The Opposite of Distraction

I misbehaved in the cosmos yesterday.
I lived around the clock without questions,
without surprise...

The cosmic savoir-vivre
may keep silent on our subject,
still it makes a few demands:
occasional attention, one or two of Pascal's thoughts,
and amazed participation in a game
with rules unknown.
—From "Distraction" by Wislawa Szymborska

Dear friends,

Just a short reflection today. After my morning service this morning I was thinking about the power and necessity of vow. Reading about the oil spill in California or the Facebook whistle-blowing incident, I'm reminded of another kind of power—that of limited, self-serving views whose con

sequences ripple out into all of our lives. Vow isn't magical, of course, and needs to be followed by action. But setting a clear intent, and making a determination to follow it, is a powerful way to choose and chart our course, tracking whether we're on point or wandering.

Someone makes a vow to not eat animal products. Someone else promises to cut down on plastic or air travel. Someone makes a stand against disinformation. Someone refuses to follow the status quo. And just like the effects of negative karma, skillful or compassionate actions ripple outward, helping to maintain the delicate homeostasis needed to sustain all life.

May we never become so discouraged to think our actions are too small or isolated to have an effect. Interdependence is the way of things, and that's exactly why vow has such limitless reach.

In gassho,
Zuisei


Zazen • Zen Meditation
 

Join us for one of our weekly sits, which include private teaching and, on Wednesdays, a dharma talk or study. Everyone is welcome. If you're new to meditation, consider joining on a Saturday to receive beginning instruction.
For questions about our programs, please email me.
 
Daily Zazen. Monday - Friday, 5:30 – 7:30 am EDT
Daily Zazen Streak. Join a group that sits informally every day. You can come for 10 minutes or an hour. Details in the linked document.
 

Wednesday Evening Zazen and Talk. Wednesday, 7 – 9 pm EDT 
This week I'll offer a dharma talk. Check the website, as soon we'll have all the dates for the specific Wednesday events up there (the options are dharma talk, study, and talk with a guest teacher).
 

Saturday Morning Zazen and Private Teaching. Saturday, 10 am – 11:10 am EDT
Recommended for beginners.
Zazen, private teaching, and beginning instruction for those attending for the first time. Two periods of zazen with a short break in the middle.


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