Renewal in the Stillness and Silence of Meditation
It can be helpful to think of meditation as renewal time for our body-minds. The space of meditation, at least Zen meditation, involves a realignment of the self with the universe. Getting caught up in activity can invite us to assert the self against the world,...
The Practice of “Not-Knowing:” Relief of Stress, Ground for Effective Action
What's your response when I say, “The best way to respond to the great suffering in the world is with the practice of ‘not-knowing’?” Maybe you react to that statement with suspicion and aversion. Part of me does, because I care deeply about the suffering,...
Five Ways to Make Your Work Spiritual Practice
These are five ways we can make our work into spiritual practice. They're from the "Tenzokyokun," or "Instructions to the [Head Monastery] Cook," which was written by Zen master Dogen in 1237, following a long tradition of Zen "work practice." In the essay, Dogen...
Deepening Your Zazen: When It’s Good Not to Be Satisfied
If you're always satisfied with your zazen, you're probably selling yourself short. If you're never satisfied with your zazen, you may want to learn how to deepen it. Possibly the worst thing to do is ignore any dissatisfaction with your zazen because you think you're...
Why Does God/Buddha Nature Let Bad Things Happen?
Humans have been struggling with this dilemma for ages: God is good – even synonymous with love – and all-powerful, so why does he continue to allow such suffering in the world? For a Zen Buddhist, this question is phrased like this: All being is Buddha-nature and this empty world is inherently precious and without defilement, but still the world is full of suffering. It feels as if there are two separate realities – and much of the time it seems they have nothing to do with each other. How do we integrate them? Is it possible?
The Importance of Sangha Part 5 of 5 – Sangha As Service
Part 5 of the Importance of Sangha (see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4): There are many, many more benefits of Sangha I could go into, but I’ll end this series of posts with how Sangha can become a practice of generosity and service to others. Let’s say you’ve been...
The Importance of Sangha Part 4
Some sangha relationships can be very difficult and challenging over the years, but exactly those relationships present the greatest opportunity for growth. We learn and change as a result of our friction with one another – like potatoes cleaning one another in a sink full of water, or rocks being polished in a tumbler. In our most uncomfortable relationships, we may also have the chance to recognize and resolve lifelong negative karma.
The Importance of Sangha Part 3
Continuing with the importance of Sangha: It’s very precious to form Dharma friendships! These can last a lifetime. At the same time, social interactions aren’t always easy. Sangha also presents us with an opportunity to work through our social issues because we all commit to taking responsibility for ourselves, stop blaming others, and examine our reactions.
The Importance of Sangha Part 2
Frequently, the questions and experiences of others in the Sangha – whether seniors, peers, or newcomers – helps us realize something. Plus, the most important ideas that get challenged in the midst of Sangha are ideas about Sangha.
The Importance of Sangha (the Buddhist Community) Part 1
What about “Sangha,” the community of Buddhist practitioners. Is practicing with Sangha really necessary? In this series of blog posts, I try to explain why Sangha is so important in Zen or Buddhist practice.