Summer 2020 Journal – Journal of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives

This Summer’s Journal is an extended issue offered in response to the Coronavirus pandemic; we have been moved by the number of articles we have been given by monks and lay authors. We hope you find this Journal helpful at this challenging time we all face.

In addition we have news and photos from some of the temples in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and the UK. These show the creative responses by their priors and sangha to maintain contact and support practice when it has not been possible to physically meet.

Download the whole PDF of the Summer 2020 Journal of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives here.

Please ask permission to reprint. OBC Copyright Policy

Trusting the Merit of the Buddha Refuge

The following is an attempt to speak about a process, or movement, that is most important in our spiritual life. To start with, here are two diary entries from the past year, slightly paraphrased: … When I went up to … Continue reading →

Infinite Gateways of the Dharma

This article is dedicated to the memory of my beloved brother Kris, who passed away 4 April, 2020. At a funeral service it is traditional to place a painting or photograph of the deceased on the altar – a likeness … Continue reading →

How and Why Spiritual Merit ‘works’

This article is based on a talk given by Rev. Master Mugō on the 5th April at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey. It was transcribed by Rev. Alina and edited by Julius Welby. We have just completed a ceremony which I … Continue reading →

Loneliness

In recent years I have spent much of my time in solitude and would like to offer some thoughts on loneliness, especially now when many of us are having to live in isolation. Most of the advice going around at … Continue reading →

Just Walking

This article is taken from a talk of the same name that was part of the May issue of the Dharma Reflections From The Place of Peace, CD series. It is offered in gratitude for the life and training of … Continue reading →

Distancing

In our current Coronavirus affected time, I find myself being careful in observing guidance on ‘social distancing’ and see it is necessary. But, at the same time, it raises spiritual questions for me about what ‘distancing’ means.1 Such questions clearly … Continue reading →

The Fine Art of Social Distancing

The weather is “perfect”. You know that day when the sky is sheer deep blue, and itʼs warm and windy and delicious and youʼd be a fool not to be out there in it? My COVID-19 lockdown walk takes me … Continue reading →

Dealing with Fear and Uncertainty during the Covid-19 outbreak

Everyone has been deeply affected by the CV-19 outbreak. One of most difficult aspects of the situation has been that our natural wish to help others has been thwarted by the need for ‘social isolation’. For example one concerned person … Continue reading →

Poetry and Zen Practice

This is a revised version of a talk given in February 2020 on a Retreat at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, which included an exploration of poetry and contemplative writing. The American poet and Zen practitioner Jane Hirshfield has described poetry … Continue reading →

A Donkey’s Lesson

I love donkeys. They so belong in the Spanish landscape. A little dreamy and very willing, until you overstep their boundary. Then they will show you how stubborn they can be and that is no laughing matter. I recognise myself … Continue reading →