Hakone Zendo

Ann shared a profound reading from “Seeds for a Boundless Life: Zen Teachings from the Heart” by Blanche Hartman, a respected Zen teacher and former abbess at the San Francisco Zen Center. The passage she chose resonated deeply with the group, emphasizing the idea that we are perfect just as we are and that everything…

Share by Shengyu Practicing Tai Chi has been a transformative experience for me. Philosophically, Tai Chi aims to achieve a state of peacefulness. It’s not just about the movements, but also about quieting the mind and focusing on the postures, akin to meditation. One fundamental posture in Tai Chi is called “standing like a tree”,…

Shared by Sonam Visiting the zendo every Sunday has become a cherished part of my life. From the moment I step into the beautiful garden, I’m filled with gratitude for the serene environment and the dedication of those who maintain it. The rituals—vows, chanting, and more—rekindle my appreciation for my cultural roots and instill a…

“Hi bi kore kōjitsu” Finding Beauty in Our Everyday Lives Shared by Reni 日々是好日 which means “every day is a good day” I personally like to say “every day is a beautiful day.” One of my  favorite concepts from Japanese life philosophy.     I first encountered this phrase in The Wisdom of Tea by Noriko Morishita’s…

Shared by Lakshmi We often hear that meditation is good for you or that it’s good to be in the present moment and we often take that on faith. Today, I want to explore why it may actually have practical benefits for us. In psychology, a concept that has been well-researched is – ” the…

Reni’s sharing    This morning at the zendo, I had the joy of sharing the concept of “omoiyari” with everyone. Kaz & I worked together on a wood panel design which would reflect our community’s mindset. Omoiyari seemed like the perfect expression on how kindly we treat each other. I’m a complete beginner in shodo as…