Category Archives: Lineage

Dharma Thought: On Activity

Dharma Thoughts, Zen

On Activity, from Suzuki Roshi: “When we practice zazen, we limit our activity to the smallest extent. Just keeping the right posture and concentrating on sitting is how we express the universal nature. Then we become Buddha and express Buddha nature…we just concentrate on the activity we do in each moment. When you bow, you should just bow; when you eat, you should just eat. If you do this, the universal nature is there. In Japanese, we call it ichigyo zammai or ‘one-act samadhi.‘ “

Despite our society’s love of “multi-tasking,” science is discovering that we really can only do one thing at a time. Our attempts at multi-tasking are actually our brains serially monotasking. This fragmented attention is the opposite of what the Buddha taught and of what Suzuki Roshi tried to remind us. Do you notice a difference in your mental state when you focus on one thing at a time and when you try to multi-task? Which one feels better?

This Dharma Thought is brought to you by the Bozeman Zen Group.

Event: Summer Solstice Celebration

Non-denominational

On Wednesday, June 21, come celebrate the longest day of the year with dharma, a Sound Meditation (bells provided by Ann Marvin) followed by refreshments and socializing. Donations gratefully accepted at the door to help cover the cost of the event. No prior experience or registration needed. Appropriate for friends and families with children 10 years or older.

Celebrate the summer solstice with a sound meditation
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Event: BIC Guest Speaker

Non-denominational

BIC is excited to have guest Somananda Yogi speak via Zoom on the evening of June 22 at 7PM Mountain time. Somananda Yogi is an American-born master in Thai Medicine and meditation practices. He will Zoom in from Thailand. This promises to be a fascinating evening!

All are welcome. In person or join by the regular, drop-in zoom channel.

No prior experience or registration necessary.

This evening is freely offered; contributions to support the teachings are gratefully accepted in the time-honored generosity practice of dāna.

BIC Guest Speaker, Somananda Yogi

Dharma Thought: Path of Practice

Dharma Thoughts, Non-denominational

“Stay on the trail!” my father would say on family hikes. It expressed his care for the land and is a strong habit for me still. So it felt oddly transgressive to be in Yellowstone this weekend, first hiking a “real” trail marked on the map, then following paths made by bison, and then just striking out cross-country to reach the road. When we were no longer on a human-made trail, we felt more vulnerable, on higher alert for bison and bears, even though the landscape was the same. But we also grew more confident in our ability to observe and navigate without a “real” trail. Life often feels the same way: anxious when we are unsure of the path; relaxed when we are. Following the path of Buddha Dharma is wonderful in two seemingly contradictory ways. As a guide, it offers tools to navigate an uncertain world. But as a practice, it also helps us tolerate uncertainty. I am grateful to take refuge in both. Are you a “stay on the trail” person? How do you experience the path of practice?

This Dharma Thought brought to you by Steve Allison-Bunnell with Joining Rivers Sangha which meets on Mondays at 7PM.

Schedule Update: Sunday Zen

Zen

Bozeman Zen Group is having a half-day sit on Sunday, June 11 (everyone welcome!) and will not meet during the 8am or 5pm meeting times.

Image designed By 588ku from PNG Tree

Event: Zen half-day sit

Zen

Because regular retreat practice is a cornerstone of Zen practice, the Bozeman Zen Group offers half-day sittings throughout the year, as well as weekend retreats. Join us for the next half-day sit on Sunday, June 11 for periods of sitting and walking meditation. Appropriate for beginners who wish to try a retreat practice opportunity as well as for experienced practitioners to deepen their practice.

Intro to Meditation

Classes, Non-denominational

Beginning May 24, learn practices from the Insight, Zen and Tibetan traditions. Meditation can help to calm the mind, open the heart, and awaken wisdom. It is a means to study ourselves by contacting our inner life. When we know ourselves well, we are better able to relate to others in the world with integrity and confidence. In the Buddhist tradition there are several meditation styles that can aid us in developing the qualities of peacefulness and wisdom. Join us for any or all of this series, if you would like to begin a meditation practice or renew the one you already have.