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 →
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 →
Chapter Six from Rev. Master Seikai’s book Depth Spirituality, first printed in May 2017 and republished here with thanks. There are many very excellent books on the subject of meditation, so there is really no need for me to add … Continue reading →
A transcription of a talk given at the end of a retreat on 1st May 2011. Homage to the Buddha, Homage to the Dharma, Homage to the Sangha As most of you know we just finished up with our Meditation … Continue reading →
This is an edited version of a talk given on 26 July 2012, during a lay retreat at Shasta Abbey which focused on meditation practice. It also appeared in the Spring 2013 Journal and in Serene Reflection Meditation, a Shasta … Continue reading →
Often in our practice it is helpful to go back to basics, to see what it is we are doing in meditation. The aspect I’d like to draw out is ‘deliberate thought’. I imagine that these words will remind you … Continue reading →
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2012 issue of this Journal. Why is it in our tradition, Sōtō Zen Buddhism, that practising meditation is not talked about in terms of mastering a technique? There can certainly be times of … Continue reading →
This is an extract from Chapter 2 of Sitting Buddha There are four positions for meditation described in the Buddhist sūtras—standing, sitting, walking and lying down. Wherever you are, whatever the circumstances, you can always do zazen, even if you … Continue reading →
Taken from the Booklet ‘How to Meditate’, a transcription of a series of talks offered in 2016. It was transcribed and edited by Tracy Kitagawa, Michelle Feist, Pierre Kohl and Rev. Master Aurelian, with minor revisions for ease of reading. … Continue reading →
July 2019 The neurologist moves his chair to the left, adjusts the height so that his eyes are level and 3ft away from mine (as recommended) and says “I’m afraid to say that you have motor neurone disease.” I look … Continue reading →
