Sunday 31 March 2013

Off to Crosby...

Sesshin starts today - driving up later with Rob. Knees seem to be aching already in anticipation...

Wednesday 27 March 2013

April closing

We will not be meeting for two weeks in April. Obviously Easter Monday (April 1st) is off, but the following Monday we will be closed too. The next time we meet will be on Monday 15th April.

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.

Moulton Primary School