Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

 welcome bob... merle
  
Hi All, Just a thank you to Merle for introducing me to this site. Looking 
forward to reading some of the members experiences.


 

Re: [Zen] Hello!

[Merle Lester]

welcome bede...merle 
 
Merle
www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1



  
hello, I am new to this group but glad to be a part of it.

My name is Bede, 55, live in the UK, and a member of an Anglican Religious 
Community. As i have learned more and more about the Contemplative life, so I 
have felt a definite 'pull' towards Zen practice. In fact I was delighted to 
discover that several  Roman Catholic Cistercian Abbots are Zen Masters. 

I am genuinely a beginner, but am keen to learn all that I can. How do people 
feel about specifically Christian zen practitioners? I am currently reading a 
little book  entitled "Zen for Christians" by Kim Boykin.

Namaste,

Bede.


_. 

 

Re: [Zen] Hello!

[Chris Austin-Lane]

Bede,

My first teacher
http://www.shalem.org/index.php/about-us/people/senior-fellows/rose-mary-dougherty-ssnd
was quoted in the cover notes of Boykin's book - she is a Roman
Catholic
nun, SSND - her Zen lineage is a lot of Catholic nuns and Jesuits stemming
from Roshi Kennedy:

http://kennedyzen.tripod.com/

I am Episcopal and practice zen not as a belief system but as actions, as
training, which in some vague way improve my chances of responding
appropriately to what each moment brings me, or at least keeping my
attention present.

My son's middle name is Bede.

I like Christian zen practictioners rather well, but I'm not sure what the
list will say (tho the # of distinct posting accounts seems to have
declined over time).  We used to have someone that frequently made rather
disparaging comments about Christianity (largely based on the press
generated by some of the more outspoken christians, or maybe some
restrictive childhood).  In the US, there are a fair number of
Episcopalians interested in meditation of one sort or another, and a
non-zero number with formal zen training.



--Chris

Thanks,

--Chris
ch...@austin-lane.net
+1-301-270-6524


On Tue, Mar 5, 2013 at 12:21 PM, frater1958  wrote:

> hello, I am new to this group but glad to be a part of it.
>
> My name is Bede, 55, live in the UK, and a member of an Anglican Religious
> Community. As i have learned more and more about the Contemplative life, so
> I have felt a definite 'pull' towards Zen practice. In fact I was delighted
> to discover that several  Roman Catholic Cistercian Abbots are Zen Masters.
>
> I am genuinely a beginner, but am keen to learn all that I can. How do
> people feel about specifically Christian zen practitioners? I am currently
> reading a little book  entitled "Zen for Christians" by Kim Boykin.
>
> Namaste,
>
> Bede.
>
>
>
> 
>
> Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are
> reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Glenn Rogers]

I've been to Florida as a teen, many years ago. Loved it.

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Kristopher Grey  wrote:
>
> 
> Fort Lauderdale, FL USA
> 
> On 8/26/2012 2:39 PM, Glenn Rogers wrote:
> >
> > Where do you live, K?
> >
> > Glenn
> >
> > --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com , 
> > Kristopher Grey  wrote:
> > >
> > > Is 50 too old for adoption?
> > >
> > > On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:
> > > > hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden
> > > > on a mountain top
> > > > Merle
> > > > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1 
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > >
> > > > Hi, Merle,
> > > >
> > > > I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?
> > > >
> > > > Glenn
> > > >
> > > > --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com 
> >  
> > ,
> > > > Merle Lester  wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Â welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> > > > > Merle
> > > > > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> > > >
> > > > .
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>






Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
zen_forum-dig...@yahoogroups.com 
zen_forum-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
zen_forum-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Kristopher Grey]

Fort Lauderdale, FL USA

On 8/26/2012 2:39 PM, Glenn Rogers wrote:


Where do you live, K?

