Monday, August 31, 2009

People Smiling

Susan, Margaret, Rebecca, Linc, Christina, Judy, Liatris, Dennis

People Walking

During our circle talk at the end of the retreat held at Praireyrth Zen Center last weekend, Dennis talked about doing walking meditation outside. At first, he said, he was nervous because he worried about what people would say if they saw us. Once we got outside though, he realized that there were no people around to gawk and possibly criticize us. But there were lots and lots of birds, he said, watching us.

"What did they say?" I asked.

Linc Rhodes, JDPSN answered, "The people walking are the great sutras."

Saturday, August 22, 2009

More or Less Terminal

A friend, a long term Zen practitioner, recently told another friend that he finds himself in a "more or less terminal situation" and will enter hospice soon. He also told her that he was at peace with his situation and not to send a get well soon card.

What great teaching! We are all in a more or less terminal situation from the day we are born until shortly before we die. The question is, how can we be at peace with our condition?