tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70999095971072364672024-03-26T17:25:39.479+00:00zeNN1 - StoneWater Zen NorthamptonWe are a Zen group meeting weekly on Wednesdays in Northampton for meditation training, practice and group discussion. And tea! Beginners are always welcome. We're part of the StoneWater Zen Sangha, a British Soto Zen community led by Keizan Scott Roshi.AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-13368718288297146872024-03-26T17:24:00.004+00:002024-03-26T17:24:43.715+00:00Easter(ish) opening...<p>Hi everyone - just a quick note about our zazen evenings for the next couple of weeks...</p><p>This coming Monday is the Easter Monday Bank Holiday... but we won't let that stop us! We'll be meeting for zazen at the same time & place as ever, so if you can make it on Monday (1st April), we'll see you then.</p><p>However, the <i>next </i>Monday (8th April) we <i>won't </i>be meeting, as I'll be away on <i>sesshin </i>(meditation retreat). Sit at home that day! We'll meet again the following week (15th) as per usual.</p><p>I asked AI to make me an Easter-themed Buddhist image, and it came up with this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrAgJhxqf8rxhrKQEtDsYaR2JT1rVCg3oepOs89DdEIRrRhUDVdzY23w8tY44zTnkMPFD1Hd2cSqw1TN9V5QWvRcqz8Psd2-hi-l1Hu-EIIS128HUKm3u7Uk4iF3Yyiqpg9wmJF4_jA9mMOSZAxiyadW7du4oTCo9_Sg8i54B7icwra-THo8xzE-edNi9/s2048/Firefly%20a%20cartoon%20image%20of%20a%20buddhist%20meditator%20with%20an%20easter%20theme%2066118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrAgJhxqf8rxhrKQEtDsYaR2JT1rVCg3oepOs89DdEIRrRhUDVdzY23w8tY44zTnkMPFD1Hd2cSqw1TN9V5QWvRcqz8Psd2-hi-l1Hu-EIIS128HUKm3u7Uk4iF3Yyiqpg9wmJF4_jA9mMOSZAxiyadW7du4oTCo9_Sg8i54B7icwra-THo8xzE-edNi9/s320/Firefly%20a%20cartoon%20image%20of%20a%20buddhist%20meditator%20with%20an%20easter%20theme%2066118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>If you're taking some time off over the Easter hols, have a great time!AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-24186104810169703732024-02-28T17:02:00.000+00:002024-02-28T17:02:14.852+00:00The method of no-method<p> There's some discussion about whether the terms "silent illumination" and "shikanatza" mean the same thing - but at the very least they're similar! Today's quote is from <i>Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method</i> of No-Method by Rebecca Li that resonated strongly with me:</p><blockquote><p>Silent Illumination is often called the method of no-method because it does not ask us to focus the mind on any particular object such as the breath. There is nothing to do, but you can’t do nothing, so you have to start with something. It is a way of clear and total open awareness, moment-to-moment experience that simultaneously reveals our intrinsic enlightenment. Silent Illumination is a relaxing into the present that allows us to shed our habits of self-centered attachment—and consequently our suffering—without force, like leaves falling from a tree in autumn.</p></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CzN0Aq43a3NP9DYixq5WUr6Wy2GnF_hpLDS_P4PHihBWuksUqTpQwmK5Ent_tLE7NlaQcpPeixB11r8TeZryfnYLc_e-mFZQEbuRCUWFmlA4uY5LvKRLlU10Z4b2HjTZ61CIDTVu5MCtVKgfv2Jhtp4PpTG9xZBJAXje4kR_Aw3a4m570jPUoKmg6hTf/s2048/Firefly%20watercolor%20painting%20of%20a%20single%20purple%20viola%20wittrockiana%20flower%20on%20a%20plain%20background%2059900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CzN0Aq43a3NP9DYixq5WUr6Wy2GnF_hpLDS_P4PHihBWuksUqTpQwmK5Ent_tLE7NlaQcpPeixB11r8TeZryfnYLc_e-mFZQEbuRCUWFmlA4uY5LvKRLlU10Z4b2HjTZ61CIDTVu5MCtVKgfv2Jhtp4PpTG9xZBJAXje4kR_Aw3a4m570jPUoKmg6hTf/s320/Firefly%20watercolor%20painting%20of%20a%20single%20purple%20viola%20wittrockiana%20flower%20on%20a%20plain%20background%2059900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>AI-generated image: watercolor painting of a single <br />purple viola wittrockiana flower on a plain background</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p> </p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-9403902991610610752024-02-13T11:32:00.001+00:002024-02-13T11:32:18.458+00:00Zen "the direct expression of our true nature"<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: helvetica, "sans-serifhelvetica neue"; font-size: 16px;">Today's quote comes from the remarkable <i>Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind</i>, by renowned teacher Shunryu Suzuki, whose Zen legacy is alive and well around the world. In <i>ZMBM </i>he writes:</span></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: helvetica, "sans-serifhelvetica neue"; font-size: 16px;">Zazen practice is the direct expression of our true nature. Strictly speaking, for a human being, there is no other practice than this practice; there is no other way of life than this way of life.</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: helvetica, "sans-serifhelvetica neue"; font-size: 16px;">This indivisibility of our practice and our life is crucial, though it should never be taken as encouragement <i>not </i>to do formal practice! Rather, as both our practice and our lives arise, our true nature inevitably expresses itself moment-by-moment. And as our practice matures, our responses to each moment come more from that true nature, unfiltered by our small selves. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: helvetica, "sans-serifhelvetica neue"; font-size: 16px;">So: join us for a spot of zazen on Monday evening!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-vtevWJbgOROs4vZnx1LRZr1yC79LFYtZe8hvX7DDe7p3qH9DFqvjnBlPm3Mt9iyjXh0xovhsDH9HiEIUCZMxOdh7NOcsgsktKMHkRerywKnG4Zh9YOlPZQdoY2tR__Scx1qOpylAZpTM569D3pdtEuU9Sda75IQINMX5LKuOSIVJw7VzdlzrJJOFctv/s1080/Firefly%20meditator1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-vtevWJbgOROs4vZnx1LRZr1yC79LFYtZe8hvX7DDe7p3qH9DFqvjnBlPm3Mt9iyjXh0xovhsDH9HiEIUCZMxOdh7NOcsgsktKMHkRerywKnG4Zh9YOlPZQdoY2tR__Scx1qOpylAZpTM569D3pdtEuU9Sda75IQINMX5LKuOSIVJw7VzdlzrJJOFctv/w400-h400/Firefly%20meditator1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: helvetica, "sans-serifhelvetica neue"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-86267583381009192402024-02-10T17:48:00.000+00:002024-02-10T17:48:44.039+00:00 Exploring the Ten Fetters with a Zen eye<p>At the start of this year, I started to discuss the Ten Fetters in our weekly Zen meetings in Northampton, and I did a condensed reprise of them in our online Saturday meeting today. In the end, I had to race to finish on time (didn't quite make it!), so as a challenge to myself to be more brief, I'm giving myself one last chance to explore the Ten Fetters concisely!</p><p>The Ten Fetters are outlined in the Sangiti Sutta (DN33), part of the earliest surviving canonical Buddhist scriptures. They're not often talked about in Zen circles, but being aware of these mental hindrances can offer valuable insights and guidance for Zennies, allowing us to deepen our practice and move more freely in the world.