By Diana
This is my first time sharing. I have been attending Hakone Zendo for a few months, I can’t remember exactly how long. Every time that I come here, it feels like the first time I am here. However, I have noticed that my quality of life has improved a lot since I joined Hakone Zendo.
I have always been a sensitive person, and before joining Hakone Zendo, I felt like everything in life was happening to me. After coming here, I started to notice a sense of distance from all those things happening around me. I feel that I have more space for me, and I’m not caught up in everything that happens around me.
Another big change for me has been finding the power of community. I have always loved visiting the Hakone Gardens. I knew that there was a meditation group here I had some interest in joining. But I felt intimidated and decided not to join the group. But then one day, I decided to sign in and came for the garden meditation. As I was meditating, I looked at the moon, I that was my “aha” moment.
We were all meditating, gazing at the moon together and I realized through the silence that we were all sharing peace, compassion, and respect. “Silence” is a very powerful tool that brings us so much fulfillment to the inside and needs so little from the outside.
I’m so grateful for everyone here, and for those who created this space and these opportunities for us to come together. Thank you for making this possible.
Hakone Zendo 