Category Archives: meditation

“Personal” Photography Musings

Given today is the general election for President of the USA perhaps it seems fitting to post about “personal” images. Because unless you’ve actually sat down face-to-face beside the candidates, all anyone voting has to go on are video images and (spoken) words. (And the rare discussion with those who’ve actually met the candidates.) AnContinue reading ““Personal” Photography Musings”

Addressing and Working with Pain On and Off the Cushion

Fortunately, as of now, I haven’t had to work with physical pain much. I’m currently dealing more with blockages, which may or may not be blocking pain. It’s hard to tell until unblocked. For several years, until my grandmother’s passing, she dealt with osteoporosis and the pain of her bones disintegrating with Fentanyl, a veryContinue reading “Addressing and Working with Pain On and Off the Cushion”

An Integrating Presence Meditation at Mary’s House of Healing September 30, 2020

On September 30, 2020 at Mary’s House of Healing starting at 7pm, I plan to facilitate a guided meditation starting with brief instructions along with a discussion before and after. We will likely choose from the following: concentration; loving-kindness; (open) awareness; 5 simple qigong breathing exercises; and/or mindfulness (breath, body, feelings, mind) Mary’s House of Healing524 SouthContinue reading “An Integrating Presence Meditation at Mary’s House of Healing September 30, 2020”

Sub-commentary for ‘A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s “Gokudō Yōjinshū” (Guidelines for Studying the Way)’ by Gien Inoue

At Confluence Zen Center’s recent five year anniversary gathering and book signing in Maplewood, Missouri, I picked up a copy of A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s Gokudō Yōjinshū (Guidelines for Studying the Way) by Gien Inoue translated by Daigaku Rummé and Keiko Ohmae. [Also available via Amazon.] Having attending ConfluenceContinue reading “Sub-commentary for ‘A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s “Gokudō Yōjinshū” (Guidelines for Studying the Way)’ by Gien Inoue”

Dharma Questions: The Jhanas

There seem to be plenty of variation on the descriptions of the jhanas (especially surrounding “Nimittas”); the history and backgrounds of the jhanas — which were supposedly established well before the historical Buddha; — as well as some emotional charge surrounding what is and isn’t jhana and how to properly practice the jhanas, or meditativeContinue reading “Dharma Questions: The Jhanas”

An Integrating Presence Meditation at Mary’s House of Healing September 2, 2020

On September 2, 2020 at Mary’s House of Healing starting at 7pm, I plan to facilitate a minimally guided meditation starting with brief instructions along with a discussion before and after. The meditation will likely be either loving-kindness; concentration; (open) awareness; mindfulness (of body, feeling and/or mind); or a combination — chosen by consensus —Continue reading “An Integrating Presence Meditation at Mary’s House of Healing September 2, 2020”

Why We Practice | (8/25/2020 — Introducing: ‘Ask Us Anything’ With Denny K Miu)

This “pilot” of sorts called ‘Ask Us Anything’ marks the start of a monthly, open-audience, open-discussion with co-host Denny K Miu mostly about meditation practices and related topics. Our format isn’t set in stone, but it may gel more over time. We may invite guests. Audience members may talk more. We may freestyle with zeroContinue reading “Why We Practice | (8/25/2020 — Introducing: ‘Ask Us Anything’ With Denny K Miu)”

Shifu Ji Ru’s Five Breathing Exercises

MABA‘s Shifu Jiru teaches five breathing exercises. The following commentary on them is merely my own thoughts and observations and by no means objective, definitive, representative or authorized. I welcome any and all corrections and responses. Please take what’s here with a grain of salt so as not to color your own experience of doingContinue reading “Shifu Ji Ru’s Five Breathing Exercises”

Addressing (CV) Fears

Wholeness! I trust anyone who comes across this blog post will find value in the following approaches to dealing with fear. If not, please reach out for assistance and/or keep searching. This post may be updated as new material presents itself. Please only take what is useful and helpful and discard the rest. Tara BrachContinue reading “Addressing (CV) Fears”