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com , 
Kristopher Grey  wrote:

>
> Is 50 too old for adoption?
>
> On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:
> > hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden
> > on a mountain top
> > Merle
> > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1 
> >
> > --
> >
> > Hi, Merle,
> >
> > I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?
> >
> > Glenn
> >
> > --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com 
 
,

> > Merle Lester  wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Â welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> > > Merle
> > > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> >
> > .
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

 beautiful glenn..so romantic...enjoy...merle


  
Sounds lovely, Merle! We just moved to our acreage a-year-and-a-half ago, so 
the garden parts are still in the planning phase. Meanwhile, we have 2 acres of 
water, trees, grass and wildlife. A deer and her spotted faun were nibbling at 
the neighbour's garden yesterday.

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
>
> hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden on a 
> mountain top
>  
> Merle
> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>   
> Hi, Merle,
> 
> I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?
> 
> Glenn
> 
> --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> >  welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> > Merle
> > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> 
> .
>


 

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Glenn Rogers]

Sounds lovely, Merle! We just moved to our acreage a-year-and-a-half ago, so 
the garden parts are still in the planning phase. Meanwhile, we have 2 acres of 
water, trees, grass and wildlife. A deer and her spotted faun were nibbling at 
the neighbour's garden yesterday.

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
>
> hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden on a 
> mountain top
>  
> Merle
> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
>   
> Hi, Merle,
> 
> I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?
> 
> Glenn
> 
> --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> >  welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> > Merle
> > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> 
> .
>






Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
zen_forum-dig...@yahoogroups.com 
zen_forum-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
zen_forum-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Glenn Rogers]

Where do you live, Ken?

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Kristopher Grey  wrote:
>
> Is 50 too old for adoption?
> 
> On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:
> > hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden 
> > on a mountain top
> > Merle
> > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1 
> >
> > 
> >
> > Hi, Merle,
> >
> > I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?
> >
> > Glenn
> >
> > --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com , 
> > Merle Lester  wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Â welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> > > Merle
> > > www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> >
> > .
> >
> >
> >
> >
>






Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
zen_forum-dig...@yahoogroups.com 
zen_forum-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
zen_forum-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

 you mean a raving?..or alan poe's raven?,,, merle


  
Just a raven, following a wolf...

On 8/25/2012 8:32 PM, Merle Lester wrote:

  
>meaning what? kris do you want me to adopt you?..merle
>  
>Is 50 too old for adoption? 
>
>On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:
>
>  
>>hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden on a 
>>mountain top
>> 
>>Merle
>>www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>>
>>  
>>Hi, Merle,
>>
>>I live in Edmonton, Alberta,
  Canada. You?
>>
>>Glenn
>>
>>--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> 
>>>  welcome glenn..what
  country are you in?...cheers
  merle
>>> Merle
>>> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
>>
>>
>>.
>> 
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

 

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Kristopher Grey]

Just a raven, following a wolf...

On 8/25/2012 8:32 PM, Merle Lester wrote:

meaning what? kris do you want me to adopt you?..merle
Is 50 too old for adoption?

On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:
hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden 
on a mountain top

Merle
www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1 



Hi, Merle,

I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com 
, Merle Lester  
 wrote:

>
>
>
> Â welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> Merle
> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1 

.

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

meaning what? kris do you want me to adopt you?..merle
  
Is 50 too old for adoption? 

On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:

  
>hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden on a 
>mountain top
> 
>Merle
>www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
>
>
>
>
> 
>
>  
>Hi, Merle,
>
>I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?
>
>Glenn
>
>--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
>>
>> 
>> 
>>  welcome glenn..what country are you
  in?...cheers merle
>> Merle
>> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
>
>
>.
> 
>
>
>

 

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Kristopher Grey]

Is 50 too old for adoption?

On 8/25/2012 5:51 PM, Merle Lester wrote:
hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden 
on a mountain top

Merle
www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1 



Hi, Merle,

I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com , 
Merle Lester  wrote:

>
>
>
> Â welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> Merle
> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1

.

