Dear Good Friends, We continue to explore the Platform Sutra of Hui-neng. If you are following along with me, I recommend that you go directly to the Platform Sutra and skip the introduction and the sections with commentary by Red Pine. Read sections (12-14) of the Platform Sutra, notice your reaction to this reading, sit with it, and comment below. I will respond to your comments (privately) as necessary. You may at any time, after reading this part of the […]
Category Archives: Weekly Dharma Study
Platform Sutra Study- Part 1
Dear Good Friends, As I start my August retreat, I invite you to join me in reading and reflecting on the teaching of Hui-neng. The Translation I have chosen is by Red Pine (Although there are other translations of the Platform Sutra, this is the one that offers the best translation from my view). If you are following along with me, I recommend that you go directly to the Platform Sutra and skip the introduction and the sections with commentary […]
Exploring the PLATFORM SUTRA with OZS
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 […]
Realization and Zen Practice
Realization happens when we do nothing!
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 […]
Happy Holidays!
Important schedule changes Please Note: There will be no Sunday Practice sessions for the rest of 2022! The Next Sunday Practice session will be on January 8, 2023. Wednesday Evening Practice sessions will continue through the rest of the year. We will meet every Wednesday, as scheduled. Our retreat is still scheduled for January 7th, 2023. However, that is also subject to change! Myakka River State Park sustained extensive wind and water damage from Hurricane Ian and will be closed […]
The Great Treasure – transcript of the podcast
The Great Treasure – edited transcript of the Podcast Will: Good morning. Thanks for joining me. Make yourselves comfortable. This is a little story by Zen Master Seung Sahn in the book, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha. It’s called: The Great Treasure. When Dae Ju first came to Zen Master Ma-jo, the Master asked him, “What do you want from me?” Dae Ju said, “I want you to teach me the Dharma.” “What a fool you are!” said Ma-jo. “You […]
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, […]
Spiritual Friendship
The Sangha or Spiritual Friendship is at the very core of the Buddha’s teachings. Since the inception of the Ordinary Zen Sangha in the spring of 2015, I have had the honor to practice with many wonderful human beings who have had a profound effect on my practice and life journey. I am very grateful and consider each and everyone without exception, to be a spiritual friend. I will always hold each of you in my heart-mind with compassion and […]