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnIuU559U68trjZNsgNR6DDPsX1-29Gu0HXNI-3ObeBDP-DiueOipSL0cTjwWE9OAeplUCbrrJkUxK-NxMd1Qmz9kzGgeW-Bg4V9_JvD3w3ke84Xo-DJQIFe63k3I2olccLyjhHWrhpI3VU1vhhs7EbZCmVA_3rmqNsAySxREqJlSEWqqd5iL2lQqgKSO/s640/chain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnIuU559U68trjZNsgNR6DDPsX1-29Gu0HXNI-3ObeBDP-DiueOipSL0cTjwWE9OAeplUCbrrJkUxK-NxMd1Qmz9kzGgeW-Bg4V9_JvD3w3ke84Xo-DJQIFe63k3I2olccLyjhHWrhpI3VU1vhhs7EbZCmVA_3rmqNsAySxREqJlSEWqqd5iL2lQqgKSO/s320/chain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Ten Fetters, or Samyojana, are described as mental obstacles that bind individuals to the cycle of suffering (samsara). They include fundamental misconceptions such as identity view, doubt, attachment to rituals, sensual desire, ill will, attachment to form, attachment to formless realms, conceit, restlessness, and ignorance. Each fetter represents a layer of delusion that obscures our innate wisdom and prevents us from realizing our true nature. I won't go into detail on each of these as I'm aiming for conciseness here. I'll save that for the book...! <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Lol the thought of me writing a book on Zen or Buddhism!!!]</span></i><p></p><p>It's not part of normal Zen practice to analyse the contents or processes of our consciousness in detail. I'm sure, though, that part of the fruit of Zen practice is precisely the sort of clarity and wisdom that can give us a good place to stand in considering these, becoming aware of our own mental states and tendencies. Such insight is crucial for spotting the arising and the effects of these Fetters in our practice, our relationships, our work lives, and in all of our lives. </p><p>Zen often demands we let go of fixed views, desires, and attachments, and this is very much in the spirit of overcoming the fetters. Considering the Fetters allows us to deepen our insight into the impermanence and insubstantiality of all phenomena through the study of the Ten Fetters. For me, this is the heart of the tenth Fetter, ignorance (avidya), and as I said this morning, if we could only keep one from the list it would be this one, as it encapsulates all the others. </p><p>The breaking of these chains that bind us to our storied selves is not a simple one-off process but a lifetime's graft, and I see myself fail at it all the time. But fail again, try again, I tell myself. Don't be attached to the results, just get used to seeing the world as it stands before us, before we impose upon it our own desires, conceits, doubts, fixed views and all the rest.</p><p>Gassho,</p><p>Alasdair Taisen</p><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-12255875368211576322024-02-06T16:58:00.001+00:002024-02-06T16:58:10.039+00:00Inspiration...<p> This is from the late Thich Nhat Hanh:</p><blockquote><p>Don’t underestimate yourself. You have the ability to wake up. You have the ability to be compassionate. You just need a little bit of practice to be able to touch the best that is in you. Enlightenment, mindfulness, understanding, and compassion are in you. Very simple practices—such as meditative walking, mindful breathing, or washing dishes mindfully—make it possible for you to leave hell and touch the positive seeds that are within you. </p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEOKGLlI28vkSA43yYRuABQY_D7rlFHWYpj_BiCwcsT7-ldTGK_NcP0_m_GxhdcY7wghzTXdpYhkyWFD7N6yD1MR3MbhefLIs28NWV4JASCe9n_Githll_adOL_cd2q_BzPvswxYFHZBbifi_wDfB2rgnPLI21v0cgx_OVrNncgqqY2BZeeFJ2TeHrGxm/s1757/tnhunderestimate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1757" data-original-width="1225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEOKGLlI28vkSA43yYRuABQY_D7rlFHWYpj_BiCwcsT7-ldTGK_NcP0_m_GxhdcY7wghzTXdpYhkyWFD7N6yD1MR3MbhefLIs28NWV4JASCe9n_Githll_adOL_cd2q_BzPvswxYFHZBbifi_wDfB2rgnPLI21v0cgx_OVrNncgqqY2BZeeFJ2TeHrGxm/s320/tnhunderestimate.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-56096995127709916092024-01-23T11:16:00.002+00:002024-01-23T11:16:28.415+00:00Keeping in touch?<p>As long-time followers of this blog - and people who have ever come to the Northampton group - will know, keeping in touch with folk hasn't been a strength of mine. I'm going to try to improve things on that front a bit this year, try and keep the group and the practice a bit more present in our lives. Don't expect weekly emails or anything!</p><p>However, I've got embarrassingly few contact details from people who've visited the group or even just been in touch, so step one is probably to remedy that. If you'd like the odd email from me - perhaps to announce an event, or a notification of a new blog post, that sort of thing, please could you send me your email address (along with your full name so I have a vague chance at some organisation). You can email your details to me at <a href="mailto:alasdair@gordon-finlayson.net">alasdair@gordon-finlayson.net</a>, or text/WhatsApp me on 07807 753 781. </p><p>Just a quick note that this is completely separate from the main StoneWater Zen Sangha email list - this is a more informal list that's only going to be kept on my computer and used only be me. I will never share these details with anyone - not even SWZ - and of course will remove you if you get bored of the flood of emails from me (heh not likely).</p><p>Talking of the main mailing list - I'd encourage you to sign up for that if you haven't already. To do so, go to <a href="https://www.stonewaterzen.org/">www.stonewaterzen.org</a> and scroll right to the bottom of the page, you'll see a form there, just fill it in and hey presto.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LV-af6EE420PRS46y4pUUzEZgatXfSRz-_HG32fuIMZtvBHdUym7_O3LAlHDRqKjHpFL9jghC7gK_NiwP25ulXHbimJV7X1nr3Zcpnfs01tqN4J_7yhXXWpbgBzMJGvAIflbiyoQpihZBhD1JQ6GWeBZNGVZKHl4Vzto9RvNpksH6WF_fTawhfRJxDBq/s2048/Firefly%20bald%20zen%20monk%20leaning%20over%20a%20desk%20writing%20with%20a%20quill%20in%20ink-and-brush%20painting%20style%20236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LV-af6EE420PRS46y4pUUzEZgatXfSRz-_HG32fuIMZtvBHdUym7_O3LAlHDRqKjHpFL9jghC7gK_NiwP25ulXHbimJV7X1nr3Zcpnfs01tqN4J_7yhXXWpbgBzMJGvAIflbiyoQpihZBhD1JQ6GWeBZNGVZKHl4Vzto9RvNpksH6WF_fTawhfRJxDBq/s320/Firefly%20bald%20zen%20monk%20leaning%20over%20a%20desk%20writing%20with%20a%20quill%20in%20ink-and-brush%20painting%20style%20236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">AI generated. Adobe Firefly prompt: "bald zen monk leaning over a <br />desk writing with a quill in ink-and-brush painting style"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-77219805495638604822023-12-30T20:44:00.000+00:002023-12-30T20:44:13.977+00:00New Year's Day 2024 - Zazen as usual!<p>Just a quick note to say that we <i>will</i> be meeting on Monday 1st January 2024 for our usual zen meditation schedule. Let's start the New Year the same way we mean to go on! