Zen Buddhism

I have been studying and practising the discipline of Zen since 2000. I have been sitting (meditating) daily for over 9 years now.

Zen came into my life when I was experiencing a painful time. It is a form of Buddhism that gives central importance to meditation. We will never escape the inevitability of old age and death, yet Zen is a way for us to face what is completely true about this life. People often get very confused, believing that if we meditate or are practicing a Spiritual discipline that over time all problems will disappear, this is a misguided conception. Overtime we learn to accept life and respond to what we are faced with in a calmer way. The Zen tradition is a universal one, applicable to anyone. At the heart of Zen teaching lies a deep compassion and respect for all beings and an appreciation that ‘Buddha nature’ is inherent in all people. In the Buddhist practice, the outward and inward aspects of taking the one seat meet on our meditation cushion.

The Zen lineage that I follow is that of Taizan Maezumi Roshi, a Japanese Master recognized by both Rinzai and Soto schools. His successor is my inspiration Dennis Genpo Merzel Roshi, the founder of Kanzeon Sangha.This is the lineage of The White Plum Asangha.

Zen is beautiful, poetic and alive.

The disciplines that I continue to study and teach have many similarities.

I was told these many paths would come together one day and they have.

As someone once wrote ‘We are Spiritual beings having a human experience, not human beings having a Spiritual experience’.

ZEN MEDITATION GROUP

We meet fortnightly on a Friday evening (Not once a month now). We start at 6.30pm until around 8.00pm. Please arrive at 6.25pm This is by donation only (suggested £3.00) We are an informal, welcoming and encouraging group. We sit (Zazen) for two periods, also a short walking meditation, a short reading from a Zen text and a short group discussion at the end. This group is for anyone interested in Zen meditation and Zen teachings, for those seeking to honor the integrity of the ancient Zen tradition and bringing it into daily life. It will be kept simple and down to earth.

The group is connected to The White Plum Lineage and we are the only sitting group in Essex from this lineage at present.

Please wear something comfortable. If you have your own Zafu (cushion) then please bring it along. You are welcome if you have never meditated or practiced Zen and if you have. Pictured on the right is Genpo Merzel Roshi

SITTING GROUP DATES FOR 2009
(arrive 6.25pm please for a 6.30pm start)

January 16th & 30th
February 17th & 27th
March 13th
April 3rd & 17th
May 1st
June 5th & 19th
July 3rd & 17th

NEW MONTHLY DAY OF ZEN
All Saturdays

February 10.15am - 3.15pm
March 14th
May 9th
June 27th
July 11th

Experience the benefits of a day-long retreat which cannot always be possible in our normal daily meditation routine amid our busy schedules!

This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen our practice. Everyone welcome from newcomers to more experienced practitioners.

If would like to attend any of the above dates for the sitting group, please contact me first. The venue for the sitting group is at the private Yoga/Healing Room in Harlow, Essex.

The group is connected to the White Plum Lineage and we are very fortunate that in 2008 Dave Scott will be visiting our group to share his knowledge and wisdom with us. David Shoji Scott, is the leader of the Liverpool Zen group. Dave has been a Zen Practitioner since 1982 under the guidance of Genpo Merzel Roshi. In 2002 he was given the rank of Hoshi ('dharma holder') by Genpo Roshi, which means he is a qualified Zen Teacher in the White Plum Asangha.

Dave Scott Hoshi, has been an inspiration to me and a great guide.