Zen Koan Practice
This issue of In the Moment explores the wonderfully complex world of Zen kong-ans, or koans. A koan is a Zen teaching tool used by a Zen master to train and sharpen the mind of his or her student. A question is posed by the master, and the student must answer accordingly. In his introduction to the Ten Gates, Zen Master Dae Kwang likens this verbal repartee to "Dharma combat," as the back and forth attacks and counter-attacks between master and student are similar to two swordsmen battling.
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Jizo: Protector of Travelers, Women & Children
This issue of In the Moment offers a look at Jizo Bodhisattva, one of the most beloved and revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Jizo is the embodiment of the Bodhisattva Vow, the aspiration to save all beings from suffering. He is the protector of women, children, and travelers in the six realms of existence. In India he is known as Ksitigarbha, in China as Dizang, in Korea as Jijang Bosal, and in Japan as Jizo Bosatsu.
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Malas, Purposes and Uses
This issue of In the Moment offers a glimpse into the purpose and uses of malas, or Buddhist rosaries. Malas are used to count recitations, mantras, prayers, or prostrations. Using a mala helps with concentration and focus during meditation. DharmaCrafts offers 108-bead malas, 27- bead hand malas, and stretchy wrist malas in diverse materials from gemstones to bodhi seeds. Most people keep several malas of varying lengths and materials. Malas are deeply personal items and should be chosen carefully. In this newsletter, we have compiled some informative articles about the mala.
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Generosity and Gratitude
This issue of In the Moment offers teachings on the practice of dana, or generosity. Dana is the first of the Six Paramitas, or the practices of the Bodhisattva. It is the gateway to Buddhist practice. What does it mean to be generous? How is generosity defined in Buddhism? Is dana only the giving of material things?
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The Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn
This issue of In the Moment introduces you to the teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927- 2004), the first Korean Zen master to live and teach in the West. Known for his exuberant teaching style, boundless energy, and compassionate wisdom, Zen Master Seung Sahn founded the Kwan Um School of Zen, an international organization of more than one hundred centers and groups.
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Yoga for Meditators
This issue of In the Moment, explores the interface between Buddhist meditation and yoga. Yoga practice in the U.S. is commonly viewed as a health practice that stretches, tones, and strengthens the body. Yet, yoga studios are increasingly incorporating sitting meditation into yoga classes, as well as offering stand alone meditation classes. And, many Buddhist meditation centers are beginning to offer yoga and meditation combination retreats and workshops. You will read about the commonalities of the yoga and Buddhist meditation traditions from yoga teachers who also have extensive backgrounds in Buddhist meditation practice, and learn helpful tips for combining yoga and meditation into your spiritual practice.
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The Dharma of Gardening
Connect your meditation practice with the wonder of the natural world. This newsletter features the contemplative garden in all its refined splendor and beauty. Whether you have a Zen garden, a small patio garden or simply a patch of dirt and weeds in dire need of cultivation, you are sure to find a wealth of information and inspiration in our excerpt from Martin Mosko’s book, Landscape as Spirit, as well as in the article “Soul Garden."
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Silence
"Silence is the ground of happiness, communion, and oneness. We can learn to find it in all moments and things; we discover it has never been lost but is only hidden," writes Christina Feldman, renowned Vipassana meditation teacher and author of Silence.
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Peace for the Holidays
In this holiday issue of In the Moment we explore the topic of peace — a universal theme for this season of light. Joseph Goldstein's article, "Three Means to Peace," asks the penetrating question, "Is it possible to hold differences of view in a larger context of unity rather than in conflict and hostility?"
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Developing a Daily Practice
Developing a daily meditation practice can be quite challenging, even for the most committed practitioner. In this issue of In the Moment we’ll introduce you to a DharmaCrafts customer who has brought meditation practice into his workplace – a large law firm. more...
The Wisdom of Solitude
We are pleased to introduce you to Jane Dobisz, a wise and insightful Zen teacher and her newly published book, The Wisdom of Solitude. Jane is the guiding teacher of the Cambridge Zen Center in Massachusetts and a dharma heir of Zen Master Seung Sahn. The Wisdom of Solitude is the “inside” story of Jane's 100-day solo retreat told with refreshing honesty, humor, and rich insight.
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How to Meditate Part II
The mind of meditation is none other than our own original, perfect, essential nature. While each of the major Buddhist traditions emphasizes different aspects and approaches to finding our true self, all point to the same mind. In this newsletter we explore the mind of meditation from the views of the Zen, Vipassana, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. more...
How to Meditate Part I
While meditation techniques vary widely among the Buddhist traditions, it is interesting to note that in all of the traditions the basic posture of meditation is sitting cross-legged upon the ground. This newsletter explores the posture of meditation from the Zen, Vipassana, and Tibetan Buddhist views. more...
Why Meditate Part II
We practice meditation to attain our True Self and save all beings from suffering. This issue of In the Moment explores the awakening of the Mind of Great Love and Great Compassion which is called the Bodhisattva Vow.
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Why Meditate Part I
Our June issue of In the Moment explores the first part of the question, "Why Meditate?" From the viewpoints of the Zen, Vipassana and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, we will discover what it means to be human and how meditation practice helps us uncover the truth of who we really are.
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What is Meditation
Meditation is the noble act of making friends with yourself. Breath by breath, moment by moment, we begin to learn who we really are. At first, this prospect may be interesting, shocking, appalling, mysterious, or boring. Eventually, the chop of discursive mind softens, and we find natural attunement with ourselves.
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