Now that winter is with us, we meet at the slightly earlier time of 7 pm. rather than 7:30.
Tuesday evening has been the preferred day for the last several years. People arrive, greet one another, and decide on Zendo roles for the evening, before assuming their preferred positions.
The format has remained unchanged for some time now. Firstly the offering of incense, three full bows, and then a standing bow to each other before sitting. We then do the Robe Chant, Purification and taking Refuge Chants.
This is followed by a 30 minutes period of meditation, 10 minutes Kinhin (walking meditation) and finally a further 30 minutes of Zazen. We then chant the Heart Sutra accompanied by the Mokugyo, followed by the Dedication of Merits and the Refuges in Pali.
After some lengthy discussions of the six Paramitas over the last 2 months, we have now decided to explore the Bodhisattvas "Way Seeking Mind" and what this means to each of us. This would give each person the opportunity (if they so wished) to say how they themselves came to be practising.. What perhaps was the initial impetus that drew them to this particular path. This might include wholly biographical details of their personal life or not. After this presentation people present could comment or remain silent. So far there seems to have been a deep respectful intensity of listening followed by a meditative silence. Personally, I have found these times of sharing to be deeply moving. Finally after sometimes years of shared formal Zen practice, we have given each other the gift and chance to whole-heartedly express what it is that gives our lives ultimate meaning.
On one occasion this was done after tea & biscuits in the living room and once immediately following Zazen in the Zendo. On the 2nd occasion, refreshments were offered but declined. We will no doubt discuss the merits of each, with each person deciding on their preference at some later date. The "Way Seeking Mind" sharing, we have decided to schedule for each 3rd Tuesday of the month. The 1st Tuesday of the month will be alternatively a discussion of a practice which one of us is having difficulty with or wants to explore in more detail, a reading or readings from various books, or both. Slowly it seems that together we are trying to more precisely define just how we intend to spend our precious time. For each of us this will be different, dependent on an almost limitless number of conditions, some of which we are barely aware of. Again, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to everyone for their on-going participation and effort in both the local as well as the wider Sangha as we all try to manifest the teaching.
Deep Bows, Francis Checkley ( AnRyu ChiU)
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