different sects and countries, adding a unique flavor to this rich tradition.

Let's delve into the practices and significance of uposatha days in Buddhism and discover how they contribute to spiritual growth and community bonding. #BuddhaTeachings #Buddhism #Mindfulness

• Beaver Hunter, Nov. 2025; Amber Larson and Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The Dodgers' hopes rest on Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Los Angeles is on edge and ready to riot if their team the beloved Dodgers fail to win Game 6. It's Devils' Night in WeHo (West Hollywood), home of the Halloween Carnivale, a night of LGBTQI+ revelry and possible debauchery, although this year they have shortened it by an hour so that it ends long before midnight, the Witching Hour. The keiki (children) are dodging cars on the suburban streets of the megalopolis as they run their culturally-approved shakedown for dopamine hits via sugary candies all across LA's 88 cities and countless neighborhoods.

The great Japanese pitcher will start Game 6, and with so much at stake, Dodger fans have to wonder if the stars are aligned. Avoid gambling. It's rigged. The fix is in. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's lifestyle IS NOT what you think!

(MLB Lifestyle) Oct. 25, 2025: From the bright lights of Tokyo to the star-studded streets of Hollywood, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s story goes far beyond the mound. This video uncovers how one of Japan’s greatest pitchers rose to global fame, conquered Major League Baseball expectations, and built a life worthy of the spotlight. Learn where his journey began, how he made history in Japan, and what makes his transition to the Dodgers so remarkable — all without giving away the twists that make his story unforgettable. 🎬 Watch until the end for a deeper look into the man behind the legend.

👇 Subscribe for more exclusive MLB lifestyle stories every week. #YoshinobuYamamoto #Dodgers #MLBLifestyle #BaseballJapan

• Dodgers Nation, Oct. 31, 2025; MLB Lifestyle; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Jewish marketing spectacle: KISS Army

(60 Minutes Australia) KISS Unmasked: A rare 1980 interview with the original U.S. band

(Rock N' Roll True Stories) Ace Frehley's biggest song he didn't write

Slayer works with Guru Rick Rubin, signs to Geffen after being fired by CBS

Dodger Ohtani greatest baseball player

DODGERS SWEEP 🧹 Shohei Ohtani’s historic performance sends Los Angeles back to World Series | ESPN MLB

(ESPN MLB) Oct. 17, 2025: Check out highlights from the Dodger's greatest baseball player ever, Shohei Ohtani, at the plate and on the mound in Game 4 of the NLCS as he hits three homers while pitching six scoreless innings to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and sweep the series, sending them back to the World Series.

Tilly Norwood new IT girl; who's Bad Bunny?

(The Daily Show) Tech Yeah! Sora 2, Tilly Norwood, Robot Olympics (Grace Kuhlenschmidt)

A.I. actress sparks backlash and controversy

Tilly Norwood is the new IT girl, and by "IT" we of course mean "information technology."

She is less a robot and more a fictional character generated by A.I., less a hologram and more of a figment of some pervert's imagination made of pixels and dollar signs.

I'm so hot and don't even drink coffee

Hollywood moguls rejoice. Actors mourn. Now there is no need for paid "intimacy coordinators" forced on the film industry by do-gooders and nosy Nancys, no more aging actress with short shelf lives. This solves everything in Elon Musk's coming utopia.

Wiki: An announcement at the Sept. 2025 Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) that Tilly was about to be signed by a talent agency attracted strong criticism from Hollywood actors and firms, prompted allegations of personality rights violations, and led to arguments over the impact of the character on production costs in the media industry. Oh, that's our Tilly! More

Desi Lydic Foxsplains Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show

Bad Bunny featured by Cardi B

Who is Bad Bunny?