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwsorAI1tMw7rF9xMvo5K6x2nk8OfLc9ZxGUEOnVT6TNIN2asfgC5yR1eKK7RKmvIXLiyxBPj6Ut6qwg-2Oy1DvTjC0WVPmXhLJlMOmh4RUzQIs2_N_LAIJ_mTgMzHasMhcQ2EPS5WsbzNqebkI3o4yTCe4EJTYXMZP6Ck4HCfS-T1W8CFjxGOn-3VSWf/s1000/genku-ji-temple-bell-asakusa-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwsorAI1tMw7rF9xMvo5K6x2nk8OfLc9ZxGUEOnVT6TNIN2asfgC5yR1eKK7RKmvIXLiyxBPj6Ut6qwg-2Oy1DvTjC0WVPmXhLJlMOmh4RUzQIs2_N_LAIJ_mTgMzHasMhcQ2EPS5WsbzNqebkI3o4yTCe4EJTYXMZP6Ck4HCfS-T1W8CFjxGOn-3VSWf/w400-h300/genku-ji-temple-bell-asakusa-big.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Genku-ji Temple Bell, Higashi-ueno, Tokyo</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the Japanese tradition, New Year is celebrated from 1-3 January and there can be various rites associated with it - a fire ceremony to symbolise the burning away of our old karma, the writing of New Year's resolutions in Japanese calligraphy, putting up new decorations around the entrance to the home, and many others. </p><p>The one that has always struck me (sorry, terrible pun...) is the ringing of the temple bell 108 times to see the New Year in - starting at midnight. The number 108 comes up frequently in Zen and in Buddhism more broadly, and amongst other things is said to be the number of imperfections that we need to rid ourselves of. So, plenty of work to do then!</p><p>Clearly, in the New Year, we have a chance to set our intentions for the immediate future, and I encourage you to reflect on how you want to life your life over the coming year. </p><p>Wishing you strong practice, peace and happiness for 2024!</p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-43251563850256296322023-12-19T14:37:00.000+00:002023-12-19T14:37:26.484+00:00Zazen is...<p>This is from the wonderful <i>Zen Mind, Beginners' Mind</i>, a collection of talks from Shunryu Suzuki that has absolutely become a modern classic of Zen literature. It's easy to read, but full of profundity, and I recommend it to anyone who's got the slightest interest in Zen. I think for many people this is the first book on Zen they get for themselves or are given, and it's a wonderful way into this oddity we call Zen!</p><p>Suzuki writes:</p><blockquote><p>Zazen practice is the direct expression of our true nature. Strictly speaking, for a human being, there is no other practice than this practice; there is no other way of life than this way of life.</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What does he mean by this? Is this one of those "my thing is so much better than your thing" things? I don't think so, not for a moment. Our true nature isn't reserved for Zennies or for Buddhists or for people who've left their old faiths behind. It's not for male or female or any other gender or sexual identity. It's not bound by ethnicity or nationality... not even limited to humans. It is expressed in every passing moment of the world and is entirely unavoidable! We might not always <i>recognise </i>it, but we manifest it without the slightest effort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In zazen, we carry on manifesting it - just perhaps for a moment we stop doing all the other things that we do in our lives and minds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vNL2_Lt3zoHagoEQqQ2c-bM7yeWKunlUjGiSBevBWH0qgUYGJxnvJrwvTod9CcCZmrXUCFpCtTxz0SmyLmDO6_hpftc6RwaqJ2q8WnCYxMinqX7ZA6Dl4-xh8fSFQYKw8w0_qVaAlqFaJtazxRRY8fuOzbDAO7auYISDnOAqf19F_qJqnJyCz1Yze1ZH/s575/zmbm.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vNL2_Lt3zoHagoEQqQ2c-bM7yeWKunlUjGiSBevBWH0qgUYGJxnvJrwvTod9CcCZmrXUCFpCtTxz0SmyLmDO6_hpftc6RwaqJ2q8WnCYxMinqX7ZA6Dl4-xh8fSFQYKw8w0_qVaAlqFaJtazxRRY8fuOzbDAO7auYISDnOAqf19F_qJqnJyCz1Yze1ZH/w204-h320/zmbm.webp" width="204" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-7825544698153066022023-12-15T10:41:00.000+00:002023-12-15T10:41:09.320+00:00Research request...<p> You may know that in my 'other life' I'm an academic psychologist... so with that hat on...</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>How do we shape our homes and lives as Zen practitioners? I’m a cultural psychologist and Zen practitioner, and I’m looking for people to share photos with me of your home practice spaces (and any other areas in your home that show a Zennie/Buddhist influence) to help understand how Zen is adapting to UK culture and how we as Brits are adapting to Zen.</p><p>To participate, please go to <a href="https://form.jotform.com/alasdairgordonfinlayson/10000-things-of-western-zen">https://form.jotform.com/alasdairgordonfinlayson/10000-things-of-western-zen</a>. To ask any questions, please email me at <a href="mailto:alasdair.gordon-finlayson@northampton.ac.uk">alasdair.gordon-finlayson@northampton.ac.uk</a>.</p></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNPLZQbR_iUTHLAJ7ZCiQf2U8vxr1bQ8AMk7ijVpIKsDkpJyuu-TXm5XZ9nkofv6JcAjq1URWjQtrqMHw9ODU6AvUpIVE8AITlfDSzHz32wQ1cIPaIHnDvFsRlpVrl-F9GZMkqbNKG2gfoGtmZwnYFQ9IUDnXWcvK1YtUTNyMqSxgLvsG7G7Fm2hRtHaU/s679/mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNPLZQbR_iUTHLAJ7ZCiQf2U8vxr1bQ8AMk7ijVpIKsDkpJyuu-TXm5XZ9nkofv6JcAjq1URWjQtrqMHw9ODU6AvUpIVE8AITlfDSzHz32wQ1cIPaIHnDvFsRlpVrl-F9GZMkqbNKG2gfoGtmZwnYFQ9IUDnXWcvK1YtUTNyMqSxgLvsG7G7Fm2hRtHaU/s320/mine.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Only fair I show you mine if I want you to show me yours!<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p> </p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-67720219233876150132023-12-13T08:23:00.000+00:002023-12-13T08:23:08.394+00:00Views of a Zendo<p> Nothing world-shattering to post today... just thought I'd share some photos of the zendo on Abington Street. </p><p>We've been here for a couple of months now - there have been some issues with access but hopefully that's now all sorted. The zendo is spacious and we've got access to a separate room for interviews which is a real help. </p><p>Plenty of room - come & join us!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknMLe1uMshQKMR8ueeuMeXALCp9uJAnbEb_6PbU6eHGcpxLMhs7XPCINuc3sB-VXyTbc2mBbD84IndzvOVrSPrDXtp3NDGpwd1y15nA2_9YvfrDI7s-iXNme4vl-9L667t10lSc5m6-NKAi5MUA29L-1_l6dXMeobQATUaRZKw53Jkk30Fjx1ZGDxuRXe/s1920/WQ10801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknMLe1uMshQKMR8ueeuMeXALCp9uJAnbEb_6PbU6eHGcpxLMhs7XPCINuc3sB-VXyTbc2mBbD84IndzvOVrSPrDXtp3NDGpwd1y15nA2_9YvfrDI7s-iXNme4vl-9L667t10lSc5m6-NKAi5MUA29L-1_l6dXMeobQATUaRZKw53Jkk30Fjx1ZGDxuRXe/w640-h360/WQ10801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl_a7CFv2qgyWsz_3P1ebTb6u0OHx-qWtrAZbw_mKIMvTL5W71Z6Yq65OuYQpfwAncQ3c7aYrYKIWiecoEqMhyphenhyphengyboaHvuZ25ROJVz_pL4qzV-iTpEzTLMFiglrxL45KukmzfwhVDMIAtDPWDaPZnaBX04PrHymkS8sJUBfJcEaLEnsZn1rHI8ef15yTe/s1921/WQ10802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1921" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl_a7CFv2qgyWsz_3P1ebTb6u0OHx-qWtrAZbw_mKIMvTL5W71Z6Yq65OuYQpfwAncQ3c7aYrYKIWiecoEqMhyphenhyphengyboaHvuZ25ROJVz_pL4qzV-iTpEzTLMFiglrxL45KukmzfwhVDMIAtDPWDaPZnaBX04PrHymkS8sJUBfJcEaLEnsZn1rHI8ef15yTe/w225-h400/WQ10802.