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 ...

In Fyodor Dostoevsky's magnum opus, "The Brothers Karamazov," the vast expanse of the human soul is laid bare, explored through the complex lives and intertwining destinies of the Karamazov family. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia, the novel delves into themes of faith, morality, and the nature of existence with unparalleled depth and intensity. At its heart are the three brothers: Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha, each embodying different facets of the human experience. Their stru...

"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,...

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is a captivating tale that intertwines horror, romance, and suspense, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Set against the eerie backdrop of Transylvania and Victorian England, the novel chronicles the unsettling encounters between Count Dracula, a centuries-old vampire, and a group of intrepid characters determined to thwart his malevolent plans. Through journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, Stoker crafts a chilling narrative that imme...

"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...

In Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler," readers are introduced to the enigmatic and complex titular character, whose name alone has become synonymous with intrigue and psychological depth. Set against the backdrop of a stifling bourgeois society in 19th-century Norway, the play follows Hedda Gabler, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage and yearning for freedom and fulfillment. As Hedda navigates the intricacies of her social world, her inner turmoil and suppressed desires manifest in a series ...

"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,...

A Comedy of Errors is one of William Shakespeare's early plays, known for its humorous and farcical plot. It revolves around two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, who are unaware of each other's existence. The play takes place in Ephesus, where one pair of twins, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in search of their long-lost brothers. Unbeknownst to them, their twins, Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus, already reside in the city. A serie...