Buddhism and God

I had some concerns about where God fit in the Buddhist religion/philosophy.  I was pleased to learn recently that He is part of Buddhism.  He is the Higher Power.  "Don't worry - just try.  Trying is better than a Zen Master, better than Buddha, better than God."  - Zen Master Seung Sahn.

I don't believe anything or anyone can be better than God, human or otherwise.  I am, however, encouraged that this Zen Master understands the presence of God and puts God above the Buddha.

I am slowly trying to incorporate my new found knowledge and wisdom in my every day life. That is the idea.  Make it a way of life.  Every day, life is what we make it.  We can choose to make life the master of us or wise up and be the master of our lives.  I want to be the master of my life and do it with integrity, serenity, humility and compassion.

One day at a time.  I'll be going to meditation on Wednesday night.  Retreat in mid-March.  I'm pretty sure I am about to join the temple.  Lots of good benefits for short money.  It also makes me a member of the Kwan Um School of Zen. 

Cool!

Chanting Meditation and Dharma Talk

First off, for some reason, most times when I attempt to type the word "meditation" I end up typing the word "medication" instead.  I find this interesting as meditation is like medication for the soul.  I actually take a lot of medication and would like to rid my body and mind of that need.  Not sure if I will ever be rid of the need for the meds for physical issues.  But, reducing stress can make one healthier.  I read once that about half the people in hosptials on any given day have ailments that developed as a result of stress

Anyway, I also want to say that I am disappointed that I missed the one day retreat this past Sunday at the Zen Center in Cumberland, RI.  I was still battling pneumonia.  The next one is on March 18th and I will be there.

Last night I atended my first Chant meditation.  I arrived early and bought a long sleeved t-shirt and a book in the gift shop.  Yes there is a gift shop with some nice things.  I am addicted to t-shirts so of course I had to have one that says Providence Zen Center on it (I'll be wearing it tomorrow for dress down Friday).  The book is also a good one for a newbie like me to read.  The book is:

 "Only Don’t Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn."

I was about a half hour early so I meditated by myself in the dharma room (the meditation room).  I also wanted to find a more comfortable seated postion for myself as I have bad knees.  That lotus postion is just tough for me to do for any length of time and pain can take away from the meditation experience.  I tried a small stool that you sit on, kneel in front of and put your legs under the stool.  It was much more comfortable. 

The chanting meditation started at 6:30 and I was given a book with the chants.  Wow!  I had serious trouble keeping up and not losing my place.  I also have asthma so had to stop to catch my breath many times.  The idea with the chanting is that you can't think of anything but the chants (never mind they are in Korean and I have no idea what I was saying).  The idea of meditation is not thinking so it worked out pretty well as I had a hard enough time concentrating on the chants and keeping up with the group.  We did 2 half hour sessions. 

The second session also included a lot of bowing which taught me that I need to practice bowing.  I was all over the place.  We're talking bowing while standing then in a proper manner dropping to your knees and then bowing down to the ground.  Getting back up properly requires doing the exact same thing in reverse.  Again, lots of practice needed here.

At 7:30 we had a dharma talk.  This is more laid back.  The mats are put in a semi-circle and we just sat and had a chance to speak with the Zen Master (Jose) and a gentleman who is working to become one (he has been training for 8 years).  I had many questions but felt it was my time to listen not speak.  I want more time there before I get involved in these discussions.

It was a good night.  I was able to wash away some of the days' junk and the weeks' junk.  I plan to continue going on Wednesday nights.  I plan to go to that retreat on March 18th.  I may become a member of the temple but not sure if I have the time to devote as membership equals getting more involved.  Part of me also wants to do a 3 month retreat there.  I would meditate, etc. in the mornings (getting up at 5:00 each morning is required), go to work and then meditate etc. in the evening and on weekends and take part in work around the 40 acre property.  They have nice living quarters onsite for such purposes.  I would also have many chances to sit with the Zen Master and students at various levels. 

Right now I'm taking it all a step at a time.

First Zen Meditation

Had a great time.  Went to the Providence Zen Center tonight.  Had a Zen meditation course at 6:30...we also chatted before class in the common area.  A place where I can hang out anytime I want, even if not a member but I plan to become a member as soon as I am able.  I can ride my bike to this place in a short amount of time and it's on 40 acres. 

Anyway, I'm all over the place.  During the "practice" we only meditated for 10 minutes.  I'm used to meditating for an hour and an ocassional 20 minute when I am short on time (i.e. lunch time).  Anyway, then we just asked questions.  No one asked us "why."  But it's not about why.  It's about clearing the mind.  We all have a mind full of crap...years of crap. I have about 39 years of crap. 

So...the point of the practice session was to prepare us for the real meditation that was downstairs at 7:30 in the main meditation room.  That was an hour: 25 minutes seated (lotus or however you're comfortable...you can even sit in a folding chair), then 10 minutes of walking meditation (never did this before) around the perimeter of the room and then another 25 minutes on the floor "seated."  I need to get used to it and get a few under my belt before I'll get clear with the meditations.  But it was a great start.

I'm going back Sunday for an all day retreat.  I have a lot of info to read before then.  Not because I need to but because I want to.  There is really no book on achieving Zen.  Zen is about Zen.  It's not about Zen.  It's about nothing.  It's about getting back to where you were when you did not think.  Think about that...or don't...the second answer appears to be the right answer but Zen isn't about correctness...

Peace!

Zen Meditation...things to practice...

Some things I am learning for my first Zen Meditation tomorrow night at the Providence Zen Center:

Bowing
Chanting
Sitting

"What is most important in sitting meditation is what you do with your mind, not what you do with your feet or legs."

Also:

kong-an (Korean; Japanese: koan): a paradoxical or irrational statement used by Zen teachers to cut through students’ thinking and bring them to realization.

I may be presented with one of more kong-ans as part of the process of getting involved with this Zen Center.  And over time, will likely be presented with many of them including what are called "The Ten Gates."

Igniting my Dharma Light

Did over 400 miles mountain biking in January.  400 was the goal so, cool.

Went to the Fatima Shrine in Holliston after work recently and formally gave it all up to God.  Lit some candles in the darkness of the night.  When I say gave it up to God...just looking for His guidance if it is His will to guide me.

Have had some good things going on.  I'm getting more focused and ridding myself of distractions (trying).  Was looking to volunteer my time somewhere and it hit me: I need something higher than that.  More than just giving a couple hours a week.  A higher purpose.  Something big that will allow me to be a better person and add something positive to the world.  Something that could lead to a new life path.  ZEN!

"Ignite your dharma light so that you may become a positive change agent for greater peace and acceptance in our world."  This is from some information I have read recently on Zen meditation.  There is a school near here in RI that teaches Zen meditation and can lead one on a path to becoming a Zen Master.  This school could very well become my second home if I feel like I belong there.

I'm going to the school Wednesday night for a one hour meditation and perhaps chat after.  Sunday there is a one day retreat that I am likely going to attend (will let you know).  Perhaps it's a cult and they will try to brainwash me :)

There is a school in Buffalo, NY that has a three year, six term, course that supposedly makes one a Zen Master.  It seems to me that real experience and a true calling would make for a better path.  But, that is me being stubborn and thinking I know better.  I have the curriculum for that 3 year deal and plan to cover it all myself with self study.

I am looking for serenity...