The Korean Buddhist Influence on my life

I subscribe to Everyday Zen Podcasts by Norman Fischer. Norman is a western Zen Buddhist teacher that I feel a kinship with and enjoy his Dharma talks. His podcast about his recent trip to Korea is timely, in many ways.  It will also give you some insight into the great experiment of western zen practice that our Ordinary Zen Sangha is part of.  Everything that has come before informs who we are now. Enjoy! Korean Buddhism and enlightenment fundamentalism Normal Fischer’s […]

The bots working your mind

There is a saying “Don’t believe everything you think!“.  Here are two articles that advise us on how to be better at distinguishing the real from the fake. We all need to know how to spot a social media bot spreading fake news. Read this very informative article to understand how “bots” are working social media now. “Not knowing” is described by Wendy Egyoku Nakao Roshi as “the letting go of fixed ideas about yourself, others, and the universe” in her Tricycle […]

Weekly Dharma Talk Theme

It is becoming apparent to me that over the last few weeks a theme was developing in my talks on Sunday night after our zazen practice. A couple of weeks ago, I talked about having a strong foundation for our meditation practice and how our physical posture and attitude are important.  Last week I talked about diligence and how this further helps our meditation practice. I used the analogy of separating the chaff from the grain, the valuable from the worthless, […]

Ordinary Zen Retreat Schedule

Silent Illumination an Ordinary Zen Sangha Retreat Sunday November 6, 2016 10:30am – 4:00pm Retreats offer a rare occasion to deepen one’s zen practice and commitment to the path. This silent retreat is open to anyone, however some previous experience with zen meditation is helpful. There is no fee, however donations are accepted ($10.00 suggested amount). A potluck* lunch will be served. Please RSVP as space is limited. You may email me at on*******@***il.com for more information and to RSVP.  Schedule: 10:30am — […]

Lisa Cairns – non-duality

Lisa shares awakening with her audience.  I find her to be clear and real, shattering the illusion of duality. 28th August 2016 – Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lisacairns To see Lisa’s events go to http://www.lisacairns.com/