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

hi glen australia nsw kurrajong heights..on 4 acres of garden on a 
mountain top
 
Merle
www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1



 

  
Hi, Merle,

I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
>
> 
> 
>  welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> Merle
> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1

.
 

 

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Glenn Rogers]

Hi, Merle,

I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You?

Glenn

--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Merle Lester  wrote:
>
> 
> 
>  welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
> Merle
> www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1
> 
> 
> 
>  From: Glenn Rogers 
> To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com 
> Sent: Thursday, 23 August 2012 6:48 AM
> Subject: [Zen] Hello
>  
> 
>   
> I'm  new to this group; allow me to introduce myself. I'm not used to being 
> this personal and I feel a bit vulnerable, but I have an inner need to reach 
> out to a Sangha, since I haven't been able to find one where I live.
> 
> I grew up Christian and became a fundamentalist anabaptist pastor. Now in 
> midlife, I'm a psychotherapist and Zen practitioner. My primary teacher is 
> Thich Nhat Hanh and I have also benefited from teachings from Chogyman 
> Trungpa Rinpoche, Pema Chodron and the Dalai Lama. I do not follow any 
> religion or hold on to any religious beliefs, but rather search for Truth 
> (Dharma) wherever it resonates with me and adjust those truths (because of 
> impermanence) as need be. I strive (without striving) to experience each 
> moment of life (here-and-now) as it comes to me. My worldview represents an 
> attempt to integrate truth from psychology (particularly psychodynamic and 
> existentialist), philosophy (especially Ken Wilbur), quantum physics, and an 
> earth-centred spirituality. In my attempts to find a Sangha, I  have found 
> only meditation centres that focus more on beliefs than experience or 
> practice. When I share my experience I am met with comments like, "That's not
>  Buddhism!" I am frustrated to find the same resistance and judgment as I 
> experienced in the church. Due to Depression, I have been seeing an excellent 
> psychotherapist for nine years. My main struggle in life is the fear I have 
> of looking deeply into my suffering and accepting the strong emotions that 
> come from that. As a psychotherapist (and human being), I also encounter 
> other's suffering and I must practice right diligence in order to manage the 
> pain and anger I experience as counter-transference. I wonder how it is that 
> humans can be so deliberately cruel to one another and why compassion is so 
> difficult to practice. Coming full circle, I realize that I am caught in this 
> same cycle of suffering--I do not stand outside of it. On the bright side, 
> integrating Buddhist psychology (i.e., impermanence, non-discrimination and 
> inter-being) has erased my life-long fear of death (heaven just couldn't cut 
> it for me!). Through the contemplation of the
>  Buddah-in-me (or Christ-in-me--it really doesn't matter), I am learning to 
> love myself more all the time; I'm actually kind-of happy with who I am on 
> the Path.
> 
> I am in my second marriage; my wife is a wonderful woman who embodies Zen 
> wisdom without the need for the language. She is my soul mate and companion 
> on the Path. We live on a beautiful acreage, surrounded by water and lush, 
> green trees; innumerable birds (and a few insects, like misquotes!) and other 
> wildlife during the summer--it's black-and-white in winter (another kind of 
> beauty).
>






Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
zen_forum-dig...@yahoogroups.com 
zen_forum-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
zen_forum-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [Zen] Hello

[William Rintala]

Welcome Kate
 Bill (not Bill!) 




Find what makes your heart sing…and do it! 





From: Kate Harper 
To: zen_forum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, August 23, 2012 1:15:46 AM
Subject: [Zen] Hello

  
Hi there!

Just thought I'd introduce myself. 

I'm a 27-year-old journalist and website programmer (I actually work for 
Yahoo!, 
haha...) from Toronto who's new to the group and to Buddhism.

I've long been a 'searcher' of sorts, and have been trying to find my spiritual 
path for quite some time. I was raised in a Christian family, but could never 
really get behind the idea of the trinity. While I was in university, I flirted 
with both Judaism and Islam, and even took a course on Buddhism, funny enough. 


