Returning

I am reminded, after a visit with my baby granddaughter, of the lively direct universe that we all encounter when we first emerge into human form. We encounter, in the words of e.e.cummings, “everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is ‘yes’”. The...

Patience

Patience. It’s considered one of the paramitas, the perfections. Patience prompts us to take our time, be kind, listen well, and to persist in our efforts, giving each portion its due. We practice patience – with ourselves, with others, and with the conditions...

Stop For a Moment

How often in a day do you just stop? Not to rest, not to turn around, but just to stop for the experience of stopping. Spotted by the moment – for any eyes watching, waiting, there’s a place for you right here. An instant to stop your seeking. Always going somewhere...

Freedom

What is freedom? Who’s in control? Who’s responsible for your life? Are you responsible for your life or is someone or something else? Zen practice is always pointing us back to the source of experience. Are you aware of what guides you? How we approach this question...

This Moment is Complete

How often are you walking along wrapped up in your thoughts, and feeling unsettled? When a moment of awareness erupt into this, just look around. What’s right here, clear and present? Appreciating the singularity of any moment is a gift, one that we all can receive....

Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo

During service every other week we chant the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo. We chant it through three times, each time more briskly, to call on Kannon, the name of the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Japanese, to raise the energy of compassion in our own hearts. Even if we...