The brief answer is: it depends on what you mean by ‘religious’. If we see ‘being religious’ as believing in a set of religious doctrines that define belonging to a particular religion, then I would say the answer is … Continue reading →
This is an edited transcript of a talk given during the Regional Sangha Day, attended by members of several UK meditation groups, at the Jamyang Centre, Leeds, 16th July 2022. It’s very nice to see everyone; this is … Continue reading →
This is the story of a seemingly ordinary day in my life in February 2022. My sister had driven us to our weekly Sōtō Zen meditation class. We had not been able to find parking so we had to drive … Continue reading →
Segaki enables a tenderness for life to emerge and this talk is about opening our hearts. Segaki is a time when we can call to mind and honour all who have died, particularly those who have died in difficult circumstances—and … Continue reading →
When conditions arise, no matter what the conditions are, they complete us. And then conditions change. Acceptance means that conditions change, completeness doesn’t. So although we say that heat or cold completes us, it is not that we were incomplete … Continue reading →
One of the Six Worlds is the world of the hungry ghosts. It is depicted in Buddhist literature as one of the worlds into which one can be reborn after death; more important for us is to see that it … Continue reading →
There are 11, long narrow red cloth banners, that are hung in a straight line, behind and above, the Segaki, (also known as The Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts) Altar. The names on the banners are written vertically, in black. … Continue reading →
For whom is the Segaki ceremony intended? To whom do we offer all the merit we create? There seem to be at least several groups: deceased relatives and friends, especially recent and tragic deaths; unfortunate beings in various non-material states … Continue reading →
Generosity, compassion, love, and merit—all aspects of the Bodhisattva Mind-Heart—are the distinctive attributes, or seals, of the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts Ceremony (Segaki). I want to explore here the many ways these qualities are expressed in the ceremony: first, … Continue reading →
This is an assorted collection of reflections on the spirit and essence of Bowing. The scriptures tell us that when there is no more bowing there will be no more Buddhism. That statement makes plain how significant the heart and … Continue reading →