Nothing seemed to click, really, and I considered myself an atheist (as I still 
do, a Buddhist atheist) until this past year when I started doing some serious 
self-reflection and recovering from some trauma I endured in my childhood. I'd 
attempted to meditate several times in the past, and had become highly 
frustrated and abandoned the practice, but started wondering if I could perhaps 
learn something from it at this point in my life since I was doing so much 
work. 
I've now been meditating daily (sometimes twice daily) for about a month. I no 
longer look at it as a way of calming me down or as something I can 'get 
something out of,' but have come to look at it as part of my practice. 


I'm attracted to Zen, and have been reading works by Philip Kapleau, Thich Naht 
Hanh and Shunriyu Suzuki, but am also interested in what Tibetan Buddhists like 
Pema Chodron, the Dalai Lama, and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche have to say. I'm 
attending an introductory session at the Toronto Zen Centre on Saturday, and am 
really excited about where this path will take me. 


Very glad I found this list, and looking forward to learning from all of you, 
and, hopefully, making friends. 


Cheers and be well,

Kate

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

welcome kate..from australia...
Merle
www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1



  
Hi there!

Just thought I'd introduce myself. 

I'm a 27-year-old journalist and website programmer (I actually work for 
Yahoo!, haha...) from Toronto who's new to the group and to Buddhism.

I've long been a 'searcher' of sorts, and have been trying to find my spiritual 
path for quite some time. I was raised in a Christian family, but could never 
really get behind the idea of the trinity. While I was in university, I flirted 
with both Judaism and Islam, and even took a course on Buddhism, funny enough. 

Nothing seemed to click, really, and I considered myself an atheist (as I still 
do, a Buddhist atheist) until this past year when I started doing some serious 
self-reflection and recovering from some trauma I endured in my childhood. I'd 
attempted to meditate several times in the past, and had become highly 
frustrated and abandoned the practice, but started wondering if I could perhaps 
learn something from it at this point in my life since I was doing so much 
work. I've now been meditating daily (sometimes twice daily) for about a month. 
I no longer look at it as a way of calming me down or as something I can 'get 
something out of,' but have come to look at it as part of my practice. 

I'm attracted to Zen, and have been reading works by Philip Kapleau, Thich Naht 
Hanh and Shunriyu Suzuki, but am also interested in what Tibetan Buddhists like 
Pema Chodron, the Dalai Lama, and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche have to say. I'm 
attending an introductory session at the Toronto Zen Centre on Saturday, and am 
really excited about where this path will take me. 

Very glad I found this list, and looking forward to learning from all of you, 
and, hopefully, making friends. 

Cheers and be well,

Kate

 

Re: [Zen] Hello

[Merle Lester]

 welcome glenn..what country are you in?...cheers merle
Merle
www.wix.com/merlewiitpom/1



 From: Glenn Rogers 
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Thursday, 23 August 2012 6:48 AM
Subject: [Zen] Hello
 

  
I'm  new to this group; allow me to introduce myself. I'm not used to being 
this personal and I feel a bit vulnerable, but I have an inner need to reach 
out to a Sangha, since I haven't been able to find one where I live.

