Category: zen
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Things You Cannot Control
By Aaron One thing though I’ve been thinking about a lot lately is how I should react when there are things in the world outside of my control that trouble me. So I collected a few quotes on that topic that maybe will help me or maybe will spur thoughts among others. The first one…
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Embracing Imperfection: Finding Light in the Cracks
By Taylor I recently found myself contemplating what to discuss and was reminded of a song lyric by Leonard Cohen: “There’s a crack in everything; that’s where the light gets in.” This sentiment feels particularly relevant to Buddhist practice in our daily lives. When we examine anything closely enough, we discover flaws and inherent changes…
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Life’s Best Lessons Come from Doing, Not Reading
Shared by KazYou know that moment when someone says something that doesn’t quite make sense at first, but later it hits you like a lightbulb? That’s exactly what happened to me about fifteen years ago when I started practicing zazen meditation. My teacher, Rev. Ito, once told me: “Kaz, steal from others on how to…
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Meditation Posture: Finding What Works for You
Shared by Chris. I’ve been reflecting on my meditation practice lately and wanted to share some specifics that have evolved over the years, in the hope that it might be helpful to others—or perhaps spark some suggestions for improvement. Since I started attending regularly in 2019, a significant part of my journey has been about…
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Calm Your Mind: Embrace Inner Clarity
Shared by Kaz. Our mind is like a pond. Beneath the calm surface, dirt settles at the bottom. However, when the water is disturbed—when our mind is agitated —the pond becomes muddy and unclear. Life offers countless things that can upset us. At work, perhaps it’s a demanding boss, a challenging coworker, or a difficult…
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Exploring Motive: A Path to a Happier Life
Shared by Heidi Lately, I’ve been pondering the concept of motive and how it shapes our lives. As I’ve incorporated daily meditation into my routine, I’ve noticed myself becoming less reactive. However, I still find myself responding to life’s challenges in ways that aren’t always ideal. It’s a fact of life that we can’t control…
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Wabi Sabi—A Brief Description
Shared by Sue Anawalt Wabi Sabi is a Japanese concept considered to have arisen out of Zen Buddhism and is most often associated with the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It is pertinent here to insert a famous zen saying regarding my expertise on wabi sabi. “He who does not say knows.” and “He who says does…
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Zazen: What to Keep in Mind 坐禅心得 (zazen kokoroe)
Shared by Kaz In 2012, Rev. Ito provided guidance to students on how they should prepare for zazen practice at our zendo. This guidance, titled “Rinzai Hakone Zendo Zazen Kokoroe,” outlines the essential principles and practices. I have included additional explanations to enhance understanding. 礼儀作法 (reigi saho) Etiquette and Courtesy. Students are expected to show…
Hakone Zendo 