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Tl9orJFEr932QJNf4G8Mcf9ARt2Kn7s-UUIShD565sY47vs2azQZgKGI7-FbtKBmT9ouCSLhyphenhyphenZat6uJsr4h6bWUCE0Tkvdo4xvxg9W_juEAvoLnTyq8BX49MkaA_4GRGVJT2-FCMXxOWcU-jdlpZWoBBbRIeQPpkqwlRNlUljM36BPSf-Q_lYr_MRqY/s1920/WQ10803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Tl9orJFEr932QJNf4G8Mcf9ARt2Kn7s-UUIShD565sY47vs2azQZgKGI7-FbtKBmT9ouCSLhyphenhyphenZat6uJsr4h6bWUCE0Tkvdo4xvxg9W_juEAvoLnTyq8BX49MkaA_4GRGVJT2-FCMXxOWcU-jdlpZWoBBbRIeQPpkqwlRNlUljM36BPSf-Q_lYr_MRqY/w225-h400/WQ10803.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-69258139888628469072023-12-05T10:21:00.001+00:002023-12-05T10:24:27.399+00:00The "direct assault on the Citadel of Truth"<p>Some people seem driven to Zen practice. For others, like me, it was more like being drawn in*... and this was the quote that first grabbed my attention... 30 years later, I'm not blind to the shortcomings of CH's view of Zen... but these words still bounce around the inside of my head!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnCCapG3xtcKrCUVeYyBZCTt-6TdhkEV250VBwWC4swEVWiCa6ugD5rwVguT8waxQseNOWvZhhr0QCdIACOyWAjtYTtjdvBME-vbhWQDpmL7hRl_g5tBMZwwIcUfhNuRXRa2YV50qbMMMX7NYRqWU3Qsh28kC0jWayT0ygNLQhU6aLsaAhFOR_VyHovW4/s485/Zen2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="485" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnCCapG3xtcKrCUVeYyBZCTt-6TdhkEV250VBwWC4swEVWiCa6ugD5rwVguT8waxQseNOWvZhhr0QCdIACOyWAjtYTtjdvBME-vbhWQDpmL7hRl_g5tBMZwwIcUfhNuRXRa2YV50qbMMMX7NYRqWU3Qsh28kC0jWayT0ygNLQhU6aLsaAhFOR_VyHovW4/s320/Zen2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In fact, this is only a short part of a longer quote from his 1951 book <i>Buddhism</i>, which goes on:<div><div><blockquote>Zen is the apotheosis of Buddhism. This direct assault upon the Citadel of Truth, without reliance upon concepts (of God or soul or salvation), or the use of Scripture, ritual or vow, is unique...</blockquote></div><div>He also says in that book:</div><blockquote><div>The purpose of Zen is to pass beyond the intellect. All that we know, we know but about. The expert, a wit has said, learns more and more about less and less; Zen wearies of learning about it and about, and strives to KNOW. For this a new faculty is needed, the power of immediate perception, the intuitive awareness which comes when the perceiver and the perceived are merged into one...</div></blockquote><blockquote><div>What is the goal of Zen? The answer is Satori, the Zen term for Enlightenment. As Satori lies beyond the intellect, which alone can define and describe, one cannot define Enlightenment. It is that condition of consciousness wherein the pendulum of the Opposites has come to rest, where both sides of the coin are equally valued and immediately seen. Silence alone can describe it, the silence of the mystic, of the saint, of the artist in the presence of great beauty; of the lover and the poet when the fetters of time and space have for the moment fallen away.</div></blockquote><p>Christmas Humphreys was a hugely important figure in the development of Buddhism in the UK, but is far less well-known than other figures of the age - e.g. Alan Watts, who Humphreys introduced to the Buddhist Society. His conceptualisation of Buddhism at times is redolent of the trappings of the Theosophists with whom he was also involved. And his writing does seem like a relic from a bygone era - and indeed perhaps it is - but if you come across <i>Buddhism</i> or one of his many other books, don't overlook it or dismiss it as outdated or irrelevant. His words can still inspire, 40 years after his death, and still bring people to the Way.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">* This driven/drawn thing was actually one of the topics I wrote about in my PhD thesis on how people in the West get into Buddhism. It's called <i><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262646777_Becoming_Buddhist_A_grounded_theory_of_religious_change_and_identity_formation_in_Western_Buddhism" target="_blank">Becoming Buddhist</a></i> and for the curious is out there on the internet. You'd have to be pretty damn bored to read the whole thing though! </span></p></div>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-25837147730097949852023-10-27T20:29:00.000+01:002023-10-27T20:29:04.626+01:00Zen quote: Love!<p> Wow been a while since I posted! Our practice carries on, we meet each Monday evening in the new place on the high street. Join us! <a href="mailto:alasdair@gordon-finlayson.net">Drop me a line</a> if you're curious. Anyway, here's a quote I was just via a publisher's mailing list, it kind of struck me:</p><blockquote><p>To love, in the context of Buddhism, is above all to be there. But being there is not an easy thing. Some training is necessary, some practice. If you are not there, how can you love? Being there is very much an art, the art of meditation, because meditating is bringing your true presence to the here and now. The question that arises is: Do you have time to love?</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>(Thich Nhat Hahn, <i>True Love</i>)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE-G4KcIZVKPua_3bJfq3p1ylXzyRgi1Y1NLvQ7fxtUSLos2KnHDpWdO6aKGxTkliy-wK7qL9f_hh9o13jmZ1A24TNWWhsSKFFKBy4B59A3vh8MtjkaSqOyLTFxPG0B-uZrIn3byEVxjH2hV__1byNF66SA1N-ZeY7EjrO7XXHAlX9qi3U3dujxZIzZCk/s2025/tnhlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE-G4KcIZVKPua_3bJfq3p1ylXzyRgi1Y1NLvQ7fxtUSLos2KnHDpWdO6aKGxTkliy-wK7qL9f_hh9o13jmZ1A24TNWWhsSKFFKBy4B59A3vh8MtjkaSqOyLTFxPG0B-uZrIn3byEVxjH2hV__1byNF66SA1N-ZeY7EjrO7XXHAlX9qi3U3dujxZIzZCk/s320/tnhlove.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-56594181493974011162023-09-09T18:34:00.000+01:002023-09-09T18:34:37.740+01:00Beginningless<p>I talked online on Saturday about the <i>Verse of Atonement</i>, the gatha with which we start the online Saturdays and, of course, we chant first thing every morning on sesshin. </p><p></p><blockquote><i>All evil karma ever committed by me <br />On account of my beginningless greed, anger and ignorance <br />Born of my body, mouth and thought <br />Now I atone for it all. </i></blockquote><p></p><p>I won't say anything here about any of this except to share some exploration of the word 'beginningless'. I have always been struck by the idea that Buddhist
cosmology is so utterly different from that of, say, the Abrahamic faiths, in
that it does not posit a point at which the world comes into being, there is no
creation myth in the canon. This is a topic for another day, perhaps. But for what it's worth, this is what came to me on the topic of 'beginninglessness':</p>
<p style="background-color: #e3f6fc; border: 1px solid black; padding: 1em;margin:2em">There is something of the eternal about us – don't make too
much of this, it is <i>not</i> personal! But under the layers of habit and
personality and history, under our joys and sorrows, our guilts and our
vindications, under our cherished notions of who we are and our loves and
losses... under all that is timeless being. Our original face before our