I grew up Christian and became a fundamentalist anabaptist pastor. Now in 
midlife, I'm a psychotherapist and Zen practitioner. My primary teacher is 
Thich Nhat Hanh and I have also benefited from teachings from Chogyman Trungpa 
Rinpoche, Pema Chodron and the Dalai Lama. I do not follow any religion or hold 
on to any religious beliefs, but rather search for Truth (Dharma) wherever it 
resonates with me and adjust those truths (because of impermanence) as need be. 
I strive (without striving) to experience each moment of life (here-and-now) as 
it comes to me. My worldview represents an attempt to integrate truth from 
psychology (particularly psychodynamic and existentialist), philosophy 
(especially Ken Wilbur), quantum physics, and an earth-centred spirituality. In 
my attempts to find a Sangha, I  have found only meditation centres that focus 
more on beliefs than experience or practice. When I share my experience I am 
met with comments like, "That's not
 Buddhism!" I am frustrated to find the same resistance and judgment as I 
experienced in the church. Due to Depression, I have been seeing an excellent 
psychotherapist for nine years. My main struggle in life is the fear I have of 
looking deeply into my suffering and accepting the strong emotions that come 
from that. As a psychotherapist (and human being), I also encounter other's 
suffering and I must practice right diligence in order to manage the pain and 
anger I experience as counter-transference. I wonder how it is that humans can 
be so deliberately cruel to one another and why compassion is so difficult to 
practice. Coming full circle, I realize that I am caught in this same cycle of 
suffering--I do not stand outside of it. On the bright side, integrating 
Buddhist psychology (i.e., impermanence, non-discrimination and inter-being) 
has erased my life-long fear of death (heaven just couldn't cut it for me!). 
Through the contemplation of the
 Buddah-in-me (or Christ-in-me--it really doesn't matter), I am learning to 
love myself more all the time; I'm actually kind-of happy with who I am on the 
Path.

I am in my second marriage; my wife is a wonderful woman who embodies Zen 
wisdom without the need for the language. She is my soul mate and companion on 
the Path. We live on a beautiful acreage, surrounded by water and lush, green 
trees; innumerable birds (and a few insects, like misquotes!) and other 
wildlife during the summer--it's black-and-white in winter (another kind of 
beauty).


 

Re: [Zen] Hello

[William Rintala]

I am just another voice and not a moderator of this group but I think that I 
can 
speak for all, that you are welcome here.  I am relatively new to the group and 
from what I've been seeing the participating members represent a fair 
cross-section of  Buddhist thought. 

 Bill not Bill! 




Find what makes your heart sing…and do it! 





From: Glenn Rogers 
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, August 22, 2012 8:20:00 PM
Subject: [Zen] Hello

  
I'm new to this group; allow me to introduce myself. I'm not used to being this 
personal and I feel a bit vulnerable, but I have an inner need to reach out to 
a 
Sangha, since I haven't been able to find one where I live.

I grew up Christian and became a fundamentalist anabaptist pastor. Now in 
midlife, I'm a psychotherapist and Zen practitioner. My primary teacher is 
Thich 
Nhat Hanh and I have also benefited from teachings from Chogyman Trungpa 
Rinpoche, Pema Chodron and the Dalai Lama. I do not follow any religion or hold 
on to any religious beliefs, but rather search for Truth (Dharma) wherever it 
resonates with me and adjust those truths (because of impermanence) as need be. 
I strive (without striving) to experience each moment of life (here-and-now) as 
it comes to me. My worldview represents an attempt to integrate truth from 
psychology (particularly psychodynamic and existentialist), philosophy 
(especially Ken Wilbur), quantum physics, and an earth-centred spirituality. In 
my attempts to find a Sangha, I have found only meditation centres that focus 
more on beliefs than experience or practice. When I share my experience I am 
met 
with comments like, "That's not Buddhism!" I am frustrated to find the same 
resistance and judgment as I experienced in the church. Due to Depression, I 
have been seeing an excellent psychotherapist for nine years. My main struggle 
in life is the fear I have of looking deeply into my suffering and accepting 
the 
strong emotions that come from that. As a psychotherapist (and human being), I 
also encounter other's suffering and I must practice right diligence in order 
to 
manage the pain and anger I experience as counter-transference. I wonder how it 
is that humans can be so deliberately cruel to one another and why compassion 
is 
so difficult to practice. Coming full circle, I realize that I am caught in 
this 
same cycle of suffering--I do not stand outside of it. On the bright side, 
integrating Buddhist psychology (i.e., impermanence, non-discrimination and 
inter-being) has erased my life-long fear of death (heaven just couldn't cut it 
for me!). Through the contemplation of the Buddah-in-me (or Christ-in-me--it 
really doesn't matter), I am learning to love myself more all the time; I'm 
actually kind-of happy with who I am on the Path.

