Zen practice is about living a life that is in harmony with our natural mind, and with our natural heart. We say that this natural mind, this open heart or “true self” is compassionate, soft, smooth, flexible, and open. Buddhist practice in general is all about discovering this natural peace, freedom, and openness.
Continue reading Have A Natural, Smooth, and Flexible Mind
Given my role as a Zen priest, if I do harm to another person these days that harm generally springs from either something I’ve said, or from how I’ve said it. Or, the harm might also arise from something I’ve left unsaid because I didn’t have the courage, compassion, or wisdom to say it when it could have made a beneficial difference. For this reason, Right Speech is a central focuses in my practice. I try to be as absolutely harmless with my speech as I’m able.
For the past two days I attended an Alternatives to Violence Project workshop in Cambridge. Four facilitators and twenty-one participants gathered for the AVP workshop at the Friends Meeting House. I think we all grew in the practices of speaking peace and non-violence. At least I know that is true for me.