parents were born. Our primal conscious matrix, which is <i>not</i>
individual, which is part of the warp and woof of the universe. Our fleeting glimpses
of this are like the slightest touches a mayfly leaves, tapping the surface of
the pond. And while we return to the light of our conscious lives, the dark
depths of that eternal and unchangeable AMness is unmoved and undifferentiated
by it. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8MV7IBsKm-yknnJc36pmS5x_z7R_xNwhy-1sTAvJ9lrqqER9lC29OOK-XR2nrWgtPvB1sSeert0AeHxNiNxiwpz_1Dj359eSGITVVmrBn-o5WksGzPYeduv7ywIRZH8uEr8w9uw7Z25yNjlsmI3RIMzv5FEYBif51yXXkTt64oAcyV5K_xJYS_CZJZtT/s1024/beginningless.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="An image that suggests beginninglessness - the image itself is unimportant" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8MV7IBsKm-yknnJc36pmS5x_z7R_xNwhy-1sTAvJ9lrqqER9lC29OOK-XR2nrWgtPvB1sSeert0AeHxNiNxiwpz_1Dj359eSGITVVmrBn-o5WksGzPYeduv7ywIRZH8uEr8w9uw7Z25yNjlsmI3RIMzv5FEYBif51yXXkTt64oAcyV5K_xJYS_CZJZtT/w400-h400/beginningless.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(This is what image creation tool <a href="http://ideogram.ai">ideogram.ai</a> produced <br />when I gave it just the word 'beginningless' to work with. <br />Not sure what it was 'thinking', but it's pretty enough!)</i></span></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-75814856368397288662023-08-30T17:20:00.004+01:002023-08-30T17:20:42.325+01:00New venue (again!) - but not far...<p> We're moving - again! This time it's because the zendo space we rent is itself moving... and not far, the distance between the two front doors is probably only about 30m! The new place is right on the pedestrianised high street (Abington St), though it's at the back of the building and seems very quiet.</p><p>The new venue is also lighter and with higher ceilings, and the entryway and corridors & stairs as less dark & forbidding! We start sitting in the new place this coming <b>Monday, 4 September 2023</b>. </p><p>I'll add details about how to access the building to the "when & where" section of the website as we learn them ourselves. In the meantime, here's part of a screenshot from Google Maps Streetview to show you how close the new place is to the old... the "Fone Box" is now a "Vape Store", I'll try to take a more up-to-date shot for the website soon.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf_RkTL0Qi4ZigIYDuy9EtF4kFcbcBOcaOL1bgh48WxbcRRTFhL2OFMDfbcO5ZMtQWwr9upIy1nOhTErbIm0JJD_dOjuwjkj1OMAMpeEZjSs_WmFB68M-TXeL5QfwmyBZSbQ9dcLhJ-ShH9uj2CN5D9Mg-j7uwWmDud73nApJTmrFxerTe-PWlqJikbRN/s1260/newplace.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf_RkTL0Qi4ZigIYDuy9EtF4kFcbcBOcaOL1bgh48WxbcRRTFhL2OFMDfbcO5ZMtQWwr9upIy1nOhTErbIm0JJD_dOjuwjkj1OMAMpeEZjSs_WmFB68M-TXeL5QfwmyBZSbQ9dcLhJ-ShH9uj2CN5D9Mg-j7uwWmDud73nApJTmrFxerTe-PWlqJikbRN/w640-h320/newplace.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Our schedule remains unchanged - still meeting every Monday (including Bank Holidays), arriving 7.15pm for a 7.30om start.<p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-81445156892612660582023-07-28T10:45:00.002+01:002023-07-28T10:45:52.552+01:00Still here! (I really need to post more regularly...!)<p> Just a quick note to keep this blog 'current' - we continue to meet every week, and are growing into the new space comfortably. The most important thing for a Zen group is regularity, and I think we have now sat every week since moving into the new venue (bar one because of illness). Not all of us every week of course, but all of us that can make it! </p><p>One advantage of the new space is the ability to have regular interviews in a private room, and we've taken to scheduling interviews on the first and third weeks of the month, either to support those doing koan practice, or just to have a chance to reflect on your ongoing meditation and your life as a practitioner in general.</p><p>In fact, as we've been finding out way in the new venue, we've tried various arrangements. Currently, we're having a 'formal' week on the first and third weeks, with interviews as mentioned but also a chanting service after zazen before we have our usual tea & chat. On other weeks, we're keeping it more plain - the usual two periods of sitting, no service, just tea & talk before heading home. Seems to be working for now, we'll see how it goes.</p><p>So, if you're reading this and have thought about joining us to sit, I'd encourage you to give it a try. No time like the present!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVXnElvdVU4pcvGKrFLn585V-LnP4hfLH2j6HFrvwXIQ2Y6FbfWSjlzIqOsx7GaPlrMrizuNZlh408frAkP8B1I6bcugTTvkZQ_RnwuVAF1UyX2wLo3DY52YTcyqWvmcggYO-elQ9OrHGslj4cDoRGmNdGPiIa4Exf4AY1DbVq4mg8ysEbb2O1vL4PDQt/s400/inkin.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="400" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVXnElvdVU4pcvGKrFLn585V-LnP4hfLH2j6HFrvwXIQ2Y6FbfWSjlzIqOsx7GaPlrMrizuNZlh408frAkP8B1I6bcugTTvkZQ_RnwuVAF1UyX2wLo3DY52YTcyqWvmcggYO-elQ9OrHGslj4cDoRGmNdGPiIa4Exf4AY1DbVq4mg8ysEbb2O1vL4PDQt/s320/inkin.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-85643206655229117972023-05-28T10:00:00.012+01:002023-05-28T10:00:00.145+01:00May Bank Hols reminder - we sit!<p>Just a quick note to confirm that we <i>will </i>be sitting on the Monday of the May Bank Holiday. Please do join us, even if it's your first time or you've not sat for a while - arrive at 7.15ish to be seated for a 7.30 start.</p><p>Our usual 2 x 30mins zazen will be followed by a chanting service, tea and discussion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IjPGghKwWK2ihmXRjEmRW1rY1LX-3Y6WqTEGvgMzmecE_wim4ROA0yOoppTVdoWMaYiT1_dTvqzJ95iYbRIv3IJWXstpZSYRVE0OIh0Ir0bOOOLMfvwgWsf4IwQKCab1Zgtp09HS34PqVC2EnDEf8nEotSNBUnykKhyU5XUUo_tqmv_GDk_rETeb9w/s522/pngegg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="522" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IjPGghKwWK2ihmXRjEmRW1rY1LX-3Y6WqTEGvgMzmecE_wim4ROA0yOoppTVdoWMaYiT1_dTvqzJ95iYbRIv3IJWXstpZSYRVE0OIh0Ir0bOOOLMfvwgWsf4IwQKCab1Zgtp09HS34PqVC2EnDEf8nEotSNBUnykKhyU5XUUo_tqmv_GDk_rETeb9w/s320/pngegg.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-30258685938474194512023-04-20T23:31:00.006+01:002023-04-20T23:32:33.527+01:00The rhythm of life...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmqvVD_TeNz3xGSktmdP5vkzFxtzjqsPb03OQHDfzDRWqlZ782w5-e6aI94pH5ht-0lzvlpMuFaJZ3feFfRM1pke0_vvNbXVobjSUnGOqn0SYnjyAmfW4LsysBpQ-rEQiPHaelHGVjDCCpN5t15ecfRhERn3NgdEi7ZzPDom-Ommn_ijwhL30UQP5bA/s2550/zaa.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmqvVD_TeNz3xGSktmdP5vkzFxtzjqsPb03OQHDfzDRWqlZ782w5-e6aI94pH5ht-0lzvlpMuFaJZ3feFfRM1pke0_vvNbXVobjSUnGOqn0SYnjyAmfW4LsysBpQ-rEQiPHaelHGVjDCCpN5t15ecfRhERn3NgdEi7ZzPDom-Ommn_ijwhL30UQP5bA/s320/zaa.