A journal of the art of mindful living in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.The Mindfulness Bell would like to honor Thầy’s transformation by offering this curated collection of highlights from the week of memorial ceremonies; teachings from Thích Nhất Hạnh on death, impermanence, and interbeing; and reflections and recollections of Thầy from elder monastics, lay Dharma teachers, and friends.Whats inside?-Letter from the Editor By Brother...

Copper Thoughts exposes the creativity and genius of a young girl learning to live with Bipolar Disorder. Known as the Copper Bell Poet, her poetry explores the light and dark nature of humankind, both within herself and in the world around her. The poems were written between the ages of ten and twelve. It is hard to gauge what is more inspiring, that someone so young could articulate such big thoughts, or that someone struggling to find balance could write so poignantly about the human co...

"Electra," one of the enduring tragedies of ancient Greek literature attributed to playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides, explores themes of revenge, justice, and familial duty. The play revolves around the eponymous Electra, daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, who seeks vengeance for her father's murder at the hands of her mother and her lover, Aegisthus. Consumed by grief and a thirst for retribution, Electra becomes a tragic figure trapped in a cycle of violence, torn ...

"Electra," one of the enduring tragedies of ancient Greek literature attributed to playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides, explores themes of revenge, justice, and familial duty. The play revolves around the eponymous Electra, daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, who seeks vengeance for her father's murder at the hands of her mother and her lover, Aegisthus. Consumed by grief and a thirst for retribution, Electra becomes a tragic figure trapped in a cycle of violence, torn ...

A brief biographical sketch of Franklin's life, followed by a collection (published in 1899) of 670 aphorisms, apothegms, or proverbs - short, pithy, instructive sayings - that were scattered throughout the pages of his Poor Richard's Almanack over its 25 years of once-a-year publication (1732-1758). Many of these sayings are familiar to all . . . "a penny saved is a penny earned" . . . "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" . . . but there are many more for you to laugh at, ponder ...

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare is a compelling tragedy set in ancient Rome, focusing on the political intrigue and personal ambitions that surround the historical figure of Julius Caesar. The play begins with Caesar's triumphant return to Rome after defeating his rival Pompey, which ignites fear among senators like Cassius and Brutus who perceive Caesar's growing power as a threat to the Republic. Cassius, manipulating Brutus's idealism and sense of duty to the state, convinces him...

"Emma" by Jane Austen is a delightful comedy of manners that offers a nuanced exploration of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of social hierarchy in Regency-era England. The novel follows the titular character, Emma Woodhouse, a well-meaning but meddlesome young woman who fancies herself a matchmaker. As Emma sets out to arrange marriages for those around her, she soon discovers that her well-intentioned interference often leads to unintended consequences, ultimately forcing her ...

"The Lady of the Sea" by Henrik Ibsen is a compelling exploration of human emotions, desires, and the tension between freedom and societal expectations. The story centers on Ellida Wangel, a woman drawn to the sea, haunted by her past, and longing for the freedom it represents. Ellida is married to Dr. Wangel, who is loving but unable to understand her deep yearning for the life she once dreamed of. Her inner turmoil escalates when a former lover, a mysterious sailor, returns, reigniting h...

"A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen is a powerful drama that explores the complexities of marriage, societal expectations, and personal liberation. Set in the late 19th century, the play centers around Nora Helmer, a seemingly carefree and submissive wife who gradually comes to recognize the suffocating constraints of her domestic life. Nora's life with her husband Torvald appears idyllic on the surface; he dotes on her like a treasured possession, and she plays the role of the perfect, cheer...

Buck, a powerful and pampered St. Bernard-Scotch Collie, lives a comfortable life in California until he is stolen and sold into the harsh life of an Alaskan sled dog. As Buck is thrust into the brutal environment of the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush, he faces a series of challenges that awaken his primal instincts. The once domesticated dog gradually transforms, learning to fight for survival and asserting his dominance over other dogs. His journey is marked by encounters ...

"The Mysterious Stranger & Other Stories" is a collection of tales by Mark Twain, showcasing his masterful storytelling and his exploration of complex themes. The title story, "The Mysterious Stranger," revolves around a supernatural visitor named Satan, who brings unsettling revelations to a group of boys in a small Austrian village. Through the stranger's dialogues and actions, Twain delves into deep philosophical questions about human nature, morality, and the illusions of reality, pres...

"A Christmas Carol" follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted old man, throughout one magical Christmas Eve. The narrative begins with Scrooge, a wealthy but stingy moneylender, dismissing the Christmas season with contempt and refusing to give to charity. He dislikes the idea of Christmas joy and generosity, considering them a waste of time and money. On Christmas Eve, as Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley,...