by SJZC Administrator | Mar 22, 2026
From Mushin: If we use only language to explore Zen practice we confine ourselves to words. But Zen practice points us towards who we are and how this life is unfolding outside of words and letters. This is the framework for what we are now opening up in this spring...
by SJZC Administrator | Mar 15, 2026
From Mushin: We call these Encouraging Words, a phrase Aitken Roshi used to refer to his short prompts for practice. The most encouraging word that I know is metta, lovingkindness. The practice of metta had become an essential element for practicing in this cultural...
by SJZC Administrator | Mar 8, 2026
From Mushin: In the Diamond Sutra, the Buddha says, “The only thing bodhisattvas need to do is to free themselves from all concepts and nurture the aspiration for freedom. When he says this he makes freeing ourselves from all concepts sound so accessible. Is it? Until...
by SJZC Administrator | Mar 1, 2026
From Mushin: One of the recommendations for starting a Zen practice is to include zazen, even for a few minutes in your daily routine. Then as you continue and experience how beneficial daily practice is, most of us find that we increase our meditation to a half or...
by SJZC Administrator | Feb 23, 2026
From Mushin: Just after we’ve recite the Gatha of Atonement in the full morning service, we intone the mantra, Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa. I honor the Sacred One, the Worthy One, the Truly Awakened One. This line is the beginning of a longer...
