We seek Buddhism when we recognize that there is something seriously wrong with the direction we have taken in our search for satisfaction and happiness. Buddhism points us to deep truths that resonate in our hearts. We are drawn to … Continue reading →
Today is our Festival of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva and when we look around the hall, we find ourselves surrounded by all these lovely images of this Bodhisattva and encompassed by inspiring music and invocations. So I’d like to talk a bit … Continue reading →
For some time I have found myself reflecting on the Buddha’s Teaching of anatta or ‘not-self’ and how it might be applied in daily life—willingly opening ourselves to radically changing our perspective on ourself. In my experience, a good start … Continue reading →
What is it in the psychological aspect of being a human that tends to lead us towards the belief in a substantial self, separate from other beings, which in turn leads us to break the Precepts? How do we balance … Continue reading →
As you sit upright, a dignified human being without calculation or complaint: ignoring dies, dissatisfaction wears out, and the unnumbered things of the world, animate and inanimate both, lend their aid and join in with your breathing. Here, there is … Continue reading →
What is it like when we wake in the morning? Before our brain wakes up and remembers what we have to do that day, there is a space — of being you could say; which is just an appreciation: we … Continue reading →
The literal translation of “zenki” is “the activity of Zen” or “the activity of meditation,” and this chapter refers to That which is “ever functioning, never dormant” within that activity, namely Buddha Nature, True Nature, or what Dōgen calls True … Continue reading →
In remembering Rev. Master Jiyu today, I was thinking of recounting an anecdote about her, but perhaps that is not the most important thing. What matters is the teaching that they all embodied rather than their personalities. Who Rev. Master … Continue reading →
Throughout the ages Buddhism has been practised, taught and passed on by one person to another. Every scripture, statue and example came from a person who, through training, gave their individual life back to its Source, enabling the Truth to … Continue reading →
It is so helpful for our spiritual path to recognise the heart of Buddha in other human beings. When I was a young man, there was a deep longing in me that I could not have put into words then. … Continue reading →