I am in my second marriage; my wife is a wonderful woman who embodies Zen 
wisdom 
without the need for the language. She is my soul mate and companion on the 
Path. We live on a beautiful acreage, surrounded by water and lush, green 
trees; 
innumerable birds (and a few insects, like misquotes!) and other wildlife 
during 
the summer--it's black-and-white in winter (another kind of beauty).

Re: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)

[mike brown]

Whereabouts are you blokes from? I lived in Perth for 17 years so feel a real 
connection to Australia (I'm Welsh). My son is based in Darwin with 4 RAR. Good 
to see some Ockers here amongst all the septics ; )

Mike





From: Daryl Gillespie 
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, 5 October, 2010 16:56:54
Subject: RE: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)

  
Welcome Gunnar,
 
    Another Aussie here.  What a great thing to see. 
 
    I will be looking forward to your posts as I also study the 
bible and meditate.  I don’t preach or belong to any ‘çhurch’  (in fact its 
been 
a while since I said anything here), I normally just read the posts.  I think 
there is something in the fact that we have 2 eyes and 2 ears but just 1 mouth.
 
Take care
 
Dazza
 
From:Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:zen_fo...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of 
gunnar19632000
Sent: Monday, 4 October 2010 6:52 PM
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)
 
  
Hello

Mel is my name. I'm new to the group. I follow the Quaker practise of silent 
contemplation, which is not too far from what they refer to in Soto Zen as zazen

I study the bible, but I also meditate in silence

in peace
Mel
gunnar19632...@yahoo.com.au
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.856 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3176 - Release Date: 10/04/10 
17:35:00



  

RE: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)

[Daryl Gillespie]

Welcome Gunnar,

 

Another Aussie here.  What a great thing to see. 

 

I will be looking forward to your posts as I also study the
bible and meditate.  I don’t preach or belong to any ‘çhurch’  (in fact its
been a while since I said anything here), I normally just read the posts.  I
think there is something in the fact that we have 2 eyes and 2 ears but just
1 mouth.

 

Take care

 

Dazza

 

From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:zen_fo...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of gunnar19632000
Sent: Monday, 4 October 2010 6:52 PM
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)

 

  

Hello

Mel is my name. I'm new to the group. I follow the Quaker practise of silent
contemplation, which is not too far from what they refer to in Soto Zen as
zazen

I study the bible, but I also meditate in silence

in peace
Mel
gunnar19632...@yahoo.com.au  



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.856 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3176 - Release Date: 10/04/10
17:35:00

RE: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)

[BillSmart]

Gunnar - Welcome!  I'm glad to have more people on the Forum that are in my
general time zone.Bill!

 

From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:zen_fo...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of gunnar19632000
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2010 2:52 PM
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Zen] Hello(from Australia)

 

  

Hello

Mel is my name. I'm new to the group. I follow the Quaker practise of silent
contemplation, which is not too far from what they refer to in Soto Zen as
zazen

I study the bible, but I also meditate in silence

in peace
Mel
gunnar19632...@yahoo.com.au  





__ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
database 5503 (20101004) __

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com

RE: [Zen] Hello!

[BillSmart]

Jason,

Welcome to the Zen Forum!

My suggestion to you is to learn to sit zen meditation  (Japanese word =
'zazen').  If you can find a zen group near you with a legitimate teacher,
that would be the best route.  If not you can find out how to sit zazen from
many sources.  I've listed some on a previous post.

Many people have had a spiritual experience that certainly could have been
the same or similar to experiences prompted by practice of Buddhism and zen.
'Satori' is the Japanese term for a full enlightenment experience.  'Kensho'
is the Japanese term for an initial breakthrough.  So if you describe your
experience as a 'flash' it would most likely be kensho as opposed to satori
- if it was indeed either of these.

