Words and the Stories We Tell: How Our Narratives Shape Reality
Words! The Way is beyond all language, for in it there is no yesterday, no tomorrow, no today.--Sengstan As I see it, beginning with the body: from conception to death…
Once and For All
Let's be clear -- a personal note from Seido, caretaker of Hokoku-An Zendo. I'm not a Zen Master; and as far as being a Rinzai Zen monk goes, I'm the first…
Basic Zen Meditation
A monk asked Joshu: What is meditation?Joshu replied: Meditation is not meditation.The monk persisted: Why is meditation not meditation?Joshu replied: It’s alive! It’s alive! There are many so-called “methods of…
A Basic Introduction to Sitting Still
What follows is a non-sectarian approach to sitting still. It could be considered preparation for meditation. One: Breathing exercise for relaxation and focus; this exercise can be done seated in…
Why Sit?
Someone asked me the other day, "Why do you meditate?" When I was a newly ordained monk and first started Hokoku-An Zendo I used to give a lot of Dharma…
Correct Posture for Meditation
For those of you trying to maintain a regular sitting practice at home -- please persevere; even if you sit for only 15 or 20 minutes a day, it's worth…
Some Notes on Practicing Alone
Maintaining a solo practice of zazen requires discipline, first and foremost. Becoming complacent with your practice leads to one end: no practice. Unfortunately it’s very easy to become complacent in…