(no subject)
I went the zazen (meditation) instruction at Dharma Field Zen Center last night and was quite intrigued by the population of people there. I suprised to be one of only four women and the ages ranged from 18 to 60's. I was also suprised by how many very specific things there are to do to meditate with others at the center and that they do not consider any of them holy or sacred, but are just the guidelines for the center. For example when walking into the zendo (meditation room) you enter on the left side of the door way stepping first with your left leg then bow with gesho (palms together)before walking along the wall to a cushion where you bow with gesho to the cushion and then to the room always turning to the right. I am suprised I rembered everything I just wrote since I did not take notes. I learned that I am not quite so limbe to sit in the meditation pose for long periods of time. If/when I return I think I will use the practice room, just off from the Zendo and try either kneeling position or sitting in a chair. It is nice that they have a practice room since sitting meditation is for 35 minutes at a time. I also am not quite sure about the walking meditation. It has to do with taking each step when your lungs are at their full capacity. It was a bit confusing, and I fear in a large group I might get a bit flustered and mess up. I did however like the message, of being present and fully aware of the moment. DBT concepts are word for word much of what was said last night in the teaching. One of the things pointed out if we really were interested in practicing was to do so with others, which I had never really thought about before, but the instructor stated that it brings people closer together and even if you never talk there becomes this sense of knowing the others. So, I am left thinking if I really want to give it a go and maybe attend at least part of Sunday and arrive for maybe the last session of sitting meditation and then the Dharma talk. I also want to figure out how to listen to the talks online on their website. Well, I should get back to work now, more later.