Dear Friends,
At Long Beach Meditation (LBM) our mission statement directly illumines the core of our shared efforts: We practice the profound teachings that align with the Buddha’s path to awakening. The Buddha was a remarkable person with enduring influence from the time of his birth to the present day. A brilliant teacher, through tireless practice, the Buddha exemplified an exceptional path, transmitting and teaching the very heart of meditation though his life’s work. Recently, the LBM teachers were invited to attend a conference called The Future of America Buddhism presented by Naropa University and the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation. At the beginning of the conference which was held both in-person and online, a speaker noted that Dr. Lenz once stated, “If you meditate, then you are a Buddhist.” What did he mean by this? I have often emphasized that one need not identify as a Buddhist to practice meditation, yet I appreciate his provocative teaching and see the wisdom in it. As meditators we align with the Buddha’s path, a path that forms the fundamental landscape of an awakened life. The word “Buddha” translates simply as “Awakened One.” When we sit, awakening is the living fact, immediately in appearance. As each one of us is fundamentally awake, it is also true to say that each one of us is the Buddha, hiding in plain sight.
We all benefit from the hard work and devoted service of the pioneers who brought authentic dharma practice to our communities. At LBM, our teachers represent varied lineages spanning the globe. In our hands and hearts lies the responsibility and work of transmitting the heart of the Buddha’s realization. As we maintain the strength, integrity, and vitality of this marvelous practice we embrace this commitment. It is important to consider our vision for LBM as an organization and our part to play in what American Buddhism offers as it takes shape and evolves. The pandemic years catalyzed significant societal changes, among them, remote and online models for participation in groups. New modes of connecting are now part of lives, work, and social scenes. It is a new frontier, both exhilarating and frustrating with all the wonder and difficulty inherent in traversing unexplored territory. Soon, the LBM teachers will be meeting as a group to discuss how we can best serve the Sangha in our online offerings. We understand that meetings held in the digital space are no substitute for in-person, face-to-face gatherings. We must carefully explore the form our practice takes in both spheres endeavoring to uphold a strong and accessible offering. My personal intention is to ensure that every person, without exception, who wishes to practice meditation, can do so in a safe, supportive, and welcoming space where the core teachings are rigorously maintained and directly available. Our historical traditions must never be diminished or diluted. At LBM we aim to uphold a strong and heartfelt standard as we create a container for practice in which participants of all backgrounds feel secure. The Buddha after all, was not a Buddhist.
As summer arrives in full and the days lengthen once again, let’s continue to enjoy and appreciate the gifts that this miraculous world offers to each of us. My teacher’s teacher, Maezumi Roshi emphasized that advanced practice is the practice of “gratitude and appreciation.” A grateful heart is a heart that seeks to give something back; the mind of appreciation is a mind that savors the preciousness of this mysterious reality we call life, and naturally looks to be of help and service to others. The foundation of the Buddha’s teaching is vital and real now. Suffering is an intractable aspect of this human condition, yet, as the Buddha showed and shows us, there is so much we can do to assuage it. Let us not stop until we end it, however unattainable the goal.
Bows,
Jokai