Monthly Archives: January 2011

Tweedledum and Tweedledee perform an investigation

Last night I arrived back at the Zen Center in the middle of dinner and dished myself up some tagine while engaging in conversation with a resident who wanted to tell me how much the ginger cabbage and kokuho rice … Continue reading

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Smells like Zen spirit

This weekend while waiting in the gift shop for my enzyme bath at Osmosis, I spied these nifty little Good Karma candles made by Zensual.*  I’m not normally enthusiastic about candles and gift shops but something about the colors and … Continue reading

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does this guy need a visa?

I spent a gorgeous Sunday afternoon driving through the pastoral countryside of Sonoma and Marin Counties.  Every once in awhile it’s nice to open the view and remind oneself that there are other beings we share this planet with and … Continue reading

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RIP Lou Hartman

Lou Hartman died today at 3:45pm.  He was 96 years old. (These are Lou’s poems from Inquiring Mind, Fall 2008 edition) First Sesshin with Suzuki Roshi What a laugh! The actor serving tea in the zendo Thinks he’s me! Enlightenment … Continue reading

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Old age, sickness, and death in the full moon

Tonight was our Full Moon ceremony, which we do every month, renewing our vows, the 16 Bodhisattva precepts of taking refuge and living in harmony with all beings. Once a friend from work who is a casual participant in Zen … Continue reading

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practice discussion

One form of practice in a Zen temple is the practice discussion, a brief one-on-one meeting with a teacher designed to explore the student’s personal practice and give them a direction for spiritual growth.  Here in San Francisco we have … Continue reading

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