Sunday, 31 March 2013
Off to Crosby...
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
April closing
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Sesshin in Suffolk (July 2013)
Recently posted on the SWZ Events page: Keizan Scott Sensei will be leading a 5-day sesshin at Ringsfield Hall, nr Lowestoft, on 22-26 July.
A flyer for the sesshin is available to download - please distribute as you see fit.
From the listing:
A retreat to be held in Suffolk with Keizan Sensei. The schedule will be one of traditional Zen training with sitting and walking meditation, private interviews and dharma talks. It is a great opportunity to begin or renew training with an experienced teacher in an authentic and traditional lineage.
The retreat is open to absolute beginners with optional introductory classes in Zen Form and Practice especially for newcomers. Meals will be vegetarian. Part time participants are welcome.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
A visit to Moulton Primary
Today I spent some time at Moulton Primary, leading a Buddhist assembly with the whole school from Year 1 to Year 6.
We talked about the Three Poisons - they're usually listed as Greed, Anger and Ignorance, but I tried to put things in a more accessible format:
- Being selfish and greedy
- Getting angry
- Getting confused and frustrated
(That last interpretation very much inspired by my own son!)
Instead of behaving in these ways, I talked about trying to practice the opposites: the antidotes, asking if the kids could be (i) generous, (ii) kind and compassionate, and (iii) recognising when we're being upset or selfish and clearly deciding that we don't have to behave that way.
The kids were fantastic - so attentive and curious, so bold in their questions. We did a short metta meditation and then learned how to do gassho to say goodbye. Half the kids ended up filing past me to leave the hall, and I ended up doing a lot of gassho-ing!
Thanks to all the kids who were so wonderful, and to Miss Wilson for inviting me for their special Buddhist assembly.