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio [no relation to Rep. AOC] was born March 10, 1994, and is known professionally as "Bad Bunny." He is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer [3]. Dubbed the "King of Latin Trap," he is credited with helping Spanish-language rap music achieve mainstream popularity in the worldwide market. He is considered one of the best Latin rappers of all time [4][5]. More

Full Harvest Moon 2025 (Buddhist day)

San Diego residents express excitement for first supermoon of the year

Full moon over Los Angeles, California, downtown skyline (Jesus Curiel/Unsplash)

 

(CBS 8 San Diego) Oct. 6, 2025: October's full moon, also called the "Harvest Moon," is happening Monday night with full illumination at 8:47 pm PT. It is the first supermoon for three for 2025. More

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Full moon calendar for 2025 with lunar phases

The year’s first supermoon rises over L.A. tonight — looking 30% larger and 14% brighter than usual. This evening, make sure to gaze skyward [in the direction of New York as seen from Los Angeles] to catch the first supermoon of 2025 at its peak brightness over LA.

The first supermoon of 2025, the biggest and brightest of the year, will peak over California at 8:47 pm. tonight, Monday, Oct. 6th, 2025. Make sure to find a great spot to sky watch and catch the stunning Harvest Moon lighting up Los Angeles' skies.

About the 2025 Super Harvest Moon

Rhythms and cycles of time

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, October’s full Harvest Moon will be the first of three supermoons in 2025. Rising low on the horizon, it will create a strikingly dramatic view against the Los Angeles skyline.

The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, which occurred this year on Sept. 22nd. Traditionally, this moon rises around the same time for several nights, giving farmers extra light to finish their harvests.

One way to calm and focus the mind is mandalas

This year’s Harvest Moon is also a supermoon because it coincides with the moon’s perigee, or its closest approach to Earth. NASA notes it will appear about 30% larger and 14% brighter than an average full moon.

The next two supermoons of 2025 are the Beaver Moon on Nov. 5th and the Cold Moon on Dec. 4th.

Where to watch the supermoon in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is expected to have clear skies tonight, making it an ideal spot to see the supermoon. It reaches peak brightness at 8:47 pm PST on October 6th, though it will appear full for several days. The Year's First Supermoon Rises Over L.A.

• One of the largest Buddhist temples (like Chaung Yen Monastery in upstate NY) in the Western hemisphere is also a good place to see the moon: Hsi Lai Temple
• Going West (Hsi Lai) Temple programs open to all
• Going West Temple Events (Lighting Offering Service days)

The significance of the moon in Buddhism

First human depictions of historical Buddha was in Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara/Afghan

.

This is the time of mooncakes and the traditional Sabbath Day or uposatha. That means it's the best time to observe the "fasting day," which means not eating before daylight or after noon. This is part of observing the Eight Precepts, an ancient tradition the Buddha praised as something worth continuing.

How do Buddhists observe the uposatha service?

(Buddhism Reflections) Uposatha days hold a special significance on the Buddhist calendar, particularly in the Theravada tradition. These weekly observance days are aligned with the phases of the moon, including the full moon, new moon, and two quarter moons.

Uposatha (shrine hall), Buddhapadipa Temple

During these times, both lay Buddhists and monastics engage in various practices that enhance their spiritual journeys. On the one hand, lay practitioners often take on additional precepts, dedicating themselves to deeper spiritual activities and community involvement.

Monastics, on the other hand, focus on reflection and purification, reciting the Patimokkha ("Path to Moksha"), a summary of the major rules of the Monastic Code of Discipline, which is a vital aspect of their monastic life.

The uposatha service is not just about individual practice; it also fosters a sense of community as laypeople gather at monasteries to support monks and nuns through food preparation and participation in rituals (pujas).

This day is steeped in tradition and serves as a reminder of the commitment to the Dhamma or Teachings of the historical Buddha.

Full-moon Uposatha – Nalanda Buddhist Society

The observance of uposatha varies slightly among different sects and countries, adding a unique flavor to this rich tradition.

Let's delve into the practices and significance of uposatha days in Buddhism and discover how they contribute to spiritual growth and community bonding. #BuddhaTeachings #Buddhism #Mindfulness

• Senior Staff Writer, Jamie Ferrell, secretlosangeles.com, Oct. 6, 2025; Buddhism Reflections, Feb. 2025; Amber Larson and Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly