by SJZC Administrator | Dec 16, 2024
The precepts. Beyond precept study, reflection, and discussion, we emphasize the practice of zazen to clarify the precepts. Why? The precepts are about living in integrity, harmoniously, in tune. But what are we tuning with? We are tuning with respect to our deeper...
by SJZC Administrator | Dec 2, 2024
‘If you spend your whole life not leaving the monastery, not talking for ten years or for five years, no-one will be able to call you a mute. Do not wonder whether not-talking might be vacuous. Entry is one monastery. Getting out is one monastery. The way of the birds...
by SJZC Administrator | Nov 18, 2024
We hear the phrase “dharma gate” often in the Zen tradition, but what does it refer to? Is there a gate somewhere that we need to find and what does it let on to? “Dharma” of course refers to the teachings in the Buddha tradition. The teachings refer to all things and...
by SJZC Administrator | Nov 11, 2024
Conditions are always changing. The larger cycles of war and political disruption, marked by three poisons, don’t seem to change, though. Greed, hostility, and ignorance are as innate in the human condition as is generosity, compassion, and awake awareness. It’s up to...
by SJZC Administrator | Nov 4, 2024
Jizo Bohisattva, also known as Kishitagarba, is the Bodhisattva of Great Vow. Jizo embodies the energy of vow or intention that each of us has the capacity the to access. What is your spiritual vow? To awaken? To love? To resolve the fear in your heart? To serve? Are...
by SJZC Administrator | Oct 28, 2024
What is hunger? How does the state of mind differ in one who hasn’t eaten in days, from one who is fasting? Rationally, we know we need nothing. And yet, what does it feel like to really need… We all suffer from hunger. Some who haven’t eaten since yesterday, watch as...
