Dear Springs Mountain Sangha,
It’s been a rough season for many of us, and I’m noticing a level of tension in the air that has me reminding myself frequently: “We are all in this together, and if I can hold everything that happens in the largest, warmest way possible, that can only help.” That means I try to remember to give others, and myself, the benefit of the doubt when nerves are raw.
And it means I am more and more grateful for our practices: for the largeness of meditation; for the depth of our teachings and inquiry both ancient and modern; for opportunities to help, and precepts to support us in becoming more and more skillful; and for our community of practice.
In our Koan Zen tradition, koan inquiry goes hand in hand with the study and practice of ethical teachings, or precepts. Springs Mountain Sangha takes these up in community once a month, reciting the vows and looking together at what they bring up.
And it sometimes happens that, in the course of a Zen practice, a person feels a call to take another step—to find refuge in the Bodhisattva Way, the way of dedication to the awakening, the well being of all. When a few people have expressed this sort of aspiration, we begin a series of sessions to meet together and really dive into our precepts whole-heartedly, together.
In January of 2016 we’ll begin such a series. Anyone can participate, whether or not you are interested in any formal refuge process. We’ll meet once a week, taking up each of our vows in turn—-spending time with them in several ways during the weeks between meetings, and sharing the experience of keeping company with them.
Next Thursday, December 17 at 6:30 PM (7528 Jenkin Place) there will be a meeting for anyone who is interested in learning more about the series, to learn more, ask questions, and develop a plan for those who wish to join in.
If you are interested, but will be unable to attend this meeting, or if you have questions, you can contact me at sembender@gmail.com .
Yours in the Dharma,
Sarah Bender