Friday 13 March 2020

Arrangements for Weekly Zazen

While we won't be meeting at the Quaker House until further notice, we've decided to "Commit to Sit" together in our own homes at the same times. Sitting together as a group, in community, is a vital part of our ongoing zazen practice - and this seems to be a practical alternative while still adding the necessary social distance!

The suggestion is that where possible, we maintain our usual schedule (summarised below). We must be realistic, though, and adapt this if necessary to the changed circumstances of our sitting.

7.30 - 8.00pm   Seated meditation
8.00 - 8.10pmKin-hin (walking meditation)
8.10 - 8.40pmSeated meditation

It is always advised to have a quiet place to sit (preferably one dedicated to the purpose, even if only in the corner of a room... but that's not always possible). You might want to set up an altar - the basic elements are a 'rupa' (Buddha-figure or alternative... even just an interesting-looking rock if it has some meaning for you!), a candle, flowers and incense. Or whatever works for you.

I'll be starting by offering incense and three full bows at 7.30pm, and ending by reciting the Four Vows (three times as usual). It's not necessary, but it sets the intention for the coming practice. Here are the Vows if you want to chant them:
Sentient beings are numberless, I vow to save them all;
Desires are inexhaustible, I vow to put an end to them;
The Dharmas are boundless, I vow to master them;
The Buddha Way is unsurpassable; I vow to attain it.
(Yes, it's impossible to keep these vows...! Ask me about them some day and we can chat perhaps after Zen one evening...!)

Even if you don't usually (or often, or recently...!!) sit with us, I'd encourage you to set this time aside and do some or all of the time with us each Wednesday evening. If you've not sat before but want to take advantage of the pandemic to try it for the first time, I'd be very happy to chat with you about it. Usually, I'd spend about 20mins or so chatting face-to-face before your first sit, but as an alternative, give me a call (number below) a day or so beforehand and we can talk. If I can't take the call, leave a message and I'll call back.

I've set up a WhatsApp group for anyone who's keen to join in - send me your phone number (alasdair@gordon-finlayson.net or text me at 07807 753 781) and I'll add you to the group. We'll check in with each other just before the start of the session at about 7.20pm, and say thanks and goodnight at the end. Do feel free to use it to keep in touch more generally for the rest of the week.


Thursday 12 March 2020

SWZ Northampton closure

Following discussion yesterday evening after our regular weekly zazen, we have decided to stop meeting for meditation on Wednesdays until further notice. Please keep an eye on this blog or the Facebook group for updates.

We will keep up with the practice, though! Please do join us every Wednesday from the comfort of your own home, as we 'commit to sit' at 7.30pm for the usual two 30-minute periods of zazen (or whatever you can manage in the circumstances of your own domestic situation!).

I'll update with an invitation to join a WhatsApp group to keep in touch and synchonise our Wednesday evenings, keep your eyes peeled!

(But don't touch your eyes... or nose or mouth... and wash your hands... mindfully of course!)