At the Intersection of Contemplative Practice and Congregational Ministry
On Christian Practice and Mahamudra Stuart Higginbotham I am preparing to begin a focused year of study on Himalayan/Tibetan Buddhism in January 2023. For a dozen years I have read and studied in various formats, but this season calls for something more intentional. Even as I realize how limited my understanding is, I have been... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtIH4Z_qIiA Fallen Empire There was a moment with the man walking on the cobbled street a point of pride outside the marketplace where the weaver sat selling her cloth under a faded red awning. A normal afternoon filled with the clamor of voices arguing over gladiator performances there’s no way he could lose. They shoved... Continue Reading →
The stretching of spiritual ligaments Stuart Higginbotham October 16, 2022 In the newcomer’s or refresher class, we have spent a lot of time reflecting on a deeper understanding of religion. I could have just started listing off this or that fact or aspect of The Episcopal Church, but I think we are living in a... Continue Reading →
A Life of Light The Transfiguration as a Visualization of the Authentic Nature of Reality Stuart Higginbotham This relatively short essay seeks to weave together three years’ of thought around my experience of how Vajrayana, or Himalayan/Tibetan Buddhism continues to nurture my own understanding and awareness of my root practice of Christianity. Much more could... Continue Reading →
The Watchpost (Habakkuk’s Mantle) The oracle speaks. Layers of whispers sound like sand poured through fingers, prayer leaves a grit in my mouth. There is an urge from somewhere: if I could only separate the grains, line them up on a piece of dark paper, a clearer picture would emerge a solution to the problem... Continue Reading →
This collection of poems spans the three years, beginning in Advent (December) 2019 and ending in the Fall of 2022. When I began a more focused exercise of writing, I had no idea how life would unfurl. My writing became more important to me as the pressure grew, and poetry has become the cornerstone of... Continue Reading →
A reflection on life and power Stuart Higginbotham My friends, I hesitate to say “I hope this finds you doing well,” because it feels like no one is fully “doing well” these days. We are all, at least, uncomfortable, shaken up, disturbed. So, I will say that I hope this finds you breathing and staying... Continue Reading →
Stuart Higginbotham June 19, 2022 The still point in the midst of the storm I tried to write a sermon for today three times, once while in Paris (which I thought would be a marvelous place to think about a sermon). Then, the tragedy with the extended Cummings family led me to shift what I... Continue Reading →
The shaman sits by the fire (A love letter to clergy) Stuart Higginbotham The shaman’s tent sits outside the wall or at least at the edge, planted, a vision to be gained by one, a place to be reached by others who seek the real in all things, beneath and within all. There I sit.... Continue Reading →
That we may all be one Stuart Higginbotham May 29, 2022 It has been a while since I typed out a manuscript for a sermon. These days, I usually reflect on the text and (try to) listen deeply, then I stand and share what is on my heart. Given where we are, this week it... Continue Reading →
Thoughts on a Contemplative Reformation 