The month of February has been quiet in our Sangha. A couple of health challenges here and there have kept us chanting, as well as moving more slowly than usual. But it’s all good. That’s life as lived. Our next public sitting will be Sunday, February 26th, at 10am, Eastern. Maybe. Call or e-mail to … [Read more…]
Ven. Charama has decided to take off the rest of the month of January as a sabbatical, to spend time in silent retreat, study, write, and chant. The goal is to spend time in retreat, study, write, and chant. (Kind of a Zen joke.) Seriously, the purpose of said sabbatical is to re-energize and dive … [Read more…]
I am both profoundly saddened and incredibly elated that Rev. Jachong has decided to pursue a different path at this time in her life. Today is her last day with Only Love Zen Sangha. I am sad because I will no longer be her teacher…will sorely miss our weekly meetings…and will not experience the great … [Read more…]
Because of the holidays, we decided to take the month of December (and the first half of January) off to spend it with family and friends. Life is hectic enough without adding driving in Michigan’s Winter Wonderland during the Christmas rush – not the mention the Near Year’s festivities – on top of it. So, … [Read more…]
NOTE: This Dharma talk was given by Ven. Charama on November 20th, 2016. Title: “2 of 4” No, the title isn’t a reference to another human/Borg hybrid like Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Voyager. Today’s Dharma talk is about the Four Noble Truths, specifically one that I believe is often overlooked – even by … [Read more…]
During the winter months, we will meet at 10am, Eastern, instead of 5pm, Eastern. This way, people who live nearby who want to join us won’t be driving home in the dark. It makes sense to hold our service at 5pm during the seasons of spring and summer. People are busy with family and friends … [Read more…]
Today’s Dharma Talk (titled “Happiness Doesn’t Exist”) was given by Rev. Jachong. So let me ask you…How do YOU define happiness? Is it money? Is it a big house or a fancy trip to exotic places? Is it family? Is it health and well-being? What is it? You probably already know that I practice Zen, … [Read more…]
Due to illness and prior family commitments, the Only Love Zen Sangha will not have a service this week. But we will return, hopefully, next time – October 16, 2016 – at 5pm, Eastern.
Today’s Dharma Talk (titled “Zen is Boring”) was given by Rev. Jachong. Recently on a family vacation I realized something: we are afraid of the moment. We are addicted to not being in the moment. Is this moment too scary? Is this moment too painful? Does this moment remind of us something that we don’t … [Read more…]
Ven. Charama gave this Dharma talk at this evening’s service – September 4, 2016. “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Several years ago, I began to ponder the phrase from the Dhammapada “Only love dispels hate.” What I concluded led to the creation of our sangha – the Only Love Zen Sangha. Lately, however, … [Read more…]