The Zen Teaching of Hui-Neng Hui-Neng was the Sixth Patriarch of China’s Zen sect. Over the centuries, he has become a most venerated teacher of one of the world’s great spiritual traditions. During my personal retreat this August, I will be focusing on the Dharma as presented by Hui-Neng. I read the platform Sutra many years ago and studied it as part of a curriculum in a Buddhist Studies class I took. Now it is time for me to take […]
Category Archives: Meditation
Realization and Zen Practice
Realization happens when we do nothing!
OZS – Retreat In Nature – photo gallery
January 7, 2023, Retreat in Nature
A New Years Resolution
Sangha is a Sanskrit word used in many Indian languages that means association, assembly, company, or community. As we bring in the new year, I would like to take a moment to thank all those who have become part of our Ordinary Zen Sangha, in person, on Zoom, or by listening to our Podcasts. Thank you, for your generous contributions to OZS. May the New Year be meritious and all beings benefit. DEDICATION OF MERITS 回向偈 May the merits […]
Myakka River State Park Closed till further notice
As of this writing, I do not know if we will be able to have our Retreat on January 7, 2023. (Please sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.) Here is the latest from the park website: HURRICANE IAN UPDATE Myakka River State Park sustained extensive wind and water damage from Hurricane Ian and will be closed to the public until further notice. A reopening date is yet to be determined. All reservations are being canceled through Dec. 18, […]
The gift of our Meditation practice
Transcript of the Podcast – I have no words I have no words, which is rather unusual for me. I’m sure I’ll think of something in a moment or two. Having no words reminds me to get to the root, relaxing into my nature without relying on the trappings of conceptualization or making something up. It sounds so simple, just being in the moment, as we say. However, there are so many distractions in our lives. When your mind is […]
January 2023 – All Day Retreat in Nature
Saturday, January 7, 2023! Bring in the New Year with Ordinary Zen Sangha All-day retreat at Myakka River State Park. The natural setting surrounded by the beauty of nature will help us to relax, reflect, and renew ourselves. We will start promptly at 9:00 am (arrive by 8:45 am). There will be several sitting and walking meditations during the day, Dharma Talks, and a vegetarian/vegan potluck lunch. The retreat will be over at 4:30 pm. RSVP is recommended. The retreat will […]
Ian has moved on and we are still cleaning up.
The session for Sunday, Oct. 2 has not been confirmed. As of this writing, power has not been restored at our home. We do have a generator and are fine otherwise. Like a lot of us around Sarasota, there is debris to clean up. We are being patient as things get back to something more normal. I have not decided whether we will have a practice session this Sunday. I would like to hear from those who would, or could, […]
Original Light Zen Temple 90 day retreat – Dharma Talks
Chong An Sunim – 01/15/2022 Original Light Zen Temple 90-day retreat
The Father of Mindfulness
You have probably heard of the passing of Thich Nhat Hahn. He was a Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet, teacher, and founder of the Plum Village Tradition, historically recognized as the main inspiration for engaged Buddhism. There are many quotes from him over the years that have resonated with me. Today in a newsletter from the director of the film “Walk With Me” – Marc J Francis, came these quotes that I would like to share with you: […]