Zen Wisdom is thought to be the most refined spiritual possession of Asia, with its origin in India, its development in China, and its practical application in Japan. Wherever there is poetic action, a religious aspiration, a heroic thought, there is Zen. Zen is direct- goes straight to the point- requires no mediator. It is the greatest gift the Orient can make to the Occident.

ZAZEN: Formal Zen meditation.
Meditation has been said to occupy in Buddhism the place of prayer in other religious. In a sense this is true- except that Zen meditation is not prayer, makes no assumptions at all about God, and has been practiced by adherents of many major religions.

Zen meditation is not a dreamy reverie. Nor does it seek to apply the mind to any formulated problems of philosophy, ethics, or theology. Rather, the object of meditation is to force the participant beyond the sphere where words can be used, into the realm of immediacy where Ultimate Truth can be realized.

To put it simply, Zen meditation is to be approached as an end in itself. Greater Wisdom is not its aim but is an incidental results. It is extremely practical and penetrates all phases of daily life.

Who can participate?

Anyone who desires to progress in mind, body, and spirit may benefit by attending the Zen center. Among attendants have been practiioners of Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and secular ethical philosophies, as well as other Buddhists. The only requirements are a sincere purpose and a clean body.

Application to life.

The late Reverend Dr. Soyu Matsuoka-roshi said: "Many people have inquired about the life that a Zen person should lead. As you grow in Zen, you will find that you no longer have to think about how to act, or how to live, because the life of Zen will have matured in you, and your actions will be in completed harmony with your inner spirit."

Where to Begin?

1. Study.

2. Reflection.

3. Meditation.

4. Finding spiritual friends.

Gassho, _/\_

Venerable Reverend Daito Zenei Thompson, spiritual director

ASPEN GOLD DHARMA CENTER

copyright (c) 2005 CE 2549 BE through 2009 CE 2553 BE

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