Dear Friends,
It is my honor and privilege to contribute to Long Beach Meditation’s first newsletter. Our Sangha has been on quite a journey over these past several years. What a wonderfully committed community of meditation practitioners we are! I sincerely thank you for staying the course. Throughout the pandemic, the members of Long Beach Meditation (LBM) have functioned as the living heart of the organization. I would like to express my genuine appreciation to each of you for your ongoing contributions and care. I trust that this new form of communication will enrich our connection to one another and expand our capacity to inquire, share, and reflect as a community.
Over the last several years many of us overcame our initial reluctance to participate in online practice, finding solid support in our virtual gatherings. Now, at last, we have returned to in-person meetings each Sunday and will be expanding our in-person offerings as we go forward. We are presently developing upcoming retreats, multi-week class series, and day-long practice sessions. Each offering is a unique reflection of the unity and diversity which characterizes so truly our community’s expression and collective gifts. LBM is blessed with teachers and practitioners representing many different lineages. At the root, we all practice the profound and timeless teachings of the Buddha’s path of awakening.
The philosopher Heraclitus said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” On the level of form, this mysterious world we live in is always changing. There are new and difficult challenges emerging. Our community has been a steady fixture in Long Beach for many years now. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of hands and eyes have helped keep this dharma expression alive. The cast of characters is ever-changing, but our collective practice continues without end. The life-changing practice of present awareness and meditation is invaluable, transformational, and essential.
There is a koan in the Zen Buddhist tradition which points to the true nature of compassionate action:
“Ungan asked Dogo, "How does the Bodhisattva Kanzeon (Avalokiteśvara) use all those many hands and eyes?" Dogo answered, "It is like a person in the middle of the night reaching behind their head for a pillow." Ungan said, "I understand. “Dogo said, "How do you understand it?" Ungan said, "All over the body are hands and eyes. "Dogo said, "That is very well expressed, but it is only eighty percent of the answer." Ungan said, "How would you say it, Elder Brother? “Dogo said, "Throughout the body, are hands and eyes."
Ours are the hands and eyes of awakening, of enlightenment, of compassionate action. Each of us is called to find our home within this truth. Our practice continues. Refinement is endless. Intimacy with all things is the standard. Dharma practice is inclusive of everyone and everything, without exception. As Zen Master Dogen said, “The boundaries of realization are not distinct.”
I look forward to where the path will lead this spring and beyond. LBM has so many unique and interesting voices. Please let us know how you would like to see our Sangha grow, and what you would like to study and explore. Your perspective is valued. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Bows,
Jokai