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>A quote from Tim Burkett's <i>Zen in the Age of Anxiety</i>: <p></p><blockquote><p>As we follow the natural rhythm of our breath, we begin to discover in an experiential way that our thoughts, sensations, and emotions come and go as naturally as the breath if we do not cling to them or try to avoid them. Of course emotions are more viscous and slow-moving than breath, but they come and go nevertheless, because this is the natural rhythm of life.</p></blockquote><p>This came from a promotional email, haven't read the book itself so no idea if I can recommend it or not - but I was really struck in just this quote by the image of the way that our emotions cycle up and down over the course of our days and weeks and years... and how this is in one sense no different from the rise and fall of our breathing.</p><p>We become so familiar with our breathing on the cushion! And we never question the next breath, or whether it 'ok' or 'acceptable'... and once a breath has been released, we don't spend ages regretting that breath, or trying to recapture it! The breath has passed, and we move to the next one. If only we could do the same for our emotions - just have them manifest in our lives as a natural and appropriate response to the circumstances that life throws at us... and then move on from them.</p><p>And of course, our practice <i>does </i>help us do this - even if it's not immediately obvious. But over time, we invest less and less of our identity, effort and thought into hanging onto or judging our passing emotions, and move into a more spacious way of engaging with the world.</p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-67570578964364329952023-04-04T15:16:00.001+01:002023-04-04T15:16:56.130+01:00Moving in at the Fish Street dojo...<p> So this Monday we finally made the move, after a few weeks of 'test sittings. The cupboards are now full of zafus and zabutons, the keys have been handed over into my grubby paws, and <a href="https://swz-northampton.blogspot.com/p/welcome-to-swz-northampton.html" target="_blank">the website updated</a> with the new details.</p><p>I will not miss having to lug heavy bags and boxes up the stairs each week - let alone between different venues!</p><p>There are still a few things to sort out, some bits & bobs to buy to make sure we're properly kitted out (some chairs are a must, but mugs for tea and coffee are the absolute priority, naturally).</p><p>But we're in! Really pleased that we've moved, and looking forward to more activity in the group and hopefully meeting more folk keen to 'settle the great matter of life and death'... or at least join us for some zazen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w5sHwnzPlBZiR1-RAYdTC_EnswNza-o4TfRFpi_FXAxo3NpA0sO6djFX3MUeA7wyEDga4WMlzAhW0QT5BPTWHdfoNuDdpeTBFo_ohPKeMm6aMsc66pU3kUv60rLjGhbmjLD3ZMzfO1GA34_NVZEAPzbDROTbHripLogIRaeVWGAJD4qv6fLHaJYPtA/s600/fresh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="600" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w5sHwnzPlBZiR1-RAYdTC_EnswNza-o4TfRFpi_FXAxo3NpA0sO6djFX3MUeA7wyEDga4WMlzAhW0QT5BPTWHdfoNuDdpeTBFo_ohPKeMm6aMsc66pU3kUv60rLjGhbmjLD3ZMzfO1GA34_NVZEAPzbDROTbHripLogIRaeVWGAJD4qv6fLHaJYPtA/s320/fresh.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-20924469119488452352023-03-27T13:32:00.001+01:002023-03-27T13:32:34.649+01:00Last meeting at the Quaker House<p>This morning I sent an email to the Northampton Quakers to tell them that we'll be moving in April to a new venue, and to send my thanks and the thanks of the group for all they have done to support us and so many other small community groups in Northampton town.</p><p>We met for the first time at the Quaker House on Monday 4 July 2011 - the day after <a href="https://swz-northampton.blogspot.com/2011/07/" target="_blank">the first post on this blog!</a> - almost 11 years and 9 months ago. It seems like a lifetime ago! I remember how nervous I was that first evening that no-one would come, but also determined that even if no-one came I'd continue to sit there and maintain the space all on my own for as long as I could afford it.</p><p>It turns out, I needn't have worried! I don't remember exactly, but there were at least three or four other people that evening, and while we've never exactly drawn the crowds, we've maintained a steady group over the whole period. We've practised together nearly every single week ever since that first meeting, with only occasional breaks for retreats, the odd summer or winter break (not often!) and of course the pandemic.</p><p>So many people have been through the doors - many finding out straight away that Zen wasn't for them! - and to each and every one of you, no matter how many times you came, I want to pass on my gratitude for the energy, curiosity and friendship that has been put into this enterprise. </p><p>The work of sitting together to express our true natures continues! We are sitting from now on in a different venue, and one that in many ways fits our physical needs better than the Emmeline Davis room at the Quaker House, but our time with the Quakers will always be part of the history of this group and of the wider StoneWater Zen sangha.</p><p>We end our time with one final sit and service this Wednesday at the usual time in the usual place, and you're all invited to join us. We'll express our gratitude to those who have made this possible, the Quakers and their community, by "dedicating the merits" of this service to them.</p><p>From April, we meet on <i>Mondays</i> at 7.30 at the Warrior Quest Dojo at 6 Fish Street, and a new chapter begins.</p><p>With a deep bow!</p><p>Alasdair</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Yoh59FgsRa8z9SCysiyLyIZ2Fc0rJBl8ZXm0nwEUUUGnQJyZl_xKiQA5BEjy9auxuib_nH3Pg3OzL2jdyYDOxCNhMogwnq52jZT7TbQcjwWN8PB4twiqdTrYtNGxu-qA4gO2X-SvwvOsGDuRWtmbqkRcruIpGOOcdpEKcDvRGXbQ7Bi5OvXdo6o-7g/s600/northants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Yoh59FgsRa8z9SCysiyLyIZ2Fc0rJBl8ZXm0nwEUUUGnQJyZl_xKiQA5BEjy9auxuib_nH3Pg3OzL2jdyYDOxCNhMogwnq52jZT7TbQcjwWN8PB4twiqdTrYtNGxu-qA4gO2X-SvwvOsGDuRWtmbqkRcruIpGOOcdpEKcDvRGXbQ7Bi5OvXdo6o-7g/s320/northants.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Emmeline Davis room set <br />up for Zazen in January 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-49504324330414647622023-03-16T17:52:00.001+00:002023-03-16T17:52:23.319+00:00Not many Zen neighbours...!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="590" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQNkqWnk85rP5xFIGfHQxunCsfyEs1Fh3oxUS2kSfEoT5wNVs6ES4_gT30O_Os235f6g6j2QOfx5WbtjjPLSZtIPk5IeIHqEB1v88ZIhTFJRH-dAMG7DQsOcbXyZQUbYYNc1_JO7WWfnBxZVJ1pPizZgdJlalxgd32n9ROSVHdtqQXmz9DoH56FVT_w/w153-h200/ZenMapUK.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="153" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/ZenMapUK"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://bit.ly/ZenMapUK</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table>I <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SotoZenGlobal/posts/10160517659580692/" target="_blank">posted something</a> to a Zen group on Facebook the other day using this image of a Google map of UK & Irish Zen groups that I helped develop a while ago.