Sunday, November 1, 2020

November 1, 2020

 

Holding Space in Uncertain Times
 
I think there are many examples where it has been possible to hold space in the whirlwind of uncertain times. Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Tara Brach are four 
examples of how people are social
acitivists, yet hold to the core beliefs
of non-violent Buddhism. 


Thich Nhat Hanh was the product of the war in Vietnam and was chastised for suggesting peace. He left and created Plum Village. 

The Dalai Lama was kicked out of his own country yet holds no grudge and is still the leader of his sect of Buddhism. 

Nelson Mandela spent nearly two decades in jail, but came out more enlightened than when he went in.  

Tara Brach has been arrested for protesting against violence and social injustice, 
but sticks to the tenet of non-violence and compassion. 

I don't profess to have the strength that these people have shown in the face of adversity. In fact, in March of 2016, I sought help because what was going on the world seemed like a burden too big to bear. But thankfully, I found this wonderful group and through Zazen and the fellowship of this sangha, I am better at 'holding my core' than I ever was and am approaching the next few weeks, not with optimism, but with the ability of being able to not let either result completely knock me out of my space -- but admittedly, I have checked what it takes to become a citizen of Canada or New Zealand if things deteriorate. But I come to it as a whole person, not a broken one as in 2016.

- From Shannon Bergman

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Our ZHS on-line schedule

  • Mondays: 7-8:30pm - zazen, short service, lecture/discussion
  • Tuesdays-Fridays: 5:30-6:10pm - zazen, offering of merit/bows
  • M-F: 7-7:30am - zazen
  • Saturdays: 8:00-10:15am - zazen, short service, tea, discussion/study
  • For more information:  www.zenheartsangha.org) 
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Special bows for today: 
  • Please offer bows for all those families who have lost their lives or their homes in the recent fires in Oregon, California, and Washington
  • Please continue to offer bows of well-being for:   
    • Phyllis Merrill, Misha's mother, who died on 10/18/20
    • Charles Kennicott Leech, Nancy's father who died on 10/9/20
    • David Shaw, who suffered a stroke on 9/30/20
    • Takiko Kawakami, Fumiko Arao's mother who died 9/2/2020
    • Rev. Les Kaye, Misha’s Zen teacher, who is recovering at home undergoing chemotherapy
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Wonderful links shared by sangha members and friends:
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