Dear Friends in the Buddha Way,

Thich Nhat Hahn, an inspiring example of the gifts of practice, passed away last Friday. Here’s a link to a video that evokes the wonder and appreciation that he lived and shared with everyone: gratefulness.org May his teachings continue endlessly.

Warmly,

Paul

In the shadow of Covid-19, we’ve taken the difficult decision to close the zendo until things settle down. We encourage you to think of this time as an opportunity to sit quietly in your own space. If you are free in the afternoons, Monday to Friday, online zazen at San Francisco Zen Centre happens at 12:50 our time (it will change to 13:50 on Sunday, March 29): https://www.sfzc.org/online-programs/online-zendo

Here is a poem by Lynn Ungar that expresses a way to practise at this challenging time:

Pandemic

What if you thought of it

as the Jews consider the Sabbath—

the most sacred of times?

Cease from travel.

Cease from buying and selling.

Give up, just for now,

on trying to make the world

different than it is.

Sing. Pray. Touch only those

to whom you commit your life.

Center down.

And when your body has become still,

reach out with your heart.

Know that we are connected

in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.

(You could hardly deny it now.)

Know that our lives

are in one another’s hands.

(Surely, that has come clear.)

Do not reach out your hands.

Reach out your heart.

Reach out your words.

Reach out all the tendrils

of compassion that move, invisibly,

where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–

for better or for worse,

in sickness and in health,

so long as we all shall live.

–Lynn Ungar 11/3/20