</p>I took a closer look at the map today, and realised that SWZ Northampton isn't really at the centre of a hotbed of Zen activity in the UK!<div><br /><div>As far as I can tell, the closest Zen group to us is in Oxford, 35 miles (57km) away as the crow flies. It's a shame, would be nice to have some Zenny neighbours!</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, though, we're it as far as I can tell - so join us to learn about and practice Zen meditation in an authentic lineage right here in good ole Shoetown.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid62o70V35z_XSQ9_iUQekAR45QpTiT3Moe2MrYsZ9tOibcNYgCnpdFBE0GvcB7TjHt7oPBxdrXRhSt6uzGPI1tpvONOGexqco9mYdfZTBTx-ln5bCQoEh2j_k6XLJfWpUyVjZegkf5adfDvHQtxr--gBcGmzlbehb8sZz49BsUAZMd1PclGbrsbVOeg/s1218/zenmap2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1218" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid62o70V35z_XSQ9_iUQekAR45QpTiT3Moe2MrYsZ9tOibcNYgCnpdFBE0GvcB7TjHt7oPBxdrXRhSt6uzGPI1tpvONOGexqco9mYdfZTBTx-ln5bCQoEh2j_k6XLJfWpUyVjZegkf5adfDvHQtxr--gBcGmzlbehb8sZz49BsUAZMd1PclGbrsbVOeg/w640-h378/zenmap2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-30727439325241624202023-03-07T17:08:00.003+00:002023-03-07T17:24:46.325+00:00New Venue - our trial at Warrior Quest dojo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Starting this week, and for the next three weeks (i.e. 14, 21 & 28 March), we are sitting on Monday evenings on an experimental basis at Warrior Quest dojo on Fish Street in the town centre. Very happy for anyone to come and join us whether you've sat with us before, or are completely new to Zen.<p></p><p>We meet at 7.15 outside the dojo (see photo below for exact location), and the sessions run from 7.30 to 9.30 including tea and a chat/reading on a Zen topic.</p><p>Note that our usual Wednesdays continue as usual.</p><p>This week, Valentina shared some images and even one short video to give you a flavour of the place... scroll on...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcA3-gG8FOunRFuaCtNEZPx9NYsrFir1RJq8BqqF24kG2TvTHrCwOa7ASVEMQt5hPn_IBKyZSNzoFCQgjIKh4tmXKsTt88mbxEoZoU5U3m8hS6uvW-6FgOcobboTmwoO17NzS9d8dRjiQOOqbH_R21jL63kmkVlfF81cHK4EuFsmQR6x6DAwInWpegg/s635/zen-street2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="635" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcA3-gG8FOunRFuaCtNEZPx9NYsrFir1RJq8BqqF24kG2TvTHrCwOa7ASVEMQt5hPn_IBKyZSNzoFCQgjIKh4tmXKsTt88mbxEoZoU5U3m8hS6uvW-6FgOcobboTmwoO17NzS9d8dRjiQOOqbH_R21jL63kmkVlfF81cHK4EuFsmQR6x6DAwInWpegg/s320/zen-street2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3ZS0xRq9Tq8zqeDjp7BRlae8x8cI7dYTH9BAdFxN5XQI2cNjYcr17mDXte_OW_El1uf6HfE9ntXxCxMUe3g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RS33-nz7Z3aVjiNr4oLh6Os7rsBggUIOuABjWVpaFgZBQlTTPy8tcI5q2Gt1JWPkz0a32btBirdJMbv0Gz2KRsIWB99dyQp56rtgSrwM-eE0TlUGFDtWU5r2nPzIFDzgKAm5_NZVC5efA3ZB-DomNlKt3EbLJ0c-p1BNYasht-0XgRmbKrO_GaldcA/s1600/zen1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RS33-nz7Z3aVjiNr4oLh6Os7rsBggUIOuABjWVpaFgZBQlTTPy8tcI5q2Gt1JWPkz0a32btBirdJMbv0Gz2KRsIWB99dyQp56rtgSrwM-eE0TlUGFDtWU5r2nPzIFDzgKAm5_NZVC5efA3ZB-DomNlKt3EbLJ0c-p1BNYasht-0XgRmbKrO_GaldcA/s320/zen1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YLqrEUcVDX-D6lMUZ6kuzLZMYrzTyMVPHU91QZ_tu1fsv9JvYIcsi_cblsh7mfOqqjLDmk4MIan__-4zbrbmNpz8tlY7i-kITsju-f5lvmOpLyQMzgox9hLRg__9DFxOgv4_uePL77jguoQTr936I5Tkwsf7_vd8qnHYQdu0ztvqXbt0cTRX0HTlpQ/s1805/zen7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="1445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YLqrEUcVDX-D6lMUZ6kuzLZMYrzTyMVPHU91QZ_tu1fsv9JvYIcsi_cblsh7mfOqqjLDmk4MIan__-4zbrbmNpz8tlY7i-kITsju-f5lvmOpLyQMzgox9hLRg__9DFxOgv4_uePL77jguoQTr936I5Tkwsf7_vd8qnHYQdu0ztvqXbt0cTRX0HTlpQ/s320/zen7.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA7gXHhWt-IC92BE867ERiumXlNqYPzX6Q7rkggxJZcEk_wC2e2Uf5NKq-w1GuxLnpfi9d8lJkJtI-IPiZ84A2XrvAv7unLopivcd8NcRDFRmIbGUHJ8IM9sY2jhzcrAmOifXljPfaLt22OtdzYizXz0zXXtxjBC1bJi5lwanCWUhrZFVfGlwWTf23Q/s1600/zen3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA7gXHhWt-IC92BE867ERiumXlNqYPzX6Q7rkggxJZcEk_wC2e2Uf5NKq-w1GuxLnpfi9d8lJkJtI-IPiZ84A2XrvAv7unLopivcd8NcRDFRmIbGUHJ8IM9sY2jhzcrAmOifXljPfaLt22OtdzYizXz0zXXtxjBC1bJi5lwanCWUhrZFVfGlwWTf23Q/s320/zen3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqMfLRUwrKb-EI41igti37_ycyv7g1Bh47G9eWM_aDcP-hP4dsly31N2KYD3vB_yyVcBi_BjNPIOqIid1T6zZfzVFd1UqJspOK6svg3YTHAStPf53Oq-BzEX5HJ-6rorgRjxby3I64wEWh1GxSMQafiI56TVp2pzRG76sPK4AHLxX68u-d5-0amsP4w/s1600/zen6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqMfLRUwrKb-EI41igti37_ycyv7g1Bh47G9eWM_aDcP-hP4dsly31N2KYD3vB_yyVcBi_BjNPIOqIid1T6zZfzVFd1UqJspOK6svg3YTHAStPf53Oq-BzEX5HJ-6rorgRjxby3I64wEWh1GxSMQafiI56TVp2pzRG76sPK4AHLxX68u-d5-0amsP4w/s320/zen6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBYeK9rW53mXWI7mDCTrbPScKkaJlwQFryUzqiLbUhQGqooJA0gEpnoA9jpAQoIPHR72fl8ujsu9R2j0aQXDN7b1xMNfkn3Ol14dp15HVDuTYjg3Mmx-Z9wWbV53ZT23vJsDDJPiuQr34eI_NfYZYsx5YG3-1oi_9t2Wu5ujJkfmuyyYQ3cmdRsCP7Q/s1600/Zen5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBYeK9rW53mXWI7mDCTrbPScKkaJlwQFryUzqiLbUhQGqooJA0gEpnoA9jpAQoIPHR72fl8ujsu9R2j0aQXDN7b1xMNfkn3Ol14dp15HVDuTYjg3Mmx-Z9wWbV53ZT23vJsDDJPiuQr34eI_NfYZYsx5YG3-1oi_9t2Wu5ujJkfmuyyYQ3cmdRsCP7Q/s320/Zen5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge39ZOXWT_c_LtFC4oqJWQJKFYqdrss3Yq8xraYms3BsuN5gDN7W1WlnF45p-s-MYz_yQTPtGf1Nxg_0ypLmgJpR0Ic6u2amctfBwdFrW8Xc3sc6gh2xXPXSIVD1ApICWEY3guGpNELAC_J52inDovgIpG8h_DJhXmeGH8WpSlddYlYiqwHszaR7zAXw/s1600/zen4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge39ZOXWT_c_LtFC4oqJWQJKFYqdrss3Yq8xraYms3BsuN5gDN7W1WlnF45p-s-MYz_yQTPtGf1Nxg_0ypLmgJpR0Ic6u2amctfBwdFrW8Xc3sc6gh2xXPXSIVD1ApICWEY3guGpNELAC_J52inDovgIpG8h_DJhXmeGH8WpSlddYlYiqwHszaR7zAXw/s320/zen4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-47914224522677438192023-02-15T17:21:00.000+00:002023-02-15T17:21:21.239+00:00Zen and Relationships - According to our new overlords!<p> Out of curiosity this evening, I asked the occasionally scary and occasionally uncanny ChatGPT AI bot to write a blog post about Zen Buddhism and relationships. Here's what it came up with...</p><p></p><blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7EAq0tSorPinY4TV1WFE7cHRQCugBOI-O1vwrT7ePsM2kjCTU4R1emfJwNfrQUt8XPg3jG25t8RUtB0g3HrXLj8-7pDETtSEmzPd3KQJ3DpkCxmiM37rkOCCYovHsgycrjEqZDviPHfUtHqXkZl3Yyauy27jAs6eFB07x9iE8pbjgXRMLnve7PRHbg/s500/zr.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="500" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7EAq0tSorPinY4TV1WFE7cHRQCugBOI-O1vwrT7ePsM2kjCTU4R1emfJwNfrQUt8XPg3jG25t8RUtB0g3HrXLj8-7pDETtSEmzPd3KQJ3DpkCxmiM37rkOCCYovHsgycrjEqZDviPHfUtHqXkZl3Yyauy27jAs6eFB07x9iE8pbjgXRMLnve7PRHbg/s320/zr.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #0b5394;">Zen Buddhism is a spiritual practice that originated in China and spread throughout East Asia, including Japan, where it has had a significant impact on culture, including the way people approach relationships.