by Abby Mushin Terris | Mar 25, 2023
This Sunday we will be celebrating our first shuso hossen. You may wonder what this is. Shuso (head trainee) is a traditional role in zen training for Zen students of long practice. They take on various responsibilities in order to make the zendo and zen center a...
by Abby Mushin Terris | Mar 18, 2023
The word Tao means the Way, the direct reality of life and the natural order of the universe. Before we put words to it, before thinking about it, not dependent on words…the lively reality of this moment continually arises. Thinking and words are also part of reality,...
by Abby Mushin Terris | Mar 11, 2023
There is a responsibility that comes with being human – to pay conscious attention, to attend to our thoughts, words and actions carefully. We are careful because these are what bring the world into being. You may notice that when you think and also when you...
by Abby Mushin Terris | Mar 4, 2023
There’s a metaphor, “turning on a dime” that describes one of the ways that we adjust to unexpected changes of conditions. A dime is a very small detail. And it is the small details that can cause us to pivot. Buddhism teaches that causes and conditions fashion our...
by Abby Mushin Terris | Feb 24, 2023
At the recent Board retreat the topic of Silver Dragon practice came up. This refers to an option that is particularly suitable for aged people, who could use an easier schedule at retreats in order to be able to attend at all. It’s important to be aware that part of...
by Abby Mushin Terris | Feb 18, 2023
What is the difference between practicing meditation only, on your own at home, and practicing in sangha at the Zen Center? It IS essential that you practice at home. It IS your own practice, after all, no matter where you are. And developing a habit of stopping...