Naming these experiences are not important.  Establishing a good, consistent
practice of zazen is, in my opinion, the most important thing.

Again, Welcome!  ...and good luck...Bill! 

From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf
Of ejason85
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2008 10:56 PM
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Zen] Hello!

Hello,
I am new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. my name is Jason and I
am fairly new to zen. I joined to learn more about zen and buddhism, as I
have a VERY basic understanding of both. I have been spiritual for many
years and have meditated, although I wish to do it more regularly. I believe
I have had a flash of ( and forgive me if this is the wrong term) satori I
believe it's called, or a flash of enlightenment. it was the most amazing
experience and truly indescribable. 
thanks for having me here and I look forward to learning more and talking
with all of you. thanks! peace and love
Jason




Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [Zen] Hello and introduction

[roloro1557]

Hello Bill,

Thanks for the welcome :) 

Yes, Cleary is excellent. See my post to Edgar for other books I have
read. Speaking of which-

Zen
It's history and teachings
by Osho

is also good. 

Nice to meet you,
Margie (roloro1557)


--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Margie,  WELCOME!  I haven't read the book you cited, but all other
books
> edited by Thomas Cleary that I have read have been very good.
> 
> ...Bill! 
> 
> From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf
> Of roloro1557
> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:52 AM
> To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Zen] Hello and introduction
> 
> Greetings Everyone,
> 
> I just joined the Zen Forum and wanted to introduce myself.
> 
> Zen got hold of me about 20 years ago, when the building I lived in
> was struck by lightning. But I didn't realize it until about 12 years
> ago when I literally tripped over a little book on the street(Zen
> Essence, The Science of Freedom - translated and edited by Thomas
> Cleary*):
> 
> "When the jewel staff strikes heaven and earth lose their color.
> Through this experience all devils' guts burst. Through this
> experience all sages' eyes open." Xuedou
> 
> I'm looking forward to making new friends here and many good
discussions.
> 
> Margie (roloro1557)
>  
> 
> __ NOD32 3478 (20080928) Information __
> 
> This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
> http://www.eset.com
>





Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

RE: [Zen] Hello and introduction

[BillSmart]

Margie,  WELCOME!  I haven't read the book you cited, but all other books
edited by Thomas Cleary that I have read have been very good.

...Bill! 

From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf
Of roloro1557
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:52 AM
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Zen] Hello and introduction

Greetings Everyone,

I just joined the Zen Forum and wanted to introduce myself.

Zen got hold of me about 20 years ago, when the building I lived in
was struck by lightning. But I didn't realize it until about 12 years
ago when I literally tripped over a little book on the street(Zen
Essence, The Science of Freedom - translated and edited by Thomas
Cleary*):

"When the jewel staff strikes heaven and earth lose their color.
Through this experience all devils' guts burst. Through this
experience all sages' eyes open." Xuedou

I'm looking forward to making new friends here and many good discussions.

Margie (roloro1557)
 

__ NOD32 3478 (20080928) Information __

This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
http://www.eset.com




Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: [Zen] Hello, Everyone!

[donald hwong]

Good weekend to all,

Another group has asked me to upload a file as a intro and guide for beginners' 
meditation practice.  I shall do so also with this group.  

If the admin of this group did not like it, please just delete it.

