John Daido Loori on practice.

Photo: New York Times

In order to reach our full human potential, we must live completely and die completely. In order for this practice to function, it needs to be engaged. It does not happen automatically because we wrap a rakusu around our neck, put on a robe, attend a retreat, or read a book on Zen—“Okay, I’m here. Now do me, dharma.” It does not happen that way. We have to work for it. We have to put ourselves on the line. We have to practice the edge of our life in order to receive the dharma. Undeniably, it is here. We are surrounded, interpenetrated, enveloped, and swallowed by it. But most of us are blind and deaf to it. We do not see it. We do not hear it. We do not feel it. When will we wake up?

From The Heart of Being: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen Buddhism, by John Daido Loori, Roshi. Copyright © 1996 by Dharma Communications.

Meeting Schedule

Photo: Salvatore Ferragamo

(This is not Cookhill. :P)

Here are the meeting dates for the rest of the year. 

Oct 13th

Nov 17th

Dec 15th

All will be on the usual date place and time. 

Many thanks! 

Technical difficulties...

For some months now we have been having trouble with our email account. This issue now appears to be resolved. 

We are every sorry for late responses to information requests and inquiries.

We thank you very, very much for your patience. 

- The technical team _/|\_

A few more words from Thay...

This fits perfectly with the topic of last Sunday's meeting. Have a lovely Monday.

Photo: Plum Village

All that we are is the result of mind; mind is everything.

When I act with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never leaves me.

All that we are is the result of mind; mind is everything.

When I act with an impure mind, sorrow follows like the wheels of a cart follow the ox.

I have no knowledge of any heavens or hells other than the ones which we concoct within our own minds, and then inflict upon ourselves and each other.

"I’ve been a monk for 65 years, and what I have found is that there is no religion, no philosophy, no ideology higher than brotherhood and sisterhood. Not even Buddhism."

Thich Nhat Hanh

Meeting this Sunday!!!

We will be meeting this Sunday (15/09) at  10:00 AM. Our topic will be a continuation of last months focus (please see our last post). 

Hope to see everyone there!!