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;">At its core, Zen Buddhism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and encourages individuals to develop a deep sense of compassion and understanding for others. These teachings can be applied to relationships in several ways, including how to approach conflict, how to communicate, and how to cultivate a sense of intimacy with others.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;">One of the fundamental teachings of Zen Buddhism is the concept of non-attachment. This principle encourages individuals to let go of their attachments to material possessions and desires, and to live in the present moment. This can be applied to relationships by encouraging individuals to focus on the present moment with their partner, rather than being preoccupied with the past or the future.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;">In addition, Zen Buddhism emphasizes the practice of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment. This practice can help individuals to be more aware of their emotions and how they are affecting their relationships. For example, if someone is feeling angry or frustrated with their partner, they may be more likely to act out of these emotions if they are not aware of them. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can become more aware of their emotions and choose how to respond in a more constructive way.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;">Another key principle of Zen Buddhism is the concept of "mu-shin," which translates to "no mind" or "empty mind." This principle encourages individuals to let go of their preconceptions and judgments and to approach situations with an open mind. This can be applied to relationships by encouraging individuals to approach their partner without judgment and to be open to their thoughts and feelings.</span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;">Overall, the teachings of Zen Buddhism can be a valuable resource for individuals looking to cultivate healthy relationships. By emphasizing the importance of non-attachment, mindfulness, and an open mind, Zen Buddhism can help individuals to develop a deeper sense of compassion and understanding for others, which can lead to more fulfilling relationships.</span></p></blockquote><p>I'm not going to respond about this yet - going to let it sink in a bit and figure out how I feel about it. Might come back in a few days with some follow-up thoughts to this lesson from ChatGPT Roshi! </p><p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-63672509331260672582022-12-19T15:33:00.001+00:002022-12-19T15:33:19.661+00:00Xmas closing 2022Just a quick note to say that we'll only be closed for the week between Xmas and New Year this year (so no Zen on Weds 28 December). We're meeting this week as usual, and again on Weds 4 January.<div><br /></div><div>Note that from Weds 11 January we're running our introductory course on Wednesday evenings (goes for four weeks), so there'll be less sitting and more teaching for those weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry, merry!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3ChV43iwzTw9vck_IhKKQ8T6_3_2t2TqYwMVczpyEKgPEk08nizNFUkg_zKgcaRkOK5acGbrcMiLM5fzca68PX4ImAH0R7vnLPqqdzVC_RGG8z3v6Gvt4FCGmCio_Ni6rWyK_aoQDSUwgEuifBc8MoNWHKw8Qp6Px7finq6ilXdOZ-g-Yl8bnvFXbw/s400/xmasb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A laughing buddha wearing a Xmas hat" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3ChV43iwzTw9vck_IhKKQ8T6_3_2t2TqYwMVczpyEKgPEk08nizNFUkg_zKgcaRkOK5acGbrcMiLM5fzca68PX4ImAH0R7vnLPqqdzVC_RGG8z3v6Gvt4FCGmCio_Ni6rWyK_aoQDSUwgEuifBc8MoNWHKw8Qp6Px7finq6ilXdOZ-g-Yl8bnvFXbw/w320-h320/xmasb.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-56176284485133240452022-12-15T18:00:00.019+00:002022-12-15T18:00:00.295+00:00Finding Stillness & Stability: An Introduction to Zen Meditation<p> I'm very happy to announce that we will be running an introduction to Zen meditation in the New Year called "Finding Stillness & Stability". This will run for four weeks on our regular Wednesday evenings, from Jan 11th to Feb 1st. </p><p>More details can be found at <a href="https://swz-northampton.blogspot.com/p/finding-stillness-stability.html">https://swz-northampton.blogspot.com/p/finding-stillness-stability.html</a>, and flyers are being distributed around town and around social media - you can download one for yourself by clicking the link below:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BkJf7Tftjv1fiV1oBXV6z886uAmpnEZi/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Intro Course Flyer" border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="641" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriOyOdz4YazV4X4ErTNU-WJqLPltBv7cacyvu85tb2Opcbpt3BjCjakFA0vd4nMadK3GPXBOh_a5hlOUJTb3ScXwTZqgU87uFt169KSiud00X-a8rBhFDCk7NxAKB4CQ5DsxBuEdnxngrzk1FPrbXuTDYBiOjXkjSsNe9GDxv2092XrULBGSa4LV9uQ/w320-h227/thumb.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>You can also download and share this image:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVf8j9vdeIka1Zlr2gMaaWK1faJrBJVisLymjtZMFE_q0HNygKW7Nfg8XEWRqlsx43CGkJIN3v0ct4nocbLCZ4_83YB1VW0gRg00Le2VA3uWnABM2GXeABnInGxE-_0EsTEmK3s0Lk4ePRoTt-X5xFdqJ9g4qNiMkVWdmZVB6qeTqZS1T3S8kDYVhtLA/s1754/socmed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Intro course social media image" border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1754" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVf8j9vdeIka1Zlr2gMaaWK1faJrBJVisLymjtZMFE_q0HNygKW7Nfg8XEWRqlsx43CGkJIN3v0ct4nocbLCZ4_83YB1VW0gRg00Le2VA3uWnABM2GXeABnInGxE-_0EsTEmK3s0Lk4ePRoTt-X5xFdqJ9g4qNiMkVWdmZVB6qeTqZS1T3S8kDYVhtLA/w320-h226/socmed.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099909597107236467.post-24919620149437706902022-12-08T12:44:00.004+00:002022-12-08T12:44:45.806+00:00Happy Rohatsu!<p>All the best for the coming year - on Rohatsu, or Bodhi Day, we celebrate the Buddha's enlightenment, and we aspire to emulate his determination in sitting under the Bodhi tree until he came to his realisation. May you and your friends and families have a year touched by wisdom and compassion! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx30noS5J-9aInvB0cje3MhMIi3P3-H5CTPyG6IZREvU4HyPNEVjoVKsc4l00PpLmZ_adIptZXatT_y1X5ryD9_SZDzPbtISrQReS6Zs5kziVKZtyoj1WwwNAK4q9j0Xpz0fbL8PHpr3lyOP76blPJdGvTuyECMo1LFv9J__re4gLQdYOLoVFwckXs-A/s1280/Rohatsu2022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of the Buddha seeing the morning star as he is enlightened" border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx30noS5J-9aInvB0cje3MhMIi3P3-H5CTPyG6IZREvU4HyPNEVjoVKsc4l00PpLmZ_adIptZXatT_y1X5ryD9_SZDzPbtISrQReS6Zs5kziVKZtyoj1WwwNAK4q9j0Xpz0fbL8PHpr3lyOP76blPJdGvTuyECMo1LFv9J__re4gLQdYOLoVFwckXs-A/w640-h357/Rohatsu2022.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>AlasdairGFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266409148779201900noreply@blogger.com0