Namaste,
Donald

Phillip Rogers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  
First go to a few posts by Donald a few days ago he has some pretty interesting 
posts on beginners Zen Meditation. I do the belly breathing meditation that he 
posted every evening. However, in the morning I do this practice: I first 
stretch to prepare my body for meditation, then I sit and relax my body. I 
adjust my sitting so that I am straight backed, the best thing to do is to 
elevate your butt because that makes it easier to sit straight. get comfortable 
for a few minutes. Then cross your legs and place your hands in your lap or on 
your knees. Try and rid your body of all tension. Take a few deep breaths and 
then just breath NORMALLY, do not try and force your breath. let your attention 
rest on your breath at the tip of your nose. Know that when you breath in you 
are breathing in, etc. Softly attend to your breath do not force your 
attention. When you lose concentration then acknowledge that your mind wandered 
then gently bring it back to your breath.
   Meditation is very difficult because we are trying to undo what we have done 
since our birth which is run from thought to though without concentration, but 
it gets easier. Also remember that in Zen what works for you will be best we 
cannot become attached to anyone method, but we must use whatever works for us. 
Breathing meditation seems to be the easiest for beginners. I hope this helps.
   
  Peace,
  Allen
  
jbaby36 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  Peace to you all. I am new to  zazen, And, my feet have only just 
touched the river of Zen. I sit, breathe, and, try to loose myself 
from within. But, the noise of a restless mind, brings me little 
peace. What am I doing wrong? My belly burns from breathing. I feel 
like 5 minutes have passed. But, when I open my eyes, I see only 3 
have. I do not expect much from my first time. But, can it truly be 
THIS hard? Please, someone help me see what am I doing wrong?

Jeff 




   

-
It's here! Your new message!
Get  new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar.
 
   

 
-
Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels 
in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit.

Re: [Zen] Hello, Everyone!

[Phillip Rogers]

First go to a few posts by Donald a few days ago he has some pretty interesting 
posts on beginners Zen Meditation. I do the belly breathing meditation that he 
posted every evening. However, in the morning I do this practice: I first 
stretch to prepare my body for meditation, then I sit and relax my body. I 
adjust my sitting so that I am straight backed, the best thing to do is to 
elevate your butt because that makes it easier to sit straight. get comfortable 
for a few minutes. Then cross your legs and place your hands in your lap or on 
your knees. Try and rid your body of all tension. Take a few deep breaths and 
then just breath NORMALLY, do not try and force your breath. let your attention 
rest on your breath at the tip of your nose. Know that when you breath in you 
are breathing in, etc. Softly attend to your breath do not force your 
attention. When you lose concentration then acknowledge that your mind wandered 
then gently bring it back to your breath.
  Meditation is very difficult because we are trying to undo what we have done 
since our birth which is run from thought to though without concentration, but 
it gets easier. Also remember that in Zen what works for you will be best we 
cannot become attached to anyone method, but we must use whatever works for us. 
Breathing meditation seems to be the easiest for beginners. I hope this helps.
   
  Peace,
  Allen
  
jbaby36 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  Peace to you all. I am new to zazen, And, my feet have only just 
touched the river of Zen. I sit, breathe, and, try to loose myself 
from within. But, the noise of a restless mind, brings me little 
peace. What am I doing wrong? My belly burns from breathing. I feel 
like 5 minutes have passed. But, when I open my eyes, I see only 3 
have. I do not expect much from my first time. But, can it truly be 
THIS hard? Please, someone help me see what am I doing wrong?

Jeff 



 

 
-
It's here! Your new message!
Get new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar.

Re: [Zen] Hello :)

[chai tea]

Likewise.  I'll elaborate a bit more soon.   Right now, I'm keen on Wu-Wei.  
Are you familiar with it?  Actionless action.   Pretty cool.   Speak to you 
soon.

mtpathy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:  Greets everyone,im new to this forum/group 
as well as im new to 
the whole concept of Zen, Ive studied meditation since 14 
and have inadvertently been applying the practices of Zen 
when i didn't even know the methods of the practice.
so finding and working with zen has been a real eye opener, i
hope to learn alot from reading the posts on here.
salutations






Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today! 



  SPONSORED LINKS 
Zen buddhism   Tibetan buddhism   Zen alarm clock Zen garden 

-
  YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS 


Visit your group "Zen_Forum" on the web.

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. 


-
  




-
Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make  PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo! 
Messenger with Voice.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~--> 
Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing
http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM
~-> 

Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are 
reading! Talk about it today! 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/