I have always enjoyed Mel Tormé’s version of the Cole Porter song, “What is This Thing Called Love.” In his version of the song, after a bit of ‘scat singing’, he and a handful of background vocalists ask in close … Continue reading →
This writing was adapted from a talk and discussion given at Shasta Abbey offered for lay residents and local sangha members. I’ve tried to retain the informal style of the original talk. I wish to talk about and discuss four … Continue reading →
A transcription of a talk given at Shasta Abbey on Oct 18 2020. Homage to the Buddha Homage to the Dharma Homage to the Sangha Today I’m going to talk about something that is relevant to our current times which … Continue reading →
Choosing to Train Rev. Master Rokuzan Kroenke —Columbia Zen Buddhist Priory, Columbia, SC–USA— From Columbia Zen Buddhist Priory Newsletter, December 2005, Number 10. In our training, we have the choice to see our suffering as an opportunity to train … Continue reading →
The Difference between Peace and Happiness: A Buddhist’s Perspective Karen Richards —Telford, Shropshire–UK— From a talk given by Karen Richards to a conference of The National Women’s Register. The conference’s theme was ‘Faith in the Future’ and contributions were invited … Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
A few weeks ago, I went on a cycling trip with a friend across Scotland, from west coast to east coast. There’s a pleasing simplicity and clarity about these trips: you start at A and finish at B. The tradition … Continue reading →