practice buddhism

I attended a 10-day Vipassana meditation course. The basic idea is to notice sensations within the body with complete equanimity, and therefore realize the embodied reality that all things are impermanent. This was about two weeks ago. It was extremely difficult, but beneficial. Afterwards, I felt lighter, happier. I realized that my anxiety is caused through sensations I feel in my stomach, and in my heart, and that these sensations are constantly arising and passing.

So, I’d really like to stick with this type of meditation. But it’s so hard to motivate myself sometimes. I want to every day.

of all the contemporary religions, Buddhism is pretty much the only one that assimilates to modern free thinking. much deeper and peaceful than any of the other major religions.

I’m rereading “Appreciate your life, the essence of Zen practice” by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. Maezumi Roshi was the teacher of Genpo Roshi, who’s the teacher of my teacher Nico Sensei. This book is very, very helpful to me. Dogen has had a big influence on Maezumi’s teachings and also in this book.

Practice = Enlightenment

I’m Buddhist but sometimes life can get so hectic that I just don’t take the time to remember the values of my religion or to practice it. I really need to start doing that regardless of what life throws at me.

From thursday until sunday I’ll have a four day sesshin at the zendo of my teacher in Amsterdam. I very much look forward to see him and my Dharma brothers & – sisters again. One of my closest Dharma brother will receive jukai on sunday. A celebration!

I just finished this book by my teacher’s teacher. A fascinating read about the Big Mind process. I recommend it, but it’s even better to experience it live at a Big Mind session than reading a book about it.

This is a picture to cherish. It makes me very, very happy to have this one! On the left my teacher Nico Sensei and on the right his (also mine of course, just not officially) teacher Genpo Roshi. Roshi gave a two-day Big Mind workshop in Amsterdam this weekend (look on his website for more information about Big Mind) and afterwards we went to a nice, Spanish restaurant.

I have a “zen weekend” at the zendo. Today (saturday) it will be from 15.00 until 21.00 hrs and tomorrow from 10.00 until 17.oo hrs. We’ll practice lots of zazen and will also eat together. There will be daisan and tomorrow there’ll also be a Dharmatalk.

The book I’m currently reading is Siddharta by Hermann Hesse.

No disrespect intended – it’s still an awesome religion. But I’ve studied other religions now, and I don’t think Buddhism is some kind of pancea… so I’m not gonna focus on this one.

The Buddhist Society of Western Australia has all sorts of cool resources like guided meditations, info about buddhism, articles and a discussion forum.

http://www.bswa.org/modules/mydownloads/

http://www.bswa.org/modules/icontent/

I am going on a 10-day vipassana style retreat soon. If you are interested, you can find info about these at:

http://www.dhamma.org/

(just look down the left hand menu to click on your country).

I hope this info helps you.

“When we see suffering as our teacher, and not as our enemy, we start to make progress”