Dear Friends,
The New Year comes and we feel a sense of a new beginning. We recognize our short comings. We know with, a sense of relief, that our failings can be left behind. Silently we repent and vow to do better. We take a breath and step forward into the new year. How wonderful. A new beginning with its promise of a fresh start open to all the possibilities of life. But time passes quickly and as I am writing this on January 12th, the New Year is a bit older and I ask, "Do you still feel that sense of leaving the old self behind and starting afresh". Do you still feel enthusiastic about the possibility that life can be free from strife and stress. Has the January 1st feeling of hope and enthusiasm dimmed? Well the teachings of Zen tell us that every day is a new beginning. Or even better, every breath offers the chance to begin anew. Each breath is the beginning of a new year. A fresh start All we have to do is wake up and leave our old self behind and step into the reality of the new year. Perhaps its easier said than done. It begins with setting aside a few minutes a day to develop a quiet mind. Be aware of the beauty that surrounds us in nature. I invite you to join our group on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as we drink green tea and meditate and cultivate a quiet mind. Sage or beginner all are welcome. ( see link to 2 minute film on meditation at bottom of page)
My resolution for the New Year is to smile more. I realize this is not the most difficult or meaningful of resolutions but I think it will be a beneficial practice for all concerned. Smile now.
The meditation group has adopted a new name. We are now Rising Moon Sitting Group. This is to recognize 5 years of meeting together and to celebrate the enthusiasm of the current active members: Alfonso M., Bob C., Doris, Elena, Ty, John H., Mauricio, and Angel ( the cookie man ). The solitary sage has his place but in Zen it is taught that one should be part of a group and study with a teacher. Thank you for showing an interest in learning about the dharma. The name Rising Moon is derived from the native American name " Biscayne" which means "Favorite Path of the Rising Moon". Our parent group is named Moonheart so it is nice to maintain the moon theme connection.
The website is going a little slower that I would have hoped. The text , photos and design are completed. We are currently searching for the right website "builder". If you have any suggestions please let me know. The address for the site is www.kbzen.com. Thanks to Karen Levinson for posting the photo and our new name on the site tonight.
Jiun Roshi, an authentic Zen master from Holland, will be making her annual visit to Miami in March. If you are interested in meditation or looking for a way to live in harmony with life it is suggested that you attend one of the functions offered by the International Zen Institute of Florida in Coconut Grove. Details in calendar below.
A link to a 2 minute film on meditation by Peter Mackie is included below. Its very good. Thanks to Robert Baldwin for sharing this short film.
Calendar:
• Rising Moon Sitting group meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 230 Sea View Dr. the home of Bill Durham. Schedule: 7:30 PM tea and conversation, 8:00 meditation, 8:25 slow walking . 8:35 meditation. 9:00 finish. Please call before your first visit (786) 218-6332. After your first visit it is not necessary to call.
• January 17 and February 21 Meditation Day. A great opportunity to delve a little deeper. 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. www.IZIF.org
• March 7-8 Seminar with Zen Master Jiun Roshi Pinecrest info at www.IZIF.org
• March 14-21 7 Day retreat with Zen Master Jiun Roshi in Micanopy, Florida. A rare and wonderful opportunity. info at www.IZIF.org